Port V Essendon [Archive]

kaysee

11 Sep 2002, 16:27

Personally I would like to see us stack our midfield with HARDNUTS during the 1st half when it will be hard an tough. Have Francou, K. Cornes and Carr in there with Matty.

Use Cornes as a tag on Johnson and tell Carr he is free from tagging. Carr might feel rejuvenated being freed to be creative.

Then rotate James, Hardwick and Poulton through the middle with the instructions of when they are in the middle bounce ups make sure they provide a physical contest at ALL times, be it making space for others or tackling people.

Have Stevens off a HBF and Burgoynes up forward... in the 2nd half after the above 5-6 have battered the Bombers midfield start rotating P. Burgoyne, Stevens, Schofield, Wangas and Kingo through the middle and allow them to use their speed and skills.

Have Tredrea start at true CHF and tell him at the bounces to run full pelt into the middle and use his bulk to clear spaces.

Bring Lade and Bassett into the team for Mead and Guerra.

Sit Cornes, Lade and French around the F50.

I don't know about you but Port have to get desperate in the finals and just win the contests and 1%ers. Block it up, kick long to talls and contest contest contest... and if we can't get it make sure we block it up again. Just need to stick to the basics... defenders punch the ball away or head for boundary if there is any doubt, forwards mark or bring the ball to ground, smalls ensure they are front and center to the contests.

We got killed in these areas against Collingwood.

Thats it for now
SKC

PAfolwr

11 Sep 2002, 17:07

In the midfield last week we had too few who got the ball, (Francou, James), and too many waiting for it.
I doubt that will happen again this week. We will win.
However if Primus is injured, he should be rested, because quite frankly winning this week at all cost, and not giving ourselves a chance the following week is silly.
Monkey? Who cares, winning the big one is the only thing that counts.

Eago77

11 Sep 2002, 17:54

Would like to see Dimma start in the middle for this game, he has done on a couple of occassions and i think he adds something to the midfield rotation. Besides he will be going at it even harder than normal (if that is possible) due to the fact that it is a knockout final v Essendon.

If Matty isn't 100% then i think we just need to play Lade as well as French and if possible give him as much rest as we can afford as it will be important that if we can win that he will be OK for next week. However if it is close i guess we just need to keep him on (if he is playing well).

mic59

11 Sep 2002, 18:01

I would certainly like to see K.Cornes start, why did he not start against Collingwood? Here we were, given a huge chance and it wasn't taken. Start K.Cornes and they go for him and get cut up by Francou,James,Stevens,Carr etc. or they hang off him and Kane has a good run. Whatever it would have introduced some doubt into Collingwood instead of us. And that was what beat us, the doubt.
Anyway, that was last week and it is this weeks' game we are looking at. As we know, Fletcher has been given the arse for this week(an appeal won't help) and Tredrea will at least be able to occasionally have a free hand. I would hope that now Kingsley has had one week back he can cover more in defence to allow Wangas and maybe Monty to move forward more often. Even if Wakelin comes back I would keep Paxman on Lloyd(assuming Lloyd plays) and Wakelin could take someone like Alessio or Lucas. Hopefully Shaun Burgoyne can stay in the game for more than one half. He has super skills and will be a star but 2 goals in the first quarter and one handball to set up a goal in the second quarter is not enough.
I know everyone was screaming for him to go, but I would bring CCC back. Reasons - he's served his time and played a good game with Port Magpies; also he is a good mark. Only problem is that he can always be a lair, but I reckon we're better with a small forward line than a big one.
I would like Mead to be there when we win our first final, but he's been too much of a liability in the games he's played. Apart from his well-documented clanger against Collingwood he hasn't really done anything in the games he's played. Lade could be brought in for him, he's finally played a BOG for South, he could be spare ruckman if Primus breaks down and he can play forward or across defence.

Eago77

11 Sep 2002, 18:05

Originally posted by mic59
I would certainly like to see K.Cornes start, why did he not start against Collingwood? Here we were, given a huge chance and it wasn't taken. Start K.Cornes and they go for him and get cut up by Francou,James,Stevens,Carr etc. or they hang off him and Kane has a good run. Whatever it would have introduced some doubt into Collingwood instead of us. And that was what beat us, the doubt.
Anyway, that was last week and it is this weeks' game we are looking at. As we know, Fletcher has been given the arse for this week(an appeal won't help) and Tredrea will at least be able to occasionally have a free hand. I would hope that now Kingsley has had one week back he can cover more in defence to allow Wangas and maybe Monty to move forward more often. Even if Wakelin comes back I would keep Paxman on Lloyd(assuming Lloyd plays) and Wakelin could take someone like Alessio or Lucas. Hopefully Shaun Burgoyne can stay in the game for more than one half. He has super skills and will be a star but 2 goals in the first quarter and one handball to set up a goal in the second quarter is not enough.
I know everyone was screaming for him to go, but I would bring CCC back. Reasons - he's served his time and played a good game with Port Magpies; also he is a good mark. Only problem is that he can always be a lair, but I reckon we're better with a small forward line than a big one.
I would like Mead to be there when we win our first final, but he's been too much of a liability in the games he's played. Apart from his well-documented clanger against Collingwood he hasn't really done anything in the games he's played. Lade could be brought in for him, he's finally played a BOG for South, he could be spare ruckman if Primus breaks down and he can play forward or across defence.

So who goes out for Che, if indeed LAde comes in for Mead?

kaysee

11 Sep 2002, 18:35

Originally posted by Eago77

So who goes out for Che, if indeed LAde comes in for Mead?

Guerra... hate to say it ... he is a great tackler and bobs up every now and then for a goal, but just doesn't win the ball enough or do enough with it.

I like him and he is still only 20 but he just isn't damaging enough IMO.

Cheers
SKC

Eago77

11 Sep 2002, 18:48

Originally posted by kaysee

Guerra... hate to say it ... he is a great tackler and bobs up every now and then for a goal, but just doesn't win the ball enough or do enough with it.

I like him and he is still only 20 but he just isn't damaging enough IMO.

Cheers
SKC

I'd rather have Guerra as he always gives 100%, something which Che doesn't always do. Beside it is hard for the Guru to be that damaging as he spends a lot of time on the bench or plugging wholes around the ground and doesn't really ever get settled i one position.

Guerra always goes in hard and that counts for a lot in finals IMO, Che could come in a kick a few goals but will he contest like Guerra? I doubt it.

Eago77

11 Sep 2002, 20:27

Sheeds seems to think Llyod and Hird probably wont play. Fletcher is curreently appealing his decision, i doubt whether it (the result) will change and so he will be out too.

I personally think Hird will play but there is no way Lloyd should paly (or be allowed to play after that hit). Obviously with the players out it should make the task a bit easier for Port., but who do you think will step up to cover Fletcher and Llyod?

Ford Fairlane

11 Sep 2002, 20:27

Just for my 2c worth .. I wouldn't start Stevens at HBF not unless we're willing to concede Essendon 6 goals from the outset. He should start where he did against Brisbane, on the bench. Then maybe he'd learn that a complete refusal to check, a total lack of any inclination to go in and get the hard ball, and a willingness to openly argue on the field with his captain aren't appreciated.

And I would play Tredrea as close to the goals as possible. The only way he's going to learn to kick goals in clutch situations is to keep trying it under match conditions. It doesn't matter how many he kicks into the nets at training. Alastair Lynch misses plenty of set shots, but no one accuses him of the yips, cos he has so many shots at goal that he converts enough to be damaging. Tredders gets at best a couple of opportunities/game in these tight contests and the pressure clearly gets to him. So put him in a position where he has the opportunity to convert a number of shots on goal.

And I'm not convinced that one ok game with South makes Lade a walk up start to an AFL finals team. I'd rather see Bassett replace Mead - at least Bassett has proven himself in finals.

Eago77

11 Sep 2002, 20:35

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
Just for my 2c worth .. I wouldn't start Stevens at HBF not unless we're willing to concede Essendon 6 goals from the outset. He should start where he did against Brisbane, on the bench. Then maybe he'd learn that a complete refusal to check, a total lack of any inclination to go in and get the hard ball, and a willingness to openly argue on the field with his captain aren't appreciated.

IMO Stevens has been playing sh*thouse lately, probably ever since the mid-season break his form has been less than brilliant. Since coming back from suspension he has really underperformed, Jamesy has really stepped up and is making Nick look rather average. I wonder whether there is something more to it. I've heard he isn't the happiest person in town at the moment. Choco really needs to have a word or two to him and get him back and firing, and he needs to do it fast. Is Nick out of contract at the end of the year? Perhaps his mind is on other matters, if it is then he needs to be told the law and quick smart.

Eago77

11 Sep 2002, 20:38

Originally posted by Ford Fairlane

And I would play Tredrea as close to the goals as possible. The only way he's going to learn to kick goals in clutch situations is to keep trying it under match conditions. It doesn't matter how many he kicks into the nets at training. Alastair Lynch misses plenty of set shots, but no one accuses him of the yips, cos he has so many shots at goal that he converts enough to be damaging. Tredders gets at best a couple of opportunities/game in these tight contests and the pressure clearly gets to him. So put him in a position where he has the opportunity to convert a number of shots on goal.

And I'm not convinced that one ok game with South makes Lade a walk up start to an AFL finals team. I'd rather see Bassett replace Mead - at least Bassett has proven himself in finals.

As for these points, agree with them both to an extent, but tredders is sometimes needed further up the field if we aren't playing that well and winning the centre clearences.

One game doesn't make Lade a walk up start but i'd think he'd be considered along with Bassett & Che. Depends what the coaches deem as necessary for this game... a tall (Lade), a defender (Bassett) or a forward (Che), if Lloyd doesn't play i think it will come down to Che or Lade and if there is some doubt over Primus then Lade will get the nod.

Richie Benaud

11 Sep 2002, 21:29

I think Port will win by 22 points in a marvellous display of skillful football.

Porthos

11 Sep 2002, 21:38

There's no doubt that this has been Nick Stevens' worst year at Port.

I'd be tempted to just go Bassett for Mead, as Bassett can play at both ends and I expect Sheedy will be doing a bit of changing players back and forth between defence and forward lines this game (and I'm still waiting for him to get a go up forward, damn it!)

Wishinman

11 Sep 2002, 22:11

I have got a feeling that Salmon or Alessio will play Full forward this week.
Who should we put on them if this eventuates?
Is Barnaby capable, or would Bishop be up to it? Or do we bring Lade in and stretch them in our Forward lines?

PAfolwr

11 Sep 2002, 23:06

Originally posted by Porthos
There's no doubt that this has been Nick Stevens' worst year at Port.

And there I was thinking that I was one of the very few that thought so.
Actually asked DK to let me know what he is like "live", as in off the ball, 'cause on TV he has been not having a good year.
Plenty of possessions, but lacking in substance relative to other years.

Part of Tredrea's "problem" has been the delivery to him. He has no choice but to go upfield, and when we play three talls, the delivery to them has also been the main problem.
Too slow getting there, inaccurate, bombs that are easy to defend or a combination of all of the above. Cannot blame Tredrea for getting "spoiled easily" when the delivery makes it an easy thing to do.

rubberman

11 Sep 2002, 23:50

This week I would like to see our players get to the ball first and play in front of their man unlike last week when we chased Collingwood all night. Simple things have to be done right like marking and kicking. I would like to see us run in numbers and support the man with the ball.

quote:PAfolwr
Part of Tredrea's "problem" has been the delivery to him. He has no choice but to go upfield, and when we play three talls, the delivery to them has also been the main problem.
Too slow getting there, inaccurate, bombs that are easy to defend or a combination of all of the above. Cannot blame Tredrea for getting "spoiled easily" when the delivery makes it an easy thing to do.

Our delivery into the forward 50 has not been good even against Brisbane. Players leading often lose any advantage by simple kicks that go wide of the mark, we have been scrambling through a lot of goals, and I cannot remember when I last saw anyone kick a goal outside 50. So lets give Tredders and Cornes a chance by giving them the ball laces out in front of their face.

Porthos

12 Sep 2002, 00:08

Originally posted by PAfolwr
And there I was thinking that I was one of the very few that thought so.Its why I've been sort of throwing his name around as trade bait on the forums....his apparent market value is probably a fair bit higher than his actual value at the minute, and I think it'll show in the B&F count.

I also have a theory that he's suffering for being thrown straight into midfield as an 18 year old.

You look at Roger James, and he's a complete player. Why? Because he's been forced to play in a heap of different positions. He spent two years playing practically as a full time small forward, so when it came time for that late goal against Brisbane, he knew exactly what to do.

I'd wager that Nick Stevens has spent his entire football career in midfield - he certainly has at Port. As such, he is a poor forward, and a poor defender when he gets dragged out of position. Unlike a Scott West or Shane Woewodin dropping to half back or even Warren Tredrea to the wings, he can't break a tag by changing position, because its foreign territory to him.

With the exception of maybe a couple of top ten midfielders, I reckon every one of the top 50 have spent a reasonable amount of time playing out of their current position, and that experience has made them more complete players.

Luke Darcy playing forward while Wynd was in control has been great for his versatility, and his ability to go forward is a major part of his Brownlow push. Similarly, the best full backs in the league can play and have played full forward.

Nick Stevens joined Port at a time when we desperately needed good midfielders, and I think he's been caught out because of it.

Part of Tredrea's "problem" has been the delivery to him. He has no choice but to go upfield, and when we play three talls, the delivery to them has also been the main problem.
Too slow getting there, inaccurate, bombs that are easy to defend or a combination of all of the above. Cannot blame Tredrea for getting "spoiled easily" when the delivery makes it an easy thing to do. Its 1999 all over again. Tredrea looked to be having a stinker of a year, when it was really the delivery that was ****house. Did pretty well in the B&F that year as I recall.

Zombie

12 Sep 2002, 02:44

Originally posted by Porthos
There's no doubt that this has been Nick Stevens' worst year at Port.

I think that is seriously unfair on Nick, he is constantly one of our best midfielders yet doesn't recieve the praise as much as others such as Francou.

Was brilliant during the first half of the year an was on par for AA selection, during that period he was absolutely brilliant against Hawthorn and Essendon.

During the last 5 years at the club Stevens has averaged 20 possessions a game, this year he is up to 21 possessions a game, albeit down from 22.75 last year.

IMO is the best pin point passer in the Port line up, his skills are fantastic. It should also be noted that he has gathered more possessions this year than Nathan Buckley has so he can't be doing to badly.

He is the Port player I would want streaking away from a pack 70 out to put the ball on the chest of a leading forward if my life was on it.

Porthos

12 Sep 2002, 10:33

PAfolwr

12 Sep 2002, 12:11

Originally posted by Zombie

I think that is seriously unfair on Nick, he is constantly one of our best midfielders yet doesn't recieve the praise as much as others such as Francou.

Was brilliant during the first half of the year an was on par for AA selection, during that period he was absolutely brilliant against Hawthorn and Essendon.

During the last 5 years at the club Stevens has averaged 20 possessions a game, this year he is up to 21 possessions a game, albeit down from 22.75 last year.

IMO is the best pin point passer in the Port line up, his skills are fantastic. It should also be noted that he has gathered more possessions this year than Nathan Buckley has so he can't be doing to badly.

He is the Port player I would want streaking away from a pack 70 out to put the ball on the chest of a leading forward if my life was on it.
I don't think anyone is having a go at Nick Stevens as such.
It's more of a case of where he was two years ago, and where he is today.
Two years ago most of us were thinking that by now he would have been one of the very elite of the competition. That is not the case at present.
He gets lots of possessions, but everytime he gets the ball we could be thinking, "here is a goal coming up", whereas we are not.

It could be a case of opposition coaches letting him have plenty of possessions, but in a manner that won't let him hurt them very much, in which case Porthos' theory has a lot of credence.

When Primus dominates and we get the ball out quickly, as in Primus to Francou, Francou to Stevens, Stevens to Tredrea in 20-40 secs we look good. Luckily we can do this a often.
In general play, we don't. Lots of scrambled goals, and Tredrea and Dew are not utilised as much as they should be given their natural abilities.
They are our two matchwinners if given a chance.

Eago77

12 Sep 2002, 15:39

Originally posted by Zombie

I think that is seriously unfair on Nick, he is constantly one of our best midfielders yet doesn't recieve the praise as much as others such as Francou.

Was brilliant during the first half of the year an was on par for AA selection, during that period he was absolutely brilliant against Hawthorn and Essendon.

During the last 5 years at the club Stevens has averaged 20 possessions a game, this year he is up to 21 possessions a game, albeit down from 22.75 last year.

IMO is the best pin point passer in the Port line up, his skills are fantastic. It should also be noted that he has gathered more possessions this year than Nathan Buckley has so he can't be doing to badly.

He is the Port player I would want streaking away from a pack 70 out to put the ball on the chest of a leading forward if my life was on it.

I'd agree that his frst half of the year was excellent but his last half has been pretty poor IMO. Not in terms of stats, but in terms of performance. His kciking has gone out the window, his "pin-point passing" seems to have disappeared.

Earlier in the year i though he was just about our best midfielder, no i think he ranks well behind Francou, James and probably Schofield & Carr. Needs to pick up his game again, some of his body language is less than good from what i've seen.

mic59

12 Sep 2002, 22:00

Well, Fletchers' appeal was dismissed. Seems it was made on the basis of an administrative technicality. And according to some of the goss I picked up from the Essendon BigFooty board Hird and Lloyd are unlikelies as well. Although I won't say anything more about that until 7.30 on Friday.

Portoholic

12 Sep 2002, 22:17

I expect to leave Footy Park tomorrow night with nothing but a Win, losing is not exceptable. ;)

Eago77

12 Sep 2002, 22:50

Originally posted by mic59
Well, Fletchers' appeal was dismissed. Seems it was made on the basis of an administrative technicality. And according to some of the goss I picked up from the Essendon BigFooty board Hird and Lloyd are unlikelies as well. Although I won't say anything more about that until 7.30 on Friday.

Realistically Essendon would be stupid to play LLoyd, did anyone there see how bad it was hell, it wasn't just a little knock. He was out cold for a number of minutes, he went to hospital, he wasn't just a little groggy, he was knocked into next week. What if he copes a hit this week, it would be a very dangerous situation. The AFL should almost tell Essendon that he cant play, he hasn't even had a full week since the original knock. I'm no doctor but surely that isn't very safe and Essendon aren't doing the right thing by the player to let him play.

As for Hird i reckon he'll play. Good to see Fletcher still ruled out as he usually plays a good game against us, infact he doesn't play many bad ones against anyone.

P0RT P0WER

13 Sep 2002, 01:15

19 and a bit hours to go!
I might do something unusual tomorrow night.
I think I am going to take one of those 7 foot Bundy Bears to the game with me and put a Power scarf around it's neck. (does that mean I have to purchase another ticket?). Or should I take the 6ft Merv Hughes cut out with a slab in his hand? Still contemplating but if I do something outrageous I might get on the FOX highlight and kill my alias? Is it worth the risk?
:confused:

P0RT P0WER

13 Sep 2002, 01:19

Nick Stevens last half last week was very promising, I think he is starting to hit form and would think that he is saving his best for the 2002 Norm-Smith Medal. :D

Eago77

13 Sep 2002, 01:22

Originally posted by P0RT P0WER
19 and a bit hours to go!
I might do something unusual tomorrow night.
I think I am going to take one of those 7 foot Bundy Bears to the game with me and put a Power scarf around it's neck. (does that mean I have to purchase another ticket?). Or should I take the 6ft Merv Hughes cut out with a slab in his hand? Still contemplating but if I do something outrageous I might get on the FOX highlight and kill my alias? Is it worth the risk?
:confused:

At least you'll stand-out in the "crowd"!

PAfolwr

13 Sep 2002, 08:37

Eago77

13 Sep 2002, 13:42

Eago77

13 Sep 2002, 14:14

Less than 7 hours to go, anyone else getting a little nervous. I guess that is a good thing as last week i thought we'd win easily and it looked like a few (if not most) of the players thought the same things. A few nerves are a good thing i reckon, keeps everyone on edge.

Porthos

13 Sep 2002, 14:40

I'm probably more confident this week.

Eago77

13 Sep 2002, 14:43

Originally posted by Porthos
I'm probably more confident this week.

I'm probably less sure of a victory this time this week, than this time last week. Saying that am still very confident but i guess last week just showed us that anything is possible. Can't wait for the game, i guess it will be on live up in Sydney for you, unless Ch 9 have done something stupid with their coverage up there.

Porthos

13 Sep 2002, 14:55

Live? Hahahaha, not a chance. Channel 10 are afraid of live finals into Sydney that don't involve Sydney. It'll be on a lovely delay again, like last week. If I couldn't see it live at work I'd be really ****ed off right now.

Eago77

13 Sep 2002, 15:47

Originally posted by Porthos
Live? Hahahaha, not a chance. Channel 10 are afraid of live finals into Sydney that don't involve Sydney. It'll be on a lovely delay again, like last week. If I couldn't see it live at work I'd be really ****ed off right now.

That is F**king crazy. I can't believe that it wouldn't be shown live around the country. I guess it would be on Foxtel/Optus atleast.

Did you get the finals live up there last year?

Porthos

13 Sep 2002, 15:52

Originally posted by Eago77
That is F**king crazy. I can't believe that it wouldn't be shown live around the country. I guess it would be on Foxtel/Optus atleast. Nope, they don't get replay rights until 11:30pm (or 11:00pm in SA)

Did you get the finals live up there last year? I honestly don't remember. I was at the Gabba final, and I didn't see the Hawthorn debacle on TV, which makes me think I didn't bother staying up to watch it. Actually, yeah, I remember checking the scores on the net at the time.

So Channel Ten are not my favourite people right now.

Eago77

13 Sep 2002, 16:55

Originally posted by Porthos
Nope, they don't get replay rights until 11:30pm (or 11:00pm in SA)

[B]I honestly don't remember. I was at the Gabba final, and I didn't see the Hawthorn debacle on TV, which makes me think I didn't bother staying up to watch it. Actually, yeah, I remember checking the scores on the net at the time.

So Channel Ten are not my favourite people right now.

Thanks F**ked.

If we win are you heading up for next weeks game?

Porthos

13 Sep 2002, 17:10

Originally posted by Eago77
Thanks F**ked.

If we win are you heading up for next weeks game? I dunno...depends on how money is going.

Eago77

13 Sep 2002, 17:16

Originally posted by Porthos
I dunno...depends on how money is going.

F*ck the money, you only live once. Brisbane's (as you probably know) is a great place to visit and the Gabba's a great place to watch footy from, shame about some of the ill-informed supporters.

I'm certainly going. Won't be a cheap weekend though i'm sure.

Porthos

13 Sep 2002, 18:02

As good as a Port prelim would be, I'd rather get my car registered :)

redback

13 Sep 2002, 22:19

Getting a bit ahead of yourselves guys your not doing to well at the moment & considering how undermanned we are if you do beat us dont think you will go any further after this week.

crowsrule

13 Sep 2002, 23:12

redback

13 Sep 2002, 23:39

Nup read what I said if you do you win you wont be going any further, you guys werent impressive especially seeing the players we had out, this will be your last win for the year.

PAfolwr

14 Sep 2002, 00:10

Yeah. We can drink again without feeling guilty. :D

Zombie

14 Sep 2002, 01:02

Originally posted by Eago77

IMO Stevens has been playing sh*thouse lately, probably ever since the mid-season break his form has been less than brilliant. Since coming back from suspension he has really underperformed, Jamesy has really stepped up and is making Nick look rather average. I wonder whether there is something more to it. I've heard he isn't the happiest person in town at the moment. Choco really needs to have a word or two to him and get him back and firing, and he needs to do it fast. Is Nick out of contract at the end of the year? Perhaps his mind is on other matters, if it is then he needs to be told the law and quick smart.

Nick Stevens saved our season tonight, 2 crucial goals at a crucial stage in the game and really stood up with injuries to Burgoyne, Kingsley and James.

Anyone thinking of trading him has to be crazy. He should have kicked 3 goals but sprayed one when he could have easily run into goals to make a certainty of it. Wanganeen did the same when he hit the post, should have run in and made sure of it.

Grogette

14 Sep 2002, 01:12

Originally posted by redback
Getting a bit ahead of yourselves guys your not doing to well at the moment & considering how undermanned we are if you do beat us dont think you will go any further after this week.

he he (Well said Redback!!!!) he he

Enjoy it while - it lasts Power Puffs!!! http://www.sf-fandom.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/biggrin1.gif

Zombie

14 Sep 2002, 01:20

mic59

14 Sep 2002, 02:55

Originally posted by redback
Getting a bit ahead of yourselves guys your not doing to well at the moment & considering how undermanned we are if you do beat us dont think you will go any further after this week.

So he knew his team would lose which was why he got his snipe in ahead of time. And if you're talking of undermanned, Bolton took out James with a DELIBERATE charge to the head so we were playing without our currently best midfielder. But we found K.Cornes to step up. Like the old adage says, you're only as good as your reserves.

Mudholian

14 Sep 2002, 02:57

Well when they were the team of the millenium with no injuries that raved about their depth and now 2 players out and its the game.

PAfolwr

14 Sep 2002, 08:51

Originally posted by Zombie

Nick Stevens saved our season tonight, 2 crucial goals at a crucial stage in the game and really stood up with injuries to Burgoyne, Kingsley and James.

Anyone thinking of trading him has to be crazy. He should have kicked 3 goals but sprayed one when he could have easily run into goals to make a certainty of it. Wanganeen did the same when he hit the post, should have run in and made sure of it.
He did step up after a while. Not the whole game, and he again showed that he has the best delivery into the forward-line when on song, long hard fast LOW kicks that the defenders can't do sh-t about.
His ability is not in question, however saying that so far(hopefully) this has been HIS worst season at Port is fairly accurate.

Eago77

14 Sep 2002, 17:45

Originally posted by Zombie

Nick Stevens saved our season tonight, 2 crucial goals at a crucial stage in the game and really stood up with injuries to Burgoyne, Kingsley and James.

Yep, Nick stepped up last night and certainly was one of the main reasons for our win. About time as his last 2 months has been pretty average. Hopefully he will come out and do the same thing against Brisbane next week.

Eago77

14 Sep 2002, 17:49

Originally posted by mic59

But we found K.Cornes to step up. Like the old adage says, you're only as good as your reserves.

Cornes just continues to improve, has just come on in leaps and bounds in the last 2 months. Seems every week he plays his best game for the club. Wasn't it lovely to have the two Cornes boys lead the way for our first finals victory in the AFL.

Back at the club the Corrrrnnnseeeey chant was out in full force, how must poor old Graham feel:p