Raph = Goneski in 2013 ?

[saintspremiers]

Not even an emergency this week again.

Was ok for Sandy.

Surely that's it for him you'd think?

[saintbrat]

perhaps a ? in your heading- it's your suggestion at this point and not a fact.

[Waltzing St Kilda]

I've heard good things about Gonseki. A thumping kick. I say we trade.

[noob]

and Polo Peaked too early!

[andrewg]

After that North game I am surprised he is playing for Sandy.

[White Winmar]

One can only hope Raph has played his last game for the saints.

[CURLY]

Hope he stays to be honest.

[defacto]

i think we need him for the next season or 2. at a minimum he's a good depth player.

[Kernal75]

Let's hope so, if he has a contract then he doesn't get a look in ahead of anyone.
If he doesn't have a contract then Seeya!!!

[borderbarry]

A lot of mean spirited people haunt Saintsational.

[stinger]

A lot of mean spirited people haunt Saintsational.

yep.......cockheads too....

[barrel-it]

Tend to agree, his season in the saints colours is done. Maybe a positive end to the VFL season will see him go to another club?
Does he have a big enough tank to follow the ball allday? in close he seems very evasive, maybe a handy onball back up?

[spert]

Should have been tried at FF

[saintspremiers]

A lot of mean spirited people haunt Saintsational.

A lot of anti Raph people away from Saintsational also.

I was a big Raph fan but I think he's done now.

The way he got run down in last game was a disgrace. Shouldn't happen at AFL level, certainly not on a regular basis.

[dalboy]

I think he is a good player who has been a little out of luck for a number of years.....see ya!

[3rd generation saint]

Sadly, I think Raph may be cut at the end of the year.
If he is, then I'd like to thank him for his services as he helped us make two GF's and was part of that incredible run in 2009.
Personally, I think he would be a handy pick up gor GC or GWS as his experience would be very valuable for their kids.

[barrel-it]

Sadly, I think Raph may be cut at the end of the year.
If he is, then I'd like to thank him for his services as he helped us make two GF's and was part of that incredible run in 2009.
Personally, I think he would be a handy pick up gor GC or GWS as his experience would be very valuable for their kids.

i think that GWS and GC will stick with their young kids, whereas teams like WB, Port, Melb and probably BL would consider a mature body (biggest he's looked in 9 years) with some big game experience to fill some gaps. I hope he thrives at another club, might be a late peaker.

[To the top]

For the uneducated that pollute this site, Clarke played a very acceptable game against North Melbourne (remember he started at full back on the ruckman forward giving away height and weight) until he took a very heavy knock in a marking contest deep in the back pocket just before 3 quarter time.

It was actually a top mark, one of a couple he took against the odds in that game.

That obviously slowed him significantly and his contribution in the last quarter was zero, accentuated by North Melbourne running rings around us and their forwards resorting to a training drill.

This was because of a lack of mid-field accountability and a lack of forward pressure when we did actually get it forward, allowing players to run at our defence without pressure being applied, making it impossible for our defenders.

I think the current selection position is more a price for the interruptions to his season and not commencing to play until after the half way mark (at least).

The hits he has taken in each of his league appearances - courtesy of his courage which is always on display - have taken a toll on him in games and this is a result of precious little football in 2012.

Gwilt is in the same position as Clarke, but his more solid body sees him a requirement given our lack of height and weight in defence no matter Gwilt's struggles to resume at this level mid season.

In fact, most resuming mid-season struggle.

Clarke has been best or at least in the best for Sandringham on every occasion he has been available for them - so he is coming.

Accordingly he must be knocking on the door, as you would expect he would be because he is well within our best 22.

Some on here should take a cold shower - and open BOTH eyes.

In terms of the emergencies, Wilkes would be there because of the doubt which must exist over Riewoldt exclusively (he was very restricted because of his knee last week and we have Collingwood next so where is the priority?) - and Ledger would be an encouragement award recognising effort and that he is standing in line after Hayes, Montagna, Armitage and Steven as an "inside" player.

No doubt our final line up will also pay respect to the game style of WB, who will run and spread looking for a largely un-contested match.

If they win the ball we will be doing some chasing as they switch to space.

So McEvoy and Koschitzke are vital in terms of handing the initial advantage to our mids - and then it comes down to usage.

[SainterK]

Do I need to remind people that Collingwood won a premiership in 2010 with Lockyer, Fraser, Medhurst and the like running around in the seconds?

You need depth IMO, and decent depth (not underdone kids) pressuring spots and rotating through every now and then.

I'd be keeping Raph, good clubman, not a massive amount of defenders on the list.

[Cairnsman]

In terms of the emergencies, Wilkes would be there because of the doubt which must exist over Riewoldt exclusively (he was very restricted because of his knee last week and we have Collingwood next so where is the priority?)

I thought this too when I saw Wilkes named. Kosi is better than Wilkes and Kosi is playing very poorly at the moment so that is saying something about Wilkes.

I suppose because it's a Sunday game they are going to give Roo every chance of getting up but if not, in come Wilkes...a reluctant selection you would think.

[fingers]

A lot of mean spirited people haunt Saintsational.

yep.......cockheads too....

+1

[saintdooley]

Gonseki? wtf?

[Beekay]

maybe the broski had a few brewskies.

that sentence would read differently if you were a kiwi.

[bobmurray]

For the uneducated that pollute this site, Clarke played a very acceptable game against North Melbourne (remember he started at full back on the ruckman forward giving away height and weight) until he took a very heavy knock in a marking contest deep in the back pocket just before 3 quarter time.

It was actually a top mark, one of a couple he took against the odds in that game.

That obviously slowed him significantly and his contribution in the last quarter was zero, accentuated by North Melbourne running rings around us and their forwards resorting to a training drill.

This was because of a lack of mid-field accountability and a lack of forward pressure when we did actually get it forward, allowing players to run at our defence without pressure being applied, making it impossible for our defenders.

I think the current selection position is more a price for the interruptions to his season and not commencing to play until after the half way mark (at least).

The hits he has taken in each of his league appearances - courtesy of his courage which is always on display - have taken a toll on him in games and this is a result of precious little football in 2012.

Gwilt is in the same position as Clarke, but his more solid body sees him a requirement given our lack of height and weight in defence no matter Gwilt's struggles to resume at this level mid season.

In fact, most resuming mid-season struggle.

Clarke has been best or at least in the best for Sandringham on every occasion he has been available for them - so he is coming.

Accordingly he must be knocking on the door, as you would expect he would be because he is well within our best 22.

Some on here should take a cold shower - and open BOTH eyes.

In terms of the emergencies, Wilkes would be there because of the doubt which must exist over Riewoldt exclusively (he was very restricted because of his knee last week and we have Collingwood next so where is the priority?) - and Ledger would be an encouragement award recognising effort and that he is standing in line after Hayes, Montagna, Armitage and Steven as an "inside" player.

No doubt our final line up will also pay respect to the game style of WB, who will run and spread looking for a largely un-contested match.

If they win the ball we will be doing some chasing as they switch to space.

So McEvoy and Koschitzke are vital in terms of handing the initial advantage to our mids - and then it comes down to usage.

If Clarke is coming then i hope he gets here before he retires

[Dave McNamara]

... Clarke played a very acceptable game against North Melbourne (remember he started at full back on the ruckman forward giving away height and weight) until he took a very heavy knock in a marking contest deep in the back pocket just before 3 quarter time...

It was actually a top mark, one of a couple he took against the odds in that game...

Hi TTT, if you really did need a whole year of solid posts to make up for one on another thread re the TipRat, then you've made a start with this post I reckon.

Raph may well be gonski, but I'm in the camp that hopes not. No names required (though they sound a bit like a mountain and a much smaller measure...), but there are a couple of current incumbents that I'd prefer Raph to.

And whilst I'm at it, I still reckon that Wilkesy is capable of surprising to the upside - if he was just given a decent run to settle into the side and the pace of the senior game.




BTW, re the Tipper, I'm a big fan, but I can also see where you were trying to go with that...
Also, you need to overlook DS's harsh marking, as he was just back from reburying his parole officer...