Herald Sun football writer Jon Anderson takes a look at the potential subs for each finalist
THIS September, we could see superstars wearing the green vest. We rate each team’s likely sub.
THIS September, we could see superstars wearing the green vest. Which team's sub will have the greatest impact? We rate each team's likely sub.
The sub is a consideration eight AFL coaches will have to make this week. They need to latch on to the player they aren't just taking in to fill spot 22 on the team sheet.
They want an impact player, an X-factor, someone who can deliver. Judd has before, and could again.
Substitutes did not play major roles in the 2011 or 2012 finals but this season several teams have at least one genuine gun who, for differing reasons, may begin the first week of September wearing a green vest.
CARLTON
COULD Chris Judd be the right man to wear a green vest this September?
It may seem unlikely, but three weeks ago so did the fact he would even be playing in the finals.
The former Blues skipper has not played since Round 20 because of a knee injury but is expected to be in the cauldron of an elimination final against arch-rival Richmond on Sunday.
So why not take advantage of the sub rule and turn the underdone Judd in to the Blues "super sub", if only for this week?
RECAP ANDO'S BLOG IN THE CHAT WINDOW BELOW
Blues mentor Mick Malthouse knows better than most what's required.
When he sits down to cast his eye over his list, the names he usually sits down for three quarters may not light his eyes up.
Judd, out of the sting of the contest for the first 50 minutes and needing the game played at a slower pace - and in doubt to get through a full game at his best - could be perfect.
It's been done before, sitting a champion down. Forty years ago Richmond legend Royce Hart started on the bench before sparking a second half revival against Collingwood that helped take the Tigers to a flag.
SYDNEY
The Swans 2012 All Australian nominee Lewis Jetta ready to burst back on to the MCG after missing the past three months through injury.
Imagine the emotional lift Jetta could provide during a third quarter in a game where bodies will be getting tired given the physical nature of the game.
GEELONG
DOWN at the Cattery Paul Chapman looms as a super sub after missing four months with a hamstring injury.
Chapman played as a sub in Round 22 before getting a full game in Round 23, when he was useful against Brisbane. But his lack of senior exposure may prompt coach Chris Scott to use him off the bench, something that is guaranteed to turn the locals into a frenzied mob.
RICHMOND
The Tigers, too, could install a veteran coming off an injury on Sunday - former skipper Chris Newman.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick didn't hate the idea when it was thrown up yesterday.
Speedster Matt White has filled the role well seven times, but is out with a hamstring injury. So the vest may go to Shane Tuck.
One role of the sub is to gather multiple possessions in a short space of time and that is the forte of Tuck. He can win them in contested situations, ideal in the second half of a final when some of the pace has gone out of the game.
COLLINGWOOD
At the Magpies there is a wily veteran in Alan Didak, who receives the same type of supporter love as a Chapman, Jetta or Judd.
And like the others, Didak can make things happen in a short time, which is what subs have to be able to do.
FREMANTLE
The Dockers' substitute will likely be midfielder Cameron Sutcliffe, who has worn the green vest a record nine times already in 2013.
But Garrick Ibbotson, the No.1 ranked intercept player in the game before injury in Round 18, could be used in that role if there are doubts on him getting through a full game.
PORT ADELAIDE
At Port Adelaide they have a similar super sub in Kane Mitchell, who has worn the vest eight times this year.
But Echuca youngster Ollie Wines might be given a half-game breather because he is tiring towards the end of an impressive debut season.
HAWTHORN
The Hawks' can be exploited by leg speed hence their desire to include Jed Anderson.
And when he got on last week in Sydney he produced a tackle and goal that was the clincher in his getting a gig.
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