Tim Lafai

[possm]

Our Club's best possible centre combination at the moment is Dugan and Mine. Both big strong centres who can run hard and defend well. Milne has already his ability to play both sides of the field. So the only reason to not select these two players in the centres is to accommodate other factors - not just who are our best centres.

So my view is that we select our best players in their most suitable positions. Let competition and form be the reason for any change. I say select Field / Mann at fullback / five-eighth and switch Widdop to 7 for 2017.

 

[ALSGI]

Our Club's best possible centre combination at the moment is Dugan and Mine. Both big strong centres who can run hard and defend well. Milne has already his ability to play both sides of the field. So the only reason to not select these two players in the centres is to accommodate other factors - not just who are our best centres.

So my view is that we select our best players in their most suitable positions. Let competition and form be the reason for any change. I say select Field / Mann at fullback / five-eighth and switch Widdop to 7 for 2017.

100% agree

 

[Dragsters]

Our Club's best possible centre combination at the moment is Dugan and Mine. Both big strong centres who can run hard and defend well. Milne has already his ability to play both sides of the field. So the only reason to not select these two players in the centres is to accommodate other factors - not just who are our best centres.

So my view is that we select our best players in their most suitable positions. Let competition and form be the reason for any change. I say select Field / Mann at fullback / five-eighth and switch Widdop to 7 for 2017.

I agree that milne and dugan are our best possible pairing if Dufty was available and I selected them in my team.

With Dufty injured though and if Mary goes with Dugan at the back, which I think he will, then milne on the right and Lafai in the left would be ok provided he is fit.

 

[BrissyRedV]

One of the problems we have with the fullback position is we have 2 completely different types of fullback. Dufty and Dugan both have completely different styles of play and it is going to take time for the team as a whole to adapt to their individual strengths and weaknesses. Much like last year, the team trained with a ball playing fullback and then struggled to adapt when the experiment was abandoned which looks likely to continue to be a hindrance this year.

 

[getsmarty]

I agree that milne and dugan are our best possible pairing if Dufty was available and I selected them in my team.

With Dufty injured though and if Mary goes with Dugan at the back, which I think he will, then milne on the right and Lafai in the left would be ok provided he is fit.

Personally I would go with Mann Left (if not selected in the Halves) and either Milne/Aitken Right. Mary will not play Dugan at Centre...he has already stated this.
Unfortunately some players from the group of Milne/Mann/Aitken/Macdonald/Lafai will be in the Cutters. I have a suspicion that it will be Mann and Milne and Mary will go with Lafai and Aitken.

 

[SBD82]

No offence to you risky but if this happens it would Mary's dumbest selection decision of all time!

The fact that this is even possible is scary.

Let's not forget that he selected JDB at halfback

 

[SBD82]

Personally I would go with Mann Left (if not selected in the Halves) and either Milne/Aitken Right. Mary will not play Dugan at Centre...he has already stated this.
Unfortunately some players from the group of Milne/Mann/Aitken/Macdonald/Lafai will be in the Cutters. I have a suspicion that it will be Mann and Milne and Mary will go with Lafai and Aitken.

Disgraceful if it happens. I like aitken, but no way he is a better centre than Milne or Mann, and both of those guys will keep getting better and better.

Lafai has a massive top end quality, but it's been a long time since he's shown it. Cutters for Lafai for mine.

 

[Dragonslayer]

I don't think the centre combo is set in stone for round 1 just yet. With Lafai, Aitken, Milne and even Dugan in the mix and all 4 are represented this weekend.
They may well start the CS with Lafai and Aitken. Lafai has had 1 hit out last weekend, so I think that's why he was selected in this game and not the Cutters, so our genius coach can get another look at him. Aitken will have played all 3 trials and may get a half time rest and that's when Milne will come on and maybe even Dugan switch to centre with Mann to fullback.
If I were McGregor, I'd give Aitken a run in the forwards, even just for 10 mins or so, just to see his impact.

 

[Dragsters]

Mann better get a decent run in the halves on Sunday.

He is the most important piece in the puzzle imo.

 

[Risky_6]

Sorry guys just found out the information about which side lafai and Aitken will play is still up in the air but both guarantee will start in the centres ahead of Milne and mann.

Mary spoke to a few guys I know yesterday and he told them both will start in the centres but still deciding on who will partner Nightingale and Macdonald on right and left.

Other info was McCrone and field will share the halfback role, he seems reluctant to start field, hopefully he can prove everyone wrong on Sunday and get the 7 jersey for round 1.

Kurt mann will be given an opportunity in both halves and centre as he is still in the mix to start round 1.

Not a fan of lafai and McCrone however all reports about lafai is he has been very impressive this off season and has earnt his start ahead of two very good players.

 

[Belta]

If we see the sort of rotations Risky_6 is suggesting in the Charity Shield then it's shaping up as a important game in determining the round 1 team...at least that's what it appears on the surface....could be a defining moment for Field if he is in the halves and forwards like the Burgess boys target him...

Also be interesting if Mann and Field play well again remembering a quote from Mary about the the trial form will go a long way in determining the FG lineup for round 1...

 

[Crush]

A big congratulations to Tim Lafai on his selection at starting centre for the Charity Shield. He really deserves his spot after having such a good year in 2014!
Great to see his hard work in 2014 has paid off!
Milne a little unlucky but I am sure he will be fine to go back to the cutters and play another year in reserves.

 

[emu62]

If we see the sort of rotations Risky_6 is suggesting in the Charity Shield then it's shaping up as a important game in determining the round 1 team...at least that's what it appears on the surface....could be a defining moment for Field if he is in the halves and forwards like the Burgess boys target him...

Also be interesting if Mann and Field play well again remembering a quote from Mary about the the trial form will go a long way in determining the FG lineup for round 1...

Correct me if Im wrong but i think it was also quoted the run on side for the CS was going to be pretty close to the team for round 1, read it somewhere, not sure where

 

[Dragsters]

Correct me if Im wrong but i think it was also quoted the run on side for the CS was going to be pretty close to the team for round 1, read it somewhere, not sure where

If that's the case then we are doomed!

 

[tumbidragon]

And right on queue... Cya lad! f**king pot plant.

 

[VodkaSaint]

And right on queue... Cya lad! f**king pot plant.

hes been tagged as the Tin Man now hehe

 

[Maxwell]

I would like to see Milne and Lafia in centres Mcdonald 1 winger and Aitkin the other winger. Aitkins defence is poor , races out of line and leaves a yawning gap. Duggan looked sharp at f/b , speed was good. But again we are lacking in the halves Widdop has no idea whats happening in these block plays , but I doubt any of the players know it . And we always run them left side , not so much block plays right side. And sorry to admit it but McCrone is going to be our halfback . It will be a long lost season heading our way, what is Mark Coyne supposed to be achieving in his new role, what ever it is it ain't working .

 

[denis preston]

I would like to see Milne and Lafia in centres Mcdonald 1 winger and Aitkin the other winger. Aitkins defence is poor , races out of line and leaves a yawning gap. Duggan looked sharp at f/b , speed was good. But again we are lacking in the halves Widdop has no idea whats happening in these block plays , but I doubt any of the players know it . And we always run them left side , not so much block plays right side. And sorry to admit it but McCrone is going to be our halfback . It will be a long lost season heading our way, what is Mark Coyne supposed to be achieving in his new role, what ever it is it ain't working .

Where is Coyne ?

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

Mc Gregor is useless Milne should be in the side . If Lafai has turned back the clock he should have no problem in fighting his way back in first grade.

Good point.....its all to easy for some in tne team...thats why we are where we are