TOPIC:

This could get ugly based on last week's first half.  You'd think Mayo will come in after two strong showings in the ressies to replace Wagenknecht who must be on shaky ground.  I'm not sure what to do with Braut. Maybe play him off half back with instructions to use his size through the middle of the ground to try and combat the Tiger mids as I think we all agree, he's not a forward. 

Hansen and Robbins to get another crack at it as even if they're not hitting the scoreboard, they're applying forward pressure which is something we've lacked really since Chris Deluca or Rhys Waters retired. 

So far, we seem to have plenty in the tank in the second half so if we can stay within 5 goals to half time then we could make it a competitive game but I'm not holding out too many hopes.  Fingers crossed it all starts to come together soon.

BC I wouldn't risk Mayo in the ruck just yet, if thats what your suggesting, we desperately need height in the forward line, so I'd keep Mayo at CHF. Agree re Braut, I'd use him as a burst player in the mids, then go off halfback, he doesn't have the tank to be a fulltime mid but can create space for our mids which they didn't have in the first half last week. I would send Rohde to half forward to lock down Bolton who is creating so much drive off their halfback line. Snadden should replace Ash on the wing and Tholstrup will come back into the forwards. Wagentrains is struggling a bit around the ground but he was getting first hands on the ball in the limited time he got in the ruck. I think we should persist with him, if not bring Jake South up as he is playing well in the 2's and regularly hitting the scoreboard. I expect Maxy to bounce back, he rarely plays a bad one, same for Gus, who would be another option for Bolton.
If we can end up within 4-5 goals it wont be too bad a result, would be a huge upset if we knocked them off, on current form. We need to be switched on from the first bounce, intense and in their faces to have any chance, like they did to Joondy.

No, I wouldn't use Mayo in the ruck either SS. I'd play him as a deep forward with Soks the leading option. I also agree it's worth giving South a run as well as he was very good last week in the two's so reward good form plus he's 197cm and only 21 so plenty of upside.  

I'm not sure I'd rush Snadden back in as he hasn't really set the world on fire since coming to the club but agree Tholstrup should get an another crack at it after showing a bit against Perth.

Tholstrop and Hansen should make for an interesting forward line. Tholstrop is obviously a talent. Smart player. I ran into Hansen in a coffee shop and congratulated him on his debut. He's very young and slight. A big ask to compete against men. 

Mayo is looking big and strong looks like he’s put on a lot of muscle

Agree , keep Mayo away from any rucking as that was how he did his knee the second time! Not worth the risk. I would be inclined to give Wagenknect at least one more opportunity before discarding him as it was only his second game and he will be better with an extended run at it. Braut to be used in bursts in the centre square and in the backline,  and Mayo and Sokol deep forward seems the way to go. Looking forward to seeing Tholstrup for the first time too. Still hopeful but we would have to play a hell of a lot better than last two weeks. 

The problem with Wagenknecht is that he only had 5 touches in the first round and 3 last week. So how long do you keep carrying him? At 201cms, it'll be 3 or 4 years before he grows into his body from a footy perspective and I for one don't think it's fair on him to have him up against big, mature bodies in the seniors. South seems to be handling it a bit better and has had a taste of league footy so could be a good option.

Agree BC...he is still a pup...plenty of time and he has had a taste of it. South deserves a go I reckon. Snadden will come in I assume...and Mayo.

One giant in the team is usual enough. Phil Scott was the perfect back up to Keene because he was mobile. 

South is no Scott but more along those lines. If Mayo plays, no need for South. I'd go with a more mobile player. Another mid, perhaps. Alone? 
Given Mayo won't ruck, that leaves a back up problem.  Could Braut ruck?

Phil Scott...what a player.