Some interesting comments from Simmo. B.William's name mentioned first in the discussion (probably reading too much into it). Brander needs a good intraclub performance to lock in that wing role. Also massive alarm bells for anyone considering NN..
https://www.afl.com.au/news/384772/...ey-to-unlocking-eagles-r1-selection-headache-
Jake Waterman – who played both Marsh Community Series matches – is in the frame with Allen "more unlikely than likely".
The 21-year-old Allen will play in Friday's match simulation that will consist of an hour-long hitout after training drills are completed.
Despite Naitanui having his best pre-season in recent memory, the Eagles will still require a second ruck to fill the void when the 29-year-old big man rests.
Nic Naitanui lays a big tackle on Sean Darcy during the Marsh Community Series. Picture: AFL Photos
He played 51 per cent of game time in the Eagles' first Marsh Series match and 58 per cent in the second fixture against the Dockers last week.
"This is the first year where he's had nine weeks (of training) … we've managed his loads but the base is there," Simpson said.
"In terms of when he needs a rest, he probably will and his body will tell us, rather than (planning and saying), 'Righto, round five you won't play'.
"It's a unique position for us. You've got the (Todd) Goldstein type (at North Melbourne) who can ruck all day, and you just need a pinch-hit forward.
"We don't need that with Nic,
we need a forward who can play 50 minutes in the ruck.
"That's why in the past we've played a (Scott) Lycett, a (Nathan) Vardy, even a Cal Sinclair.
"
Bailey Williams, Nathan Vardy, Tom Hickey and Oscar Allen are all options we're working through.
"It's
on form and then what are the best dynamics of our forward line.
"If you've got five smalls that are quick and zippy, maybe you can play the two big ruckmen, that's an interesting one. I'm not locked away on that."
Simpson added that Friday's session would go a long way to proving
whether Jarrod Brander assumes the wing role vacated by Chris Masten.