Darwin in the rear-view bring on Melbourne

Another successful trip to Darwin is complete, another easy 2-0 to pad the record. It was really noticeable to me this year how much of a drop-off in quality these Darwin games are. Its just impossible to play a really good game in sticky 30ᵒ weather. This means I don’t think we can take a lot from these games to  forecast whether we are finals-ready. It was great to show that we know the conditions and that we at least have a much better midfield than Geelong. But otherwise I don’t fancy drawing conclusions. So instead I am going to look at possible selection changes and the big run of games we have coming up before the bye against Carlton, Essendon and St Kilda.

I think it’s a given that Witts comes back in for Moyle, he should be raring to go after a nice week off.

In the forward line I would think Long and Johnston might keep their spots after good showings against Geelong but I would understand if Holman or Rogers came back in. I would be surprised if Johnston and Rogers played because that removes a lot of experience from the forward line, I would expect one of Homan or Long to start at least. Day likely swaps with Walter too, who earned a well-earned break, I can’t wait to see the big lad again.

In the midfield Davies and Fiorini are the questionable spots, does Graham come right back in for Davies since they fill the same role? Fiorini was one of few players not to play especially well last week so Ainsworth could move back to the wing, although Fiorini’s running ability has kept him in the lineup for most of this season.

Down back Andrew appears to be healthy so that should help against Carlton’s formidable talls. Uwland was superb across the two Darwin games so should keep his spot as a small defender. The debate will likely surround Swallow, Jeffrey and Sexton. Jeffrey had the most quiet game of the three but Swallow did go forward at points. I think it is only fair to keep them all in there for now till someone plays themselves out of the team and Atkins or Budarick get another shot.

Overall the squad seems to be in a pretty good place, things would be a lot easier if Weller was fit and Powell hadn’t earned himself a suspension. But otherwise I see a good mix of young players who need game time and more reliable senior players who have had a confidence boost from the trip. By my measure most of the squad had at least one very good game over the last fortnight which should lift the spirits before we hit Marvel.

I said previously that the Carlton game would be our first progress report since the QClash, how well will we move the ball out of defence, can we keep the pressure high for 4 quarters and can we avoid a slow start? At least most of our forwards have had a taste of the goals recently so we should have our shooting boots on. With 2 games at Marvel and a home game against a top 4 side we will absolutely know where we stand relative to the rest of the league when we hit the bye. If we can win the game at Carrara and nab one of the away ones that would be confirmation of our finals’ chances, but if we struggle to compete like we have early in the season and lose 2 games clearly then doubts will remain. It will give us a sense of how much work Hardwick has to do for us to make a late run at finals like GWS, Carlton and Collingwood before us. It is also strange that it has taken till round 11 for us to play a game in Melbourne, whether that is a help or a hindrance is to be seen but it’s a  significant fixture quirk.