Wikes has to come in as soon as possible...

[Teflon]

Im keen to see how bad this "hammy tweak" is........cause his face on the side lines didnt look like an injured player, regardless, Wilkes HAS to play in that fwd line.

1.He marks the ball contested.
2. He makes a contest
3. Kicking for goal looks ok
4. Applies some pressure.
5. Stayes IN THE GAME.

Can Stanley go back? - Blake out? At least Stanley could use his pace out of defence???

We need to find a way to keep Kosi, Riewoldt, Wilkes, Stanley in 1 side - all cant play fwd..........time to be creative.

[battye]

Wilkes doesn't deserve to be dropped (didn't deserve to be subbed either), but he's not our great saviour. 26 years old, dumped by West Coast in a year when they won the wooden spoon - he doesn't have much to offer going forward. We're not really in that "top up" phase any more so even his recruitment baffles me a bit. Should only be in the squad as extreme injury cover; I'd be very disappointed if he holds back the development of a younger player.

[Teflon]

Wilkes doesn't deserve to be dropped (didn't deserve to be subbed either), but he's not our great saviour. 26 years old, dumped by West Coast in a year when they won the wooden spoon - he doesn't have much to offer going forward. We're not really in that "top up" phase any more so even his recruitment baffles me a bit. Should only be in the squad as extreme injury cover; I'd be very disappointed if he holds back the development of a younger player.

Depends where we see ourselves in the contention phase. IF we are 5th and going ok for finals Id just like to win.

I also think Wilkes can be played and possibly a Blake ? can make way to keep that youth in.

[battye]

Wilkes doesn't deserve to be dropped (didn't deserve to be subbed either), but he's not our great saviour. 26 years old, dumped by West Coast in a year when they won the wooden spoon - he doesn't have much to offer going forward. We're not really in that "top up" phase any more so even his recruitment baffles me a bit. Should only be in the squad as extreme injury cover; I'd be very disappointed if he holds back the development of a younger player.

Depends where we see ourselves in the contention phase. IF we are 5th and going ok for finals Id just like to win.

I also think Wilkes can be played and possibly a Blake ? can make way to keep that youth in.

Yes, good point. But I think 5th is very optimistic.

Stumbled over the line against Melbourne, lost to Port and Fremantle. Hawks next week will be a serious wake up call.

[SainterK]

I knew this would happen.

He played well, but put it into perspective a little, there was no James Frawley.

Rivers had Stanley, that other 6 gamer had Roo, Garland had Milne.

He did what he should of done.

[jonesy]

I knew this would happen.

He played well, but put it into perspective a little, there was no James Frawley.

Rivers had Stanley, that other 6 gamer had Roo, Garland had Milne.

He did what he should of done.

What,playing his first game for the club being the best forward on the ground?

Your right,he should of done more,and should of been subbed earlier for Watters "game sealer"

[Teflon]

Wilkes doesn't deserve to be dropped (didn't deserve to be subbed either), but he's not our great saviour. 26 years old, dumped by West Coast in a year when they won the wooden spoon - he doesn't have much to offer going forward. We're not really in that "top up" phase any more so even his recruitment baffles me a bit. Should only be in the squad as extreme injury cover; I'd be very disappointed if he holds back the development of a younger player.

quote]

Yes, good point. But I think 5th is very optimistic.

Stumbled over the line against Melbourne, lost to Port and Fremantle. Hawks next week will be a serious wake up call.

I agree but its Rd 5? lets play to win and right now hes our best bet.

I dont think keeping Wilkes in is keeping many youngsters out of the fwd line........maybe we rest Kosi some weeks...Roo also......he was hobbling tonight and looked like he needed a rest to me...

[slider]

I knew this would happen.

He played well, but put it into perspective a little, there was no James Frawley.

Rivers had Stanley, that other 6 gamer had Roo, Garland had Milne.

He did what he should of done.

You talk in riddles

[Teflon]

I knew this would happen.

He played well, but put it into perspective a little, there was no James Frawley.

Rivers had Stanley, that other 6 gamer had Roo, Garland had Milne.

He did what he should of done.

I thought you told us in the other thread you refused to believe Melb were ordinary tonight?

Wilkes provided a genuine medium sized fwd target we have screamed out for - they will never take the best fwd......so whats your point? The kicked 3, shoulda had 4 and pressured/presented well all night.

[Teflon]

I knew this would happen.

He played well, but put it into perspective a little, there was no James Frawley.

Rivers had Stanley, that other 6 gamer had Roo, Garland had Milne.

He did what he should of done.

You talk in riddles

or dribbles...

[SainterK]

Nice Teflon.

They were great tonight.

They were missing a great defender though.

Why is there such pressure on here to tonight to conform with opinions?

I can have mine.

You can have yours.

No need to be nasty.

[battye]

I dont think keeping Wilkes in is keeping many youngsters out of the fwd line........

Siposs.

[Con Gorozidis]

i think wilkes and kosi are pretty similar.
we get the same out of either. BUT i dont believe we can play both in the 2 - unless rooey is out.
so it has to be one or the other.

[joffaboy]

Wilkes was very good tonight.

Regardless of Frwaley being out, you can only go against who is out there and he kicked three very good goals, presented well, and moved about the ground with a ton of mobility.

But I also remember Budge Murray kicking four in his debut as well.

[Teflon]

Nice Teflon.

They were great tonight.

They were missing a great defender though.

Why is there such pressure on here to tonight to conform with opinions?

I can have mine.

You can have yours.

No need to be nasty.

You have yours I have mine but can we at least say the guy played a good game without downplaying it?

Wilkes was BY FAR AND AWAY our best forward tonight by a street - I know that upsets some of the start worshipping at St Kilda but thats ok isnt it?

[Scollop]

Wilkes was good tonight, but don't forget it was against the Dees. I know Simpkin needs to learn the caper, but I'd like to see Wilkes play fullback if there's a few good match-ups for him.

Either one of Kosi or Roo need to be nice and close to the goal square for the whole match - it seemed to work well last week. Stanley needs to learn to play as a CHF and be the 2nd ruck - he's improving with everygame and he just needs to increase his defensive side and his second and third efforts. Wilkes earnt another call up at some stage with his output and accuracy tonight...He definitely loves a goal and if either Roo or Kosi are out, he will be back in the team.

Not sure about the sub thing and whether Polo was always going to be the tag for Sylvia...I don't think the coaches thought through the timing of the substitution as well as they could have, but I suppose if they saw that Sylvia was getting ready then they had no choice.

[Teflon]

Wilkes was very good tonight.

Regardless of Frwaley being out, you can only go against who is out there and he kicked three very good goals, presented well, and moved about the ground with a ton of mobility.

I think thats the point - he moved very well and likes a contest.

We've been searching for an option in this role since Hamill went down - we've tried many - Wilkes I think needs to be given a go, sure if he drops off so be it, but as a fwd who wont get the best defender I liek the fact that he can take a contested grab.......something Gamble never looked like doing......

[SainterK]

Nice Teflon.

They were great tonight.

They were missing a great defender though.

Why is there such pressure on here to tonight to conform with opinions?

I can have mine.

You can have yours.

No need to be nasty.

You have yours I have mine but can we at least say the guy played a good game without downplaying it?

Wilkes was BY FAR AND AWAY our best forward tonight by a street - I know that upsets some of the start worshipping at St Kilda but thats ok isnt it?

I still think we went in too tall, and one needed to come off.

Your last part makes no sense, perhaps in your haste to clip me, you didn't quite get it out right

[Teflon]

I dont think keeping Wilkes in is keeping many youngsters out of the fwd line........

Siposs.

Been playing wing - Id like to see Sipposs play that role for us bringing ball into fwd 50....not Wilkes fwd 50 role.

[perfectionist]

He kicked straight. He action is simple. From what I saw in practice games, his defensive skills are not too good, but then again, there are a couple back there at the moment who aren't too flash either. He is the right size to be a flexible back. We'll see. Can't do much better than 3 goals on a wet night in 2 and a half quarters.

[Richter]

It's a nice conundrum to have. But for mine there is only room for Wilkes or Kosi. And Kosi has also been playing well this year. Rooney is a given, and Stanley is continuing to get better. Rhys' first Q was excellent, and IMO on a par with Wilkes. Admittedly Wilkes 3rd Q goal and mark of the day means that overall he out pointed Stanley.

[Dave McNamara]

I'm with Tefers.

I thought Wilkesy's 2nd and 3rd efforts were in stark contrast to Kosi once the ball hits the turf. Such a difference... The argument against him c/f Kosi is he can't ruck. (Some would say Kosi can't either, but I'm not one of those). For me though, I think Wilkes' forward line pressure more than makes up for Kosi's abiltiy to ruck.

And for those looking for an upside, well Wilkes is several years younger...

So harsh and controversal call I know, but if fit, I'd take Wilkesy ahead of Kosi. I'm for letting Kosi earn his spot back via Sandy.

[saintsRrising]

I dont think keeping Wilkes in is keeping many youngsters out of the fwd line........

Siposs.

Siposs needs to play wing (or HB).....to set up play.

The role he is practicising at Sandy now..


We desperately need more players with good footskills to create drive.

[bobmurray]

I dont think keeping Wilkes in is keeping many youngsters out of the fwd line........

Siposs.

Siposs needs to play wing.....to set up play.

The role he is practicising at Sandy now..


We desperately need more players with good footskills to create drive.

only if we want to progress, if we want to preserve our 1 flag in what seems like 150 years then it won't happen

[bigcarl]

Could he be our Podsiadly do you think?

Hard to drop him after an impressive debut IMO. Balance becomes a problem if Kosi is to come straight back in, though.

It's a bit of a dilemma, best left to the guys paid to make the hard calls