Round 1: Who is unlikely to be fit?

[perfectionist]

Might be somewhere else, but now that the cricket is all but over, I've turned my attention to the main game. So, who is unlikely to be fit for Round 1?

[Eastern]

The only players with any doubt are Goddard & Maguire but it has been reported that both are on track for Rd 1. Having said that, Rd 1 is still around 11 weeks away. A lot can hapen in that time !!

[brown-coat]

Well, firstly.

At this time of the every team is "The fittest we've ever been and everyone is coming up really well we're all looking forward to round 1"

All 16 teams are putting out that bloody message to their fans, they do it every year.

In reality.

Xavier Clarke and Raphael Clarke will be ravaged by injury all pre-season and limp into seniors at about round 10, where they will both get injured again.

Goose will only play about 3 or 4 games for the season.

We should get at least 1 knee reco during the nab cup.

Goddard will do his knee first round back (he may be that player who does it first game of the nab)


blah blah blah

[esaint66]

but now that the cricket is all but over

there are 2 tests and the one dayers to go

[|Andy|]

attard

[TimeToShineFellas]

Well, firstly.

At this time of the every team is "The fittest we've ever been and everyone is coming up really well we're all looking forward to round 1"

All 16 teams are putting out that bloody message to their fans, they do it every year.

In reality.

Xavier Clarke and Raphael Clarke will be ravaged by injury all pre-season and limp into seniors at about round 10, where they will both get injured again.

Goose will only play about 3 or 4 games for the season.

We should get at least 1 knee reco during the nab cup.

Goddard will do his knee first round back (he may be that player who does it first game of the nab)


blah blah blah

And welcome back brown-coat..........!

Always the "half-glass full man", your optimisim knows no bounds.

I look forward to some very positive feedback from you as per normal! You are the ultimate Saints Man!

[Eastern]

attard

Rookie. Not in contention, and .................I forgot about him !!

[saintly]

The only players with any doubt are Goddard & Maguire but it has been reported that both are on track for Rd 1. Having said that, Rd 1 is still around 11 weeks away. A lot can hapen in that time !!

attard, and baker being suspended for 5 games.

[mad saint guy]

Unavailable: Baker, Attard
Unfit: Goddard, Maguire, M.Gardiner

[Go Sretnias Go]

Agree with Attard and Bakes initially and would suggest that the new fitness team would in no way rush Goose, BJ, proberbly Lenny and even Harves into the side for round 1, even if it's still 11 weeks away.
Slowly slowly will be the scene.

[BringBackMadDog]

Why is M Gardiner unfit? He hasn't missed a session.

[SaintBot]

Why is M Gardiner unfit? He hasn't missed a session.

...and hasnt played a proper season of football for about 3 or 4 years

he would most likely severly lack match fitness. i would rather him, even if fully fit, come back via Casey and play Rix in the ruck for the first few rounds.

[Go Sretnias Go]

Michael Gardiner, I suspect, will play all of the NAB/Challenge Cup games for match experience and if he gets through those OK, he would be a shoein for round1.

[st.byron]

Why is M Gardiner unfit? He hasn't missed a session.

And hasn't played at the highest level consistently for five seasons.
We'll be lucky to get six games out of him.
BJ and Goose will surely be nursed back into match fitness and as others have posted, Attard and Bakes unavailable.

[yipper]

Michael Gardiner, I suspect, will play all of the NAB/Challenge Cup games for match experience and if he gets through those OK, he would be a shoein for round1.

If he plays alright and is fit enough - yep.

Why would Lenny be nursed?? He is in full training and his knee problems are long behind him. He struggled in the early part of last year - but is AOK now.

[cowboy18]

So, who is unlikely to be fit for Round 1?

Me. I'm going to struggle, still recovering from the excesses of christmas the ravages of old age. I'm pencilling in being able to run more than 15 minutes around round 4.

[Go Sretnias Go]

Michael Gardiner, I suspect, will play all of the NAB/Challenge Cup games for match experience and if he gets through those OK, he would be a shoein for round1.

If he plays alright and is fit enough - yep.

Why would Lenny be nursed?? He is in full training and his knee problems are long behind him. He struggled in the early part of last year - but is AOK now.

With t he older blokes who suffered from injuries in recent times, and I would also include Maxy, I am certain Misson and his team would nurse them into the season slowly and build their fitness up slowly.

[LTN16]

Unfit: M.Gardiner

M.Gardiner will not be unfit come Round 1, if he keeps training the way he has been and plays all NAB Cup & Challenge games he will be fit enough to play as the #2 Ruckman behind King.

[Eastern]

The only players with any doubt are Goddard & Maguire but it has been reported that both are on track for Rd 1. Having said that, Rd 1 is still around 11 weeks away. A lot can hapen in that time !!

attard, and baker being suspended for 5 games.

Refering back to OP. Baker is/will be fit, just not available because of injustice/incompetence !!

[st.byron]

So, who is unlikely to be fit for Round 1?

Me. I'm going to struggle, still recovering from the excesses of christmas the ravages of old age. I'm pencilling in being able to run more than 15 minutes around round 4.

Good on you Cowboy. At least you have a plan.
Am curious though. "recovering from the excesses of old age". How? What's your secret?

[B W and R all over]

As long as one of King or M. Gardiner are fit and raring to go I'll be happy.

[esaint66]

M.Gardiner will not be unfit come Round 1, if he keeps training the way he has been and plays all NAB Cup & Challenge games he will be fit enough to play as the #2 Ruckman behind King.

has gariner ever played as a backup ruckman? i dont remember anyone ahead of him at the eagles maybe cox in the later part of his career there but how do you think he will react to having king there? and btw who will cover bakers position?

[esaint66]

oh and by the way i love your avatar cowboy18 havent seen agro in years

[Halo-9]

Hayes would be ready and firing for round 1 i reckon,,dont think they would rest him.

Perhaps harvs to keep him fresher for later in the year but we all know sir robert is a differant marvel compared to the normal footballer

[Quixote]

I would hope anyone who is fit and match ready come Rnd 1 will play. This is the way it should be.

The 'taking it slowly' theory is off the mark. If fit, and in form, they play. If not, they don't.

Especially considering the favourable early draw. Would imagine Ross and Co are smart enough to want to capatalise on it.

I think Goose will be up before Goddard. Barring further setbacks I expect Goose to be ready for R1 and Goddard R3 after two Ressies hitouts.

With the exception of further injuries, everyone else (Attard and Baker excluded) SHOULD be fit and ready to play Round 1. INCLUDING Gardiner. Don't see why four months of pre-season followed by four practice matches should hold him in any fitness doubt. FORM excluded.