Autopsy Round 3, 2026: Positives and Negatives vs Port Adelaide

[Total_Juddshanks]

The vision of Mini standing stock still in the coaches box after the siren not knowing what to do next was my favorite part of the day.

Old mate has copped some absolutely gut wrenching losses over the past twelve months. Can't imagine the range of emotions he must have felt in that moment, but I am glad he finally got to experience it.

 

[maverick001]

POS
There was lots of positives, but these are my main two:

• I think we're seeing the sort of resilience in this young group that is required to lead our ascent back to being contenders again. Talent alone won't do it, though I think we see we now have the young talent (with a couple areas to still complete)
• duursma looks the complete player. For someone so young & slender, who's 1 wood isn't even to be a marking player, to calmly snaffle some clutch contested grabs, is highly impressive. Plus moves so smoothly & finds the pill. Once he bulks up, lookout.

NEG
- One little negative is that for now we seem a pressure based side. If we're not bringing the heat, we get absolutely sliced up defensively. But for a young side, I think the style & structure can come later

And a part positive, part negative. Snake appears a ways off his best with his kicking, & marking on the lead, but nevertheless he's still hard about 20 scoring shots (not fact checked) in 3 weeks

 

[wadistance]

It probably won’t, but Jake Waterman’s goal from 60m out should win goal of the week

Cleared the goal line easily and should at least be one of the nominations

And Jobe should make it b2b mark of the week nominations for that defensive clunk

Last week was Duurs, no?

 

[Keys]

Last week was Duurs, no?

It was - I meant b2b MOTW noms for West Coast players not Duursma specifically, although that wasn’t clear in my post

 

[Keys]

Watched a replay without the stress of watching us get blown away early, fight our way back to a winning position only to have to white knuckle the last 10 minutes as we held on for dear life.

Negatives:
• The start. It was bad. Again. Please fix
• Yeo’s groin which hopefully is only minor
• Robertson likely to be suspended for a dangerous tackle
• Missed some very gettable goals
• Arguably went into protect the lead mode a little too early in the last

But when we’ve been so starved of wins, **** the negatives and look at the positives:
• McQualter’s coaching. He’s making good adjustments on game day - thought that moving Shanahan into defence as a spare in the first quarter helped contain the damage when we were getting smashed around the ball and losing the territory battle. Port had 4 goals on the board with 15 minutes of time still remaining in the quarter and only kicked one more for the term after that. Seems to have a good handle on what levers to pull when the game isn’t on our terms
• Beyond the matchday adjustments, there’s a clear game plan that the players seem to understand and he’s fostered a real sense of unity within the playing group. It’s exciting to watch
• Our fitness levels have improved as has our general athleticism/speed
• Held our nerve reasonably well for a young side when Port were charging at us late - something we’ve been unable to do in recent years

Individual players:
• Duursma was very good. Didn’t arrive with the same fanfare as Harley did but has slotted into AFL football seamlessly. Had some great moments and was a big part of the reason we took control of the game after Q1
• Waterman worked insanely hard and was a constant threat. Missed a couple you’d like him to nail, but those two long range set shots in Q2 and Q4 he had no right to kick
• Baker’s tenacity was vital even if he sometimes lacks polish. A very important part of our club b
• Lindsay had a really solid game. Had a couple of bad turnovers but also some really creative passes
• Yeo was great in Q2
• Ginbey had a terrific battle with Georgiades. Probably had his colours lowered slightly but holding him to 3.2 from 12 disposals suggests he held his own reasonably well
• Reid is becoming the sort of spiritual leader that the previous occupants of the #9 locker were. It feels like it’s his team now and he’s wearing the title comfortably. Has added a genuine team focus to his talents and his combative nature is heading a more physical style of play
• Duggan I thought was solid
• Graham is another who provides some real physical intensity around the ball. Had a great game capped off by a very nice goal from the boundary in Q2
• McCarthy had a lowkey very good game. Made some really important intercepts and used the ball well out of defence. Think I prefer him there over the midfield
• Young I thought was handy
• The twin towers (Archer and CDT) didn’t have big games on the stats sheet or hit the scoreboard but they both made important contributions at times
• Flynn. Was he great? No. But he did compete hard and wasn’t beaten overall like he was the first two games - didn’t influence the game significantly but neither did his opponent. That’s what we need from him
• Allan kicking two goals wasn’t on my bingo card but he had a very effective game without a huge amount of possession. His pace is an asset and he used it very well defensively. Nice to see him building confidence
• Shanahan is a contested marking beast. Shane he hit the post with his one set shot but he helped stem the tide when shifted to defence early and took some strong outlet marks as a forward. Then took the game saving mark late
• Davis, like Allan, didn’t have a high possession game but his running and pressure was a highlight. Also hit the scoreboard
• Robertson stuck at it against Butters and didn’t let him have it all his own way even if Butters had a very good game
• Schoenberg did some very nice things and was involved in a number of scoring chains, particularly in Q2 that helped get us back in the game

Overall, another good team effort across the board - this winning thing is fun. We should do it more often

 

[ziad]

Watched a replay without the stress of watching us get blown away early, fight our way back to a winning position only to have to white knuckle the last 10 minutes as we held on for dear life.

Negatives:
• The start. It was bad. Again. Please fix
• Yeo’s groin which hopefully is only minor
• Robertson likely to be suspended for a dangerous tackle
• Missed some very gettable goals
• Arguably went into protect the lead mode a little too early in the last

But when we’ve been so starved of wins, **** the negatives and look at the positives:
• McQualter’s coaching. He’s making good adjustments on game day - thought that moving Shanahan into defence as a spare in the first quarter helped contain the damage when we were getting smashed around the ball and losing the territory battle. Port had 4 goals on the board with 15 minutes of time still remaining in the quarter and only kicked one more for the term after that. Seems to have a good handle on what levers to pull when the game isn’t on our terms
• Beyond the matchday adjustments, there’s a clear game plan that the players seem to understand and he’s fostered a real sense of unity within the playing group. It’s exciting to watch
• Our fitness levels have improved as has our general athleticism/speed
• Held our nerve reasonably well for a young side when Port were charging at us late - something we’ve been unable to do in recent years

Individual players:
• Duursma was very good. Didn’t arrive with the same fanfare as Harley did but has slotted into AFL football seamlessly. Had some great moments and was a big part of the reason we took control of the game after Q1
• Waterman worked insanely hard and was a constant threat. Missed a couple you’d like him to nail, but those two long range set shots in Q2 and Q4 he had no right to kick
• Baker’s tenacity was vital even if he sometimes lacks polish. A very important part of our club b
• Lindsay had a really solid game. Had a couple of bad turnovers but also some really creative passes
• Yeo was great in Q2
• Ginbey had a terrific battle with Georgiades. Probably had his colours lowered slightly but holding him to 3.2 from 12 disposals suggests he held his own reasonably well
• Reid is becoming the sort of spiritual leader that the previous occupants of the #9 locker were. It feels like it’s his team now and he’s wearing the title comfortably. Has added a genuine team focus to his talents and his combative nature is heading a more physical style of play
• Duggan I thought was solid
• Graham is another who provides some real physical intensity around the ball. Had a great game capped off by a very nice goal from the boundary in Q2
• McCarthy had a lowkey very good game. Made some really important intercepts and used the ball well out of defence. Think I prefer him there over the midfield
• Young I thought was handy
• The twin towers (Archer and CDT) didn’t have big games on the stats sheet or hit the scoreboard but they both made important contributions at times
• Flynn. Was he great? No. But he did compete hard and wasn’t beaten overall like he was the first two games - didn’t influence the game significantly but neither did his opponent. That’s what we need from him
• Allan kicking two goals wasn’t on my bingo card but he had a very effective game without a huge amount of possession. His pace is an asset and he used it very well defensively. Nice to see him building confidence
• Shanahan is a contested marking beast. Shane he hit the post with his one set shot but he helped stem the tide when shifted to defence early and took some strong outlet marks as a forward. Then took the game saving mark late
• Davis, like Allan, didn’t have a high possession game but his running and pressure was a highlight. Also hit the scoreboard
• Robertson stuck at it against Butters and didn’t let him have it all his own way even if Butters had a very good game
• Schoenberg did some very nice things and was involved in a number of scoring chains, particularly in Q2 that helped get us back in the game

Overall, another good team effort across the board - this winning thing is fun. We should do it more often

Fine summary. I thought McCarthy was very effective and valuable.

 

[PepperTom32]

Positive - big shout out to Duursma's workrate

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Amazing stats. Going to be even more of a weapon with a bit more size. Already has the confidence to attempt those long range goals.

I’m curious to know how many other times a Willem has lined up against another Willem (Duursma vs Drew) in the history of the afl.

 

[THE A5]

Just flying out of Melbourne, reckon I’ll be back in September

 

[SAweagle]

Hough had a mare, especially early- but I also reckon that he was not helped by effectively zero pressure up the ground. We really seemed to not be awake early and maybe Brady’s a bit of a late sleeper,

He is usually such a dependable player but really get the feeling he is still playing catch up conditioning wise from that injury. Gets a mulligan in my books.

100% this, think his ankle is still giving hin trouble. Too good a player to be coughing up turnovers like yesterday. Ginbey also looking a bit sore and proppy at times with his toe. Those two at full fitness will add so much.

 

[SAweagle]

Just remembered Ricciuto said Bo Allen was compared to Chris ****in Judd?!?

someone check this man for CTE. Literally no one has EVER made that comparison.

I hope the Judd nickname sticks tho lol

Roo has enjoyed a variety of herbs and spices over the years, good old riverland boy

 

[swingdog]

A couple of personal positives.

Missed the game live so Eagles have made my life more efficient by only needing three quarters to win.

Harley is the definition of a happy warrior. Anyone who is pearl clutching over how he plays needs to find another sport. He’s a typical country footballer, go hard with a smile on your face and then shake hands afterwards. He just happens to be insanely talented.

Some of Lindsay’s good kicks reminded me of Jetta. We haven’t had that sort of accurate bullet passing since he retired.

 

[PepperTom32]

Always rated him. Never got the hate?

Think there was a bit of a Bo hate echo chamber feedback loop going on, started by a couple of suspect posters. Super weird

 

[PepperTom32]

I really thought the pleasing thing from today was that our leaders led, and our young players lifted when the chips were down early.

Allan early, Duursma’s second quarter, Harley’s 3rd, and boy oh boy was that a great mark from Shanahan at the end. Clutch moments from our young group when in years gone by we’d have waited for the older guys to get us over the line.

Port clearly thought we would roll over like Essendon did last week, but again we showed great resilience to take back momentum and really sustain it.

All of a sudden we just have serious talent all over the ground. We are going to be a helluva side if we can keep them all together.

Funny how we’ve come back from 5 goals down the last two games. Reminds me of the last game of 2018…

 

[KanesBurner]

Shanahan’s contested marking is such a weapon, kind of don’t expect it of him at this stage yet. Getting him at pick 30 is looking like a massive steal.

Bo Allen looks explosive, Duursma looks to have broken the family curse to be a good player.

Positive signs all round, thought you’d struggle a bit but all the kids are coming on quickly.

 

[kranky al]

It's legit blowing my mind we've come from 5 goals down two weeks in a row to win at this stage of our development.

This is the kinda shit that builds belief. Geelong and Carlton back to back in 06. After the siren against Port (lol) 17. Not at that level as a squad yet but these kids will remember this.

Not just at home but on the road too…..

 

[bzparkes]

I agree.
Countless rebuilds over the years have never gotten off the ground, not through lack of talent, but because the young players never learnt how to win, or lack the drive or resolve to lead the club out of the doldrums. I think we've seen with this young group the last two weeks that they can forge their own path.
Now I've completely pulled this out of my arse & have to back it up, but I think its a nice theory.

You've earned my subscription.

 

[Maroubra Eagle]

+ve
Caught up with some Swans supporters this morning at the local coffee shop in Maroubra. They watched our game yesterday and they are genuinely worried about the Eagles on Saturday night. A month ago they had pencilled it in as a win to the Swans but aren’t sure now. When supporters of other teams see our improvement then you know our hype is real.

I’ve been following the Eagles since their first game at Subiaco Oval in 1987 (which I went to) and have been a member since 1988. There is something about this team that reminds me of the early 1990s Eagles. The young players are like the “Magnificent 7” of that era who all played in the Teal Cup together. Harley Reid is already their leader and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the captain in 2028. Good times ahead.

I owe Don Pyke a big apology. I went to the Eagle’s eastern states function in Sydney the Tuesday after the preseason game against Port. Told him I wasn’t impressed with our direction and was worried about the season. Sorry Don.

 

[EagleEgo]

Many have already mentioned the popular Positive and Negative.
The best popular Positive I like has to be McQualter putting a hard tag on Butter at second quarter. This (on top of the increased effort from the players) must be the key to the win.
Note: Probably we need to start training up a speedy, agile tagger to handle Pickett in Round 9.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

But when we’ve been so starved of wins, **** the negatives and look at the positives:
• McQualter’s coaching. He’s making good adjustments on game day - thought that moving Shanahan into defence as a spare in the first quarter helped contain the damage when we were getting smashed around the ball and losing the territory battle. Port had 4 goals on the board with 15 minutes of time still remaining in the quarter and only kicked one more for the term after that. Seems to have a good handle on what levers to pull when the game isn’t on our terms

How good is it to have a good game day tactician in the coaches box?

Under Simpson it was always a complaint that he was too slow to make changes and we never seemed to have a plan B. Even post-2018 when it became evident our game style had been worked out, no matter how much we were getting beat, the only go-to Simpson had was to slow the play down even more and chip around until the opposition invariably dispossessed us.

 

[mattyc75]

Im liking mini throwing Waterman or Shanahan back at stages. Really helps stem the flow when needed
Schoenberg fit in nicely

 

[Proeagle]

Another promising game from my boy Bo “Chris Judd” Allan.

First goal was seriously exciting and came at a point where we were in desperate need of a spark, and the second one almost felt like a kickstarter for our comeback - we went on to kick 7 of the next 9 goals afterwards.

Seriously though, I’d never heard anyone compare him to Judd before Riciutto brought that up. No pressure, kid.

It's a shame Bo's goals werent in front of our home crowd. Wouldve brought the house down. But to say we desperately didnt need them yesterday would be an under statement.

 

[DeckedOut20]

Got a good blend of old and new performing well at the minute.

Nice to have 5 of the top 15 rated players aged 20 (at the end of this year) and under.
i.e players in their first or second year

Note: Bo Allen above Jagga (0.84 player rating points or 11% clear)


& 2 of the top 9 for 32 years of age and older


That's near 30% of our selected 25 that are performing well above average for their age range.

Additionally, Milan also performing very well amongst the 26 year olds (who have all had multiple AFL preseasons), look forward to his return in the coming weeks.

 

[Balls In]

So much to love about that game. As others have mentioned, McQualter is a quality coach and the boys are buying in.

-Shanahan's mark was reminiscent of NicNats after the siren mark, coming in from deep in the pack. Astonishing from a teenager in his 12th game and dare I say it, there was some downright attitude about it. Not just then either, he was taking big proper clunks all over the ground. I agree with Go-eagles we may have taken the true pick #1 at 30. Along with CDT and A Reid we look to have aerial supremicy locked down for the next decade.

-Duursma doing exactly what you hope when you take a kid at pick one. Quality player. Fox were referring to him as the "slight delight" and calling for him to play midfield. **** them though.

Kelly's third quarter was one of his better ones for the club. Did a lot to offset the loss of Yeo giving us enormous drive along with some classy delivery. A small knock that he didn't continue it in the final quarter. Heard a media comment that he's "done enough" to hold his position which says a fair bit about our progress.

Reid and Waterman were both pivotal, I only didn't mention them up the top of this list because they are known quantities. Harley is in premium condition and getting to far more contests. Spiritual leader I reckon.

Bo Allen looks a prototype AFL mid. I suspect Brander and Chesser scarred a lot of supporters around this pick range, but is neither of those, Bo is a proper footballer. So much power on display already.

Too much to go into, my take out is this team is far from the finished product and there is going to be a lot of ups and downs in future, but it sure is going to be a fun ride

 

[DirtySandman]

Listened to the final quarter, sitting in the car, a plug in hybrid. Hadn’t figured out how to just have the radio on, so acc was on, flattened the battery, leaving me locked inside. Needed RAC to jump start.

Did I care? Did I fk?

 

[Monocle]

I thought that to be able to hold our nerve and win, with Elliot Yeo

6

Elliot Yeo

Age

32

Ht

191cm

Wt

91kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

19.5

5star

K

11.7

4star

HB

7.8

5star

M

4.6

4star

T

4.5

5star

CL

3.0

4star

D

18.9

4star

K

10.9

4star

HB

8.0

4star

M

2.1

2star

T

5.8

5star

CL

5.5

5star

D

16.6

4star

K

9.4

4star

HB

7.2

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

0.6

3star

CL

1.4

4star

not playing in the second half, has been somewhat under appreciated and under valued.

When you lose your prime mover, the task of winning becomes so much harder, yet we managed to pull it off.

The fact that the young band of brothers are starting to gel on field, is a massive plus + and IMO, its come a bit earlier than I had expected.

Encouraging signs for the future, thats for sure