Apologies for the lack of coverage of the North Melbourne game. I had half a preview written up but then had to leave home and didn’t have time to finish it before the game. And since that game I really have wanted to take my mind off football, because last week’s game I found was thoroughly depressing. And what made it even worse was that I did my back yelling at the umpire for that Wonaeamirri in the back which wasn’t paid, forcing me to watch the last quarter and a half in excruciating pain while we went from 2 points down to 40. Correlation between the two? I think so.
Anyway, on to today’s game and we face a St Kilda team who are playing as poorly as they have in the last 8 years. You could say that now is a good time to play them, but with the state our team is in at the moment, I don’t think now is a good time to be playing anyone.
Here’s how we will line up:
B: Joel Macdonald, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: Nathan Jones, James Frawley, Jack Watts
C: Addam Maric, Aaron Davey, Luke Tapscott
HF: Jordan Gysberts, Michael Newton, Colin Sylvia
F: Ricky Petterd, Brad Green, Liam Jurrah
FOLL: Stef Martin, Brent Moloney, Clint Bartram
I/C: Matthew Bate, Jordie McKenzie, Neville Jetta, Michael Evans
EMG: Jamie Bennell, Max Gawn, Jeremy Howe
As expected, there were a heap of changes after last week, with four of them forced. I must say I am happy with all five. We know how good Jordie McKenzie is, Matthew Bate is Matthew Bate, Jared Rivers will always be a welcome inclusion even if it comes with the disappointment of Colin Garland’s injury, and Joel Macdonald is one who I rate highly enough on his day. The interesting one is Michael Evans, who will make his debut after some strong form in the VFL. Amazing that Cale Morton can’t get in the side this week. Evidently, he is really struggling for form at the moment, and who knows this kid may turn out to be another rookie-list wonder boy, but there is something seriously wrong. Is it his attitude? Is it his boring tweets (no-one gives a fuck what you’re having for dinner)? Whatever it is, it needs to be fixed quickly because someone like him, not that the number you’re drafted at means anything, should be playing in the 1′s.
No matter who is and isn’t playing today, we need 100% effort from each and every one of them. St Kilda are so low on confidence that a start like last week could easily put them to bed. I can’t believe I’m saying that after what happened last week, but if a start like that is obtained, I have no doubt that we will not let the same thing happen again.
As always the centre clearances will be important. Brent Moloney needs to find a way to get touches without the Russian, and will be crucial to us getting those clearances. It’s Nathan Jones’ 100th game, and no matter what you think about his footballing ability (much improved this year anyway), he is one who always gives 100% when he runs out in the red and blue.
Must cut this one short as I am heading to the game now.
COME ON MELBOURNE
