Autopsy Round 12, 2025: Positives and Negatives vs Geelong

[wce4premiership]

I think Duggan improved as the game wore on but his start was trash and his continuous bombing the ball at one stage tarnished his game for a few. Same goes for Baker

I don't think Duggan was good, but he had one shocker on the right foot early from memory, the rest were just average kicks under pressure.

The views that dump kick = bad kick are way off. Everything has to be looked at in context of where he receives it and what he has on at the time.

I think he can do way better, but the carry on about him dump kicking when he gets the ball deep in defence under pressure is a bit over the top, as if he's meant to lace out some imaginary forward who isn't even leading up the wing.

He's one of the guys that does know when to be tackled for a ball up rather than try break it and get done HTB or have it spill out.

Last night wasn't as good as the previous two weeks for him though. Needs to lift a little bit next week.

 

[ziad]

I don't think Duggan was good, but he had one shocker on the right foot early from memory, the rest were just average kicks under pressure.

The views that dump kick = bad kick are way off. Everything has to be looked at in context of where he receives it and what he has on at the time.

I think he can do way better, but the carry on about him dump kicking when he gets the ball deep in defence under pressure is a bit over the top, as if he's meant to lace out some imaginary forward who isn't even leading up the wing.

He's one of the guys that does know when to be tackled for a ball up rather than try break it and get done HTB or have it spill out.

Last night wasn't as good as the previous two weeks for him though. Needs to lift a little bit next week.

In a game where we were outclassed by skill and pace I was impressed (quietly) that Duggan, Ginbey and Baker all hit quite a few targets when they had time.

 

[ziad]

Well tbh, my comment about a meat pie was pretty childish, but it's ok to be silly now and again, shirley?

It certainly wasn't by BF standards.

 

[Grahame]

I think he can do way better, but the carry on about him dump kicking when he gets the ball deep in defence under pressure is a bit over the top, as if he's meant to lace out some imaginary forward who isn't even leading up the wing.

I think one measure of the effectiveness of a dump kick is who gets it. It’s one thing if it’s mostly a fifty-fifty but if the opposition is getting it way more then maybe their structures are better.

Also, a dump kick going more often to the opposition in the backline is probably more costly (and noticeable) than one in our forward line.

 

[BeornJ]

The boys should take a lot from that. Mini can use this as proof that his system works, if we play this way every week, we can take it up to the best.

I love this new style of play, it is an exciting brand and will hopefully energise the young players, and encourage more players to want to come to West Coast.

Looking forward to watching Hewett, Hall, Gross, both Reids, Allan, J. Williams and Long tear it up for years to come.

Exciting time to be an Eagles fan!

 

[Total_Juddshanks]

Am starting to believe we've backed a winner in mcqualter. If nothing else 'miniball' is fun to watch.

This game pretty much started the exact same way as the round 1 game against gold coast and you can see the development that has happened since then based on the way the team reacted. They didn't go into their shell, they stuck to the game plan and even when they were getting cut up they kept taking the game on and playing aggressively and eventually did start to open up Geelong and have them scrambling. When you consider the quality we are missing (ie the top 3 in our best and fairest from the already very low bar of last years bottom 4 side) it is actually pretty impressive how well they've adapted and how dangerous they look at times. The gameplan is far better than many of the individuals who are trying to make it work.

Tbh regardless of the result I feel like the team probably got more out of this than any other game this season. Geelong's forward line is elite and they are incredibly quick at exploiting mistakes and exposing teams on the counter, the6 are about thhe most difficult imaginable opponent to try to beat with Miniball, because every mistake from quick ball movement gets thrown straight back at you. That meant the backs had to function under huge pressure. So to be able to stick to the gameplan and produce good football even when that is happening is a big step forward. You can see the run and attack approach is becoming second nature for our players, they keep pressing even when they make mistakes and as soon as someone gets it at halfback their teammates are already in motion and demanding they move it- they've been trying to play that way all year and the team looks at bit like a learner driver just getting to the point where they start to instinctively 'know' how to drive rather than needing to stop and think and consciously follow instructions.

Might be a false hope but I feel like sooner or later this approach is going to click for four quarters and we're going to completely blow someone off the park.

 

[Avalor]

That was an absolutely frustrating end to what was an enjoyable game for 3 quarters.

Sensational for three and a half quarters. At the 16 minute mark of the last Q, a goal in it. Noah Long had to do better with his shot on goal. Terrible from 35 meters out. Turning point. Still. liking what is going down with this team; we are building, the worm is turning.

 

[wce4premiership]

I think one measure of the effectiveness of a dump kick is who gets it. It’s one thing if it’s mostly a fifty-fifty but if the opposition is getting it way more then maybe their structures are better.

Also, a dump kick going more often to the opposition in the backline is probably more costly (and noticeable) than one in our forward line.

I agree to an extent but you can also be unlucky in some games.

We saw a good one from Baker (I think) late in the game that was hard and flat down the wing, but he also had time to look up field in that scenario.

If he gets a good kick on it then it's up to the forwards to create a spillage.

Getting a handball receive in d50 can sometimes be a choice of kicking it or getting done HTB, I feel like he always at least kicks it or gets the ball up. So I think he's making good choices but could probably execute better.

 

[wce4premiership]

In a game where we were outclassed by skill and pace I was impressed (quietly) that Duggan, Ginbey and Baker all hit quite a few targets when they had time.

Kelly too had a bullet in the f50.

I actually liked seeing things like Duggan using his right boot, Hutchinson taking the game on, Brockman selling the dummy etc.

All were turnovers in the end via HTB or the kick missing but I'd like our players to be dual sided and break the lines.

 

[Deplorable trumpster]

Hutchinson's turnovers are often not just garden variety turnovers. They are so bad that they often cost us a shot at goal at our end plus a goal to the opposition on the rebound. He seems to actually pick out the opposition out in space in a dangerous position when all his team mates have spread and run to give him an option.

Not sure he is worth continuing to invest in. I know he has only played 15 games, but what is he actually good at? What assets/attributes/weapons does he have that will allow him to impact games in the future? You don't have to great at everything but you have to have a one wood in your bag.

 

[WCE777]

Am starting to believe we've backed a winner in mcqualter. If nothing else 'miniball' is fun to watch.

This game pretty much started the exact same way as the round 1 game against gold coast and you can see the development that has happened since then based on the way the team reacted. They didn't go into their shell, they stuck to the game plan and even when they were getting cut up they kept taking the game on and playing aggressively and eventually did start to open up Geelong and have them scrambling. When you consider the quality we are missing (ie the top 3 in our best and fairest from the already very low bar of last years bottom 4 side) it is actually pretty impressive how well they've adapted and how dangerous they look at times. The gameplan is far better than many of the individuals who are trying to make it work.

Tbh regardless of the result I feel like the team probably got more out of this than any other game this season. Geelong's forward line is elite and they are incredibly quick at exploiting mistakes and exposing teams on the counter, so this was an incredibly hard opponent to try to beat with Miniball- the backs had to function under huge pressure and every mistake we made was punished. So to be able to stick to the gameplan and produce good football even when that is happening is a big step forward. You can see the run and attack approach is becoming second nature for our players, they keep pressing even when they make mistakes and as soon as someone gets it at halfback their teammates are already in motion and demanding they move it- they've been trying to play that way all year but at the moment the team looks at bit like a learner driver just getting to the point where they start to instinctively 'know' how to drively rather than needing to stop and think and consciously follow instructions.

Might be a false hope but I feel like sooner or later this approach is going to click for four quarters and we're going to completely blow someone off the park.

"miniball" love it

 

[Total_Juddshanks]

Kelly too had a bullet in the f50.

Kelly looks far better the last few weeks since they've shifted him back to something like the natural role he played at Geelong (ie HFF/winger).

It makes you wonder what the club has been doing sticking him in the centre square week in week out for the last 5 years - it is pretty clear he's not the answer to our clearance/contested ball issues but he is still capable of being a very good front half link player.

 

[greatwhiteshark]

Sensational for three and a half quarters. At the 16 minute mark of the last Q, a goal in it. Noah Long had to do better with his shot on goal. Terrible from 35 meters out. Turning point. Still. liking what is going down with this team; we are building, the worm is turning.

Agree, there is now clear signs that they are starting to believe in themselves, the game plan and the process that repeating the same efforts time after time will eventually not only reap rewards but put in place a long terms system that can be sustained and stand up.
Going to still see some bad footy and rightfully we should still ask questions but the process will take some time.

 

[Mop]

I've been thinking about the game a lot.

I feel really good about how we're already seeing the start of an identity.

Hewett and Reid are very good. Growing every week.
Baker and Graham both showing leadership and ownership. I hated the Baker mow down, I hated that he basically stopped, but I do appreciate he was being anti-Duggan and trying to use the ball out of the defence and not just around the body junk turnovers again and again and again and again. Duggan needs his kicking licence revoked. Handball to an adult only.
Oscar Allen

12

Oscar Allen

Age

26

Ht

196cm

Wt

96kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

9.8

2star

K

6.6

3star

HB

3.2

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.4

4star

G

1.1

4star

No current season stats available

D

8.6

3star

K

5.8

3star

HB

2.8

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.2

4star

showing his class.
Ginbey was huge. Such a great game, the junk time goals doesn't take away from that.

Downsides though

Hutchinson. Bro. Awful kicking action, low helicopter kicks again and again. Absolutely no penetration.
Long's miss. Horrible. However, Geelong also missed a soft goal 2 mins before.
Flynn. He grew into it, but if we're going to rip into Long for his miss, then Flynn trying to do the low percentage wheel around kick when he had Allan free to bomb it, or just a simple kick down the line to a contest. It shits me.
He's got good hands overhead, but he's a blocky old school ruckman who needs to play by numbers. Someone earlier said he may overrate his football ability - I agree.

The umpiring was god awful again. Awful. Awful.

Still. Progress.

 

[Goroyals22]

Hutchinson's turnovers are often not just garden variety turnovers. They are so bad that they often cost us a shot at goal at our end plus a goal to the opposition on the rebound. He seems to actually pick out the opposition out in space in a dangerous position when all his team mates have spread and run to give him an option.

Not sure he is worth continuing to invest in. I know he has only played 15 games, but what is he actually good at? What assets/attributes/weapons does he have that will allow him to impact games in the future? You don't have to great at everything but you have to have a one wood in your bag.

That kick inside 50 in the 3rd quarter when he was about 80 metres out and had the whole forward 50 to kick into only to kick straight to Stewart who didn’t even have to move was just about remote through the tv bad.

 

[Footfalcon]

The pile on for Hutch is a bit OTT here. He looks a bit out of sorts, maybe needs a rest, but writing him off is ridiculous. Has clearly shown in other games that he has potential.

He is playing in a sub optimal role due to mcqualters decisions. He has shown more than enough on multiple equations to change our ability to actually make the centre bounces a contest.
Same goes with Brockman who has his best game in the centre!? then not to be seen played in the middle? ****** stuff

If anything, dewar should have been rotated on the wing and HFF, Boallen in the half back, Hutchinson and Brockman rotated in the centre, Long on the bench

 

[jdisc]

I've been thinking about the game a lot.

I feel really good about how we're already seeing the start of an identity.

Hewett and Reid are very good. Growing every week.
Baker and Graham both showing identity. I hated the Baker mow down, I hated that he basically stopped, but I do appreciate he was being anti-Duggan and trying to use the ball out of the defence and not just around the body junk turnovers again and again and again and again. Dude needs his kicking licence revoked. Handball to an adult only.
Oscar Allen showing his class.
Ginbey was huge. Such a great game, the junk time goals doesn't take away from that.

Downsides though

Hutchinson. Bro. Awful kicking action, low helicopter kicks again and again. Absolutely no penetration.
Long's miss. Horrible. However, Geelong also missed a soft goal 2 mins before.
Flynn. He grew into it, but if we're going to rip into Long for his miss, then Flynn trying to do the low percentage wheel around kick when he had Allan free to bomb it, or just a simple kick down the line to a contest. It shits me.
He's got good hands overhead, but he's a blocky old school ruckman who needs to play by numbers. Someone earlier said he may overrate his football ability - I agree.

The umpiring was god awful again. Awful. Awful.

Still. Progress.

If you look back to the Gold Coast game in round 1, or the GWS/Carlton games, then look to how we're playing now, the growth is undeniable.

Hopefully the trend continues and by the end of the season we've picked up a few more wins, put more minutes into the kids, debuted a few more, and are ready for a full pre-season.

 

[jdisc]

Reminder to the posters that Hutch was taken in the MSD last year so he's technically only now (as of this month) one year in the AFL system. He's only had one AFL pre-season so far but has already played 16 games.

I think we have a tendency to view the MSD recruits as being in their 'second' year but it's really more like their first. They don't have the benefit of being drafted in November and spending months training through pre-season, building chemistry with team mates, and learning the systems.

Posters are already calling for McCarthy to get a call up but I can guarantee he will make mistakes trying to play dangerously out of defense at AFL level and maybe even get caught out a few times.

 

[eaglesnutcase]

Hutch was quite clean on his ball collects but decision/execution was poor.
A lot of our players charge forward and get fixated on the longest option. Somebody needs to tell them they are not getting paid on a per metre kick basis.
Ryan is the master of “looking” before blasting.Mind you he runs fast and looks.A lot of players can’t seem to think on the go.
Maric out next week.Mcarthey in.

 

[jdisc]

Hutch was quite clean on his ball collects but decision/execution was poor.
A lot of our players charge forward and get fixated on the longest option. Somebody needs to tell them they are not getting paid on a per metre kick basis.
Ryan is the master of “looking” before blasting.Mind you’re runs fast and looks.A lot of players can’t seem to think on the go.
Maric out next week.

we're missing Cripps' delivery inside 50

 

[eaglesnutcase]

we're missing Cripps' delivery inside 50

We certainly miss his goals but he leads the charge for not looking infield.

 

[bradz]

Good game.
I prefer JWilliams to AReid in the forward line, but we can still play both. Simply drop Flynn and play BWilliams in tandem with Archer. Nice combo. Better at ground level as well. Archers field kicking is very tidy. Might not be as big as Flynn but is actually more physical and the better ruck. Mind you, JWilliams is better than Flynn as well. Both JWilliams and Archer use their bodies very well.

Please put Hough back. Solves the Cole issue. Hutch can play defense mid if necessary.
Play Brockman in the middle. He just looks natural.
Please bring in Hall.

Bring in Tom McCarthy for Maric. He can play half back but I reckon will offer some good midfield rotations.

 

[Mop]

Reminder to the posters that Hutch was taken in the MSD last year so he's technically only now (as of this month) one year in the AFL system. He's only had one AFL pre-season so far but has already played 16 games.

I think we have a tendency to view the MSD recruits as being in their 'second' year but it's really more like their first. They don't have the benefit of being drafted in November and spending months training through pre-season, building chemistry with team mates, and learning the systems.

Posters are already calling for McCarthy to get a call up but I can guarantee he will make mistakes trying to play dangerously out of defense at AFL level and maybe even get caught out a few times.

My take on Hutch is he has a small tank and he gets gassed trying to yeet the ball long, he doesn't have enough to get the legs behind him and then the ball.

Just my take based on watching him. Maybe he needs to stop, take a breath before sending it? Not sure.

 

[jesterwester]

Result didn’t match the effort that was put into the game. Make no mistake, the slow start was not ideal but the cats came to play and really I think early this year we go in 30+ points down at quarter time, not 17. So significantly improving I think week on week.

And that’s what we want to see, right? Improvement, week on week. Getting genuine games into our young guys who are part of the future. I am so much more sold on our future than at any point in the last 4 years.

That behind the goals vision of Hewett kicking his goal is going to be on repeat all week, I think. Just beelined the ball. I can’t remember a player we’ve had like that genuinely since the Judd/Kerr days.

I think Cameron also looked a bit sheepish last night too. I think he knows he got well beaten tonight bar the junk time goals at the end. Ginbey deserved the coaches vote he got.

We are a hard running midfielder short, I feel. Hopefully we can address that this draft.

 

[THE A5]

Good game.
I prefer JWilliams to AReid in the forward line, but we can still play both. Simply drop Flynn and play BWilliams in tandem with Archer. Nice combo. Better at ground level as well. Archers field kicking is very tidy. Might not be as big as Flynn but is actually more physical and the better ruck. Mind you, JWilliams is better than Flynn as well. Both JWilliams and Archer use their bodies very well.

Please put Hough back. Solves the Cole issue. Hutch can play defense mid if necessary.
Play Brockman in the middle. He just looks natural.
Please bring in Hall.

Bring in Tom McCarthy for Maric. He can play half back but I reckon will offer some good midfield rotations.

I think next season we have to look at Archer/Billiams split ruck. Archer is our tallest player on the list and the most mobile and athletic tall too. Just get him in the gym so can compete with the big boys. I think Williams is bad and can be as uncompetitive as Flynn but lately shown he can offer something resting forward. Have those two share the ruck and then over the years develop Archer into a main ruck.