TOPIC:

We are probably cooked for the season but this is definitely our last chance. We have to beat EP and SF have to beat Swans. We then must follow that up next week with victory over Swans. That will narrow the gap to one game plus a big percentage difference. Changes this week will obviously be Masten out and I think Quill should also go out and Reid. In would be McPartland, Edmonds and maybe Eyres. I wouldn’t ruck Reid against Jones, Eyres is more a match up in my opinion. The Busher situation has really hurt us and I can’t see him playing this week.

 

Good on you, Cess, for keeping the finals flame flickering. There was a mention of Jones and I think Robertson being reported, so we may get lucky. It is a sad reflection of how badly our season has gone that we have to hope to play a depleted EP team - we would have ordinarily marked a home game v EP as a sure win. I think Eyres is simply out of favour. I assume Moss is looking to the future, and the future doesn't include Eyres. I would leave Quill and drop Jye Clark, who was very poor v Subi. Edmonds in for him and McPartland in for Masten. 
 

Obviously we need more goals - we are the lowest scoring team in the league. That would be the case even if you took out the 1 goal effort v Subi. We need our midfielders to kick more goals. I don't know why they are not already. Is it work rate? Game plan? Langlands has kicked a few when forward, as has McPartland. Clarke has done ok. Apart from that, Byrne has kicked 3, Grey 1 and nothing from Colledge or Masten. Ruckmen sometimes get on the scoreboard - not ours. Reid kicked 2 in his first game as a forward (both from free kicks),but none as a ruck. Eyres and DBW have 1 each. The last couple of weeks Cary has played time as a mid - why is our best forward not playing forward? As a result he kicked only 1 goal in each of the last 2 games. McInnes hasn't hit the scoreboard at all since his return and seems to me to be presenting too far upfield. He's taking his marks on centre wing instead of dangerous areas. 

Why are we so bad at scoring? Personnel? Game plan? Slow ball movement? Poor kicking when going inside 50? All of the above? But if we don't find a way to kick at least 3 goals a quarter, I can't see us winning on a fine day, and we haven't kicked 12 in a game since round 3. 

We have completely lost our way.
I think there was a thought that the return of all the injured players just miraculously fixed the issues.

But we are disorganised around stoppages.
No leg speed and opposition move it from back to forward with a quick switch too easily.

McInnes has had 11 hitouts last 2 games but I’d rather he stay out of the ruck and was left as a permanent forward.

Defence always under pressure.

Agree with many comments, in particular McInness staying as  a forward. Until Busher returns or we find another tall marking forward, Fraser must remain a tall target and within scoring range. 

It appears as if Moss has identified experienced players that simply don't make the cut as league players and moving forward isn't playing them:
Eyres, Jones, Edmonds and maybe even Yeo is added to this list. I don't mind this tactic. Why waist time on list blockers that will never be good enough to help our club be a serious finals contender. 

Simply put have to win this game. Even if finals is a long shot it would be important for the morale of the team and the supporters and make sure that we finish off the season well and not simply just give up and lie down.

Masten is one obvious out for this week and I'd say possibly Jye Clark and Mitch Browne. I wouldn't mind Eyres being brought back in and Reid pushing forward while having stints in the ruck, allowing McInnes to play deep forward. If Reid does get dropped then while he hasn't been setting the world on fire in the ressies why not give Oscar Bird a go. Kicked 5 against Aliir Aliir and this would be a could opportunity to see what he's got while keeping an eye on next year.

Edmonds, McPartland or Peletier would also be a chance of league football this week.

I'd like to see Regan Hill promoted from the colts for this game. He's big enough and talented enough to cope at league level.

Regan Hill at 194cm and 85kg is a good size at only 17. His Colts form has been good. Could still have some growing in him.
Not sure whether he is ready for league yet. Perhaps a run or two in the ressies may be on the cards.

Surely getting more league footy into Jaiden Hunter would be a priority? Hunter dominated colts last year, is Hill doing something similar this year?  

In: Mcpartland, Edmonds and Bird. 
Out: Colledge. Masten, R Clarke

Hedley Smith suits up in the ressies along with a fair few others who look like they are getting a final shot