Pre game discussion: AFL 2020 Rd 8: Carlton vs North Melbourne

[ElwoodBlues1]

<1>Last week Marc Pittonet had his least effective game by a long way. Apart from one small patch, he was generally beaten on the day.
It made a big difference in the end, as Port's ruckman got so much of the ball.
Goldstein provides a challenge that we have to really work at. if he dominates, then we are trouble, no matter how poor they have been of late.
What are our options?
[1] Trust Pitto: has stood up to the challenge so far, even with last week's poor game.
[2] Maybe we could ruck Jones? Jones is not likely to win many taps, but he competes well ans won't let his man get away with the single free possession.
[3] Bring de Koning in: I don't think he is ready yet, but his athleticism, his marking and his leap provides more options than our one dimensional ruck unit so far.
I honestly don't know which way we should go, but we really need to put some time into this.

<2> A couple of our players have had less than stellar weeks lately. Guys like Cuningham and Newnes, to mention just a few. Do we stay with them, knowing that they both can play much better, or do we blood some newchums who could prove a difference?
I'd be tempted to bring in a guy like Honey, who could just do enough extraordinary stuff to be a match winner and who won't take any crap.
Cottrell has been impressing in the twos, although our defence has been pretty good.
or do we 'strengthen' the midield? Polson has been good. Dow?

This is a very winnable game, Not sure I would be getting too cute with selection and bringing 1st gamers in...Nth are down but not out and still have a few decent players who could trouble us and take advantage of any newbies.
Think we will stick with the Pittonet/Casboult ruck combo...you would expect Goldstein to take the points but as long as Pitto can negate him to just an average game its job done.
Ed Curnow has to take Higgins IMO, McDonald or Dumont will probably get Cripps and If my memory serves me right I think the latter has done ok on the skipper in the past.
McGovern might have a easier time of it this week, Nth's defense apart from Tarrant isnt start studded and likely opponents for the Guv could be McMillan or Pittard, he should over power both and providing he doesnt let them do too much rebounding he could have one of his better games.