I have reservations about tonight.
They have what more than about 9 quality players out and we have 1.
THEIR midfield is still so so strong minus Cerra. Ours is ageing with a heavy reliance on Cotch & Prestia.
Theirs is relatively young and their captain is Bull notching up his 150. The last three times we have played I think he has been if not close to BOG and has kicked 3 goals.
Doherty and Saad need some work put into them as they generate a lot of run from their back half and their transition to the forward line without the opposition would have to be up there with the best.
They have Big Mac and Curnow down there plus their 3-4 small forwards who could cause us headaches if we refuse to pressure transition from their backline and through their midfield then it doesn’t matter who is on them, no backline can stop it.
Nankervis with relief from I guess 5 mins of Balta are going to have to put enough pressure when the ball hits the ground and not allow easy ball out of the centre by reading our taps. That’s why I would start Pickett in there with Cotch & Prestia. Rotate as often as we can with Shai, Edwards ( has to lift) , Graham, Lambert ( short stint but as an overlap player as he is so smart), Short changing with Pickett on the wing) Baker Boy and just pressure them.
We have to switched on from the start.
There will possibly be a chance of persistent rain throughout the game so keep the game flowing and simple. We are not as skilled as others but don’t just bombed it constantly to Lynch or Jack.
I would play Lynch further up the ground as Jack roaming not stationary and maybe Shai at FF. Something different and unexpected..
Whoever Durdin plays on we have to put the pressure on him by playing maybe Jack and have Jack moving all the time. Try and go through where possible. Put him under extreme pressure.
For me my sub would be a small to medium type player.
Toss up between Ross for more midfield cover or MRJ for more forward half pressure.
Huge game for some of our kids like Gibsus ( who has been down a bit but can be switched forward for impact ) , Ralphsmith, Clarke as this will be as close as it gets too if not a FINAL.
Will be close and tight game.
Carlton are the real deal under Vossy this year.
Whether or not the Tigers can recapture that form of 17-20 which made them so good we will find out.
I’m not confident and I’m hoping PRE will lift my hopes & spirits up before the bounce of the game.
Biggest game so far of the year for both clubs. The importance of this game is what I posted yesterday. An 8 point game.
Season defining for both clubs.
If I see first contest from Cotchin body on the line stuff resulting on a goal I know we are switched on…
If I see poor manning up, easy transition a lack of pressure and getting murdered in the midfield, well ….
AND we have to stop giving up EASY goals and it the Blues get a run on or momentum changes DO something about it!
I can’t tip a winner. I think I’m a JINX when I go or watch the game…
Just Go Tigers.
