Mick McGuane answers the burning questions that will shape the finals race
Collingwood’s dilemma with Mason Cox, Essendon’s flag credentials and how the Tigers should handle Alex Rance — Mick McGuane answers the burning questions with finals approaching.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The finals are fast approaching and there are so many unanswered questions that need answers.
Mick McGuane casts his eye over each club still in the finals race and addresses what their main issues are.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE SACKED PODCAST HERE
Should the Magpies drop Mason Cox?
They probably would, if they could.
But Collingwood’s massive injury list means he has to keep playing, even if he is performing like a VFL-standard footballer right now.
Cox is a shadow of the man who played in last year’s preliminary final.
The first thing he needs to do is stop approaching the contest early, which leaves him with no other option but to reach for the ball one-handed.
The Magpies need him to be that down-the-line, bailout option, to release the pressure by marking or providing a contest to ensure the ball stays in tight, allowing the midfielders to do their stuff.
Time to get to work, Mason.
Is Essendon’s run-and-gun style cut out for September?
Not for mine. It will be extremely hard for Essendon to score from the back half against a strong, defensive structural team in September that is more likely to win the territory battle.
Its recent 6-1 record looks good, but other than the Giants, it has only won games it was expected to win — and by small margins.
The Bombers have had to rely on conversion and the ability to run out games to get them over the line.
It’s a big month coming up, but that long-awaited next finals win is still no guarantee in 2019.
ROBBO: ROOS ARE DESPERATE FOR SCOTT TO FIND A JOB
SACKED: MAD MONDAY SPARKED WATTERS’ AXING
BUCKENARA: THE TOP 30 DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR 2019
Do the Hawks owe Roughy a farewell game?
The romantic says yes, but while the Hawks have a flicker of hope left, the realist says they shouldn’t gift Jarryd Roughead a game while their season is alive.
He’s earnt a farewell game, but his form has to be assessed on a week-to-week basis.
The emergence of Mitch Lewis and Roughy’s average form in the VFL has justified Clarko’s hard stance.
Gift-wrapping games is not what successful organisations or strong coaches are about.
But as soon as their season is gone, I’d be picking him in Round 23.
Should the Tigers take a chance on Alex Rance?
Yes, provided he gets the tick of approval from medical staff.
Rance will meet with surgeon Julian Feller next Friday, and if he’s OK with him to proceed, the Tigers should let him have a crack at coming back.
Just imagine how infectious that would be on the group.
Neil Balme has suggested the Tigers won’t take the chance, but imagine how handy Rance would be against Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling on Grand Final day.
Should the Saints lock in Brett Ratten?
Yes, I’ve seen enough already. Ratts has coached in his own right and was only sacked off the back of an illogical decision to dump him for Mick Malthouse.
He’s furthered his education under Alastair Clarkson (so have the last three flag coaches), and he has brought an offensive flair to the Saints, scoring 104 and 116.
Fundamentally as a coach, you need to communicate, you need to teach and you need to man-manage. Ratts ticks those three boxes. Sign him. Now.
Live stream the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on KAYO SPORTS. Every match of every round. Live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >
How do the Cats solve their ruck dilemma?
Not even Chris Scott seems to know who his best first ruck candidate is.
For most of the season it has been Rhys Stanley, but he hasn’t made it his own, and Zac Smith was back in the role against Sydney.
Can they both play? No way.
Esava Ratugolea has to complement Tom Hawkins in attack and act as relief ruckman, which allows Mark Blicavs to stay in a key defensive post.
I’d stick with Stanley for his versatility, but I’d want to see some ownership from him.
Is Sam Lloyd proof that footballers are better than pure athletes?
Mark Blicavs might be the exception, but I’d take a pure footballer over an athlete on most occasions.
Sam Lloyd’s 32 goals (the same as Eddie Betts has kicked) has been so important for the Western Bulldogs.
He’s one of the trade stories of the year (for a fourth-round pick).
His leadership, his communication on the field, his accuracy and his connection with Aaron Naughton and Tory Dickson has been exceptional.
Can the Eagles go back-to-back?
West Coast deserves to be flag favourites ahead of Richmond and Geelong, and the Eagles are my pick right now.
They have an impeccable recent record in Melbourne, having won their past eight games at the MCG or Marvel Stadium.
The Eagles will get some key players back — maybe even Nic Naitanui — and if they can finish top two, then pencil them in for the Grand Final.
Can Brisbane win the flag?
If the Lions carry their home-and-away form into the finals, there is no reason why they can’t go all the way.
They are well-coached, well-drilled and have a super midfield, spearheaded by Brownlow favourite Lachie Neale.
Importantly, they have beaten West Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Port Adelaide (twice), Hawthorn (twice) and Adelaide.
Is Taylor Walker exempt from being dropped because he is captain?
Absolutely not. Eddie Betts, Bryce Gibbs and Josh Jenkins have been squeezed out at times this year, and quite frankly Tex has been lucky to survive similar embarrassment.
We’ve seen glimpses of his assault on the high ball and of goals scored, but there has been plenty of concern about his ground ball assault.
Tex would be aware of this, and is on notice.
It is hard to be demanding on the expectations of others when you let yourself down.
Do the Giants’ hopes rest on Jeremy Cameron?
The Giants have a cavalcade of stars — Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio (when fit), Tim Taranto, Lachie Whitfield, Toby Greene, Phil Davis and even Heath Shaw.
But Jeremy Cameron is the player they can least afford to lose.
He can provide the spark of a long goal, a creative snap, a towering mark, and is on track to win his first Coleman Medal.
Conquering the MCG in September — where his record isn’t as good, like his team — is his next big challenge.
How Saints solve midfield mystery in finals hunt
St Kilda is still desperate for a big fish, but will a revamped midfield in 2025 prove they already have the answers? SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON examines their prospects.
Cat gives update on injury-ravaged veteran, hint on Smith role
Cam Guthrie has been cruelled by injury the past two seasons, but things are looking promising ahead of 2025. Plus, Bailey Smith’s potential role and the young Cat to watch.