Yeah the Holmes, Hodge, Maher decision is tough

I would go with

Schenscher
Ballinger
Hodge
Maher
Bruce

It sure is going to be tough keeping some of the players happy now going ten deep realistically

Cooper
Holmes
Winitana
Hill
Davidson

spot on bluey...perfect!

Same as bluey.

But with Holmes swapping with Maher against the teams with bigger SF's (tigers, breakers, wildcats).

It think Jake would have a bit of trouble with Ingles/Darden if he were to start on Saturday.

I think you need to start Maher at SG and have Hodge at small forward (Holmes to start off). This way we have a consistent 3 point shooter to pass to if Hodge gets double teamed in the post or driving. This would make us a much stronger starter. I think this is a better team against the Spirit as Hodge would have to guard Rush (if his not still injured). In the Dragons game Maher would have to guard either Ingles or Darden which probably isn't correct so maybe in that game you put Holmes in. However, I think stick to our own game as Darden and Ingles will have to guard Maher and Hodge so we would have a great advantage in offense.

What about Hodge off the bench as first sub? Imagine the roar from the crowd, and the resulting lift for the team.

Surely they need to announce Hodge as the last player when they do the player intros on Saturday... ah the anticipation!

No the fans will boooooooo before tip off if julius comes off the bench!

I agree start Hodge at small forward and then in the second half use him at times at the point, last year they did that against Sydney Kings and he destroyed them. The more we use him in diff spots the harder their match up options are.
My Starters
PG-Bruce
SG-Maher/Davidson (depending on maher week to week)
SF-HODGE
PF-BALLINGER
C-SCHENSCHER

I would still give holmes plenty of minutes rotating him with hodge, balls and when hodge goes to point

Kingjames if you want to upgrade seats for this game let me know, Ive got a spare second row centre court ticket.

kman, you bout to get mobbed for that ticket!! lol

I say in true Adelaide style you roll Hodge out onto the court in a Barrel.

Isaac, I like that idea! Everyone would be in their seats after getting their beers by that stage! However, its probably best he starts.

KMan, Cheers but there is someone coming from Melbourne this weekend that should have that seat instead. Pre game drinks with everyone is in order though I believe.

My starters
PG - Davidson(fit n healthy)more leadership than bruce
SG - Maher (keep those calfs taped mate)
SF - Hodgey (sorry Jacob, this man has gotta start)
PF - Balls (he will benifet big time with hodgey back)
C - Luke ( Just Fukn Big)

gotta bring holmes off the bench, but hopefull we will see them on the court together alot.
what bout this

PG - Hodgey
SG - Maher
SF - Holmes
PF - Balls
C - Luke

we could see this line up a bit to really stretch other teams with height.

welcome back hodgey, good luck this week lads.

I actually think:

1) Bruce
2) Hodge
3) Holmes
4) Ballinger
5) Schenscher

Don't f*ck with our front line, it is the only thing that has consistently worked for us.

I don't see how we'll be able to rotate all the back court players through, so someone will have to miss out (my pick is Winitana).

Have you guys seen Maher play lately? Sure he put up some nice stats against the Blaze but he is still far from fit and healthy and needs to be looked after.

I'd be going with
Bruce
Holmes/Hodge dosn't matter who is 2 or 3

Balls
Luke

DJ I agree completely. Best to use him off the bench, as then the impact of him going doing hurt again in 4 weeks is minimized. Not a knock on the guy, he's our greatest ever player by a country mile, but his body is done.

That said, Ninnis managed his minutes superbly on Sunday, so who knows?

will Hodge be running the point-forward?

Yep he'll be playing point-forward a bit - not as much as last year not that we've got Brucie though.

In the Hoops TV interview, Julius i think aluded that he would be playing forward. Ever the diplomat {communications degree major}, he has mentioned Bruce several times in interviews, and he may not publicly admit to being the point forward and he will say things like whatever the team needs etc.

I like Mutleys line up. Big strong and intimidating. But either way im happy. I think we have happy times ahead :)

I'm bringing Brett of the bench, gives us a better scoring punch.

So,

Bruce
Hodge
Holmes
Ballinger
Schenscher

I'd give the nod to Bruce at the point based upon his stellar performance last week, but it wouldn't phase me too much if we ran with Davidson first, however I think Davo and Brett generally work well together and so you want them playing on-court together as much as possible.

Cannot see any other alternative but to have Hodge off the bench. Surely you have to test him on his first game form and how he tackles his opponents before you start him.

EC - Thats fine, he can come off the bench in Sydney. As long as he starts here on Saturday Night.

EC are you serious? If that's the case than every import would come off the bench?! The guy just missed on an NBA contract and you wont to bring him off the bench!

My worry is the way the Dragons press the ball-handler.

Starting Holmes, Balls and Luke may get us in trouble with full court Goorj ball....

What about Hill?

How bout;

Bruce/Davo
Hill/Maher
Hodge/Winnie
Balls/Holmes
Luke/Balls/Coops

'Maher unlikely to be able to back up' -Scott.

Maybe Hodge forward on friday and guard on sat.