Changes for Semi

[Raoul Juke]

We will be fine. We haven't lost a Semi in 43 years

 

[Harry]

Thought we missed broad last week.

 

[Jewell]

I think it’s dead clear, Balta took Dave’s spot. When Dave returned they liked the idea of two tall defenders given Balta’s athleticism and versatility.....plus always best to let a guy like Noah settle in a position. This is why Chol was given extra opportunity. But the call has been made, Broad goes back and Balta replaces Chol as ruck forward. He will only play back again this year in an emergency

 

[bairdy380]

The team has a bit of slowish feel about it... that’s the only deficiency I can see the opposition exploiting

 

[FitenFitenWin]

I’m fine with Chol being managed. Bring him back fresh for the Prelim and Granny.

 

[BrisTiger24]

I'm expecting it to be close.

I was worried last week. Not this week. Im calling a 10 goal win.

 

[Mantikorr]

We won a premiership with 2 tall defenders.
In fact I would argue that we have always played with 2 tall defenders in Astbury and Grimes. We just now have the luxury to have Grimes play on talls or smalls.

We've done it both ways over the three years, yes. 1 key forward and two key backs ( plus Grimes) in 2017, 2 key forwards and 1 key back (plus Grimes) in 2019.
If nothing else we now have greater flexibility to be able to move players around if something isn't working, it's just my opinion that Balta is the more versatile and effective utility

 

[zippadeee]

I reckon if we had these 2 playing last week, we wouldn't be playing this week.

 

[zippadeee]

I was worried last week. Not this week. Im calling a 10 goal win.

Im opposite, i was really confident last week and not sure this week.

 

[HR]

in broad I trust. Hard runner and a team man first. Oh and the big fella up forward who is just better than any saint defender. We should be ok.

 

[Brooklyn Tiger]

I wonder if we will push Baker back to the fwds this week to give us that manic pressure and strong tackling within f50 and therefore leaving Bolton to stay in the guts where he has been impressive this year. Broad back gives us that option too.

 

[tigerlove]

Yes but Grimes and Broad played the last two years as well. We've still added another tall. One of them needs to come out with Vlastuin, Baker, Houli and Short in defence as well.
Balta just feels like the most obvious one to play elsewhere as he's done it effectively before

Yes I agree totally. Balta for me.

 

[Carter]

looks more solid now.

i'd imagine Broad and Balta will swing pretty hard.

 

[waiting]

Yes I agree totally. Balta for me.

Agree too.
The ‘bands’ back so I hope Broad plays well and Balta ( if ) he contributes/plays in the ruck to assist Nank ( who I worry we will run him into the ground ) is the versatile and obvious choice.

 

[King Kong]

Dimma needs to stop playing favourites. All of Houli, Lambert and Cantstandya have been woeful this year and yet continue to get gifted games. Markov, Aarts and Ross should be playing this week instead. If we lose then he needs to be held to account

 

[eZyT]

i'd imagine Broad and Balta will swing pretty hard.

Just as long as they don't text any pictures, I dont care what they do after the GF

 

[tigermike]

We won a premiership with 2 tall defenders.
In fact I would argue that we have always played with 2 tall defenders in Astbury and Grimes. We just now have the luxury to have Grimes play on talls or smalls.

Yep, in most of our team selections last year it was Grimes and Astbury named in the Back line, sometimes with Short or Broad. Once the game starts they move around of course. Our GF Backline was Astbury, Broad, Grimes. Hope they start that way tonight...the boys are back in town.

 

[Number8]

The team has a bit of slowish feel about it... that’s the only deficiency I can see the opposition exploiting

The way we played against Footscray made me think we'd learned a lot about how to play these freewheeling, speedy outfits.

It was noticeable in the opening minutes when the Scraggers expected us to go fast, we were actually quite slow and deliberate.

Unlike the dreaded 'ball security' period of a few years ago, we've got the skills to carry this off today.

My tip is an uncharacteristic uncontested-style, high possession game from the Tigers, removing the Saints' two main strengths: aerial dominance and speed on the rebound.

 

[K3]

Ooops, yes indeed

Phew! Good to hear!

 

[tigermike]

Dimma needs to stop playing favourites. All of Houli, Lambert and Cantstandya have been woeful this year and yet continue to get gifted games. Markov, Aarts and Ross should be playing this week instead. If we lose then he needs to be held to account

I agree he does have his favourites but you're a bit harsh on Houli and Lambert. Houli set a very high standard last few years, then missed many weeks and still working to regain his form. Tonight will be a critical game for him. Lambert's had a hip issue and yet still racks up good inside possession numbers (19 last week), especially handballs. Hard to say if Ross would be any better but you might disagree.