AFL Elimination Final 1 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney

[ElwoodBlues1]

I am concerned that Harry's return isn't an automatic bonus for the forward line.

When Harry was out injured our midfield and small forwards seemed to be released from the predictable entry into the forward line of looking for either Harry or Charlie who nearly always led to the flanks.  Instead, players went straight down the middle and were prepared to kick for goal from within the fifty metre arc, putting immediate pressure on the opposition defence.  Our goals to points scored ratio improved and there was an immediate lift in the performances of Fogarty, Motlop, Martin and Owies.

As an example, in the Collingwood match Cincotta took a mark on the fifty metre arc, just went back and kicked a goal instead of trying to short pass.

My concern is that Harry's return will make it easier for the opposition defence if we return to the predictable method of entry into the forward line.
 

I think the form of Owies dictates we look to hit him up on the lead if he is available and likewise Martin is another target if he is one out with an opponent who he can outmark. Harry will get less opportunities but can still be useful in dragging players away from Charlie and being productive up the ground. I wasnt disappointed in his work when played as the second ruck vs GWS mainly for his ability to get involved in general play rather than his ruckwork which was about as good as the opposing novice second ruck in Keefe in which they both cancelled each other out.
Saying all that the Swans are very undersized down back and Id expect Harry to spend his time down forward this week and his big height advantage should have him prominent and in the goals given he should get less attention than Charlie who will probably be double teamed.