(09-08-2023, 03:23 PM)crashlander link Wrote:Tonight was one of those almost games from H. he got his hands on the ball a lot, but didn't quite pull in the marks. His kicking at goal was diabolical. But his size and strength were creating problems for Sydney. When he went off, we lacked a tall target: when Charlie led out, there was no other timber to kick to. It allowed Sydney to make a lot of turnovers in our forward 50.
I am sure that he would have been a lot better next week, but for his concussion. Losing him is going to cause a number of structural issues for us in the forward half.
Option 1 is Jack Silvagni, but how fit he is remains the issue.
Option 2 is moving Kemp forward and bringing up either Young or Sam Durdin. Durdin's body strength would have been handy at times, as the Sydney tall forwards took some clutch marks after half time.
I like the way Kemp is developing in defence, but we are short of guys who can replace H. Lemmey is a long way off, and he is the only other one who plays that role.
Option 3: Play Matthew Kennedy forward. He can take a decent grab and has depth in his kicking.
I'm not sure I like any of our choices, but I can't think of anything else.
I don't share your optimism that Harry would be better next week if he were able to play.
Leaving aside that in the Swan's match he was once again a motivation killer, the fact is that since his return to the side we have gone back to the same old predictable approach of entry into the forward line, namely, coming around the flanks and kicking long to the forward line.
During the time he was out injured our plan of attack was quite different - bringing the ball through the centre corridor as quickly as possible, denying the opposition backmen the chance to settle, and allowing our small forwards freedom of movement.
If he is not available for selection against Melbourne, I hope we return to the plan which has brought us success.