Changes for next week

[saintspremiers]

No change unless Chips gets up. That 22 deserve another week!

+1

Supreme performances will be rewarded.

[Junction Oval]

No change. Fisher won't be ready. Gwilt and Clarke need more time. With Nick Nat coming back, Stanley will have to be on the ball a lot more, which for me, says that Wilkes will keep his spot. The big Suby ground should allow him to lead more, taking pressure off Nick.

Gilbert will be given another couple of weeks, but could be "rested" when Gwilt or Clarke are ready.

[mr six o'clock]

No change. Fisher won't be ready. Gwilt and Clarke need more time. With Nick Nat coming back, Stanley will have to be on the ball a lot more, which for me, says that Wilkes will keep his spot. The big Suby ground should allow him to lead more, taking pressure off Nick.

Gilbert will be given another couple of weeks, but could be "rested" when Gwilt or Clarke are ready.

Agree

whilst wilkes was terrible against the blues , he will hopefully have a good one against his old team !
A 5 goal subi homecoming would be great !!!!

[AnythingsPossibleSaints]

Wilkes certainly wasn't at his best last night, but I don't think he was "terrible" (except for that dropped chest mark, which didn't come as a surprise at the time, as we were making a lot of silly, costly mistakes then.) and they didn't kick it to him all that often. He also had Jamison on him for much of it and he's one of the best going around at FB, so I thought he competed really well against him and like Kosi and Roo, helped bring the ball to ground when he didn't mark it, providing crumbs for Milne, Saad and Milera and co.

Taking Jamison also meant that Roo or Kosi didn't have to deal with him, which I'm sure they were glad about.

He'd want to get more of the ball himself if he plays next week though, but as someone else said, the bigger ground could really suit his leading, which he didn't really get one good go at last night.

The ones I would have in the gun, if Fisher, Gwilt, or Raph are considered ready, are Gilbo, who is horribly out of form and confidence and probably Siposs, although he did quite well against WC in Perth in the NAB Cup game a couple of months ago.

[Dave McNamara]

The ones I would have in the gun, if Fisher, Gwilt, or Raph are considered ready, are Gilbo, who is horribly out of form and confidence and probably Siposs, although he did quite well against WC in Perth in the NAB Cup game a couple of months ago.

Love the way Jack takes the game on. He always has, but with a bit more continuity he's now breaking away more and more.

Love the way Tezza and Ahmed take the game on. More experience, fitness, strength and general settling into the pace of the game will see them get better and better. Amazing how well they are doing already! C/f say Betts and Garlett, who took years to show anything much.

Same for Rhys lightning. Every game he shows a little bit more. I was rapt for him when he took that huge pack mark in the last..., shame he missed the shot. But Rhys is coming...!

For me this is why we need to get games into little Lenny. He's a big part of our future, and the sooner we can get him settled in like Jack, the better. Keep Sippa' in there for the same reason. And Jack Newnes and Seb Ross to be slotted in when possible also for the same reason.

Whilst running with this train of thought, given the progress of Simpko', I'd be tempted to upgrade Jackson F and get a couple of games into him this year to speed up his development (didn't hurt Simpko' last season). Yes Sam Dunnell will be an absolute star, but needs a bit more time with the weights first, so could wait till next season for an upgrade IMHO.

Special mentions:
Cuddles - Learnt from the failure to shut down Hawthorn's receivers, and did the job on Carlton's.
Farren - For me is ideally not in our best 22, but since you want to be in so badly, then for mine, you're IN!
Simpko - Already this bloke should be teaching master classes in how to punch the ball without infringing.
Armo' - Best game I've seen from you! The usual pack busting + some goals + gut busting running/spreading. After the Port loss I called for Armo' to be given 4-5 games in a row regardless to see what he could do. That call was correct. I also expressed my fears that Armo' may not be up to it. That call was WRONG. (And I'm soooo happy to say it.)
Lenny - Does.not.buy.candy,SELLS.candy!
Blakey - On his last legs, but not done yet.
Gilbo - Keep on taking the game on. Things will click again for you.


To next week's team...

IN: Saintas (we're back baby!), Ledger.
OUT: E-girls (we're coming for you next!), Gram (still cruising around aimlessly without commitment - c/f Farren, Blakey, Wilkesy, Gilbo who commit regardless of how their game is going).

[markp]

Clarke is a Subiaco specialist....

[SaintPav]

The ones I would have in the gun, if Fisher, Gwilt, or Raph are considered ready, are Gilbo, who is horribly out of form and confidence and probably Siposs, although he did quite well against WC in Perth in the NAB Cup game a couple of months ago.

Love the way Jack takes the game on. He always has, but with a bit more continuity he's now breaking away more and more.

Love the way Tezza and Ahmed take the game on. More experience, fitness, strength and general settling into the pace of the game will see them get better and better. Amazing how well they are doing already! C/f say Betts and Garlett, who took years to show anything much.

Same for Rhys lightning. Every game he shows a little bit more. I was rapt for him when he took that huge pack mark in the last..., shame he missed the shot. But Rhys is coming...!

For me this is why we need to get games into little Lenny. He's a big part of our future, and the sooner we can get him settled in like Jack, the better. Keep Sippa' in there for the same reason. And Jack Newnes and Seb Ross to be slotted in when possible also for the same reason.

Whilst running with this train of thought, given the progress of Simpko', I'd be tempted to upgrade Jackson F and get a couple of games into him this year to speed up his development (didn't hurt Simpko' last season). Yes Sam Dunnell will be an absolute star, but needs a bit more time with the weights first, so could wait till next season for an upgrade IMHO.

Special mentions:
Cuddles - Learnt from the failure to shut down Hawthorn's receivers, and did the job on Carlton's.
Farren - For me is ideally not in our best 22, but since you want to be in so badly, then for mine, you're IN!
Simpko - Already this bloke should be teaching master classes in how to punch the ball without infringing.
Armo' - Best game I've seen from you! The usual pack busting + some goals + gut busting running/spreading. After the Port loss I called for Armo' to be given 4-5 games in a row regardless to see what he could do. That call was correct. I also expressed my fears that Armo' may not be up to it. That call was WRONG. (And I'm soooo happy to say it.)
Lenny - Does.not.buy.candy,SELLS.candy!
Blakey - On his last legs, but not done yet.
Gilbo - Keep on taking the game on. Things will click again for you.


To next week's team...

IN: Saintas (we're back baby!), Ledger.
OUT: E-girls (we're coming for you next!), Gram (still cruising around aimlessly without commitment - c/f Farren, Blakey, Wilkesy, Gilbo who commit regardless of how their game is going).

Good drugs?

[plugger66]

The ones I would have in the gun, if Fisher, Gwilt, or Raph are considered ready, are Gilbo, who is horribly out of form and confidence and probably Siposs, although he did quite well against WC in Perth in the NAB Cup game a couple of months ago.

Love the way Jack takes the game on. He always has, but with a bit more continuity he's now breaking away more and more.

Love the way Tezza and Ahmed take the game on. More experience, fitness, strength and general settling into the pace of the game will see them get better and better. Amazing how well they are doing already! C/f say Betts and Garlett, who took years to show anything much.

Same for Rhys lightning. Every game he shows a little bit more. I was rapt for him when he took that huge pack mark in the last..., shame he missed the shot. But Rhys is coming...!

For me this is why we need to get games into little Lenny. He's a big part of our future, and the sooner we can get him settled in like Jack, the better. Keep Sippa' in there for the same reason. And Jack Newnes and Seb Ross to be slotted in when possible also for the same reason.

Whilst running with this train of thought, given the progress of Simpko', I'd be tempted to upgrade Jackson F and get a couple of games into him this year to speed up his development (didn't hurt Simpko' last season). Yes Sam Dunnell will be an absolute star, but needs a bit more time with the weights first, so could wait till next season for an upgrade IMHO.

Special mentions:
Cuddles - Learnt from the failure to shut down Hawthorn's receivers, and did the job on Carlton's.
Farren - For me is ideally not in our best 22, but since you want to be in so badly, then for mine, you're IN!
Simpko - Already this bloke should be teaching master classes in how to punch the ball without infringing.
Armo' - Best game I've seen from you! The usual pack busting + some goals + gut busting running/spreading. After the Port loss I called for Armo' to be given 4-5 games in a row regardless to see what he could do. That call was correct. I also expressed my fears that Armo' may not be up to it. That call was WRONG. (And I'm soooo happy to say it.)
Lenny - Does.not.buy.candy,SELLS.candy!
Blakey - On his last legs, but not done yet.
Gilbo - Keep on taking the game on. Things will click again for you.


To next week's team...

IN: Saintas (we're back baby!), Ledger.
OUT: E-girls (we're coming for you next!), Gram (still cruising around aimlessly without commitment - c/f Farren, Blakey, Wilkesy, Gilbo who commit regardless of how their game is going).

Tell me you are joking about Gram. I know possessions arent everything but he would be close to leading in the last 3 weeks.

[Dave McNamara]

Love the way Jack takes the game on. He always has, but with a bit more continuity he's now breaking away more and more.

Love the way Tezza and Ahmed take the game on. More experience, fitness, strength and general settling into the pace of the game will see them get better and better. Amazing how well they are doing already! C/f say Betts and Garlett, who took years to show anything much.

Same for Rhys lightning. Every game he shows a little bit more. I was rapt for him when he took that huge pack mark in the last..., shame he missed the shot. But Rhys is coming...!

For me this is why we need to get games into little Lenny. He's a big part of our future, and the sooner we can get him settled in like Jack, the better. Keep Sippa' in there for the same reason. And Jack Newnes and Seb Ross to be slotted in when possible also for the same reason.

Whilst running with this train of thought, given the progress of Simpko', I'd be tempted to upgrade Jackson F and get a couple of games into him this year to speed up his development (didn't hurt Simpko' last season). Yes Sam Dunnell will be an absolute star, but needs a bit more time with the weights first, so could wait till next season for an upgrade IMHO.

Special mentions:
Cuddles - Learnt from the failure to shut down Hawthorn's receivers, and did the job on Carlton's.
Farren - For me is ideally not in our best 22, but since you want to be in so badly, then for mine, you're IN!
Simpko - Already this bloke should be teaching master classes in how to punch the ball without infringing.
Armo' - Best game I've seen from you! The usual pack busting + some goals + gut busting running/spreading. After the Port loss I called for Armo' to be given 4-5 games in a row regardless to see what he could do. That call was correct. I also expressed my fears that Armo' may not be up to it. That call was WRONG. (And I'm soooo happy to say it.)
Lenny - Does.not.buy.candy,SELLS.candy!
Blakey - On his last legs, but not done yet.
Gilbo - Keep on taking the game on. Things will click again for you.


To next week's team...

IN: Saintas (we're back baby!), Ledger.
OUT: E-girls (we're coming for you next!), Gram (still cruising around aimlessly without commitment - c/f Farren, Blakey, Wilkesy, Gilbo who commit regardless of how their game is going).

Tell me you are joking about Gram. I know possessions arent everything but he would be close to leading in the last 3 weeks.

Hi Plugger, I thought that post might get you in.

Before I try to address your concerns, I have a question in another post re did your club contacts who where happy with Ledger's attitude offer up any suggestions as to why he's been out of the team so far? Ta.

Back to your concern...

From the Blakey re Waite post...

He was terrific. And not just for the job he did on Waite. When Armo scored that goal deep in the third after Lenny magically sold some candy on the sideline, it was Blake's ruthless attack on the footy at ground level that gave us possession. I recall him throwing himself into contests like that a couple of times last night ... just great to watch.

Ruthless attack on the footy is something I've seen once ever from Grammy - that final contest in the drawn GF. Hey, I'd settle for semi ruthless attack... Even in last night's game, mid final quarter when Carlscum were pressing on the outer wing, Grammy needed to put his body between the Carlscum player and the ball (hey there was going to be body contact regardless). Of course he didn't.

Pluggs, I see Grammy as sooooo talented, but sooooo lazy and unwilling to put in the extra effort... to run over and add numbers to a contest, to shepherd, to lay a tackle... This is not the attitude to display to the young players.

Sure he picks up possessions, but what do they actually amount too??? I reckon we'd be far better off getting games into a Ledger, Sippos, Cripps, Newnes, etc. These young guys in the team for Grammy would not detract much (if at all) from the current team output, and by giving them games we get them settled in as quickly as possible... again I refer to the settling in and improvement in the likes of Jack Steven and Armo'...

So for me, if Grammy doesn't want to put in the extra effort for his mates, be accountable, then he's taking a kid's spot (and we've got some great kids) and slowing the development of the team. That said, if he wants to bust a gut for his mates and demand his spot in the team like Farren has done, then he's in for mine. But, I'm still waiting... and now sick of waiting. (And Grammy is the only player on our list I feel this way about - everyone else seems prepared to put in the extra effort...)

[plugger66]

Love the way Jack takes the game on. He always has, but with a bit more continuity he's now breaking away more and more.

Love the way Tezza and Ahmed take the game on. More experience, fitness, strength and general settling into the pace of the game will see them get better and better. Amazing how well they are doing already! C/f say Betts and Garlett, who took years to show anything much.

Same for Rhys lightning. Every game he shows a little bit more. I was rapt for him when he took that huge pack mark in the last..., shame he missed the shot. But Rhys is coming...!

For me this is why we need to get games into little Lenny. He's a big part of our future, and the sooner we can get him settled in like Jack, the better. Keep Sippa' in there for the same reason. And Jack Newnes and Seb Ross to be slotted in when possible also for the same reason.

Whilst running with this train of thought, given the progress of Simpko', I'd be tempted to upgrade Jackson F and get a couple of games into him this year to speed up his development (didn't hurt Simpko' last season). Yes Sam Dunnell will be an absolute star, but needs a bit more time with the weights first, so could wait till next season for an upgrade IMHO.

Special mentions:
Cuddles - Learnt from the failure to shut down Hawthorn's receivers, and did the job on Carlton's.
Farren - For me is ideally not in our best 22, but since you want to be in so badly, then for mine, you're IN!
Simpko - Already this bloke should be teaching master classes in how to punch the ball without infringing.
Armo' - Best game I've seen from you! The usual pack busting + some goals + gut busting running/spreading. After the Port loss I called for Armo' to be given 4-5 games in a row regardless to see what he could do. That call was correct. I also expressed my fears that Armo' may not be up to it. That call was WRONG. (And I'm soooo happy to say it.)
Lenny - Does.not.buy.candy,SELLS.candy!
Blakey - On his last legs, but not done yet.
Gilbo - Keep on taking the game on. Things will click again for you.


To next week's team...

IN: Saintas (we're back baby!), Ledger.
OUT: E-girls (we're coming for you next!), Gram (still cruising around aimlessly without commitment - c/f Farren, Blakey, Wilkesy, Gilbo who commit regardless of how their game is going).

Tell me you are joking about Gram. I know possessions arent everything but he would be close to leading in the last 3 weeks.

Hi Plugger, I thought that post might get you in.

Before I try to address your concerns, I have a question in another post re did your club contacts who where happy with Ledger's attitude offer up any suggestions as to why he's been out of the team so far? Ta.

Back to your concern...

From the Blakey re Waite post...

He was terrific. And not just for the job he did on Waite. When Armo scored that goal deep in the third after Lenny magically sold some candy on the sideline, it was Blake's ruthless attack on the footy at ground level that gave us possession. I recall him throwing himself into contests like that a couple of times last night ... just great to watch.

Ruthless attack on the footy is something I've seen once ever from Grammy - that final contest in the drawn GF. Hey, I'd settle for semi ruthless attack... Even in last night's game, mid final quarter when Carlscum were pressing on the outer wing, Grammy needed to put his body between the Carlscum player and the ball (hey there was going to be body contact regardless). Of course he didn't.

Pluggs, I see Grammy as sooooo talented, but sooooo lazy and unwilling to put in the extra effort... to run over and add numbers to a contest, to shepherd, to lay a tackle... This is not the attitude to display to the young players.

Sure he picks up possessions, but what do they actually amount too??? I reckon we'd be far better off getting games into a Ledger, Sippos, Cripps, Newnes, etc. These young guys in the team for Grammy would not detract much (if at all) from the current team output, and by giving them games we get them settled in as quickly as possible... again I refer to the settling in and improvement in the likes of Jack Steven and Armo'...

So for me, if Grammy doesn't want to put in the extra effort for his mates, be accountable, then he's taking a kid's spot (and we've got some great kids) and slowing the development of the team. That said, if he wants to bust a gut for his mates and demand his spot in the team like Farren has done, then he's in for mine. But, I'm still waiting... and now sick of waiting. (And Grammy is the only player on our list I feel this way about - everyone else seems prepared to put in the extra effort...)

Firstly I was told 3 weeks ago ledgers attitude was fine at training. Things could have changed since then. He wasnt getting a game before that as they preferred Cripps as the sub because he can play forward and back and he was dropped from the side due to matchups and nothing else.

Now back to Grammy. Grammy plays how he plays. Others play differently. He is never going to be Lenny Hayes but he runs, carries and kicks long. If Grammy was dropped I doubt A young guy would come in anyway. I think you can have only so many young guys.

[vacuous space]

I reckon we'd be far better off getting games into a Ledger, Sippos, Cripps, Newnes, etc.

Getting games into kids is only worthwhile if they're ready. Melbourne haven't benefitted at all from gifting games to their youngsters. Armo, Steven and Simpkin haven't looked lost for the time they were afforded to grow into their role.

Cripps and Newnes have both been tried and neither is anywhere near the level of Gram. Siposs is in the team right now playing at the opposite end. Ledger is a clearance player, so not exactly interchangable with Gram. To get a regular game, Ledge really needs to pass Armo, Jones or Steven. He isn't going to pass Lenny or Dal and there's no conceivable way he could play BJ or Joey's role.

Personally, I think Gram's been great. He's benefitted from moving back behind centre where he played most of his best footy. His contested ball numbers are up and he leads the team in rebounds per game. He's thrown in a few spoils for good measure. He's old and outside, which makes him horrendously uncool. Ledger's yound and inside, which makes him cool. He's losing the race for internet popularity, but at selection, there's only one reasonable choice of the two.

[Dave McNamara]

Firstly I was told 3 weeks ago ledgers attitude was fine at training. Things could have changed since then. He wasnt getting a game before that as they preferred Cripps as the sub because he can play forward and back and he was dropped from the side due to matchups and nothing else.

Now back to Grammy. Grammy plays how he plays. Others play differently. He is never going to be Lenny Hayes but he runs, carries and kicks long. If Grammy was dropped I doubt A young guy would come in anyway. I think you can have only so many young guys.

Thanks for that Plugger. I take your point re Grammy playing how Grammy plays, and certainly don't expect him to play like Lenny. But I reckon that should not rule out his doing the team things like the running over to add numbers to a contest, to shepherd, to lay a tackle, blah, blah... I look at blokes like Dal, Monty, Gilbo who are/have been struggling a bit form wise - they are all still doing these things regardless of how their form is going... Hey, if I was out there I could at least do those things, even if the effectiveness would be questionable, at least I could try. Trying doesn't require form nor ability, just the will to want to help out and at least be a presence...

My second issue is the run, carry and long kicking that you mentioned. That hasn't been happening much of late either, though in his defence I have noticed some lowering of the eyes to accurately spot up shorter options. But the take-the-game-on, line breaking Gram of yesteryear seems no more, hence another reason why I don't see him going outta' the team as costing us in the now either.

Agree with you that we shouldn't have too many newbies at once, but I would think we could fit Ledger into the current team. Again, am keen to get games into Ledge' to get him settled into the team sooner rather than later, alah Jack S.

[Dr Spaceman]

I don't agree with you Dave re Gram, and one or two other things for that matter.

But I do love your passion and I do love your posting style.

A pleasure to read

[SainterK]

I reckon everyone is harsh on Grammy, thought he played well

[Dave McNamara]

I don't agree with you Dave re Gram, and one or two other things for that matter.

But I do love your passion and I do love your posting style.

A pleasure to read

Thanks for the kind words Doc - they are reciprocated.

And no one says that anyone has to agree with me on anything. But that said, although it's not on our jumper, how could BRG (British Racing Green) not be your favourite colour???




To VS, yep, you make a some good points, but I guess for me there's always gotta be a place for another young and inside, which makes him cool player.

[supersaints]

Might be a couple of changes as we have the stupid 5 day break. Could be a few niggles. That being said, saw the high lights video of gwilt on the saints site.. Looks like he might have eaten a small defender or two ( any one missing?) looked slow but always does....... he is a bit deceiving

[TJMcCarthy]

I'm tempted to say NIL just like saintsprem and others but Sam Gilbert looks like he's playing hurt. No where near his best. So i say Fisher for him and we are sweet to go.

[BigMart]

Gram has been better than good this year. Some blinkered viewing going on...

A maligned scapegoat..... He's easily in our best side, easily!

[Dave McNamara]

Gram has been better than good this year. Some blinkered viewing going on...

A maligned scapegoat..... He's easily in our best side, easily!

Hah...!

At last, the cunning plan has worked! Mart and Pluggs publically agree!

[dragit]

[noob]

I thought Gram was fine. I don't get all this negative feedback against him.

[SainterK]

Does anyone have score involvement stats?

[WinnersOnly]

Gram is much improved this year on last. He is plaing accountable footy and hitting targets he didn't last year. He actually put his body over the ball a couple of times last night which is a big improvement for him!

[avid]

Barring injuries I reckon the only players not safe are Wilkes and Siposs. It's gonna depend on how far away guys like Gwilt and Clarke are away to push for selection. I think Clarke needs another two in the magoos and Gwilt probably the same coming back from a longterm injury. Ledger, Cripps and Newnes all in Sandy's best and keeping the pressure on.

No change IMO.

That sounds right.
I'd think maybe Clarke or Gwilt (or Fisher if he's fit) might replace Siposs.
Pretty unfair on Siposs, but we've got about 27 now who'd deserve a game.

[saintspremiers]

I thought Gram was fine. I don't get all this negative feedback against him.

Agree.

But with Raph out, we need a Whipping Boy TM.

We always need a Whipping Boy TM in our team, especially after a famous victory.