Round 18, 2010: Richmond v. Adelaide

[RichardMEL]

OK, onto the Crows next week. I think changes will be based more on who is coming back rather than anything else, so let's hope one of Moore and Thursfield comes back, and Jackson (sorely missed). Problem is to fit one of Moore or Thursty in, we'll need to either rest Astbury(he doesn't seem to be tiring like the others), or drop Post or Rance. I can't see those guys being booted out after just getting in, and being told that they will get a few weeks go. I think Dusty will be rested and am wondering if we might not bring Da Goo in, but for who????

Out: Nahas Martin (rested) Astbury (rested)
In: Hicks Jackson Moore

Emg: Gourdis Taylor Astbury

Obviously this could all be affected by how the Burgers go.

[tiger74]

In Jackson, Moore, Thursfield, Taylor

Out Polo, McGuane, Rance, Nahas

[Anduril]

I think Polo deserves another chance. I wasn't sold on Rance but others I sat with were, so I'll defer to their judgement.

[Vines]

Tough judges Andi/T74 - I thought Rance was a positive.

[tiger74]

I think if Moore and Thusfield return Rance will be ommitted only because of his disposal i couldn't question his intensity.

[Big Punt]

I would like to see Browne, Rance, Post and Polo continue. What's the point of only giving them one game.

Would also like to see Gourdis have at least a couple of games soon as well.

Dusty may be due for a rest, swap with Jackson.

Troy Taylor or Hicks could no worse than Nahas IMO. I would make a swap there.

[Gimme]

I don't see the point in promoting a player for just one match and then dropping them again.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by Vines

Tough judges Andi/T74 - I thought Rance was a positive.

Well I did say I would defer to others. All his good stuff could have been when the bogans in front of us stood up to get yet another beer.

[justmike]

This would be an interesting game.

Not sure whether you would drop a player after one game, but I have always been under the impression that if you don't perform, well, you make way for someone else.

I mean what makes those players more worthy than those who are trying to break through?

If they deserve their spot, sure! But, if it is just for the sake of getting some games in there, yeah, maybe that should be for players who perform at the Burgers.

I'm curious to find out what happened to that intensity we have showed in our fantastic winning streak?

Has it dropped off or did we magically get those teams when they were about to have an off week?

Has the game plan changed at all?

Is confidence a factor? Or are our young players feeling fatigued?

This should be a good game to light back our flame, I mean, if the Crows run rampant on us, then it would be a good game to analyse what went wrong.

[RichardMEL]

JM I would say there have been several factors at play in our wins vs our recent poor showings:

* We played teams with significant injuries that meant their best 22 was not out facing us (eg: Freo without Barlow, McPharlin, Grover etc)

* We played some teams who were already struggling at the time (Port, WCE)

* In the last few rounds our younger players like Martin have tired naturally as the season goes on.

* We've had significant outs in recent weeks - Jackson and Cotchin suspended, and the loss of Moore and Thursfield to injury crippled our backline IMHO.

You bring it all together and there you have it.

I've been thinking about this and I wonder if we should bring Gourdis in to play on Tipett? Adelaide have a number of large players in their forward line who we simply must do better at defending - Kurt's one, then there's walker, and they usually send a ruck down there also.

The real key, as I said in my frst post, is our injury situation with guys like Moore & Thursty.

I would like to keep Rance, Polo and Post in - let's see what they can give in their roles, and not judge against one poor game against the top side.. though the MC may take a different view if team rules were disobeyed or the gameplan not followed as requested.