Selection Dissection: Unc Out, Barrass In?
Who's in the mix to face the Dogs
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Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Friday June 5, MCG @ 7.40pm
One more to go until our much needed bye. This week’s clash against the Bulldogs is massive. A win and we can set ourselves up for a top 4 or even a top 2 finish. Our fixture to this point of the season has been a disgrace but it really opens up in the back half of the season.
Looking at our current injury list, we are just about at full strength. Post bye, we should have every player on the list available for selection. Our strength and conditioning coach Peter Burge deserves to be favourite for our “Best and Fairest” this season.
The biggest question around selection this week will centre around our best defender, Tom Barrass. He’s missed the last three matches with a hamstring injury but has trained this week and is in the mix for a return. Do we play it safe and give him two more weeks off with the bye next week or does he come in and play on the in-form Aaron Naughton?
Unfortunately it looks like Jack Gunston won’t play this week having failed to train after hurting his foot again last week against the Saints.
Other than Noah Mraz, who won’t debut this week, no one from Box Hill played well enough do be considered for selection this week.
Defenders
It was a tale of two halves last week against the Saints. They were goalless in the first half but kicked 9 goals in the second half. Jarman Impey continued his excellent form and I thought Bailey MacDonald, who came into the side played well and added some extra pace. If Barrass returns it will be interesting to see who goes out. I think MacDonald must stay in the team.
With Gunston rested in the 4th quarter last week, Hardwick moved forward and kicked four last quarter goals. With Gunston set to miss this week, Hardwick will need to stay forward which will create a big issue for the coach. Cody Weightman looks set to return after a long injury lay-off. Hardwick has beaten him time and time again over the years but will be needed forward this week. The Dogs also have Arty Jones and Rhyley West who are both in good form. Amon, Impey and Bailey Macdonald all provide great run and carry in their roles but lets hope defensively they are on this week.
The Midfield
Welcome back Will Day! How good was it to see him back last week. His disposal, mainly by foot was excellent, especially for his first game back. Let’ s hope he can have a good injury run and play out the remainder of the season.
A special mention to Cam Mackenzie, who played his best game of the season last week. “Frenchie” has really lifted his game in recent weeks and is having a much improved season.
Centre clearance was strong against the Saints last week but we still lost stoppage clearance. That must change against the Bulldogs this wee. Their midfield is in dominant form.
Bontempelli, Richards, Sanders and Kennedy are all playing well. Nash will get the Bont like he always does which leave Richards as a nightmare match-up. He’s an elite runner that hurts you on the inside and outside. I think Josh Ward could be the one to get the role. Look for Riley Sanders and Matt Kennedy to rotate on Jai Newcombe throughout the game, especially at clearance.
The Rucks
Reeves’s tap work last week, especially in the centre was elite but I still feel the Reeves/Meek combo is a worry. This week they come up against Tim English, who returned last week from a concussion. English didn’t play in Round 5 at Gather Round and was one of the key reasons we won the game. He’s an elite ruck, so Reeves and Meek must stand up this week.
The Forwards
After kicking five goals in first three quarters we had the luxury to rest Jack Gunston in the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, it looks like Gunston will miss this week. As mentioned earlier, Hardwick will remain forward. The Bulldogs backline is not very good and they can concede goals quickly. I expect our small/half forwards to dominate this game, especially on the MCG. The Dogs have been kicking high scores in recent weeks, so we must get a good spread of goals from our forwards this week. I think we will need at least 15 goals to win this game.
Ben Ronke Of The Week
Lachie McNeil to kick 3
What should happen
In: Nash & Barrass
Out: Gunston (injured), Perez (omitted)
B: Amon - Barrass - Sicily
HB: Weddle - Battle - Impey
C: Nairn - Day - D’Ambrosio
HF: Moore - Lewis -Ginnivan
F: Watson - Chol - Hardwick
R: Reeves - Newcombe - Nash
INT: Meek- C.Macdonald - Mackenzie - Ward - B.Macdonald
Emg: Perez – Morrison- Schubert
What will happen:
In - Nash & Barrass
Out – Gunston (injured), Perez (omitted)
B: Amon - Barrass - Sicily
HB: Weddle - Battle - Impey
C: Nairn - Day - D’Ambrosio
HF: Moore - Lewis -Ginnivan
F: Watson - Chol - Hardwick
R: Reeves - Newcombe - Nash
INT: Meek- C.Macdonald - Mackenzie - Ward - B.Macdonald
Emg: Perez – Morrison- Schubert
Depth players: Calsher Dear, Sam Butler, Will McCabe, Flynn Perez, Aidan Schubert, Harry Morrison, Ollie Greeves, Cam Nairn, Matt Hill
Injured: Jack Scrimshaw, James Blanck
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You have left Bodie Ryan out of your mix and depth? Surely he should still be considered. Thought he has been ok and has a good future??
Nairn is in your depth?
Ave age 24.87 (25.35)
(Day (25) & D'Ambrosio's (23) birthdays)
Ave games: 99.39 (110.96)