VFL 2025 VFL Thread

[Testekill]

Jones and Busslinger have both been pretty poor tonight. Coffield probably the best of the taller defenders

 

[Mojorisin]

Shame we've let them right back into it.

 

[X_box_X]

The issue with Garcia is he's a midfielder so well behind in the pecking order. If we could trade his value as a midfielder for a small fwd or small defender, then he'd be best 23.

 

[Testekill]

Game over and we win by 17. Some very ordinary defending the transition in the last quarter, let them right in it with some fairly easy goals.

edit: we conceded 6.2 in the final quarter, not good enough on our part especially with how many of them came from fast transitions out of defence.

 

[Westerndog11]

Shame we've let them right back into it.

They ran their game out well against Sandy the other week too, I think they’re a very fit side.

 

[MaxiBont]

Sellwood not far away you’d think.

1 or 2 more good games in the VFL and could easily be in the 1s

 

[JohnnySteel]

Sellwood not far away you’d think.

1 or 2 more good games in the VFL and could easily be in the 1s

20 touches, 5 marks, 3 tackles & 11 intercept possessions - pretty solid debut. Really went hard at the contest as well. Which will be a welcomed addition to the AFL side.

 

[Doggies7]

Good timing also for a Footscray game at Marvel next week. Give Sellwood a bit of familiarity with a ground he'll hopefully be playing a bit of footy at towards the end of the season.

 

[DognBones]

A somewhat disappointing effort in the last. I thought our forwards were mostly beaten and couldn't keep the ball in the forward zone long enough. Garcia was a standout, an incredible performance for a first game back. The rest of the listed players had their moments. Kennedy was good when in the centre area. Busslinger got his usual pile of disposals but I'm still undecided.
Jones and Duryea are both showing their age and look just ordinary at this level now. Not much from Jacques playing wing tonight. Perhaps the lack of space didn't help his game. Frankston were impressive and will have their share of wins particularly on their home deck.

 

[Shacf501]

Freezing cold night and the conditions were quite slippery but still good to see some AFL listed players up close and personal. It was like the good old days when you could stand out in the huddle with the players and listen what the coaches had to say! Pretty impressed with the doggies coach to be honest!

Thoughts on the game: We clearly over used the ball in slippery conditions and on a pretty narrow ground. Plenty of chances to get the ball forward to a one on one contest but we choose to over do the hands which then created more pressure on the ball carrier and an ineffective rushed kick to a contest.

Gallagher: Being close to the action I can honestly say this kid is as hard as nails. Pressure on the contest was elite and his attack on the opposition has intent to hurt them when given the chance. However, unfortunately his good work is often let down by his in ability to execute in close. I'd give the kid a 10 out of 10 for effort but I just don't know if he has the attributes to be a midfielder at the next level. As we have all discussed before I can see him having the ability to develop into a very good tagger or possibly as a shut down small defender if given the chance.

Garcia: Like Gallagher, I don't know if he has the attributes to be a consistent midfielder at the next level. Once again, his aggression around the contest is elite but just lacks a bit of composure. I don't think he has the forward instincts to play at the next level as a small forward on a consistent basis. However, 10 out of 10 for effort as I guess that's all you can ask.

Jonesy: What a gentleman and good bloke. Took time to say hello and acknowledge my young bloke after the game. Played his role but I think age is creeping up. Still good enough, but isn't clunking his marks like he use to. I think the part of his game that has changed isn't his competitiveness its his ability to jump. He just can't get as a high as he use to which is affecting his spoiling and marking. Damn he puts his body on the line though and I do think he could earn his play back in the aide due to being a competitive beast.

Gards - No disrespect at all but played the normal way he should at the level.

Buss - Still not physically developed and does attack the ball in the air when he can run and jump. Biggest problem is that in a one on one he isn't quite physically strong enough to compete. So where do you play him in the 1's? To big and slow to play on smaller defenders but not quite strong enough to play a key position role. But, on a positive note the kid has ability and if he stays with us over the next couple years I would hope to see him being a pretty decent AFL player.

Poulter, to good for the VFL and not good enough for the next level. He kicked three
up until half time but he just lacks physicality and intensity. He has a bit of Bailey Smith

3

Bailey Smith

Age

25

Ht

185cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.3

5star

K

8.5

3star

HB

9.8

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

3.8

5star

CL

2.7

4star

D

19.8

5star

K

9.6

4star

HB

10.2

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

3.2

4star

CL

3.2

4star

D

14.8

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

7.2

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.4

5star

CL

1.6

4star

arrogance about himself but I don't know where you would play him at the next level. Ideally he looks like a wingman but I don't think he has the desire to defend and embrace the physicality at the next level on a. consistent basis.

Baker: Once again very good at this level. He was the orchestrator coming out of defence but his disposal but foot was a bit of worry when trying to advance the ball. His first option is always the safe dinky little kick to the boundary line and when he does break lines he often turned it over or didn't kick it to our advantage. No problem getting the ball at this level though. Can't question his desire.

Sellwood - First few positions he did some dinky kicks which is to be expected and you could tell he was trying to do the right thing and first into the structure. Once he got going he showed a bit and I think he could be an ok get.. lets not expect to much from the guy but he did look pretty good. Very completive both in the air and on ground. He didn't carry the ball much like his highlights at WAFL level but for first game up it was a positive sign.

Smith: Such an interesting player. His ruck smarts are crafty and he throws his weight around, for someone so young I actually think he might offer something in the future even though he isn't an English type side player.

Doc - Didn't star but did his job.

Not having a shot at any player as they are better footballers than I ever was but just giving some feedback from what I saw. Was a good night down in Franga with a decent crowd and atmosphere and always good to support the red white and blue no matter what level it is at.

 

[dogwatch]

Freezing cold night and the conditions were quite slippery but still good to see some AFL listed players up close and personal. It was like the good old days when you could stand out in the huddle with the players and listen what the coaches had to say! Pretty impressed with the doggies coach to be honest!

Thoughts on the game: We clearly over used the ball in slippery conditions and on a pretty narrow ground. Plenty of chances to get the ball forward to a one on one contest but we choose to over do the hands which then created more pressure on the ball carrier and an ineffective rushed kick to a contest.

Gallagher: Being close to the action I can honestly say this kid is as hard as nails. Pressure on the contest was elite and his attack on the opposition has intent to hurt them when given the chance. However, unfortunately his good work is often let down by his in ability to execute in close. I'd give the kid a 10 out of 10 for effort but I just don't know if he has the attributes to be a midfielder at the next level. As we have all discussed before I can see him having the ability to develop into a very good tagger or possibly as a shut down small defender if given the chance.

Garcia: Like Gallagher, I don't know if he has the attributes to be a consistent midfielder at the next level. Once again, his aggression around the contest is elite but just lacks a bit of composure. I don't think he has the forward instincts to play at the next level as a small forward on a consistent basis. However, 10 out of 10 for effort as I guess that's all you can ask.

Jonesy: What a gentleman and good bloke. Took time to say hello and acknowledge my young bloke after the game. Played his role but I think age is creeping up. Still good enough, but isn't clunking his marks like he use to. I think the part of his game that has changed isn't his competitiveness its his ability to jump. He just can't get as a high as he use to which is affecting his spoiling and marking. Damn he puts his body on the line though and I do think he could earn his play back in the aide due to being a competitive beast.

Gards - No disrespect at all but played the normal way he should at the level.

Buss - Still not physically developed and does attack the ball in the air when he can run and jump. Biggest problem is that in a one on one he isn't quite physically strong enough to compete. So where do you play him in the 1's? To big and slow to play on smaller defenders but not quite strong enough to play a key position role. But, on a positive note the kid has ability and if he stays with us over the next couple years I would hope to see him being a pretty decent AFL player.

Poulter, to good for the VFL and not good enough for the next level. He kicked three
up until half time but he just lacks physicality and intensity. He has a bit of Bailey Smith arrogance about himself but I don't know where you would play him at the next level. Ideally he looks like a wingman but I don't think he has the desire to defend and embrace the physicality at the next level on a. consistent basis.

Baker: Once again very good at this level. He was the orchestrator coming out of defence but his disposal but foot was a bit of worry when trying to advance the ball. His first option is always the safe dinky little kick to the boundary line and when he does break lines he often turned it over or didn't kick it to our advantage. No problem getting the ball at this level though. Can't question his desire.

Sellwood - First few positions he did some dinky kicks which is to be expected and you could tell he was trying to do the right thing and first into the structure. Once he got going he showed a bit and I think he could be an ok get.. lets not expect to much from the guy but he did look pretty good. Very completive both in the air and on ground. He didn't carry the ball much like his highlights at WAFL level but for first game up it was a positive sign.

Smith: Such an interesting player. His ruck smarts are crafty and he throws his weight around, for someone so young I actually think he might offer something in the future even though he isn't an English type side player.

Doc - Didn't star but did his job.

Not having a shot at any player as they are better footballers than I ever was but just giving some feedback from what I saw. Was a good night down in Franga with a decent crowd and atmosphere and always good to support the red white and blue no matter what level it is at.

Thanks Shacf. Really appreciate the time you have put into the write-up. From watching most of the game I'd have to agree with your player summaries.

I know they lack kicking skills but I still think there might be a place for at least one hard-as-nails type like Gallagher or Garcia in the seniors. I want to see some players who aren't daunted by the pressure applied by the better sides and it helps if they have a bit of versatility (ie can play a tagging role, or can swing forward or back).

I'd also love to find a role for Lachie Smith but I doubt he'll get a debut this year. Maybe he would be considered if English was unavailable but I suspect MC would just move a few magnets around and bring in someone like Liam Jones or even Gardner. Seems like he's been around a while but I was surprised to see Smith is still only 19. Seeing his type usually start to produce their best only after the age of 23 or 24 I think we could have a useful long term prospect.

 

[JohnnySteel]

Smith is a really exciting prospect, he moves so well for his size, has really good skills & is an absolute brute in the ruck with an aggressive / competitive streak. Is starting to take more contested marks which is a positive as well, if he continues on this trajectory & adds goal kicking to his arsenal - he’s everything you’d want in a ruck.

Really hope we manage to keep him long term.

 

[stefoid]

I know they lack kicking skills but I still think there might be a place for at least one hard-as-nails type like Gallagher or Garcia in the seniors. I want to see some players who aren't daunted by the pressure applied by the better sides and it helps if they have a bit of versatility (ie can play a tagging role, or can swing forward or back).

Its not like we are being smashed in contested possessions or clearances even when we lose. Far from it. We lack players who can make good decisions and kick well in transition.

being able to execute under pressure is key, and if these guys cant execute at VL level, we dont need tham at AFL level. That would be doubling down on our current issues, IMO.

 

[dogwatch]

Its not like we are being smashed in contested possessions or clearances even when we lose. Far from it. We lack players who can make good decisions and kick well in transition.

being able to execute under pressure is key, and if these guys cant execute at VL level, we dont need tham at AFL level. That would be doubling down on our current issues, IMO.

I agree we need good disposal. I’m a big believer in it. But we also need a critical mass of hard-nosedness (if that’s a word).

It’s about helping the whole team stand up to pressure and put more of it back on the other side. When we get monstered too many players seem to retreat into their shell and that lets the opposition run amok with uncontested chains.

Also if we’re talking about inability to dispose effectively under pressure then these players are probably no worse (arguably better) than McNeil. I’d like to see what they can do and maybe get half as many chances as McNeil has had to see if they can find some rhythm and a role at AFL level.

I’m not a McNeil hater - he’s a handy fringe player - but I think he’s already at his peak. We haven’t yet proved that it’s the same story with the two Gs.

FWIW I thought McNeil had a much better game against StKilda, but it’s hard to know what to make of it when the whole match was so one-sided.

 

[my plums]

Smith is a really exciting prospect, he moves so well for his size, has really good skills & is an absolute brute in the ruck with an aggressive / competitive streak. Is starting to take more contested marks which is a positive as well, if he continues on this trajectory & adds goal kicking to his arsenal - he’s everything you’d want in a ruck.

Really hope we manage to keep him long term.

I only saw bits of play but he was giving don’t argues and moving well. Looked great.

 

[dogwatch]

He's tough too. At one point of the game they ripped his arm off and I thought that's it for the game if not for the season. But he was back straight after HT.

 

[Graeme Cook]

We have so many plodders like Dureya, Baker, Gallagher & Scott. They shouldn't be anywhere near an AFL list.

Nothing wrong with Gallagher his got pace goes hard just needs to improve his kicking

 

[Mojorisin]

I’m not a McNeil hater - he’s a handy fringe player - but I think he’s already at his peak. We haven’t yet proved that it’s the same story with the two Gs.

FWIW I thought McNeil had a much better game against StKilda, but it’s hard to know what to make of it when the whole match was so one-sided.

I think the issue is he goes ok against the poor teams, then a liability once the pressure is on. You have to give some leway to small for quiet games as it's the nature of the position however he was a net negative in that Hawks game and isn't played as a stereotypical small forward spending time at Half forward and wing.
I also have no issue with him being depth atleast with our current list profile however I think it's well past due we bring in some quality for that role.

 

[Rocketsurgery]

We should give Gallagher a run for a few weeks as a small forward. He's not a good enough field kick to play half back and would get exposed. He didn't play exclusively as a small forward against Frankston but when he was up there, his pressure and physicality were excellent. He's a see ball, get ball player who has good forward instincts. Not a great set shot but no worse than McNeil who he could potentially replace. I agree with Dogwatch, aggressive, more physical types are more likely to succeed in finals. Think Picken 2016, hard as nails. Having West and Gallagher up forward would be huge in finals crumbing at Darcy's feet.

 

[blagodellago]

We should give Gallagher a run for a few weeks as a small forward. He's not a good enough field kick to play half back and would get exposed. He didn't play exclusively as a small forward against Frankston but when he was up there, his pressure and physicality were excellent. He's a see ball, get ball player who has good forward instincts. Not a great set shot but no worse than McNeil who he could potentially replace. I agree with Dogwatch, aggressive, more physical types are more likely to succeed in finals. Think Picken 2016, hard as nails. Having West and Gallagher up forward would be huge in finals crumbing at Darcy's feet.

Can also roost a sherrin

 

[Sharpiesadog]

Can also roost a sherrin

The next few games is definitely the time to have a good look at these guys at afl level. We already know what McNeil offers.

 

[Libba39]

Amazing work from the fitness and coaching staff to get Garcia conditioned enough to grab nearly 40 possessions in his first game back.

If/when Treloar gets injured or needs a break I would love to see him back in. Hard nut.

 

[DiamondDogs8]

We should give Gallagher a run for a few weeks as a small forward.

Has a knack of finding the goals when he’s down there, even at AFL level.

The further he gets up the ground, the more his deficiencies become more apparent.

I was big on Gags in his first two years, hopefully he can carve out a role in the team at some point.

 

[SPower]

Could Smith be a possible replacement in defence. ??

 

[House_of_Dahl]

I’m not a McNeil hater - he’s a handy fringe player - but I think he’s already at his peak. We haven’t yet proved that it’s the same story with the two Gs.

FWIW I thought McNeil had a much better game against StKilda, but it’s hard to know what to make of it when the whole match was so one-sided.

McNeil has some great traits. He's tough, fast, good mark, works hard, great defensively. But it's his ball use and decision making that can let him down.

I wonder if small lock defender would be worth a try with him. Poor ball use from the backline obviously isn't a good idea, but might be more time and space to at least get it to Dale, JJ etc.