Preview Round 1 - Dockers v Lions

[Sproj]

I’m expecting to be 0-3 to start the season but still think we can bounce back from that. Losing Kiddy is huge

 

[Lion_LegacyXL]

We were really flat when we played them there last year and barely fell over the line, I hope us having already played a game will be a significant advantage.

 

[jfn]

Daniel Hoyne from Champion Data with Cornes and Healy on SEN this morning.

1- Hoyne would send Dayne Zorko back to replace Coleman's elite distribution, he was the highest rated kick in the AFL in 2023 by a long way.
2- Cornes said the Lions should look at sending Hugh McCluggage back.

That's why Cornes is on the telly and not in a coach's box.

Too much being said about Kiddy. Sadly he is gone for the year, and everyone has to move on. McKenna probably comes back, so there's a decent replacement from last week's team. Kiddy's foot skills might be missing, but as the season goes on, a new backline style and plan will emerge. Still a strong chance of a Grand Final again this year.

 

[Squizz89]

Neale’s in doubt?

Edit. Apparently, yes. By the sounds of this he won’t play.

Neale in doubt for round one clash with former side Fremantle

The dual-Brownlow Medallist required medical attention on his back in the opening quarter of last week’s loss to Carlton, before returning to the field to play out the game.

www.theage.com.au

 

[twhowler]

Neale’s in doubt?

Edit. Apparently, yes.

Neale in doubt for round one clash with former side Fremantle

The dual-Brownlow Medallist required medical attention on his back in the opening quarter of last week’s loss to Carlton, before returning to the field to play out the game.

www.theage.com.au

Sounds more like won’t play according to that.

Feeling more ominous this game.

I guess lyons stays now.

 

[M Malice]

Lachie playing sore again, not good signs, interested to know exactly what it is, the long term prognosis and is it a continuation of a previous issue.

Coleman and Neale out is a massive amount of firepower missing.

 

[Squizz89]

Hmmm the pessimist in me says we just know that this is all the start of what we feared. Most realistic shot at a flag imo but a year catching up on injuries we’ve been lucky to avoid.

I hope I’m wrong, but like a few others I walked out of the G on GF day thinking it’ll take a monumental effort to get back there. Injuries was one of the reasons why.

 

[rye]

last time neale missed a substantial portion of the season we managed to get by on the inside through JL and zorko playing to AA squad level. i doubt either of those two are capable of doing so again. dunks and clug are going to have to go beast mode. i believe in them.

 

[M Malice]

If Lachie is out give Dev a go as a pure inside mid, that is what he was as a junior when he won player of the National Carnival IIRC.

 

[rye]

If Lachie is out give Dev a go as a pure inside mid, that is what he was as a junior when he won player of the National Carnival IIRC.

we would really miss neale's clean hands on the inside if playing dev as a like for like, but i wouldnt mind seeing him take on the defensive mid role and let dunkley try play neale's role

 

[Mr Ripper]

Season’s gone. Play the kids.

 

[scoman]

Hmmm the pessimist in me says we just know that this is all the start of what we feared. Most realistic shot at a flag imo but a year catching up on injuries we’ve been lucky to avoid.

I hope I’m wrong, but like a few others I walked out of the G on GF day thinking it’ll take a monumental effort to get back there. Injuries was one of the reasons why.

The other side of the coin says a bit of adversity might lead to greater performance. It might mean guys like Clugga, Rayner, Bailey and even Dev go to the next level. It might mean we learn more about winning ugly, controlling game situations, etc. Not having a full list available means guys will know how important it is to play their role and not rely on others to get the job done.

 

[Tom14]

 

[briztoon]

Season’s gone. Play the kids.

 

[scoman]

May as well go for the spoon and get a pick in before Lashcroft!

 

[Lion_LegacyXL]

It sucks that we don't have the Barometer anymore

 

[DreadBat5701894]

Have a bad feeling it won’t just be this week that Neale misses.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Wonder if the long flights influenced the decision to give Neale the week off

 

[Thomasno]

Side note, but Matho is absolutely JACKED at the moment, still follow him on Instagram. Man looks like he spent the entire time since being delisted lifting weights

 

[scoman]

Wonder if the long flights influenced the decision to give Neale the week off

Hopefully

 

[scoman]

If I remember correctly, Clugga was elite during the games Neale missed a couple of years ago. After a good kick up the bum during the week (I assume), and now this opportunity to step up, it could be a good thing.

 

[Elixuh]

JL will stay in for the organisation and clean hands around the ball.

I’d then just bring in McKenna and Dev.

 

[dlanod]

Have a bad feeling it won’t just be this week that Neale misses.

Great call. I've heard he's 100% missing next week too!

 

[briztoon]

May as well go for the spoon and get a pick in before Lashcroft!

If you can’t be first, better to be last than come second.

 

[scoman]

If you can’t be first, better to be last than come second.

Absolutely. Imagine the overall benefit to the club, if we could snaffle the number one pick. Much rather have a Gibbs, Rayner, Cadman or JHF type added to the list instead of increased memberships, big crowds, retaining players, attracting players, finals football, enjoyment of success, etc....