A lot depends on what the fixture looks like. If it's a condensed schedule it will hurt all players but it will hurt Nic Nat more. If it's the normal week by week fixture, they have said we will keep playing him until he put his hand up and says he needs a week off. So count on him not being available at least a week or two during the season if he pulls up sore one week.
TOG for Nic Nat should be around the 65-70% mark like usual. Possibly a little higher.
We've named Hickey & Williams in the squad... But I expect Williams to get the nod. Don't see us playing 2 lead rucks when Williams is the best forward of the backup rucks.
I will add that I am seriously considering Nic Nat, the impact he can have on a match is unbelievable. But still have Grundy & Gawn as of writing this.
SHORTER QUARTERS FORCE EAGLES TO CHANGE RUCK TACTICS
One to watch for not only Eagles supporters but also AFL Fantasy coaches, courtesy of our WA reporter
Nathan Schmook.
WEST Coast will decide who supports
Nic Naitanui in the ruck on Friday after the reduction in quarters to 16 minutes forced a re-think on team selection and how players are used.
Potential debutant
Bailey Williams will jockey with experienced big man
Tom Hickey for the Eagles' second ruck spot, with both named in the 25-man squad released on Thursday, overtaking premiership big man
Nathan Vardy.
Simpson said the reduction in quarter lengths provided an opportunity to formulate new strategies and use players in different ways, particularly in the ruck.
"It's 90 rotations as well, so what does that mean? Can you play your better players longer? That's probably the first question everyone is looking at," Simpson said in a teleconference on Thursday afternoon.
"Does
Luke Shuey need to come off the ground. If a quarter goes for 30-35 minutes he might need three or four breaks. If it goes for 20-25 minutes then maybe he can stay on a bit longer.
"So I think that would be across the board what people are looking at. We've got a few compromised athletes who can't play every minute, so what does
(Jeremy) McGovern's game look like? What does Nic Naitanui's game look like?"
Simpson said the change, which will be in place for the entire season, could see team's playing a sole ruckman.