spert wrote:Be more attacking. We were just too defensive in the first half trying to cover Collingwood runners, that we forgot to run ourselves. Too much sharing the ball around at half back and it came unstuck a few times. When in doubt kick it long, at least it gives our half forwards a chance to gather a loose ball.
I thought sharing the ball around at half back kept us in it to be honest, last week when Collingwood jumped out the cats were unable to slow the tempo and weather the storm, we did this to great effect and thus got back in the game after half time. We do need to get our hands on it early and apply scoreboard preassure though, wouldnt like to rely on a come back 2 weeks in a row. I wouldnt mind seeing our forwards playing a little bit deeper early on if we are going to try long kicking into the F50, remember that Collingwoods strength though is the rebound of Shaw OBrien Maxwell Toovey and the run and link of Didak Thomas Swan Wellingham etc, IMO we would be better off trying to posess and bottle up the game early, force one of those situations where we hold them in defence thrugh stoppages and then try and break out later in the quarter?
Important thing to remember is whilst Thomas Maxwell shaw Were OK Swan Pendlebury were well held, the law of averages says that someone from each team is going to get off the leash, I would be happy to sacrifice the decision making and disposal of Harry O and Nic M if it means that Swan and Pendlebury are quiet again.
Obviously Mac is in for Gardi, I was very disappointed with Gramms output and feel for the coaching and slection staff as they ponder over his fitness, if he approaches the contest like last years GF he could be a match winner, if he doesnt he is struggling to be a worthwhile inclusion IMO. I wouldnt mind seeing Miles for Gram if he is not fit, dont know whether Miles is still training with the group? Thought we were a small defender short? Geary probably more likely but Miles pace is so exciting.
They will plan something for Lenny, we need to get Dal going? Maybe start Ray on Swan again and Dal at HF or on the wing? Another option maybe to play CJ on Shaw as a defensive forward and then swing him onto a midfielder if one gets off the chain? Wouldnt mind seeing Big ben start in the goal square and Kosi first 5 minutes in the ruck too, not sure that Maxwell would be happy about leaving Reed one out in the goal square with a guy Macs size which may let Roo get free more easily early, would also let Mac get a feel for his first GF for a short time b4 he has to ruck against the impressive Jolly and then track him around the ground, they will try and get Jolly forward more against Macs inexperience I would think?
