Does Dixon not play again this year? (Get him right for next year , seems to be off the pace)
Had no meaningful possessions, but I'm sure the powers that be will argue him taking 3 up into a contest allows Rozee to rove and kick two goals, allows Gray room to move and isolate 1-on-1 as the loose defender goes to the aerial contest with Dixon and with 19 goals on the weekend, you would suggest the forward line was/is more dangerous with him in it.
If he does, does Lycett play?
I don't see Lycett, Ladhams, Ryder, Dixon and Marshall all in the side midfield and forward of the ball. Looks like Lycett is all of a sudden our third ruckman! Granted the conditions under the roof suited the more agile Ladhams and Ryder, plus Essendon don't really have much by way of ruck stocks.
If so who misses out?
If Lycett plays I think the only one who can miss out is Ladhams. Lycett can't play forward for more than a rest, Ryder seems as though he prefers the middle of the ground and the freedom to roam, Ladhams could potentially play as a key forward but I think they'll prefer Dixon's frame as mentioned above taking the hits and getting the ball to ground.
My preference would be Dixon and Marshall forward, Ryder the third and Lycett doing the bulk of the ruck work. Hard for him to get back in the side given Ladhams form on the weekend and Lycett didn't have a game to impress selectors.
More so at the end of the year who goes? Lycett has a 5 year deal so he's going nowhere, Howard has 3 years to go, Marshall has one to go and so does Dixon. Ryder, Ladhams and Frampton are all out of contract. Right now I'd be letting Ryder go and making Lycett, Dixon, Ladhams and Frampton fight for 3 spots in the AFL side.
Love the weekly write up Booney, funny and informative as usual!
I know Dixon had only 5 possessions, but I hope they play him for rest of year. If he played against GWS, Port win. They dominated the last quarter but had nobody to kick it to, and the likes of Gray and Rozee, etc crumbing off Charlie would have resulted in at least one goal to win the match.
He is coming off a serious injury with no pre season, I cant think of one player in recent history who has had a good season when this happens. I am sure with everything going well over summer he will have a much improved 2020.