Disappointing loss but plenty to like from some of our young guys. My rough notes below:
Saxena - Did a lot of really nice things. I think he has real potential. Looks super clean and brings that combination of speed and skill. He is one I really like the look of.
Howes - He looked really good again. A lot of attention has been on his aerial skills but what I also really like about him is his kicking skills. He looks a real find.
Hill - Quiet first half but excellent in the second. He looked like his old self in that second half. They will make him earn it, but you feel he will be back in the AFL side within the next 2-3 weeks.
Allan - He was excellent. Two classy goals in the 3rd quarter on the run. Has come under a lot of criticism for his performances in the AFL this season but I really think he needs a shot playing in the guts. He brings a turn of speed with ball in hand that we don’t have outside of Daicos.
Ryan - Was solid, but I just don’t think he will break into the side over our half backs. He doesn’t have a discernible trait that jumps off the page but I think he was solid.
West - Quiet in terms of numbers, but he is going to be a star for us in my opinion. Had an excellent 1V1 win against Mraz, who is really highly rated by Hawks fans as a young key back. He just has such sticky hands. He should be in the AFL side IMO, but will have to bide his time as we persist with Buller.
Jiath - Looks way too laconic at times, but seemed to fire up late in the second after an incident with a Hawthorn player and played a lot better. Think he needs to play with that aggression more. Similar to Ryan, just can’t see him breaking into the side and doesn't do anything at a high level.
Smit - Great for his development that Steene is playing in the AFL side. He still looks raw and no where near an AFL player yet. Will really need to improve aerially to become an AFL player.
Swadling - I love him. He is a real talent. As I have said previously, his decision making / skill execution will improve in time (eg: young Maynard). He just finds the footy, looks composed and has real evasive skills. I expect him to mature into a midfielder in time, but a really promising prospect.
Prindable - Athletically he is really limited, but looks clean and composed with ball in hand. Had some nice evasive moments and well executed kicks but will need to show more ability to win the footy to make it at AFL level given his lack of speed.
McCarthy - Super raw. He is a couple of years off it. Did some nice things but needs more size and will need to get a bit more mongrel to make it.
Sullivan - Assuming he got injured early? Didn’t see him after the first quarter.
Saxena - Did a lot of really nice things. I think he has real potential. Looks super clean and brings that combination of speed and skill. He is one I really like the look of.
Howes - He looked really good again. A lot of attention has been on his aerial skills but what I also really like about him is his kicking skills. He looks a real find.
Hill - Quiet first half but excellent in the second. He looked like his old self in that second half. They will make him earn it, but you feel he will be back in the AFL side within the next 2-3 weeks.
Allan - He was excellent. Two classy goals in the 3rd quarter on the run. Has come under a lot of criticism for his performances in the AFL this season but I really think he needs a shot playing in the guts. He brings a turn of speed with ball in hand that we don’t have outside of Daicos.
Ryan - Was solid, but I just don’t think he will break into the side over our half backs. He doesn’t have a discernible trait that jumps off the page but I think he was solid.
West - Quiet in terms of numbers, but he is going to be a star for us in my opinion. Had an excellent 1V1 win against Mraz, who is really highly rated by Hawks fans as a young key back. He just has such sticky hands. He should be in the AFL side IMO, but will have to bide his time as we persist with Buller.
Jiath - Looks way too laconic at times, but seemed to fire up late in the second after an incident with a Hawthorn player and played a lot better. Think he needs to play with that aggression more. Similar to Ryan, just can’t see him breaking into the side and doesn't do anything at a high level.
Smit - Great for his development that Steene is playing in the AFL side. He still looks raw and no where near an AFL player yet. Will really need to improve aerially to become an AFL player.
Swadling - I love him. He is a real talent. As I have said previously, his decision making / skill execution will improve in time (eg: young Maynard). He just finds the footy, looks composed and has real evasive skills. I expect him to mature into a midfielder in time, but a really promising prospect.
Prindable - Athletically he is really limited, but looks clean and composed with ball in hand. Had some nice evasive moments and well executed kicks but will need to show more ability to win the footy to make it at AFL level given his lack of speed.
McCarthy - Super raw. He is a couple of years off it. Did some nice things but needs more size and will need to get a bit more mongrel to make it.
Sullivan - Assuming he got injured early? Didn’t see him after the first quarter.
