Keys
Looking for a cloud to yell at
- Moderator
- #26
It was a bit of a scrappy game imo and of the three WA games I thought it was the lowest standard game. A lot of unforced skill errors and less pressure than the previous two games
Most of the WA players were below what they showed in the previous two games
One exception to that was Callan England who had a very good game and was the dominant midfielder on the ground. Got out into space well and ball use was solid
There were several new faces for WA the best of which was Eastland who played the backup ruck role that Frampton played previously. Mitchell did some nice things and almost took mark of the carnival in the first quarter but couldn't hang on to the ball
Joyce impressed me again - not so much his disposal but I admire his appetite for the contest being such a lightly built under ager. He actually holds his own over the ball against opponents he's conceding 10+ kilos to
Hill kicked a couple of clever goals but looked like someone had rubbed Vaseline on his hands pregame as he was very fumbly. Dropped a couple of quite simple uncontested chest marks when he was 10 metres in the clear
Oscar Allen had an ok game. Was a touch quiet in the first quarter and looked to be in some trouble after landing awkwardly in a marking contest late in the quarter. I was about to post in here about it as two trainers were helping him from the ground but as he got closer to the boundary started to move a bit more freely. Came back on in the second quarter and was a major influence in WA opening up a lead
Taylor and Naughton were both solid again down back but less so than earlier games. Lot to like about both of them though and Naughton in particular backs himself to attack the ball
Ainsworth didn't have his best game as his disposal let him down
Miller battled hard in the ruck but was undersized. I do like his competitiveness though
Jaxon Cahill off half back had his best game of the series. Sydney Stack had some good moments and will be one to watch next year
For the allies, Crossley was a standout and was arguably BOG. This kid is huge (198cm/105kg) and he looked like a man playing against kids. Looked like a more mobile, better skilled Mumford but had the same aggression/competitive streak. Dominated the ruck and absolutely rag dolled Miller (a solid lump of a lad in his own right) a couple of times in the ruck. When he went forward he looked dangerous and he kicked the first two allies goals
Ballenden had a good game in defence and Sambono showed a few tricks in the third quarter especially as did Hugh Dixon.
Jack Powell was the best of the allies mids but I can't say I noticed too many of theirs as WA generally controlled that area and I was more focused on the WA players to pick out allies players
Must say having not been to U18's games before I've enjoyed just watching young kids having a crack in the hope of earning an AFL career. I also have a new found respect for AFL recruiters as they search for the next generation- some stand out easily but keeping track of all players including what they do off the ball takes some effort
