Bandy is too mobile for Livo IMO

Bandy had 1 kick on him for 3/4 last year in the VFL (no marks no handballs) then was benched! So Eff off

Maybe no matchup for Livo or Teague and I can understand Teague being dropped on form but its pretty rich of Pagan to start dropping players because of matchups as Pagan hasn't worried about matchups for 3 years so why start now? Agree with Frank.

Given that it would be madness to take Kouta our of the middle (who else is going to get it there for us) that leaves Bowyer down back. I don't know who we play on Smith and Murphy from our midget backline if Tbird takes Bandy. What happens if Rawlings, Hanh or Bowden get down there. It also has more to do with confidence. Livo gets dropped with serviceable form while various others survive with worse form (Scotland for instance). Horses for courses maybe but Livo may be a handy option. And we should be experimenting. Throw him up forward. Do something Dennis, be bold, be imaginative, we're getting flogged can we at least try and surprise the opposition. Bet Rocket had a sleepless week owrking out our complex strategies and set plays (not!)

Voice of reason as always Frank

I don't think anyone here fully understands the difficulties associated with playing in Darwin (including me). From what I hear, it is pretty oppressive there. The forecast suggests a minimum of 22 tonight, and it is partly cloudy. The thing that really makes it unusual is the humidity, although I don't know whether that will be a problem tonight.

The oppressive conditions will take it out of players who aren't endurance athletes. Prenda's selection has been criticised, but he is precisely the type of big man who has a relative advantage over other big men. And he is definitely required to relieve Bryan. Bryan's endurance will be sorely tested.

A couple of weeks ago when Livo was matched against Barry Hall, SOS said he thought that Hall would try to blow him up. He predicted he'd stretch him by long fast leads and running him up to the wings. He said that Livo's endurance was suspect. I don't know whether he was saying this because of the enforced layoff that Livo suffered with the knee injury, although I think he was referring to his underlying endurance level.

Against such a mobile forward line and a coach who loves using his interchange bench to exploit the opposition players, this could be a real problem. If Fev is playing, I don't see him having much of a role in the forward line. For the reasons I set out earlier, playing 4 tall leading forwards is just plain silly in Darwin.

Now if Fev withdraws, Livo may well get a guernsey up forward. But if there is a problem with his endurance, I hope this doesn't result in him blowing up and his confidence imploding.

great didnt play for bullants and didnt play for Blues very inspiring decision !

but frank, we played our paciest side ...

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... an eagle flew out of the night. he was something to observe, came in close i heard a voice, bending stretching every nerve, had to listen had no choice ...

I honestly couldn't see a matchup for Livo tonight. Couldn't see a matchup for Bannister who replaced Waite to tell the truth. Did he play more than 5 mins?

Not one carlton bloke matched up with his opponent for the night so why would that have mattered - still reckon wrong message was sent to livo and decision given the context of the season mystifying

Probably fair enough. I think Livo is really showing something, and he's one of my favourite players primarily because he's been up against it both injury-wise and because he's been given a hiding by many "supporters".
I reckon he'll take being left out in his stride.

You're right Frank, the manning up through the midfield was a disgrace.

Even when the Bulldogs missed a target or a player fumbled they weren't tackled and had time to get a clean disposal away - this must have happened twenty times tonight. Shitful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


My Father went to bed at half time and called the effort a disgrace to the jumper.

I can't disagree.

What is interesting is that there was a place for Bowyer in the side last night.. But not for Teague.

They are probably the same in speed, Teague is taller.

Both showcase the same, camicazie (sp?) courage.

But i'd suggest that Teague is twice as good a kick as Bowyer.

Interesting selection.

Titimus, I think Pagan just wants to have a good look at everyone. And Teague's form has been well below expectations.

Agreed, but I think that Denis knows what he will get from Bowyer.

Maybe he is being rewarded for good VFL form. Who knows?


I actually wouldn't mind Bowyer in the side if we had a better list than we have. He provides a bit of grunt - and his unquestionable courage down back is fantastic.

But you can't really depend on him in that role with our team a shambles at the moment. He would be a good 'last' pick for the backline, and a handy replacement for injuries.

i like to see both teague and bowyer in the team, in current form, i prefer bowyer over sporn,