2019 Training Reports

[DaveLister]

Great reports yesterday everyone,
Interesting that Nyhuis doesn't appear to be in our best 22 calculations.
Assuming the back six of Pearce, Hamling, Logue, Ryan, Wilson and Cerra, I think Nyhuis must be on the bench. Wilson, Cerra and Ryan are all best 22 locks, and after that there are no other defenders who you can comfortably have best 22. Ryan, Wilson and Cerra are all more offensive/intercepting type players so I think having Nyhuis as a sole lock-down small defender may be necessary. He did pretty well last season on the likes of Billings and Gray, so hopefully he's in Ross' calculations

Duman is so far Infront of Nyhuis, it's not even close. One gets upgraded to the main list then extended until end of 2021 and the other was delisted so that he could spend a 4th year on the rookie list.

 

[Walkingwounded]

Great reports yesterday everyone,
Interesting that Nyhuis doesn't appear to be in our best 22 calculations.
Assuming the back six of Pearce, Hamling, Logue, Ryan, Wilson and Cerra, I think Nyhuis must be on the bench. Wilson, Cerra and Ryan are all best 22 locks, and after that there are no other defenders who you can comfortably have best 22. Ryan, Wilson and Cerra are all more offensive/intercepting type players so I think having Nyhuis as a sole lock-down small defender may be necessary. He did pretty well last season on the likes of Billings and Gray, so hopefully he's in Ross' calculations

Defenders don’t generally sit on the interchange unless rotating through the midfield.

MyHouse is more than a reasonable backup mid sized defender, but is behind a few.

Injuries happen and he will then get a gig.. he probably needs to show more intercepting and/or attacking skills to complement his lock down skills at Peel I suspect.

New year, new game plan.. let’s see which way the cards fall!

 

[theGav56]

Defenders don’t generally sit on the interchange unless rotating through the midfield.

Exactly right. The midfield is the key, and the only defender on the bench would be a multi-positional player (say Cox, or perhaps Carter eventually). Duman may have the capacity to do that, and I hope he can.

 

[PurpleReign]

Just a little tit bit from the match sim on 8th Feb. Jason Carter was chasing Wilson deep into the back pocket but he was so gassed Wilson was able to simply side step him and walk the ball out of defence. Carter is a young man of considerable talent but needs another full pre season to develop a tank. I don’t think Carter will get a game this year but I think he could develop into a Jordan Clark type of player.

 

[Docker82]

Specialist lock down defenders barely exist anymore. They have to provide rebound or they barely get a game. As with most trends in the game some gun players can continue to be gun players despite trends with their sort of player (ie see Nick Smith etc). Most gun small defenders offer far more offensively than Nyhuis. It’s something he needs to work on and tbh times running out. Teams seem to think it’s easier to develop of defensive side than offensive side, hence why someone like Duman gets a long term contract (comparatively) and Nyhuis barely stays on the list. A lot has to change for Nyhuis to stay on the list again in 2020.

Duman’s contract extensions and the recruitment of Watson already show me that Nyhuis and Hughes are in big trouble in terms of holding their spots on the list for 2020.

 

[DockerLand1]

Exactly right. The midfield is the key, and the only defender on the bench would be a multi-positional player (say Cox, or perhaps Carter eventually). Duman may have the capacity to do that, and I hope he can.

I think that Duman has the skills , speed and footy brain to rotate through the midfield l. Each game he played last year he got better!



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[purplerunsdeep2]

Righto... Player reports as best as i could see.

#1 Hayden Ballentyne - It appears the person who is going to cop the most heat for Ballas being given a contract for 2019 is Hayden himself. Unfortunately what he is delivering at the moment is quickly taking away from what has been a great career for the purple. Pains me to say, but he was worst on field today. constantly losing his feet and fumbling, poor efficiency by hand and foot. unfortunately, has played his last game for Freo i think.

#2 Griffin Lougue - Typical Lougue performance, what he does well looks outstanding. Just need more of it. Played on Hogan alot and defended well. Couple of really big spoils and 2-3 intercept marks. Should be back playing AFL before long.

#3 Brandon Matera - Not a lot of impact on the game. played standard HF/ Small forward roll. Started in the "B" side. Would suggest thats were he will likely spend most of the year.

#4 Shaun Darcy - The Heir apparent has returned. Looks in his best shape since drafted. took a few marks. Kicks it well for a tall. Will be the starting Ruckman in Round 1.

#5 Adam Cerra - Obvious physical transformation, now has a mans body. Must work harder in halving contests. at the moments he is either win or get beaten type which isnt great when playing at half back. Switta got hold of him a few times.

#6 Traye Bennell (Peel Thunder) AFL quality player with ball in hand. Would be among the best 5 kicks on Freos list if drafted. quick to find opponent in transition. Just needs work on conditioning.

#7 The Goat - Just does what Goats do

#8 Andrew Brayshaw - Played in the mids most of the day and was impresive, seems to have added some penetration in his game mainly kicking. Still appears to be carrying some puppy fat and hasnt quite leaned up like a Cerra or Banfeild. Wonder if it effects his tank.

#9 Bradley Hill - Beaten convincingly on the wing by Brett Bewley. Had some impact but would want to become wary as their are players coming for his spot.

#10 Micheal Walter - Looks lively as always, brought his trademark flare and creativity with ball in hand. Still an A grader. Limped of with what appeared to a hamstring cramp late in the final term.

#11 Jesse Hogan - Restricted to mainly playing stay at home forward. Clearly underdone but great to just see him out there. kicked 2 or 3

#12 Mitch Crowden - Over powered by a midfield brigade much bigger then him. Plugs away, but has alot of work to do

#13 Ben Howlett (Peel Thunder) Pinched hit up forward just to cover some numbers. Still a very tough unit considering his been out of the game for 12 months. Tackling animal

#14 Nathan Wilson - Played on Ballas early and beat him like he owed him money. Look dangerous when allowed to drop off. Switched to Switta later and curbed some of Swittas influence. In saying the Switta was still the best forward on the ground. Best if we keep him away from the danger forwards.

#15 Ethan Hughes - Wouldnt have noticed he was out there if it wasnt for that million dollar rig. Small impact on the game.

#16 David Mundy - Evergreen, Still very effective in the middle. Just did what he had to

#17 Hugh Dixon - Will be feeling very clean after receiving a bath from Alex Pearce. Couple of hit up marks but still alot of work to do.

#18 Darcy Tucker - As lively as ive seen him around the ball. didnt dominate but looked okay


#19 Jackson Merritt (Peel Thunder) -Connor Blakely DNP- Delisted bomber got a little bit of it and drifted forward for a goal. AFL days behind him but will make a pretty solid WAFL player.

#20 Matthew Taberner - Appears to have stolen Chris Tarrants arms. Took a few good grabs and really vocal among the group. Appears confident in his body. Would be ahead of Hogan if Round 1 was next week

#21 Joel Hamling - Meh, Didnt notice much. Nothing brilliant but nothing terrible. Played back

#23 Cam McCarthy - Still looks like the work experience kid trying to play. Fair way behind the other talls. To his credit, appears in slightly better physical condition then last year. I dont hold much hope.

#25 Alex Pearce - Best tall defender on the ground. Looks to be growing in confidence with ball in hand. Directing traffic and being vocal. A Solid first up hit out.

#26 Mr Ed. Was okay, Didnt notice him too much. Played mostly on the wing. Was on the far side so didnt get a great look

#27 Sam Sturt: Pulled up short of a few contests and it was noticed from teammates. work to be done

#28 Seargent Schultz - Looked a little lost early but worked into the game quite well. better as the game went on. Played at HF

#30 Lloyd Meek - Started as a defender on Lobb and actually did okay. Took a massive pack mark deep in D50. Drifted into ruck later. nothing stood out.

#33 Travis Colyer - Had a couple of bursts of speed and opened the game up. I think hell play AFL early, though maybe not Rnd 1 if all fit.

#34 Brett Bewley - You little rippa. Ready made body and not afraid to through it around. Had the better of B Hill on the wing. 6-8 inside 50s i would think in 50 minutes of footy. I would be very suprised if this bloke has too look up directions to Mandurah very often. Uses the ball well for a tough nut too.

#35 Jordan Boullineau (Peel Thunder - Jason Carter DNP) Little impact, second year senior player at peel. Big future but today not his day.

#36 Brennan Cox - Played in Defence and was okay without being super. Still not convinced on his application. Came off with a hip complaint

#37 Rory Lobb - Yep, this will work. Pinch hitted in the ruck but played mostly forward. I like him. provides a very difficult matchup for oppo.

#39 Sam Switkowski - Best forward on the ground. 2nd best on field behind Fyfe. Creative, fast, skilled. should play Round 1 if body holds up and he can repeat that performance

#40 Scott Jones - Cant keep up with the modern game. Competitive in the tap work but might as well roll out the picnic blanket and wait for the next CSB. Nil impact around the ground.

#41 Bailey Banfield - Solid, without standing out. Will be thereabouts for regular senior football. Played HF/Mid

#42 Stephen Giro - Would love to see him use his outside run a bit more. He gets to huge amount of contests as an inside mid. love to buy him some time by going out on a wing or HFF

#43 Ryan Nyhuis - Not a huge impact. Dont think his in the coaches long term plans

#44 Taylin Duhman - Solid without standing out. Would like to see more rebounding and penetration in his game.

#45 Tobe Watson - Bit of a suprise packet. Didnt rate him in the WAFL last year, but saw some signs he can compete today. misjudges the ball in the air a bit but has a dip. May not see AFL in 2019 but could be a project.

Overall: Skills were poor. Fyfe is outrageously dominant. Dont expect a premiership but the green shoots are there. just a little more pruning to go.

Great reports guys, BOG week for all who contributed!

Side note - I was hoping to see my buddy North be spoken about a little but maybe he didn’t play in the intra?




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[Sweetback]

Does anyone know where Banfield was playing in the scratchy? If it was mainly forward, then did we bother with a tagger?

 

[sherrif]

Exactly right. The midfield is the key, and the only defender on the bench would be a multi-positional player (say Cox, or perhaps Carter eventually). Duman may have the capacity to do that, and I hope he can.

That's not true. Most teams named seven defenders last year in their teams (six on the field and one off). In fact nearly all did most weeks with one pure defender regularly n the bench in game time,The only way to change that structure is to have multiple players rotating defence/mid. Even then for more than half the game one pure defender will be resting.
Im talking about position not skillset. Blakley for example played entirely in defence last year, so even though he has midfield talents. His position was defence.

 

[Scham]

Does anyone know where Banfield was playing in the scratchy? If it was mainly forward, then did we bother with a tagger?

According to all the reports he spent half his time as a defensive forward and half as a def3nsive mid.

 

[Bastyy]

really glad Switto is taking that step to become a great forward. Bewley as well just seems like an instant hit, especially if he's beating a 3 time premiership player and former Freo B&F in his first off season.

That Traye Bennell kid Coley gave a lot of praise, is he one to look at during the WAFL season in terms of potential draftee?

 

[Scham]

really glad Switto is taking that step to become a great forward. Bewley as well just seems like an instant hit, especially if he's beating a 3 time premiership player and former Freo B&F in his first off season.

That Traye Bennell kid Coley gave a lot of praise, is he one to look at during the WAFL season in terms of potential draftee?

Not imo. Soft, lazy and inconsistent.

 

[Steinfreo]

The impression I'm getting is Cerra wasnt good in the back half. Is that accurate or is it my personal bias that hed be better in the attacking half coming through?

 

[Unique Name]

Side note - I was hoping to see my buddy North be spoken about a little but maybe he didn’t play in the intra?
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Ran laps all session.

 

[theGav56]

That's not true. Most teams named seven defenders last year in their teams (six on the field and one off). In fact nearly all did most weeks with one pure defender regularly n the bench in game time,The only way to change that structure is to have multiple players rotating defence/mid. Even then for more than half the game one pure defender will be resting.
Im talking about position not skillset. Blakley for example played entirely in defence last year, so even though he has midfield talents. His position was defence.

You'd need to show me that most sides played 7 dedicated defenders each week. Certainly not what we do.

 

[theGav56]

The impression I'm getting is Cerra wasnt good in the back half. Is that accurate or is it my personal bias that hed be better in the attacking half coming through?

He doesn't have to be not good in the back half in order to be better in the attacking half. Plus attacking from the back half is a big part of many strategies, so it makes sense to have a top line ball-winner/decision-maker/distributor back there. I think Blakely will be better in the midfield because of his apprenticeship in the back half.

It is a great training ground for midfielders. I doubt if the plan is for Cerra to become a half back long term, but it is an established strategy to "rest" important midfielders there.

 

[Jake_Pizzuto]

I agree Duman is better than Nyhuis, but having Duman over Nyhuis means Ryan, Wilson and Cerra are our small defenders. I don't really have faith in any of them shutting down Robbie Gray/Toby Greene/Eddie Betts etc.

 

[theGav56]

I agree Duman is better than Nyhuis, but having Duman over Nyhuis means Ryan, Wilson and Cerra are our small defenders. I don't really have faith in any of them shutting down Robbie Gray/Toby Greene/Eddie Betts etc.

I'm seeing Duman playing on smalls, same as Nyhuis. If he can't do that, then I struggle to see him in the best 22.

One on one you would back in the best forwards over the best defenders regardless of size. That is why they get double teamed. Plus a forward can have a devastating impact with half a dozen possessions. Improving our midfield will be the best way to improve our defensive stats in the coming season too.

 

[Jake_Pizzuto]

Fair call, if Duman can prove he can play on small forwards then would love to see him there, just hope its not too tall with Pearce, Hamling, Logue and Duman, potentially even Cox

 

[arsesmart]

Maybe the extra string to Nyhuis' bow is as the resident decoy forward?

 

[theGav56]

Fair call, if Duman can prove he can play on small forwards then would love to see him there, just hope its not too tall with Pearce, Hamling, Logue and Duman, potentially even Cox

It is a little dilemma for us for sure. That group are all fairly agile, but collectively it becomes a bit of a problem. With Wilson, Ryan and a rotating midfielder (Conca/Cerra/Blakely/SHill) back there, Duman's key to best 22 security is his multi-positional ability; if he could play on the wing, he could lock a position in.

 

[sherrif]

You'd need to show me that most sides played 7 dedicated defenders each week. Certainly not what we do.

Im not sure what you are meaning by saying 'I need to show you', but Ill move on. At the start of the year we played S.Hill, Blakely, Johnson, A..Pearce, Hamling, Ryan and Wilson. Towards the end of the year Duman, Hughes and Nyhuis were rotated in to replace Blakley and S.Hill. S.Hill and Blakley might have midfield skills, but their roles were nearly entirely defence last year. So yes, last season we played seven defenders nearly every week in terms of positions. When we played for extended periods with seven defenders on the field there was also another player in the team who spent time in the backline other than the pure seven defenders. Tucker, .D.Pearce (brielfly) Sheridan and Cerra (towards the end of the year) were some of the players who played this role.

Check any side named last year and the positions they play. The Eagles for example named Hurn, Duggan, Cole, Jetta, Barrass, McGovern and Sheppard (with Schofield at times) on a regular basis. Sometimes the roles players play is different to what you might think by looking at team sheets. S.Hill might have got named on a wing, but even in his interviews he said he was playing nearly exclusively in defence in 2018. It doesnt work out with rotations to not give the likes of Ryan and Wilson at least 15% and as much as 20% time on the bench each game and the bigger players at least ten%. A change in structure (to play an extra mid)is only possible if we have more players rotating in defence then we did last year or we keep a six man structure (def/mid) for the majority of the game.

 

[Joeltownsmith]

Thanks for all the intraclub match reports, what a great read they’ve been. Conflicting reports though one guy said Sturt was playing and another said he was in the gym. Does anyone know if he played if so did they see anything on him that justifies using our first rounder on him? Cheers

 

[more_of_bito]

Just remembering an observation from the last few games I saw of Duman last year was for his first real year of AFL was never overwhelmed , seemed very laconic, but never rushed which considering the amount of pressure our backline was under impressed me. Mundy type temperament almost.

 

[M_rash]

Thanks for all the intraclub match reports, what a great read they’ve been. Conflicting reports though one guy said Sturt was playing and another said he was in the gym. Does anyone know if he played if so did they see anything on him that justifies using our first rounder on him? Cheers

Reports were that he perhaps lacked confidence playing against the bigger bodies and pulled out of a few contests. Understandable given his relative lack of footy experience. This was a long-game pick, for the future. Don’t expect too much in season 2019.

If the reports are true, it doesn’t sound ideal to be pulling out of contests. It might be a once off, but committing to the contest can be hard to teach. Some players just love it, whilst others not so much. I’ll reserve my judgement until I’ve seen a few games live. Sometimes self preservation is more important than halving a contest in match sims