Stefchook wrote:
I know it's very early in the new regime, but it looks we might be learning to play with AFL-level strategies. Using designated kickers. Controlling the ball with handball or those 8 metre kicks. Applying defensive pressure around the ball. Getting a defensive winger behind the ball. Shepherding in marking contests (even though we did it poorly).
Midfield looks much stronger and less flaky around the ball. I wonder if that contributed to Cripps excelling at what he does well, rather than trying to do everything. Cerra looks a beauty. Classy with the ball. Knows how to apply AFL pressure. Hewett impressed me as well. Strong enough to move the ball on when tackled. But holds the ball in when he's doing the tackling.
Durdin the biggest improver of our young guys. Won lots of ball. Applied terrific pressure. Even competed in the air, despite his size.
Williams and Saad were electric with their rebound.
SOJ very good.
The most dangerous I've seen Charlie since he returned to the side.
Kemp looks dangerous up forward too. Nice to have another thumping kick for goal. Just need to continue to pour games into him. But with Gov shifting to defence, I assume Kemp will be midfield/forward for now.
Owies and Pittonet were good.
Decent 2nd half from Boyd, Gov and OMac.
Usual timid and costly ground contests from LOB. But if we can get him the ball 20-25 times a game, it's probably worth the cost. In his defence, he did compete in 3 aerial contests.
Thought Newman had a shocker.
A lot has changed for the better.
I like the way you put it Stef " AFL-level strategies.", 101 Footy for AFL level.
Ive watched the game 3 times now, and the more I watch it, the more it becomes clear that a lot of posters on TC and BF are too emotional with their take on some players to take serious. Me included.
Some posters have attributed a couple goals to LOD mistakes. There was 1. But it was not for lack of trying. AND I'm sure he realised or was told to get more physical, and he seemed to do so as the game wore on. He runs hard both ways: AFL quality. He runs quick to support his team mates" AFL quality wingman. His kicking is very good when he's confident: AFL quality.
I agree with you Stef. Get the ball into LOBs hands and he can do the rest with his kicking. Hang on, that's what happpened. Players were confident giving the ball to LOB, Saad and Williams. Get Docherty amongst that group AND Stocker, and our delivery will be AFL standard more than not, and more than we sufferers have been use to seeing for decades.
If Charlie kicked straight he could have had at least 4 goals, he would usually kick. It was said he was kicking them from 70 out during the preseason, so I'm expecting 40-50 goals from Charlie this year, and another 40-50 from Harry. There's plenty of other goalkickers in the forwardline from what I saw.
In facy, if Newman is peripheral, and he may be, he's a good player to have as depth.
I just hope Pittonet can do as well against the better ruckmen in the AFL because that's where it started on Saturday. Big test for him this Thursday night.