Stevo's Sting: No rest for the wicked as Scott D-Day looms
Brad Scott might just be having a chuckle at the irony of it all.
A year after the Kangaroos and their coach caused an uproar by resting nine first-choice players in Round 23, up bobs another major selection poser.
Could Scott go down a similar path this Saturday night?
The AFL was so dirty on the Roos resting up for a dead rubber against the Tigers, it brought in a bye after the final round, hoping to avoid a damaging repeat.
Now Scott would be negligent in his duties if he didn't seriously look at the resting route again.
North is eighth. That can't change. For them, the clash with GWS is the deadest of dead rubbers.
Scott might be feeling the AFL is looking over his shoulder after the integrity questions of last year, and the umpiring comments this year that riled City Hall mid-season, but he has every right to "manage" or rest any player even slightly sore.
Scott Thompson is still looking troubled by groin soreness. Lock him in for a spell.
Ben Brown looks banged up. Why not freshen him up?
Why risk Daniel Wells, who hasn't been doing a lot in the track?
Robbie Tarrant has been battling ankle soreness for weeks. Have a spell, son.
And we all know about Todd Goldstein's knee battles. Maybe he misses too.
The downside is one week off now turns into two weeks given the post Round 23 bye, but is it worth risking the full list?
Would an extended freshen up be better than so having a tune up against GWS and risking injury.
Surely the fitness staff are sharp enough to turn a two week break into a positive with extra loading and match simulation.
Ironically, the Roos are likely to play GWS week one of the finals. Last year the Roos rested up against the Tigers, then caught them out when it really counted.
Scott must be tempted because it seems like common sense; Why risk all your guns and play all your tactical cards?
North is still a chance to inflict damage in the finals- pushing Sydney is proof enough of that.
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All it needs is as many players fit and fresh as possible; This week is totally meaningless.
Don't expect nine to be rested again, but selection will be very interesting at Arden St this week.
You wouldn't be surprised if four or five regulars are missing.