AFL 2023 Semi Final Carlton vs Melbourne at the MCG

[DJC]

Gawn is a champion but I don't think they will play him solo against TDK/Pitt if this is the case. Grundy coming back in is very likely.

If so, that could be to our advantage.  Grundy's ruck form is poor and he would struggle against the diversity of Pitto and the King.  Gawn, as a forward, is ineffective, as is Grundy.

I think that Gawn will ruck, with a jab, and Ben Brown will come in for McDonald, who seems to have become an average VFL player.

[LP]

I think that Gawn will ruck, with a jab, and Ben Brown will come in for McDonald, who seems to have become an average VFL player.

I agree about Brown.

I think McDonald is OK but his early return shows the folly of bringing blokes into AFL finals from the long term injury cold free of AFL games?

Tossing the names about on the magnetic board I mentioned Young earlier as part of a reshuffle in Harry's absence, but is Sam Durdin completely out of considerations?

Maybe if he's fit Kennedy is the natural, an extra mid who is more than a useful marking forward, if he is fit and ready to go.

So Kennedy and SoJ?

Bizarre Dow isn't in despatches, almost a bit sad, he only becomes a consideration in my book if we are prepared to shuffle Cerra and Hewett!

Mild and dry Friday night, perfect football conditions.

To me Melbourne looked sore and slow at the end of last Thursday's game, which is perhaps even more of an argument for Kennedy and Dow to take a full toll!

[pew2]

get ready for a massive response from melb in first Q ,we need to answer all challenges in first Q

[WASurfer]

Silvagni/Motlop in for Martin/Harry.......Dow or Kennedy as the sub. Personally, I'd opt for Dow just because of a bit of extra leg speed later in the game. Only other possibility might be an extra smaller defender given Melbourne won't be playing too tall unless they bring Brown or Schache in.....likely it'll be McDonald and Joel Smith up forward.

[BlackRooster]

Glad to see some of us tickets. I got in a10:15 not bad i thought, yeah right. No cat 1,2,3, tickets available and i was only after two. Tried best available Q14 row z. Ouch but i am going.
Go Blue Baggers.

[kruddler]

Agreed, if we lose McKay and Martin we must have a marking tall come in so that Charlie isn't the soul focus.

I hope SoJ is fit and ready to go, and I hope we don't fall into the trap of thinking we can ruck him versus Gawn.

Left field, Young in and a rotation of McGovern, Kemp and Marchbank forward?

Young No.
Soj Yes.

I'd go Kennedy before Young.

[rocky]

If JSOS is fit enough I'd definitely go for him as a replacement for Harry. Don't think Martin will get off so who to come in. I would've said Motlop but he was just so terrible last week and I fear he's lost the confidence he had prior to injury. If there was an injury.
I'm leaning to Kennedy, but he's been out for so long I feel it may be a risk if both he and JSOS play. Maybe we throw Hollands in at the deep end and see what happens. To tell you the truth I'd have Hollands ahead of Owies, but that's not happening. I've also got a thing about Pittonet but can't see him getting cut. What the hell.
JSOS for H
Hollands for Martin
Pitt out Kennedy in
Owies out Fisher in
Motlop out Dow the sub

[dodge]

I'll be asleep - 3am in LA when the game starts.

I look forward to reading about our victory on the site.

[crashlander]

I would be playing both ruckmen, whether Gawn is 100% or not. They offer different things and Tom, especially, cannot ruck the entire game on his own. Having a fresh ruckman to take the duty on regularly is the best way of wearing Gawn down and reducing his effectiveness.

[LoveNavy]

H and Martin out

SOS and Kennedy in

Whilst reasonable like for like. Both lack match fitness and may take a bit to adjust.