Restart. Pre Match. Pies v. Tigers. All comments.

[Mossi]

[Magpietothemax]

I am just so much looking forward to this game. I have absolutely no idea what team we will select, nor how we will play the game. I don't think anyone else does either. The worry for me is that Cox might not get up for this game, and we all know what he can do to Richmond.
Richmond have to be favourites for the flag, given their 2019 form, but that is the only reason. I think we are a huge threat for the flag. The shorter quarters will really make the frenetic early intensity which characterises our game very dangerous. Jaidyn Stephenson is smarting (as he should be) that he was overlooked for Round 1, and has returned according to Bucks in "good nick" ready to stake his claim. I think Josh Daicos and Callum Brown are somewhat unknown quantities: it is not clear to what extent they have improved since last year, but Round 1 was a suggestion that there have been big developments. In his presser, Bucks also mentioned Wills as putting up his hand for selection. I love our midfield overlap and interchangeability, it makes us look like a chameleon. Every centre bounce, a different forward line and midfield. Selections in our defence will also be highly interesting. This time, we have alot of possiblities for matching up with Lynch and Riewoldt. I am worried about Richmond's small forwards though and the lurking threat of Martin up forward for them. If Grundy and our mids have worked out how to co-ordinate over the summer, then the best way to nullify Martin will be to take control of the midfield. That;s why I like the idea of Wills coming in, and Callum Brown, Josh Daicos to be released to run free.
I am just so much looking forward to seeing what we have prepared.I am sure we will see new strategies and selections that will surprise/shock us. But my confidence in our selectors and our strategists has, over the last 2 years, become very strong. I am sure we are in for an amazing ride this Thursday night.

[think better]

Looking more and more like Darcy Cameron will get a game with Cox not likely to play.

Interesting to see how he goes as a forward target

Has anyone watched him closely to see how he might perform?

[Johnno75]

Does anyone know if Steele Sidebottom went up against Grundy in the ruck on Thursday night to simulate Marlion Pickett in the ruck?

If so did Grundy fist the ball inside F50?

[Albert Parker]

^No he didn't. Grundy competed against Cameron and Lynch in the ruck contests on Thursday night.

Even Richmond typically use Soldo and Nankervis these days, having given up on the Grigg experiment when the ruck rules changed. For the small amount of time that Pickett might contest the ruck, you wouldn't bother practicing for it and it would likely be when the second ruck was being used by Collingwood in any case. Kreuzer went down in Q1 of Rd 1, leaving the Blues short.

[Presti35]

Anyone know if their image will be on a cutout?

[Pies4shaw]

Cameron's and Lynch's, maybe - I expect Grundy to play.

[BazBoy]

Still ponder the future of Max Lynch -in his 4th season

And just coming up 22 and no VFL games he may get a run this yr

[LaurieHolden]

I'm hoping something like this. That goal to goal line is flanked by some serious talent.

B: Jeremy Howe, Jordan Roughead, John Noble
HB:Jack Crisp, Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard
C: Tom Phillips, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
HF: JDG, Brody Mihocek, WHE
F: Jaidyn Stephenson, Darcy Cameron (debut), Jamie Elliott
Foll: Brodie Grundy, Tyler Brown, Taylor Adams

I/C: Josh Daicos, Chris Mayne, Callum Brown, Josh Thomas

EMG: Travis Varcoe, Trent Bianco, Matt Scharenburg

Recent inj to best 22 : Cox, Treloar

[Charlie Oneeye]

[BazBoy]

And when you think the 2010 premiership side had one genuine ruckman in
Jolly plus a relief ruck come resting forward in Leroy Brown then the Grundy / Cameron if it eventuates might be simalar

Time will tell if Darcy C does well the big Mason may miss out

[The General]

[Charlie Oneeye]

[BazBoy]

When will the team selection be. Tues night ?????

[LaurieHolden]

^^ look Varcoe's probably ahead of Daicos at this stage but not by much. If Varcoe could have re-invented himself off half back / pocket à la Leon Davis, then I suspect he'd have extended his life.
I reckon Varcoe will be given longer to ensure he's over his niggles and Daicos given starts for say another 2-3 more matches, if he plays well against the Tigers. If he continues to improve then he'll get the nod over Varcoe.

Trouble is, with Treloar to come back and the likes of Noble, Broomhead on the fringe (remember him) then kids like Bianco and IQ knocking down the door, then Varcoe would have to really tick all of the internal benchmarks on match-day to keep his place.
I could envisage Crisp moving up the ground if Langdon returns then Keane, Murphy, Appleby are going to be gunning for a spot in the backline.