Pre-Match. Round 23 - Pies v. Blues.

[What'sinaname]

[David]

No need to panic or anything, but I think we need to make some changes for this game – a number of players looked tired and off the pace against Sydney (possibly the flu played a role in that), and I feel like we need to give a few players a run in the seniors in case we need to call on them in finals. I'm thinking of Henry in particular; he's a big game performer and should be in our September plans. And Madgen's another one who might be able to provide some x factor, particularly in his new role playing up the ground.

Presuming De Goey is right to go, this is what I'd suggest:

In: De Goey, Henry, Madgen
Out: Ginnivan (inj.), Hoskin-Elliott, Carmichael, C. Brown (injury sub)

Brown was actually pretty good, but I reckon Macrae should get the nod as injury sub this week. Ruscoe might be another to consider if anyone else doesn't come up. Otherwise, I'd persevere with Bianco, who was one of our better players on the day, and McCreery, who was surely flu-affected and will surely be back to his intimidating best next week. Otherwise, Hoskin-Elliott has had a rough couple of weeks and I think could probably benefit from sitting this one out.

[the fuzz]

^ I agree
Henry must come in for Ginnivan.
Even if he didn't have the best game in the VFL this week, he is a match winner and this is his opportunity.
No doubt he will be hungry after being omitted from the seniors for so long.

[derkd]

[swoop42]

Henry will come in or should because he's already demonstrated an ability to kick 2 or more goals in 7 of his 13 games at AFL level this season and with Ginnivan out he's best placed to provide another desperately needed avenue to goal.

Mihocek is a warrior but he's unlikely to bob up and kick 6 like a Lynch or Cameron, Elliott has as many goals as Henry so isn't a high production goal scorer while all of Johnson, Ginnivan and Henry suffer from the same inexperience and shouldn't be relied on week to week to perform.

We simply aren't good enough to leave Henry out of our forward mix and it'll be weight of options rather than dominant options that we'll rely on come this week and September.

[swoop42]

Carlton have no more motivation to win this week than us so let's put that narrative to bed.

For them a place in the finals will most likely be on the line. For us top 4 and the double chance is on offer.

The stakes are just as massive for us and if Carlton are treating this game as an elimination final we damn well better be treating ours as a qualifying one.

If we are the real deal we'll respond savagely to our first loss in 3 months, come out looking to prove the doubters wrong and max out the pressure rating dial come Sunday.

[joemamone@gmail.com]

I suspect we will lose this one as well. Why? Injuries and the glaring weaknesses in the team - no strong tall defender to counter their key forwards and no tall strong marking forward.

[Ronnie McKeowns boots]

I worry about their tall forwards as well, even May/Lever/Petty struggled on Saturday at those 3 go alright I'm sure you'd agree.

Gotta nullify the centre bounces at least, and shut down their quick transition ball

[mattdally]

McKay is going to be the issue for us to contain.
Moore will take Curnow - not sure about McKay.
If Howe takes McKay then Carlton will isolate him deep - unfortunately Howe is not strong 1x1 and we could be exposed. Will need to be team defence to stop them scoring.

[Piesnchess]

Im more confident now, after hearing Pendles speak, he basically said we are very determined to turn things around after that disappointing match. No panic, just get back to the big MCG, tweak a few things, and we reallly do want that top four spot after all the effort this season. My take is also. the Bluescum has a much harder game than us, mentally and physically, and were shattered at the end, losing it in eleven seconds. Our game was easier, many of our guys did not get out of second gear, flu ramifications limited us too, and early injuries to the starting team. I reckon the scum will be more tired than us. And, although they did well agianst Melb, the previous two weeks, the Blues were dreadful, against both the crows and the Lions, they are not all that great, if we really pressure them, bring our heat, tackling, pressure, they may crack, and we can pull away from them, i dont think they will handle our chaos footy, especially if they are still bit jaded from last week torrid and very disappointing match.

[derkd]

[3rd degree]

Would like to see Henry , Trey of Ruscoe and Finn come in .

Hopefully Jordy is right to go. I think the Entrey gives us height and bulk around the ground that we lack , Henry comes in for Ginni and Bianco comes out.

[Marvelos]

Out Ginnivan

In Faye

[RudeBoy]

Surely we wouldn’t risk playing Jordy this week, unless he was 100% fit. I’d rather give him 3 weeks to be cherry ripe for the finals, along with Adams.

We will be up against it this week, missing our midfield engine room. We will need a big performance from Mihocek and Elliott if we are to win. My worry is that Checkers looks to be playing sore. WHE should be better this week after suffering 2 smashes to his nose. He will also enjoy the space of the MCG.

Out: Ginni

In: Henry

Pies by 3 pts.

[Magpietothemax]

Henry to replace Ginni
Finn McCrae in for Carmichael