After last week I don't reckon anyone will be dropped because of form however I think that there will be changes purely because of who and where we are playing. No cheap kicks against the Swans. We need physical strength this week. This is the kind of game where we really miss Coughlan. As such those calling for Tuck and Johnson to be dropped need to get a grip. Might even the sort of game that suits Polo to a tee.
A couple of things to consider.
Wallace picks sides on matchups.
- Last weeks Swans Lineup
B: Malceski, Barry, Mattner
HB: C.Bolton, Richards, Jack
C: Buchanan, Kirk, McVeigh
HF: R.O'Keefe, Roberts-Thomson, Moore
F: Bevan, O'Loughlin, Everitt
FOLL: Jolly, Goodes, J.Bolton
I/C: Ablett, Bird, Playfair, Schmidt
Essendon were very small. I can see either McGuane or Polak coming back in to assist down back.
Who is Hyde going to tag? Hyde's biggest asset is his endurance which isn't as big an asset on a small ground.
Edwards played well last week but he wont get much space to work in this week. Big call but I'd have a bigger body in Morton come in for Edwards for this week only.
Pettifer still hasn't convinced me. One way or another he will this weekend.
Our 2 worst losses this year were against teams like the Swans (Roos & Pies) that play hard contested footy.
- a solid body like Jackson would come under consideration maybe Polo too. Connors might even be looked at given his lack of endurance wouldn't be as big a liability on the SCG.
CHF not that important a position on the SCG as it gets bypassed. This is a very different ground and the team will get picked accordingly.
- Flooding is all too easy on a small ground like the SCG so guys who can kick goals from outside 50 are worth their weight in gold. Unfortunately this is why Tiv will come under consideration and why Pettifer will likely hold his spot.
With regards to Rucks, Hille smashed BOTH Simmonds and Patto.
- If Patto gets dropped I think it will be a matchup scenario like McGuane
- Not as taxing to ruck on the SCG as rucks don't have to cover as much ground. As such Sydney will quite often rest Jolly or Everitt up forward rather than bench them.
- Polak would have to be a chance to replace Patto as Simmonds should be able to Ruck for longer periods on the SCG and Polak could help out either in the Ruck or deep in defence on their resting Ruckman.
Riewoldt and Bowden
I wouldn't drop either of these guys. I think both lack a yard of pace, but aren't overly disadvantaged, because they are very smart footballers. If they're not kicking goals themselves then they're invariably using their smarts to put a team mate into a scoring position. Along with Nathan Brown they make us unpredictable and therefore more dangerous up forward.
In summary:
Possible exclusions to come from,
Patto - just think Polak is a better option this week for the flexibility he offers.
Hyde - he's been doing a job but would prefer Polo or Jackson on a small ground against the Swans
Edwards - struggled against Geelong and Hawthorn (wasn't alone I know). I love him and rate him but think he is too small at present against genuinely hard physically bigger teams and will possibly get physically smashed in this game with little space to operate in.
Pettifer - kicked a couple of goals and passed off a couple but I didn't see any evidence of any new defensive side to his game. I think the Swans will show him up for what he still is, i.e. a soft receiver with good finishing skills
Possible inclusions to come from,
Polak - Marking power on a small ground is invaluable, only see him in if Patto misses
McGuane - goes hard and was only dropped due no matchup against Bomber midgets
Tiv - hope not but his kicking may be seen as an asset on the SCG
Polo - someone who seems to thrive more in this style of game then the shootout style
Jackson - physical strength
Connors - long shot but think he played the corresponding game last year
Morton - only in a swap for Edwards or Pettifer
Sorry everyone, didn't mean to ramble, just got carried away. ;D
