Pre Anzac Day match. Pies v. Dons - all comments please

[John Wren]

weather looks ok. i'd keep witts.

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

There's only one obvious omission imo and that would be Langdon. Really impressed with the kid but he's looked a little shaky the last 2 weeks. A stint in the twos would serve him well. Brown would have to come in, surely. If Bellchambers comes in I'll be amazed if we don't stick with Witts, I think he's coming along nicely. So that's it

IN: Brown
OUT: Langdon
SUB: Blair

[Tannin]

That's the key, Mr Emu: will Bellchambers play? If he does not, then we may well play only one of Witts & Grundy, with White and perhaps Keeffe to help out with the taps. If he does, we are probably better to stay with two rucks.

[melliot]

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

Langdon is a small defender? Ok, he's not super tall but he's surely more in the medium tall range. Regardless, he needs a spell which means we need another defender of which Brown is the only likely replacement. He can play 'shorter' and has done well on the Crameri types before (yes, I know he's no longer at essendon). There may be no change at all, a lot depends on Bellchambers inclusion which is likely but I get the feeling Daniher will be dropped. Perhaps Witts might miss, who knows?

[John Wren]

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

I like the romance of it, Mr. Wren but on current form, I can't agree.

[AN_Inkling]

What's the Essendon forward line look like these days? Do they have a single tall or even medium, worth worrying about? Seem to have a number of similar types, none of which are yet all that good.

This is the only reason I'd not necessarily bring back Brown. He's hands down our best one on one defender, we just may not need him against the Bombers. If he's 100% fit though, he should play. No sense in playing a lesser player is he's available.

It would depend on matchups, but Keeffe or Langdon could be the out for Brown, possibly even Witts. Frost is mobile enough to play on a medium. Would need to see the Essendon lineup to be more sure.

Brown in (if fully fit). Possibly Dwyer or Adams (Thomas was only passable) a chance, but I don't think it's likely if there are no injury concerns.

[melliot]

I'm guessing Daniher will be dropped. He has given them nothing two weeks in a row and before that was just average.

From radio pregame coverage today, sounds like Bellchambers is still another week or two away.

Not sure what no - name ruck they have to bring up from VFL.

[AN_Inkling]

Goddard's the key, I think. If he's not playing I think they might struggle for scoring power.

[MagpieBat]

[watt price tully]

I wouldn't be underestimating Essendon based on their game against the sainters.

1. They played Freo in 38 degree heat. Players can lose between 2-3 kg's
2. 6 day turnaround
3. About 8 players had gastro / flu like Symptoms (mancold)

Like us they lift for big games a lot of the time.

Should Goddard, Wunderlich & Bellchambers be fit & ready to play this will be no walk in the park

Even if they're not playing it will still be a tough prospect although (& obviously) we should be in a better postion to win.

(Jesus, I still feel pissed off about our Anzac day game last year).

[David]

I think this will be very close, but I'm feeling optimistic.

[GoWoodsmen]

Feel very optimistic at this stage. Can't actually see any changes being made to this team. May well find that any possible changes present themselves in the emergencies.

I feel very very confident, if we can bring our pressure game. But it's Anzac Day... and we know they lift. We do owe them for last year's match. Knowing our coaches though "last year is irrelevant". Sometimes I wish we'd play on stuff like that.

How good would it be if we can beat the Bummers and then the Scum going into the break? Magnificent.... that's how good.

C'mon Pies... can't wait. Bring. It. On.

[uuuuu..... The LoneSTAR]

Can't wait!!
The Dons will be keen to get their season back on track BUT I'm sure they'll be having some sleepless nights!... Of course, the cheats will probably take something for that!!!
We'll be favourites for this game I imagine?!?!