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IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
Changes for Semi
- Thread starter BrisTiger24
- Start date
Game is 7.50pm Melb time, 6.50pm Qld time.
Pain in the arse to get down the highway for a 6.50pm start on a Friday arvo. Oh well, looks like I will be feeling crook on Friday and will head down early
I've been dreaming about Soldo.
End of 2019 was the first time in our era of dominance that I felt we were unbeatable. That there were no holes in our squad. No weaknesses. A big part of that feeling was the one two punch of Soldo and Nank. That combo doesn't get bested by any ruck division in the league.
It was the only position we ever looked shaky.
Then we didn't for 6 months.
And now we do again.
But I've been dreaming a little today. About Noah Balta.
Broad in and our backline sans Balta is a premiership back 6.
There is benefit in upgrading a premiership back 6. But the cost-benefit is what's interesting.
Does Balta upgrade our backline enough to ignore the benefit he could provide elsewhere?
I can close my eyes and see Soldo taking a big man mark on the wing of the MCG. And if I keep dreaming I can see him holding back Nic Natanui. I can see the goal he kicked on the final day in September last year.
And if I really let my mind wander I can just about see Balta doing the same. And maybe even a little more.
End of 2019 was the first time in our era of dominance that I felt we were unbeatable. That there were no holes in our squad. No weaknesses. A big part of that feeling was the one two punch of Soldo and Nank. That combo doesn't get bested by any ruck division in the league.
It was the only position we ever looked shaky.
Then we didn't for 6 months.
And now we do again.
But I've been dreaming a little today. About Noah Balta.
Broad in and our backline sans Balta is a premiership back 6.
There is benefit in upgrading a premiership back 6. But the cost-benefit is what's interesting.
Does Balta upgrade our backline enough to ignore the benefit he could provide elsewhere?
I can close my eyes and see Soldo taking a big man mark on the wing of the MCG. And if I keep dreaming I can see him holding back Nic Natanui. I can see the goal he kicked on the final day in September last year.
And if I really let my mind wander I can just about see Balta doing the same. And maybe even a little more.
Leading into Brisbane game I was not in favour at all of the idea of moving Balta from defence
But given the exceptional circumstances I’m starting to see the benefits
Wouldn't hurt it'd save us kicking it to Carlisle all night.
Jake has the experience and the size to play on Tommy, they dont have another tall back who matches him as well.
Howard wont be as effective on Tommy as Carlisle would.
That would leave Wilke or Battle to take JR8 both of whom he could get hold of up the ground.
Losing Soldo is a massive blow to the Tigers next year and this year.
Its going to hurt us next year not having him.
We probably win last night with Soldo in as we break even at centre contests more with Ivan due to his height and tap work.
With Soldo and Lynch in last night we would be in another Preliminary Final right now, these 2 are critical structure players.
I don't think we have any other choice but thats just my opinion an I am just a nobody.
Broad gives us our Premiership defence and we get a mobile dangerous pinch hit ruck that can be a weapon all over the ground.
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Ryder was out last time. As was Soldo. They won quite well. In Round 4, we had almost all our team playing.
Their speed and marking players killed us in both defence and attack.
Round 4 is a long time ago, but they have troubled us even over these last few years. We dont match up well on them.
Mate Ryder was on fire today. He was just leaping over 1986 Princess Di and putting the ball wherever the Saints mids wanted it.
Ryder out is a massive bonus to us. Soldo's injury will hurt us more than we initially realised. He is not the most athletic ruckman but he is a warrior competitor with the ability maim. That is what you need in finals.
