Just got back from the game!
Sat second row of the Heatley - wandered at at half time and took some shots of the old stand. At least 10k there, the Social Club end of the ground was full, heaps of people in the standing room areas.
About half way through the third Waite and Hahn were going at it in the goal square and the crowd went ape droppings supporting Waitey, nearly brought a tear to my eye - felt like it was 15 years ago.
Anyway, on to the match;
On a general note, the endeavour was there and flashes of great skill and imagination but overall the skills are still a problem.
Ratts' game plan is calling for the ball to be moved at every opportunity back into the corridor, and early ont he piece several turnovers got the Dogs in front. If we are going to play this way we can't afford to turn it over in the paces were doing so today. Especially when blokes like hammer are trying to do it, who just shouldn't have the ball in their hands in that phase of play.
There was a little bit too much handball to stationary targets, but this along with the skill level picked up as the game went on.
I had a look but not a good look at the Murphy incident - there were a lot of players around the ball at the time, and it looked to me like Hahn appeared from behind another player when Murph collected him and maybe Murph was unsighted. Although Hahn was pretty sore after the incident which doesn't bode well.
Murph was standing right in front of us after the incident and looked pretty despondent.
A bit on some individual players who stood out
The great man - got better as the game went. His first few touches were very shaky but as the game went he started to get a lot more comfortable. Some beautiful hits coming off the half back line and noticed him on a couple of occasions directing traffic during play beautifully. He just knows where to position himself to best advantage. It was also good to see the other players aware of him but not looking for him at all costs.
Fev - Strong performance, looked great in the contest. He still irritates me though - flying the flag is good, but he's going to turn it over doing it all the time. Hoops got barely collected after a mark, got the 50 and Fev came flying in and tried his best to start a melee. Has to pick his moments.
Murph - The incident aside, looked good. ran well and his skills were much better this week.
Edwards - Showed flashes, a couple of big flies and some nice finishing from tight angles. When Fish comes back we have genuine option
s outside Fev.
Gibbs - started off, and moved into the middle from the second on and just looked the goods. Doesn't seem to make a mistake.
Thornton - generally poor. Got towelled up by Welsh early.
Jamo - struggled early but got better and is no doubt in the 22.
Hammer - looked ok
Kreuzer - moved beautifully, he is going to be something. A couple of link up passages when he worked into space was great to see. An effort where he chased, harrassed and ultimately caused a turnover was fantastic.
Waite - fantastic - took a hanger over Johnson in the third right in front of the Heatley which sent the crowd absolutely beserk. Great last memory for me of the stand. Looked good there and some of his rebound was fantastic. Before today I was 50/50 on playing him back but after today - leave him there I say he's worth the value.
Anyway, that's enough from me I'm sure others have a more insightful view of the action.
All in all, a great way to farewell the stand with a vocal crowd on a beautiful sunny day.
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