Prepare for meltdown!!!!

[shanegrambeau]

I’ve always been a big fan of Kent and a big Kent fan, which ever way you look at it. (don’t know about the rest of you doubters)…Top bloke to boot.

Come on Sainters..

I am soooo stoked….

[kosifantutti]

Sharman should know better than to play well and score Brownlow votes.

He should have learned from Dunstan.

[Ghost Like]

Are the VFL playing this week?

[bangaulegend]

I'm not a Kent fan but if he can walk the walk & we can have a win I will be happy but if he plays like the Kent we all know too well then melt down will be an understatement . I wish him all the best & hope he has a blinder

[Hawkesbury Saint]

Likewise disappointed not to see Sharman in the team but I think it’s actually Wood who is like for like don’t you think? I think Wood has shown a bit in the preseason. I think Kent has too just quietly.

The onus is on both players to respond to Ratt’s faith and work really hard.

Sharman can’t be far off but they seem to be developing swingman capability in his role.

If Wood and Kent don’t fire Sharman and another like for like (Long?) will be ready to have a crack.

Fair ‘in’s’ on current form not potential or past performances. Let’s see how Kent and Wood respond. Best of luck to both. They are Sainters after all.

[skeptic]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

[shanegrambeau]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

Yes, it beggars belief.
I hope it is not an omen.
I am sticking to my version of the fairytale.. 1) Sharman messed up off-season and had discipline issues or got ahead of himself and was left out of the spotlight.
2) Kent..I've already said it.
I am now a 'fan'..what's not to love?
So come on Kenty..kick a bag!

Geez, I hope Ratts and co. know what they are doing.

[Jacks Back]

Kent ahead of Sharman?

Happy to start the meltdown, prefer Bytel or NWM

2nd year blues for Sharman

Got ahead of himself??

Did not work hard enough?

Thought he made it? Based on a few games 2021

The real stuff is where it counts, and that's where he did good things last season. Practice match form is a bit hit and miss.

Obviously Sharman doesn't like dancing with his sister.

[skeptic]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

Yes, it beggars belief.
I hope it is not an omen.
I am sticking to my version of the fairytale.. 1) Sharman messed up off-season and had discipline issues or got ahead of himself and was left out of the spotlight.
2) Kent..I've already said it.
I am now a 'fan'..what's not to love?
So come on Kenty..kick a bag!

Geez, I hope Ratts and co. know what they are doing.

And to be clear... I don’t dislike Kent.

He seems to be very professional, highly liked at the club, been in the top 22 for the majority of 2 coach’s reigns to date... has the odd good game... there’s a lot to like there.

But the results largely speak for themselves. He’s maligned by the majority because he’s most either ineffective or just ok. He’s rarely a big contributor and seldom a match winner

[Ghost Like]

... has the odd good game... there’s a lot to like there.

But the results largely speak for themselves. He’s maligned by the majority because he’s most either ineffective or just ok. He’s rarely a big contributor and seldom a match winner

Usually first up after a spell so fingers crossed

[shanegrambeau]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

Yes, it beggars belief.
I hope it is not an omen.
I am sticking to my version of the fairytale.. 1) Sharman messed up off-season and had discipline issues or got ahead of himself and was left out of the spotlight.
2) Kent..I've already said it.
I am now a 'fan'..what's not to love?
So come on Kenty..kick a bag!

Geez, I hope Ratts and co. know what they are doing.

And to be clear... I don’t dislike Kent.

He seems to be very professional, highly liked at the club, been in the top 22 for the majority of 2 coach’s reigns to date... has the odd good game... there’s a lot to like there.

But the results largely speak for themselves. He’s maligned by the majority because he’s most either ineffective or just ok. He’s rarely a big contributor and seldom a match winner

Yes, fair enough.
I am excited for Owens, neutral about Wood, bummed about HIghmore, concerned about Sharman. Those latter two were the silver lining last year.

[saintkev]

Kent+Ross geezus...
They're named in our side but if there was any honesty in Champion Data, their disposals would be counted in thr Filth's column.

They'll be good for at least a dozen turnovers, just quietly.

I predict Kent will get under 15 disposals, most will go to the Filth or nowhere near a team-mate

Both are predictably one dimensional.

[saintkev]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

Yes, it beggars belief.
I hope it is not an omen.
I am sticking to my version of the fairytale.. 1) Sharman messed up off-season and had discipline issues or got ahead of himself and was left out of the spotlight.
2) Kent..I've already said it.
I am now a 'fan'..what's not to love?
So come on Kenty..kick a bag!

Geez, I hope Ratts and co. know what they are doing.

And to be clear... I don’t dislike Kent.

He seems to be very professional, highly liked at the club, been in the top 22 for the majority of 2 coach’s reigns to date... has the odd good game... there’s a lot to like there.

But the results largely speak for themselves. He’s maligned by the majority because he’s most either ineffective or just ok. He’s rarely a big contributor and seldom a match winner

Built like a Sherman tank…plays like a Lada Niva.?

[B.M]

Ross has 43 Brownlow Votes

Not bad for a hack

Been in the AA squad too… to go with a couple of B&Fs

If he’s our worst player, we’d be in pretty good shape

Sharman is still largely unproven
4 games is a small sample size

[shanegrambeau]

Ross has 43 Brownlow Votes

Not bad for a hack

Been in the AA squad too… to go with a couple of B&Fs

If he’s our worst player, we’d be in pretty good shape

Sharman is still largely unproven
4 games is a small sample size

Nup..there's something up...something rotten in Denmark.

He's not that bad...streets ahead , miles ahead of Kent...I'd say he's better than Wood too. I don't get why Kent is picked, I conclude Ratts loves him. So be it. Go get em Kenty. Sorry Highmore isn't in too.

[mad saint guy]

Likewise disappointed not to see Sharman in the team but I think it’s actually Wood who is like for like don’t you think? I think Wood has shown a bit in the preseason. I think Kent has too just quietly.

The onus is on both players to respond to Ratt’s faith and work really hard.

Sharman can’t be far off but they seem to be developing swingman capability in his role.

If Wood and Kent don’t fire Sharman and another like for like (Long?) will be ready to have a crack.

Fair ‘in’s’ on current form not potential or past performances. Let’s see how Kent and Wood respond. Best of luck to both. They are Sainters after all.

I think Wood is in to play the wing/HF role that they had tried Battle in last year. Sharman was playing deep forward - I think Hayes is going to be taking Sharman's spot as the third tall forward while providing (very ineffective) ruck support.

I don't like it. Sharman is a natural footballer who thrives at AFL level. I might be being harsh on him but Hayes looks like a state level plodder and Kent is an absolute spud. No issues with Wood being selected - he was very good last year when fit. I would've gone with this lineup

B: Paton, Howard, Wilkie
HB: Webster, Battle, Sinclair
C: Hill, Steele, Wood
HF: Higgins, Membrey, Byrnes
F: Butler, King, Sharman

Foll: Marshall, Crouch, Gresham
Int: Campbell, Connolly, McKenzie, Ross

[The_Dud]

Ross has 43 Brownlow Votes

Not bad for a hack

Been in the AA squad too… to go with a couple of B&Fs

If he’s our worst player, we’d be in pretty good shape

Sharman is still largely unproven
4 games is a small sample size

And Robert Harvey won not one, but TWO Brownlow medals, how the hell is he not in the team this week?!?

[freely]

Kent is no better than Dunstan. I liked Dunstan. The coach likes Kent.

[Banger9798]

If Ryder was playing I think we can play Sharman as full time forward.
When he doesn't play ,I think Ratten believes we need Hayes as the relief ruckman and forward target.

Personally, through 2022, I'd like to see Sharman,King, Butler and Higgins play plenty of games together and develop together as a forward line with Membrey Wood, Gresham, and Billings rotating through the HFF.

[older saint]

Seriously how anyone can comment on selection round 1 unless they have seen training during the pre-season and all practice games is nothing more than a guess.

Exposed form of previous season , at this point , cant really be used - this time last year Webster would have raised eyebrows, 2 years ago Sinclair the same.

Perhaps Kent has smashed it better than ever before, perhaps Sharman has cruised a but ala Coffied in 2020/21 pre season. Perhaps not and Kent is picked for a specific purpose.....

End of 2021 dont' think anyone would have had Wood in the best 22?

At least lets have a game or 2 before we the mugs in the stand have a basis for questioning selection decisions.

[st.byron]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

I agree with you. It's disheartening to me to see Kent selected. Feels like more deadwood recycling instead of moving forward. Play a 28 y.o who's struggled to establish himself as even a GOP, who's inconsistent with poor handling skills.

[nostalgicsaint]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

I agree with you. It's disheartening to me to see Kent selected. Feels like more deadwood recycling instead of moving forward. Play a 28 y.o who's struggled to establish himself as even a GOP, who's inconsistent with poor handling skills.

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

I agree with you. It's disheartening to me to see Kent selected. Feels like more deadwood recycling instead of moving forward. Play a 28 y.o who's struggled to establish himself as even a GOP, who's inconsistent with poor handling skills.

Comes down to your season expectations how you view this selection.

If you go down the why not us in 2022 path then it makes perfect sense.

If you think we're unlikely to make finals then it is the wrong call.


Until we know it isn't us, in my opinion we should stick with the why not us mindset and pick the best team to win each and every week. To that end I dont care about Kent's age and think it is the right selection.

[meher baba]

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

I agree with you. It's disheartening to me to see Kent selected. Feels like more deadwood recycling instead of moving forward. Play a 28 y.o who's struggled to establish himself as even a GOP, who's inconsistent with poor handling skills.

I don’t know that it’s a Sharman vs Kent discussion.

Kent is a forward, crumber, play maker type that hasn’t cemented a spot in 4 years. He is 28yo, kicked what... 5 goals last year and has played a little under 100 games.

He’s not some 23yo kid that was promising, stagnated and finally getting a good run at it. I mean how much better do we expect him to get at this point?

I agree with you. It's disheartening to me to see Kent selected. Feels like more deadwood recycling instead of moving forward. Play a 28 y.o who's struggled to establish himself as even a GOP, who's inconsistent with poor handling skills.

Comes down to your season expectations how you view this selection.

If you go down the why not us in 2022 path then it makes perfect sense.

If you think we're unlikely to make finals then it is the wrong call.


Until we know it isn't us, in my opinion we should stick with the why not us mindset and pick the best team to win each and every week. To that end I dont care about Kent's age and think it is the right selection.

Spot on. Although I think the story here is not so much one of preferring experience over youth, but of having to work out the best choice out of a bunch of fairly ordinary players available given the injury list. Therefore, it presumably boiled down to choosing one of Sharman, Long, NW-M and Kent. During the pre-season, Sharman looked out of form (or perhaps carrying an undisclosed injury), which is presumably why he isn't even listed as an emergency for tonight. Long is a known quantity, including his ill-discipline which could potentially cause a lot of trouble in a match in which the umps are likely to be trigger-happy with 50m penalties. NW-M looked fabulous in the pre-season, but I think it's reasonable for the club to feel that two debutants is enough in such a crucial game. So Kent looks like the safest option. And we know that Ratten puts a lot of trust in Kent in terms of carrying out his instructions.

So, even if Kent doesn't go too well, I can't see how a meltdown would be justified. Anyway, I have an intuition he might have a good game tonight: he is surely aware that he is very much in the "last on/first off" spot on the team.

[st.byron]

Yeah fair enough Baba and Nostalgic Saint, that's a reasonable approach. Let's hope he proves us doubters wrong and.makes a telling contribution.

[saynta]

I will put Kent down for a couple of goals.