Half-Time Report

[GeeCat]

Given we've the week off, I thought I'd post my thoughts to date on the season past thus far. I've been meaning to say a few things about us and some players, but haven't had the chance, to date, so I guess this is it.

A disclaimer first off, is that the following, particularly the player reviews, is long (like epic long, I suppose). I don't blame anyone for not really reading the following in its entirety, but if you do (be it a paragraph or what) feel free to share your thoughts. I'm sure not everyone agrees with the way I see the game or our team, so go ahead, rebuke me. More than happy to hear others thoughts.

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The following is nothing comprehensive or exhaustive, but just some general thoughts on the following areas:

Defense: Much has been made off our attack this year, but perhaps the unsung part of it all is our defense, which of course instigates or provides the launching pad for said attacks. Our running game is getting alot of kudos, and rightly so. We are generating an immense amount of run from our back half, where designated runners like Bomber and Mackie are prepared to continually play off their man, peel off intelligently for the receive, and stream forward in straight lines down the corridoor. Within 2-3 possessions, we are already into the midfield, which is a far cry from the chipping days of the past. Speed kills, and I love it.

Of course, a defense which can't defend is pretty much rubbish, but ours is thankfully not that. The emergence of Egan has been a big factor, not just in the fact that he is now capable of playing on (and beating) top forwards, but the subsequent allowance of freedom it gives someone like Scarlett to put his play-reading reading ability to even better use as a loose man. Harley's recent return has also proved promising, given the extra option he creates as a legit third tall back, and the additional cover he provides to the forementioned (loose) runners as a space eater and dour, stay at home, defender. All in all, I feel as though the element of defending has largely been forgotten (if not overshadowed) by the attacking nature that's taken over the team. Our defense has shown the ability to be dour, committed, and cool under pressure, all of which will be critical to how far we will go come September. The role of a legit small defender is still an issue, but the available options have (to date) proven more than handy as a makeshift means week in week out.

Midfield: Run, run, and run. And we're not just talking about pace. I've long been an avid believer in hard running (or gut running, whichever), and we're putting it into use. Guys like Bartel and Ablett have lifted, others like Selwood have been introduced. Either way, we are covering alot more ground, and are prepared to move together in numbers as per the game plan. Runners are overlapping stagnant ball holders consistently, and providing moving options at stoppages or in general play. Our link work in the middle has been crucial, and the mindset for most of the time to feed off to the overlapping runners or play on at all costs has been predominantly consistent. I guess, all in all, it proves my point as a makeshift replacement for pure speed. Aside from a few individuals, we aren't a genuinely quick team, but the hard running and proper game plan/mindset goes a long way to making up for it (and then some).

The dominant corridoor use has gathered alot of attention, but it has been pleasing to see the initial mindset always to look inboard. Of course, our ability to negotiate our way around a clogged up corridoor has been pleasing as well. The Adelaide game (although it took awhile), demonstrated an ability to work around the inevitable clogging, and make do with the wings, particularly on the fat side of the ground.

The consistent use of two, capable ruckmen has proved invaluable. The days of lone rucks killing their bodies are over. Hopefully.

Forward: Two main things: structure and space. First off, we (finally) have a proper structure in place, which unsurprisingly has seen us emerge with an arsenal of options. Our key forwards, mid-sized forwards, and smalls know their roles, they stick to their roles, and they all apply physical pressure on opposition defenders mopping up (of course to varying degrees, but at the very least, to mostly acceptable levels). Another thing each of them do (and of which is a big exponent of the structure) is create and lead into space for each other. We are giving ourselves enough space to lead into initially as the ball is being carried and pumped into our fifty (often the corridoor hole near the fifty metre line), which is giving ourselves the best possible chance to make use of the quick deliveries into the forward fifty. In previous years, this was all non-existent, with or without the cattle to carry it out.

Another thing which I think warrants mention is the selection process. It has been refreshing, to say the least, to see certain players being given legit chances to settle in, not see the rushing back of injured/underdone players, the dropping of previous lovechilds when form (or lack thereof) permits it etc.

Player reviews to follow...

 

[GeeCat]

Gary Ablett: Taken his game to another level, which coincides with the much awaited (more) permanent midfield role. We’ve talked about his fitness levels being an element that’s held him back previously, but it’s become something else altogether this year. His aerobic capacity is clearly greater, he’s found those first few explosive steps again (what OP?), and he’s generally covering a lot more ground than ever before. Although his finishing skills in front of goal continue to go on a slight wane (in comparison to earlier years), his in-play skills, creativity, and beautiful vision have gone some way to make up for it. His mouth is still loud and clear on the field, but it’s been a case of less whinging and more leading.

Nathan Ablett: Almost a tale of two halves (if you’re willing to count the last month or so as one half), which is a tad disappointing given the inroads he was making, but a tad expected at the same time (it’s easy to forget he’s only played 20 odd games). Anyway, what impressed me the most in his first half (we’re talking about the early footy prior to the last month or so), wasn’t so much the tidbits from his vast skill set of what he could do (although they certainly are impressive), but the fact that he was going some way on improving on the aspects that he (previously) couldn’t do and wasn’t doing.

In any case, the past month has pretty much seen him retreat back to his shell on alot of the aspects of his game which we talked about as being improved. His attack on the ball, particularly in the air, remains too timid and inconsistent, although at ground level he is putting a lot more on show in second, third, and tackling efforts. The inconsistency in effort is also (too) apparent in his leading to the ball, which varies from hard to soft leads being presented when paddocks of space are denied. Despite all this, his year to date continues to see the showcasing of his obvious talent. The hope is that the second half of the season is littered with a lot more of the tidbits (or more) of his first quarter and abit of the year, than anything else.

Jimmy Bartel: There is not much to be said that hasn’t already been mentioned already with Jimmy. The question over his talent and ability to take on games in this manner was, well, never really in doubt (at least, not by me), but the consistency at which he’s doing so is something to really marvel at. I mentioned earlier back in preseason that he looked ready to tear games apart on a regular basis, and he’s done just that. His running game (which was always an element that’s held him back) has improved (much of which I figure would have something to do with the new fitness regime) to the extent where he’s now finding himself on all halves of the ground on a regular basis lending a helping hand or another option. He continues to throw his body into every pack and contest without genuine fear, win the disputed ball, think quicker than most around him, and has emerged as the go-to guy when our games of ring-a-rosy football have gotten too “pretty” (and, for what it’s worth, proved himself cool, calm, and collected at the times). His ability to shake the tag has been impressive as well, be it hanging off the congested packs and creating space for himself to move into, or running his arse across all sections on the ground to break free. The attention and (likely) accolades to follow are more than deserved.

Liam Bedford: Dogged by injury abit, but otherwise has shown some nice patches (which, all in all is to be expected of a rookie, really). Seems to be another attacking-minded, rebounding flanker with questionable effort/ability going the other way, which is much of the same of what we already have. I still have reservations about him, but he’s shown some nice play-reading ability, a willingness to run and carry, and a tidy kick for most of the part. Barring nothing unusual, I expect him to be granted another year on the rookie list.

Mark Blake: A legit candidate for most improved, though much of it has had to do with persistent game time (which we’ve been crying out for, for too long). Seems to have finally established himself as the clear number two ruck option at the club, and in the eyes of many over here (rightly so, of course). With confidence sky high, his running game is improving alongside his genuinely good tap skills, and his mobility and skills are beginning to come to the fore (although much work is still to be done). His development has been exciting to watch.

Shannon Byrnes: Surpassed, finally, by a group of genuinely more talented footballers. Just the 3 games for the year, where he continued to try hard, run actively (although not always efficiently), and, as always, think blankly, and f@$% too many things up. All things being equal, we shouldn’t have to see him again.

Tim Callan: Continues to carry on in his usual courageous, tough, and efficient manner down back in the VFL, but, as we’ve been accustomed to, is unlikely to be rewarded for it. His (constant) shafting by the selection committee remains to be abit of an enigma, given his suitable qualities as a small defender (a willingness to run and create, his defensive ability etc). A VFL flag to cap off his contributions would be fitting, but it will always remain questionable as to why we re-signed him at the end of last year if the intention to play him (as always) was never there.

Paul Chapman: Chappy has pretty much been Chappy for most of the part, although the past few weeks (bar the Lions outing) have seen him lose some touch (as per the injury, I know); his performance against the Crows was close to the worst I’ve seen him play in a number of years, which probably speaks volumes about his consistency more than anything else though. Was the leader amongst a very select minority who continued to play hard, desperate, and skillful (for the most part) football during our ordinary patch. And whilst his finishing skills in front of goal have somewhat dipped in deadliness this year (much like Gaz), his sheer presence on the ground (all 5’10’’ of him), hard leading, physicality, hunger for the pill, vision, and skill execution have, similarly, more than accounted for it.

Joel Corey: Began his season much like he ended it last year, on a flank collecting meaningless stats, before a move (finally) back home in the center square saw his value to the team return. We will continue to harp on about his disposal, which varies in quality too much, but his ability to get first hands on the ball, clearance ability at the stoppages, and continual hard running is still quality and, at the moment, irreplaceable. It would be nice to see him use abit more of his athleticism and burst pace (which, whilst oft-dismissed, is there), as it’s presence often correlates to actual, quality, contributions from him.

Jason Davenport: From what I’ve seen, he continues to do much the same of what he did last year, which to me is still very VFL quality stuff. I admire his running ability (both gut and pace-wise), along with his continual efforts at the contests (and, I suppose, throughout the game) but the finishing product still lacks the proper quality to really have me set on his AFL career (which many here seem certain of).

Nathan Djerrkura: After a tantalizing pre-season, Djidi struggled to keep up the form and fell down the pecking order, before (more recently) being held back by a nagging quad injury. He has alot going for him though to suggest that, if (and when) needed, he could slot straight into the seniors side. He has tended to flash in and out of some games, but otherwise, his maturity (in game and body-wise), hardness at the ball and man, pace, clean hands and skills, and instinctive defensive pressure make for an exciting package. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him debut sometime before the year is out.

Matthew Egan: Continues to gradually improve on his game, to the stage where he probably has legitimate claims to being one of the better defensive CHB’s in the league, but nonetheless is good enough to take the number one forward more often than Scarlett now. Aside from his composure down back (with his reliable skills and clear thinking), he continues to improve on several facets of his game that have, to date, remained a problem for him over the years. That said though, he still has various means and ways to go (still lets a lot of balls fly over his head, and his fitness remains a hurdle against the fitter ground-covering forwards), but perhaps that’s the scary thought given the stage at which he is at now.

Corey Enright: Boris continues to be Boris, really, which sees him collect his due stats, flip out a couple of classy, creative moments, and stuff in his fair share of general f%&@ ups. He is, though, quickly becoming more of a liability than an asset, which (like Wojcinski a few years back, and even Ling of, well, last year) places him outside the comfort zone of things. Like Corey, we will continue to harp on about his disposal and his over-zealousness at times, and whilst his play reading and meaningful rebounding remains to be (generally) all good and well, the ledger is quickly balancing to the wrong side.

Ryan Gamble: After a flashy debut season plying his trade in the VFL, Vegas looked ready to put his hand up as a replacement for the Dog Johnson hole in the forward line. To cut the story short though, injuries have pretty much held him back to the extent where it’s unlikely we’ll see him raise his hand again this year. It would be nice to see him back out there at some point, where his handy pace, skills, creativeness and flair are refreshing to watch.

Charlie Gardiner: I’ll probably be mocked, but there was a part of me earlier this year that thought maybe, just maybe, this was the year Charlie showed he could legitimately provide something on a consistent basis. Of course, I remain to date, wrong. It’s much of the same really, which remains, as it has for the past few years now, too much of too wrong. His effort and hard leading cannot be questioned, and he continues to throw in some classy moments at the lower levels, but the general f@^& ups that we have grown accustomed to continue to rise. A shame given that, if all things went for him, he really could have made the role of a leading 3rd forward his own. Time to cut our losses and throw out the trash; he doesn’t deserve another year.

 

[GeeCat]

Todd Grima: The absence of competing tall forwards within the VFL has helped Toddy, which has pretty much opened up the spaces, allowed for the creation of a proper structure up forward around him (and not that, forced, 4 talls up forward crap), and seen him emerge as the numero uno option in the goal square, where he has responded. Needs to work on a lot of things still, but should be upgraded at years end.

Tom Harley: There is not all that much to judge him on, but if anything, the last few performances have been promising enough to suggest his worth to the team aside from the obvious calling card of leadership may be underrated. His hands continue to be (mostly) reliable in the air, and whilst his decision-making and kicking continues to slightly wane (and show signs of general slowness), the hope is he can string more than a few performances together for everyone’s sake, no more than his own.

Tom Hawkins: Given all the hype, Tommy did more than a fair job backing it all up (and then some). The hands, the smarts, the skills…there is not much to be said that hasn’t (repeatedly) been said, other than to mention how scary he could be in a few years time. If there are any small pick-ups to be ironed out, it would be less chest-marking (and more hands out) and a little less back-chatting to the umps – all in all killing bad habits.

Simon Hogan: Behind the eight-ball early on with the OP, but has come along nicely to the stage where he’s legitimately contributing to the VFL side. The frame will need Mackie-like attention in the gym, but the athletic gifts have been well partnered with some clean skills.

Josh Hunt: The cause of quite a divide on many fans, apparently. The consistency of his application remains frustrating, given he has shown he can do the things that consistently hold him back, only to revert back. His attack and intensity at the contest has improved for the most part (given his history) and his running game (which we’ve discussed in some length over the last few seasons) has shown signs of improving (again, the consistency issue). But a guy with his foot skills still manages to f$@& things up too often, which, along with the disappearance of a working brain, all in all adds to the inconsistency and shot confidence with which he’s currently plagued with. Aside from his many shortcomings though, I do believe he can still be of quite some value when everything (and he) is working.

Sam Hunt: I never thought much of him as a legit key position player to begin with, and he really hasn’t done much to change my view either way really. His willingness to run and carry, and then kick long (with penetration) is damaging at times (and wasteful at others), but he remains too questionable with his defense. He remains the defensive equivalent to Kingsley as far as his position is concerned (that of a tallish flanker more than anything, really), which, given his VFL-quality play at the moment, is not really all that demanding of a senior spot at this point in time.

David Johnson: Underrated or simply not rated, depending on who you talk to. He continues to carry on in his usual courageous but unassuming manner, which often leaves him on the sidelines for some patches. Given the lack of natural talent, he continues to earn his way with his courage, work ethic, and generally reliable methods, where he still remains one of our better (if only) options down back, on smalls. To date, he has done little wrong (as usual), but nothing overly good to surpass a ‘solid’ showing (as usual). His attack on both man and ball is to be admired, but his decision-making in contests is questionable at times (like Harley, he is prone to going up in contests when the better option is to stay down). I think there remains a place for him, at times, although for how long is the question.

Steve Johnson: After the much-publicized off-season happenings and subsequent suspension, I think it’s fair to say Dog has returned as well as anyone could have scripted (and then some). Aside from his work on field, where he continues to mesmerize with his obvious footballing ability, what has been most impressive is the manner in which he’s carried himself. We’re talking along the lines of getting ready and putting in the work ethic and hours to match the ability, where his physique is giving himself every opportunity to extract the talent. Given his limitations, he is playing his role up forward nicely; filling in as the leading forward and link-man, before working his way back to his customary creative (and finishing) role within the fifty arc. His balancing work of selfish and team-play is still a work a progress (although his attack on the ball and continual efforts in singular passages of play have been great), and his brain has teetered on too relaxed at times (where he has given himself too much time to rid of the ball, and hence has found himself ridden into the dirt), but all in all, his return has coincided with the return of some of the best football from both the team and himself.

James Kelly: On the whole, Kel has improved various facets of his game, which has subsequently seen him do a lot more right than wrong (and, all in all, seen him play above the efforts of last year). I’ve still various qualms on him, but his intensity, work ethic, play involvement (on and off the ball), overall movement (with and without the ball), and skill level has risen to more acceptable levels this year to date (and hence, unsurprisingly, has seen him put in some good performances).

Steven King: It would surprise me to see Kingy play senior football at this club (let alone ever again) on a consistent basis again. After a hope-timistic preseason campaign, his body has (inevitably) failed him again, which has coincided with the recognition of the future in Blakey (not that King’s form to date had really commanded much), and the subsequent unofficial demotion to third-string ruckman at the club. His VFL form was promising, with him showing the ability to move freely and regularly, throw his weight around (which he has never done enough of, if he ever has at all), contest and pluck balls out of the air, and assert his presence in the play around the grounds (which is really vintage stuff), to go with the dominance in tap work against VFL grade rucks, but the clock on his career is ticking toward expiration (if it hasn’t already).

Cameron Ling: Like Corey, the long awaited move back to his ‘roots’ has seen him return as a legit contributor to the team. Aside from his obvious tagging prowess (where he has positively owned nearly all in sight), he is looking alot better in his all-around game – he is running alot more intelligently, which has correlated with his much-improved decision making (not just in picking disposal options, but in knowing when to play off his man and hurt the opposition going the other way, or simply lending a helping a hand to teammates), and a greater effectiveness and efficiency rate with disposal.

Tom Lonergan: Just the lone (comeback) match after the sickening happenings of last season. Not much to report on really, other than the levels of bravery he’s shown to get back on the field.

Andrew Mackie: On the whole, he continues to contribute and progress forward as a footballer, although the stamp of legitimacy is still some way away. I wasn’t the biggest fan of his change down back (as opposed to the wing position he made his own late last season), but he has proven a contributing asset down back to the team and overall game plan. He is putting himself in contests more often than ever before (but is still too ‘soft’ in that regard, although improving), and of course providing constant, meaningful run out of the back half, all the while displaying excellent reading of the play and occasional classy disposal. He does still have various means and ways to go though, with his disposal too inconsistent in providing said ‘classy’ deliveries, along with some very questionably decision-making and consistent displays of fumbles when the heat is applied. But he is getting there.

Darren Milburn: Dasher continues to be himself, although he has had his moments of sheer stupidity and cockiness early on, giving himself more time than actually available. But on the whole, he remains dependable and capable of the various roles he’s tied with, and seems to be getting more attention from the outside than ever before (though I’m not sure this is his best season to date, however good it has been thus far). His spoiling parade against Adelaide was very much a 101 on one-on-one defense, and he continues to provide well-timed leads out in open spaces. His kicking has remained generally steadfast, although I question whether he is the right guy to be bringing the ball in from kick-ins, given his tendency for a mere 15m pass into the pocket (although our setup as a whole from those situations is pretty poor).

Cam Mooney: Statistically, Moons is having one of his best seasons to date, but looking back it’s hard to really think of a game where he’s really shredded a side apart or, on the whole, put on BOG worthy performances on a consistent basis. Of course, those not so simply attached to the lie…um…statistics will tell you that is not where his work is being done. I guess the great thing about our current setup right now is the need (or lack of thereof) for Cam to be booting 3-4 goals a game (although he is doing something close to that in any case). His glue-man status as a foundation-type pillar at CHF is proving invaluable structurally, where he has allowed guys like Nathan and Tom to flourish early on, dragging the number one defender away from clogging the leading space (a sacrificial decoy or space creator, if you will). His assistance of the smaller crew has been more than handy as well, where he is attacking contests with regularity and, at the very least, pulling the pill down to where our contest-willing players are given a chance. This creation of additional goals (aside from the 2-3 that come off his own boot) is, all in all, part of the serviceable turn in game for Cam this season.

Brad Ottens: Fitness was all the rage during the pre-season, and whilst it’s certainly been a big catalyst as to why he’s enjoying his best season for the club and proving one of our most valuable players, the other instigator has been the more permanent move to the ruck. He is, pretty clearly, the best ruckman at the club, where his sublime tap work is put to good use, and his experience and size/strength provide the perfect foil for Blakey. His hands up forward have been superb at times, but his kicking (which has really gone on the wane) effectively kills his potential damage. He is getting around and to more contests though, and his ground-level work has been pretty inspiring at times.

Stephen Owen: I wrote off last season for him, and gave him the same leverage as Varcoe for injury purposes. I think people tend to forget that. In any case, he's been tenfold better this season playing off the back flank. Midrange size, but shows ability overhead and reading the play. Abit of an enigma still, for mine. His disposal is abit hit and miss (with the difference in quality between the two being too great, still), and his moments of pure class are quickly shadowed by lapses in concentration and awareness. Nonetheless, his showings this year (effectively as another “first year” player) don’t command a delisting in my books. Yet.

 

[GeeCat]

Henry Playfair: Like Byrnes, he is being surpassed by a more talented bunch, and continues to toil away. His fall along the depth chart has seen him pick up the defensive key post in the VFL in hope of working his way back into favour, but realistically (at least, from what I’ve seen) all things being equal, such a return won’t be anytime soon.

Brent Prismall: After a string of healthy performances (including that classy showing against Melbourne), Prismall can probably consider himself ingloriously dropped for a lackluster showing at the wrong time. A guy (let alone a kid) who can consistently create, takes the time (and has it) to find the right option, and is blessed with the disposal skills (although they do tend to be over-glorified around these parts), poise, balance, class, and vision with which he has, will eventually find himself back in the mix sooner than later. Anyway, in the meantime he continues to highlight the fact that he is too good for the VFL.

Joel Reynolds: Not much to be said, given he season-ending knee injury, but all in all I don’t expect him to be back.

Max Rooke: Nagging hamstring injury limited his preparation and held back his start to the season, but since his return he’s been very much the Rookey we’ve all come to know and love. Quickly becoming a utility role player, with his ability in defense, on the ball, and now up forward. There is not much else to be said, given his consistent approach to the game in working hard both ways, going hard at the man and ball, and overall tenacity and commitment to the contest and team. His disposal has improved to the stage where I feel safe with the ball in his hands.

Matthew Scarlett: Given his fairly laid back approach the last few years, I think Matty has come back, to some level, to the Scarlett of old. The emergence of Egan has allowed him to carry on his attacking game with greater ease, where he is using his superb play-reading ability and (mostly) dependable skills/decision-making to provide useful rebounding and set up various forward thrusts off his man. The less that has been commanded of him defensively in his respective one-one-one match-ups has probably been to the teams’ beneficiary as much as his own, with the helping hand he’s providing more often than not as the loose man patrolling the defensive fifty. The return in intensity, interest, and the (relative) decline in f$@& ups (most of which were ego/cocky-based) has probably been the most pleasing.

Joel Selwood: My boy. Our best first-year player to date, where he has surprised many (myself included) with his easy adjustment to the rigours of senior football, and general sense of belonging out on the field. Classy, courageous, hard at the ball and man, committed to the contest, and works hard on and off the ball. He will be something.

Matthew Spencer: Tries hard, as he always does, and commits himself the full length, as he always does, but there is nothing more to his game that suggests he will make it. The butt of many of a joke, but unfortunately there is little to his game that can back up any man-made defense of him being otherwise. The boot will be applied come years end.

Mathew Stokes: Amusing to think now how many even dared to question and compare his game to that of Byrnes’, considering how superior Stokes is. In any case, he has pretty much kept at the job; providing plenty of grunt, tenacity and commitment to contests, run, class, and skillful finishing in front of goal and in general play. I’m not sure of his value as a leading target up forward, but that is more of a qualm with the set up and coaching than him really. I honestly think he’s a staple component to the team now.

Kane Tenace: The move to the half back flank I’ve previously campaigned for has occurred, but he is still proving more of a liability than an asset. His run in general is improving in intelligence (when and where to run) and ground covered, and he is certainly finding the pill with more ease, but there is still too much of the woeful decision-making, skill execution, fumbling hands, soft presence in contests, and too little attacking of the game (be it at the ball, man, or the play). He has shown improvement in some areas, but there is only so much time that can be afforded to mere baby steps.

Travis Varcoe: Has taken big strides from last years showings in the VFL (some will note the injury, but that doesn’t mean you can’t note certain aspects of one’s game). Performing the role of forward pressure-r well, for the most part, and is contributing his fair share of goals as a crumber, all the while displaying some flash and class within his game. That said, there is still plenty to work on (and to work with); his approach in contested situations leaves much to be desired still (i.e. refusing to commit to winning the disputed ball, and instead preferring to wait outside and prepare for the inevitable chase – as has been mentioned, he may want to consider that the best way to keep the footy in the forward line is to actually gain possession of it), and his lazy one-handed approach to the grounded ball needs to be corrected, amongst other things. Having said all that, his commitment to the chase (which was rarely sighted last year) and occasional use of explosive pace out of the congestion is a valuable asset to the current set-up, and more than handy as a contribution by a “first year” player.

Trent West: Has overseen the duties of number one ruckman in the two’s, where he seems to be progressing along at his own pace. Hasn’t really shown much thus far to suggest anything or make an impression, but slack will be cut given his status as a developing ruck. He certainly is athletic though, which seems to be a pre-requisite of sorts in today’s game, and his tap work is coming along (although is nothing really special at this point in time to be honest), but his skills (which are improving, as far as I can tell) still need quite the work. Very much a work in progress.

David Wojcinski: As I’ve previously mentioned, the underlying key to Bomber’s game (or moreover, his contribution to the team) is ensuring that his deficiencies do not overtake that of his contributions, which are certainly something we haven’t really had in a long time when he is up and firing. Thankfully this year, for the most part, he is yet to let that ledger balance the wrong way, and has thus been rather invaluable to the overall game plan, which I’m sure has been mentioned numerous times throughout. His dynamic play and raw speed have been pretty impressive at stages, his commitment to using the corridor likewise, and his penetrating long deliveries have more often than not found themselves in our forward half (which is really where they need to be if we are to put up with the other crap he serves up from time to time).

 

[cats2rise]

Great write up.

On C Ling, he has kicked 15 or so goals for us this season. Great effort.

 

[chapmanmagic35]

Brilliant as per usual, GeeCat

 

[deadfish]

Great read. Thanks for putting the time and effort in mate.

 

[Big Nasty]

Geez, thanx for the read man. Quite enjoyed it and thought you were pretty spot on.

 

[Kegs44]

fantastic report mate, i reli enjoyed reading that. Altho i dont believe evrything that is written (i didnt read all players) i still think what u wrote and think is very good and i can easily see why u hold such opinions. Good work

 

[year of the cat]

Wow impressive stuff!!!

I thought you may have been a little unkind to both Tenace and Enright who in my opinion have both been a lot better than they have been worse if you know what I mean. Hence the reason they are still being picked each week. Both have provided good run from defence in a team that was very stagnant in that area last year.

Great post though - and very objective.

 

[Tonycam*]

great work Geecat , It always impressive to see someone that puts in all the work you have mate and actually get it right . top stuff

 

[Mr.Chicken]

Really enjoyed the read. Was very insightful and good to see where our club as a whole seems to be going.

 

[Rockford]

Great work. Regarding Callan, I think he was re-signed to provide some coverage should we cop a few injuries in our backline. Should Enright, Woja or Milburn get injured then he'd be a suitable in. Also helps to have some hungrier players pushing for selection. Hunt was good when he played against Port and he knew he had to be, helps to have some skill in depth.

 

[CF]

thanks for sharing GeeCat, love your work

 

[Hood007]

Good effort GeeCat, top read!

 

[a.f.k.a.y.o.p.]

Great read - insightful, well structured and most importantly very accurate reflection on where the team currently sits. Perhaps you should get in touch with the producers of On The Couch and angle for Robert Walls' role??

 

[sarah.13]

Great stuff GeeCat.A balanced and in-depth review.

 

[The Hulkster]

Brilliant post.

 

[Solstice Raver]

Top work GeeCat. Clear to see you bleed in Blue and White hoops.

Objective, honest and thourough.

 

[Cats!!]

Great read!
One thing i would say about James Kelly, is that sure his come back to form but he hasnt got back the goal kicking form what he once had. I'm not sure if thats due to positioning of him. But thats just one thing i have really noticed about his game this year.

 

[Mooney_d'King]

What they all said ^^^^^^^

 

[thegerman]

GeeCat thanks, fantastic read

 

[cat_fanatic]

Great stuff mate!

 

[snowycats]

Great stuff - my only comments would be :

Mark Blake has improved for sure but I still have big reservations - he does not mark over his head enough and he has no kicking or handball skills - it is going to be costly one day.

Agree that Nathan needs more development but there are no alternatives. Hawk will be great when super fit.

I still have doubts about our disposal when under the pressure taht finals bring - too many are suspect - we all know who.

 

[SJ]

Good summary but too harsh on Nathan. His goal scoring has dropped off, sure, but I think there is a correlation between this, and Hawkins out of the side. We are only playing only two key forwards at the moment and he is therefore receiving significantly more attention. I think he was great again on the weekend, presented, took marks, made contests (including a fantastic two-on-one which allowed Chapman to stroll into goal).

He plays in the hardest position on the ground. I still think he's our most improved this year.