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Bendigo 2009

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Will be interesting to see any reports of the game, considering the 'bests' are apparently never accurate.

* Who did Hurley play on? (Surely not Newton)
* Was Myers dominant from the midfield again?
* Did Bellchambers do enough/look fit enough to warrant a recall?
* Has Houli shaken off the effects of the flu?
* Was Neagle terrible, or was he merely starved of opportunity?

* Miller (I'd like to know who was on Newton at the start too if anyone knows.)
* When he was in there he was good, played a bit up forward at the end.
* I'd say Johnson beat him, overall fitness was not on an issue rucked a majority of the game. I think the Bendigo kid has better ruck skills but hes only 192cm.
* I thought that last week and early today but he was back to usual by the end of the game.
* He was starved but he doesnt seem to lead to the right spots. Williams was getting the ball on the lead so the delivery was good enough if you were in the right area. Most of the marks he took were up the ground.
 
Are the blokes playing as a team, or for themselves?

One player played today who is normally in the 2nds and any time he got the ball some guys didnt even know his name. There was a few things said on the ground today between some of the Essendon listed players which didnt look good from the sidelines. There is not much fun left in playing for Bendigo.
 

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* Miller (I'd like to know who was on Newton at the start too if anyone knows.)
* When he was in there he was good, played a bit up forward at the end.
* I'd say Johnson beat him, overall fitness was not on an issue rucked a majority of the game. I think the Bendigo kid has better ruck skills but hes only 192cm.
* I thought that last week and early today but he was back to usual by the end of the game.
* He was starved but he doesnt seem to lead to the right spots. Williams was getting the ball on the lead so the delivery was good enough if you were in the right area. Most of the marks he took were up the ground.
Thanks mate, much appreciated.
 
One player played today who is normally in the 2nds and any time he got the ball some guys didnt even know his name. There was a few things said on the ground today between some of the Essendon listed players which didnt look good from the sidelines. There is not much fun left in playing for Bendigo.

no 55?
 
I made the long trip down to Casey Fields today (10 minute drive) to watch Bendigo play Casey Scorpions. Was good conditions with only a slight breeze.

Now you’ve seen the score and it has been discussed at length how poor the Bendigo based players are, so I’m not going to discuss any of that. However it is worth noting that the difference in intensity is MASSIVE. I was very vocal about having senior players come back through Bendigo, but honestly it is a bit of a joke.

There are a few things to note before I get into the game though.

- Mark McVeigh DID NOT play. He spent the entire game in the coach’s box in the stand looking extremely miserable. He was virtually the only Essendon listed player that attended (there were around 8) that wasn’t out on the ground during the breaks. Not sure what he was doing, but the likes of Fletcher were there encouraging the blokes but McVeigh was not.

- Jay Nash, Christian Bock and Michael Still DID NOT play. From what I could tell none of them appeared to be injured. If they were they didn’t have strapping or any form of limp.

- Matthew Knights stayed until halftime. I was actually sitting next to him watching the match and I got the feeling that he could see how difficult things are for the Essendon players to make a real impact in these games.

- Jarrod Atkinson played Bendigo RESERVES. I only saw the last quarter and he came off with a tight hammy/cramp so I didn’t see him do anything. Not a good sign for him to be playing in the lower grade though.

- Kade Klemke also played reserves so I didn’t see him play.


I’ll go through each player individually and if there is anything I haven’t covered or if you have any further questions then let me know. Also note that the stats are done by me scribbling notes into a table created by me so they are by no means 100% accurate.

Leroy Jetta

11 Kicks
3 Handballs
2 Marks
3 Tackles
1 Clearance
4 Clanger kicks

Leroy started on the back flank and played there for the first 3 quarters. He also took about 60% of the kick ins. Whilst his opponent did not take him to the cleaners, Leroy at times appeared a little lost across the backline. At times he would run into space and then stop and make the wrong decision causing a turn over (think McPhee when out of form). His kick-ins were completely ineffective. Each time he would go long, and each time they would be marked by the opposition. The one occasion he went short, he shanked it out on the full. All of his clanger kicks were when Leroy was trying to create the switch with a long kick which either went out of bounds or to the opposition.

His defensive elements were quite good, causing a few good spoils and stopping a few marks when he was one-one-one in the defensive goal square.

In the last quarter Leroy spent some time on ball and did some solid work around the stoppages. He continued to chase hard all day and was quite vocal on the ground. Given that we are trying to play him in a Jarrod Harbrow type role, I can’t see him coming into the side in the next few weeks.


Michael Hurley

16 Kicks
4 Handballs
7 Marks
2 Tackles
5 Clanger Kicks

Started down back on Brad Miller for the first half and probably fought an even battle. Went forward for patches in the second quarter and the second half, provide a hit up target a couple of times. Shared the kicking in duties with Leroy and was equally ineffective. He was trying to hit targets from long range and was either missing the target or just over kicking the ball with it rolling out of bounds.

He took a few solid marks in front of the opposition (same as the ‘Tredrea mark’) but overall I didn’t think that he was a standout. There were other Bendigo defenders who probably did a better job.

You can see that he has excellent poise, and made some great decisions under pressure at times. He had his wrist strapped but appeared to be in no discomfort whatsoever. He came off halfway through the last quarter and was rested, although he still appeared to look relatively fresh and not sore.

I can’t see him coming in next week, especially given Sydney’s smaller forward set up. The reason he won so much of the ball was because the ball was down back so frequently although he does appear to be the ‘general’ with many players wanting to get the ball into his hands. They tried this with a quick handball off to set up a running shot at 50m, but he shanked it on the full.


Tyson Slattery

I didn’t get many of his stats but he hardly touched it. On at least 5 occasions he would receive a handball or a short pass, immediately play on and either lose his footing or get run down. You can see that he is still adjusting to the pace of senior football.

He has bulked up considerably more than when we saw him in the NAB Cup but still looks a little way off senior AFL football. He copped a hit in the face in the 3rd quarter and came off, but came back on with no real discomfort. He laid a few good tackles also and wasn’t afraid to back into backs when required.

Bachar Houli

14 Kicks
13 Handballs
5 Marks
1 Goal
4 Tackles
3 Clanger Kicks
2 Clearances

Bachar was probably the best of the Essendon listed players. He played the majority of the game on ball and got better in the second half of the game after a slower start. There were none of the poor handballs to stationary teammates, and the majority of his possessions were effective. He tackled hard and took a really strong contested mark running back with the flight of the ball in the backline following his opponent (who if the kick had been better had a decent gap on him after a 100m run).

He showed no signs of the flu that kept him out a few weeks ago and was by far the best player in regards to fitness and running the game out.

He didn’t play off the half back flank, which was interesting. I think that was as much to do with the fact that Bendigo has no midfielders and was a chance for him to gain some solid match fitness.

There were times when the coaches wanted to make an interchange but Bachar wouldn’t come off and had to be screamed at. At one stage Myers stood at the interchange gate for over 5 minutes waiting for him to come off.

His defensive game was solid. He took front on hits, chased hard and laid some strong tackles which is pleasing. I would like to see how he would go playing in the senior’s midfield at some point this season.

With all of that said, it wasn’t a commanding performance with many of his possessions coming after half time when the game was shot and the intensity low.



David Zaharakis

13 kicks
4 Handballs
3 Marks
1 Clanger Kick
1 Clanger Handball

Started the game off with a terrific centre clearance but shanked the kick into the wind. He worked his was into the game at times, but was never dominating. His speed and ability to run out of congestion was good to see at times. He played on ball and rested at times at full forward. He took one strong mark but gave a free for hands in the back.

His disposal efficiency was high, although most of his kicks were short rather than taking the risks that Hurley and Jetta attempted.

He regularly linked up with Bachar and I think all Bendigo’s scores involved both Zaka and Bachar in the link.

He certainly didn’t dazzle and would not be in line for a recall this week.


Michael Quinn

6 Kicks
5 Handballs
4 Marks
1 Goal
1 Handball Clanger

He played off the forward flank and his first two possessions were a goal and goal assist. Given the ball hardly went down there, he managed to make the most of his opportunities. He took some solid chest marks and spoilt fairly well. I was also pleased to see him prepared to take a tackle and still manage to get his arms free and handball to a teammate when he was under pressure.

His kicking was very good and he hit his targets well. He looks much more composed with the ball in his hands which you would expect playing at the lower level.

He also had plenty to say in the forward group at ¾ time regarding positioning and the opposition which was great to hear. You can’t question his commitment and he is going to be a terrific player in the next couple of years I feel. Was regularly interchanged.

Jay Neagle

5 Kicks
2 Handballs
4 Marks (1 contested)
1 Goal Assist

The stats don’t look great, but I really feel for Neagle playing at this level. The ball never goes Inside 50 and when it does, the quality is often atrocious. He did go down back for short periods and effected some good spoils. His workrate was quite good and he didn’t let his opponent run off him and create attacking opportunities.

He was regularly interchanged throughout the game which was an obvious tactic to manage his game time.

He set up on goal with a solid mark and long kick inside 50 which was similar to a few things we have seen him do at AFL level.

He was singled out at ¾ time by Hickmott for approaching him and pointing out that the players needed to use the shorter hit up target option rather than bombing the ball to the opposition. He is obviously a very quiet individual but you can see he understands the game well.

It’s going to be very difficult for him to dominate a game given how poor Bendigo are playing. We just need to be patient and hope he can get through the whole season injury free.


Darcy Daniher

6 Kicks
1 Handball
1 Clanger Kick
1 Clanger Handball
2 Marks

Darcy played the first half up forward rotating deep with Neagle. Again the ball hardly went down their so he didn’t touch it. When he went back, he actually struggled. He spent time on Newton and Waite (a VFL player) and was regularly out positioned, moved under the ball, or unaware of the ball after it hit the ground. His opponent kicked a couple of goals from spillages with Darcy nowhere near him.

There was no dash out of the backline which we have seen previously. He appears to have gone backwards somewhat in his development, although it is difficult being switched around in games.

He did the kicking out in the 2nd half and did an ok job apart from one occasion when he kicked into the man on the mark.

He still looks a fair way off senior football and would be well behind Hooker at this stage.




Tom Bellchambers

2 Kicks
4 Handballs
3 Marks
1 Goal
4 Tackles
3 Hitouts to advantage

For a 19 year old he is a big unit – he seriously looks 35. He was well beaten by Paul Johnson today in the ruck and around the ground. Casey absolutely dominated the clearances due to Johnson’s dominance. Tommy competed well but was simply outclassed. He doesn’t have a great leap and relies on jumping into his opponent much of the time.

He had a couple of shots on goal and kicked 1 and 1 on the full. Although he didn’t have much of the ball, it felt like he had an impact on the game. He won a few taps but only a few were to advantage and resulted in a Bendigo possession.

He was encouraged to drop across half back and fill a hole which he did quite well and was prepared to back into the oncoming traffic. He also chased hard and tackled well in close.

He probably could come in this week if we decide to go down that path. He showed no signs of discomfort apart from a slight corky.


David Myers

7 Kicks
14 Handballs
4 Marks
2 Points
1 Goal Assist
3 Clearances
1 Clanger Handball

Myers started on the wing (grandstand side) and played on ball apart from a short stint at the end in the backline. One thing that is obvious is that he is very strong over the ball. He is very good at taking a hit and being able to fire out a handball to a teammate. He was Bendigo’s best in the first half and won a few clearance Jobe style by firing out handballs to the likes of Houli and Zaka.

He was regularly interchanged and probably only played 60-70% TOG. When he went on though, he made a difference. He appears to be moving very well and his sprinting and top end speed is much improved. He took one very good mark in the forward 50 after sprinting 70m to get there. His goal assist was brilliant right foot pass on the run under pressure. Very impressive.

I don’t know if he did enough to gain selection but he has put his hand up again. He looks a better player than the one we last saw at senior level.

John Williams

8 Kicks
2 Handballs
5 Marks
1 Goal
1 Goal Assist
1 Tackle
3 Frees Against

Williams actually impressed me today. He played a little like a forward flanker and presented well. He isn’t a very big player but has excellent speed and a solid set of hands. He was also very vocal during the breaks and for some reason looks like he belongs in the team.

He gave away a few stupid free kicks with his tackling and getting caught with the ball, but you could see his endeavour to do the team things were there. He had a much better game than Neagle, so make of that what you will.


Tom German

He was hard to spot as he is only small and is often under the packs so I didn’t get his stats. Hickmott was wrapped with his first quarter and it was obvious that he goes in very hard. He tackles well, gets a lot of handballs in close and works well both ways.

I would say he would’ve had 20 or so possessions, spending a little bit of time on the interchange.


As I said if you have any other questions post them in this thread and I’m happy to answer them.
 

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McVeigh was suffering general soreness but is expected to be available for Essendon's clash with Sydney on Sunday.

General ego soreness? Not willing to run out for Bendigo, I presume that is below him? How can he be generally sore, when was the last time he actually played a game? Before the split round?
 
Great write up Boucks:thumbsu:, pretty poor effort from Bendigo today and after reading the review of the players looks like only Houli, Myers and Hurley warrant a game in the seniors but I dont think there will be any of them in the team vs Sydney
 

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Awesome write-up Boucks. :thumbsu:

I wouldn't mind Williams in the team instead of say Skipworth or Lovett-Murray next week. Has a little bit of 'X factor', just needs to get his confidence and believe he belongs in the seniors. Hopefully he can string a few good games together.
 
Awesome write-up Boucks. :thumbsu:

I wouldn't mind Williams in the team instead of say Skipworth or Lovett-Murray next week. Has a little bit of 'X factor', just needs to get his confidence and believe he belongs in the seniors. Hopefully he can string a few good games together.

He certainly is enthusiastic about his football.You can see it in everything he does. He is the sort of player that will never die wondering. He just lacks a little bit of size at the moment I would say having stood close to him and seen him next to the likes of Neagle and Houli who are a little more developed.
 
Took Hurley off half through the last quarter. Interesting....

I expect to see him next week. I actually like to see Houli given a go ahead of McVeigh if he was sooking.
 
Awesome write-up Boucks. :thumbsu:

I wouldn't mind Williams in the team instead of say Skipworth or Lovett-Murray next week. Has a little bit of 'X factor', just needs to get his confidence and believe he belongs in the seniors. Hopefully he can string a few good games together.

X Factor lol

The only x factor he has is he can jump really high and take down 1 speccie from 15 attemps. Other than that the only highlight of his game is seeing if he hurts himself on the landing when he comes down in the failed marking attempts.

He has played a couple of better games this year but nothing you would call great or even very good.
There is no way i would have him in the side in front of Skippy. At least Skippy can find the ball a but and play midfield or forward.
 

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