Would have to agree with this. Also worth considering the opposition, Fremantle. Lot of talk that neither Sandilands or Griffin will be passed fit for the game, plus Kepler is already injured too. So it means they will go in with Clarke in the ruck, plus Michael Johnson as backup. Obviously they have Pavlich, but he still plays a lot more through the middle and Fisher/Gilbert would both be reasonable matchups for him anyway. They played Jack Anthony this week and he was horrendous, but will likely stay due to their lack of fit talls. Mayne is also there but out of form.plugger66 wrote:Gilbert is a running back. If he is used in another position it changes our backline. If Zac goes he will not play FB. It will be left for Simpkin, Blake or Walsh.To the top wrote:Blake is not a full back - even Maguire is a better full back than Blake!
Simpkin is more at home using a defensive fist - but is his pace up to scratch to handle full back?
Johnson is another alternative given his experience in the position.
However we are now at a position where we must continue to win to consolidate our crack at the business end.
Therefore I would go with Gilbert if Dawson is out.
The outer defensive positions are well covered, noting Clarke got the guy from Adelaide when he was moved forward last night.
Gave away size but made sure he had no impact forward after being BOG until moved from defence.
So due to the fact they have no fit full-forwards, it's not a terrible time for Zac to be suspended. Raph/Fisher/Gilbo can all play on talls, which would occupy Pav/Mayne/Anthony. It must be remembered though that Ballantyne is one of their most dangerous forwards, so Ross may even recall Baker to play on him, happy with the other three taking the talls. Otherwise, Gram/Geary may get first crack at him.