A Yank's take on Eagles/Crows

[lacrow]

Guys,

I just finished watching the Eagles/Crows game here in LA (we get a delayed telecast over the web from the AFL site - it's really good actually).

My first thoughts:

1. Delivery to the forwards this week was 1000 times better than the past 3 weeks. We actually hit targets instead of bombing into our shoulderless full forward (Carey). Plus, having Stevens in the goal square and Carey at CHF is a really good move. My only complaint would be that all the leads seemed to be out to the pockets for low percentage shots. We'll need to keep up good delivery if we hope to beat sides like Brisband/Collingwood who play with extra men in our forward area.

2. Players of the game: Hart, Basset, Edwards, Massie and Carey. Is it just me, wasn't Basset inspirational this week? He was really on fire, spoiling like a madman. Edwards, IMHO, is the 2nd best player at the Crows. Look at the difference in our gameplay when he is in the game. It is much more fluid and attacking, no doubt. Plus, it seems like every time I see our guys make a great play, Edwards is involved somehow. The guy is everywhere. What can I say about Hart that hasn't already been said? The guy makes our defence about 100 times better and adds that rebound we desperately need. Massie? Well, all I can say is Carlton got bent over on that trade. They'd be wishing they still had this guy. Ha ha, too bad.

3. Loved Burton's "almost-screamer". The guy is a human highlight film and watching him jump over opposition players will never get tiring. Too bad he didn't take it, but it was still great.

4. I think we can take a weakened Brisbane side, although they will still be very potent. It seems as though our guys and especially our forward line are starting to gel so hopefully good things will start to happen for us. Keep your fingers crossed we don't get any untimely injuries!

That's it, anyone else?

 

[tribey]

Agree with everything you've said...

Just on Bassett - he's probably the greatest spoiling defender in the competition at the minute and gives his all 100% of the time.

This "we just didn't have a matchup for him" business that Ayres was talking about regarding Fred's omission from Showdown was ridiculous... just let him loose in the back50 with a license to fill gaps and spoil at marking contests.

 

[CrowBoi]

As long as we have Bassett and Hart back there... we'll be doing well...

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by CrowBoi
As long as we have Bassett and Hart back there... we'll be doing well...

No Bassett and Hart the 3 weeks before - 3 losses.

They weren't the only reason for the losses, but we look a totally different side with our regulars back in defence.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by macca23
No Bassett and Hart the 3 weeks before - 3 losses.

They weren't the only reason for the losses, but we look a totally different side with our regulars back in defence.

You can say that again. They are rocks down back. Harts game on Matera was a beauty and the number of times Bassett saved out backside by coming over as a 3rd man and spoiling was just unbelieveable.

Against the Eagles Bassett has made a statement to all those that left him out of the side for 2 weeks.

 

[DaveW]

Exactly, Bassett is a Crows player, not a Norwood player.

 

[Damp Squarie]

Remember Bassets dummy spit against Lynch the last time?
If he gets the job again hes got to play off him and spoil rather than get outbodied.

He's a better player when he p*ssed off eh.

 

[MarksGirl-kbcrowgirl]

Nathan Bassett was excellent on Saturday. Like a caged lion that had been let loose. He and Benny were fantastic and made our backline very solid. Great to have them both back!

k
xx

 

[naughty monkey]

Originally posted by DaveW
Exactly, Bassett is a Crows player, not a Norwood player.

Something he reminded McIntosh of at half time, at which point he played himself forward.

Don't paper over the cracks with Fred people! He has an attitude problem, and that's a very dangerous thing in a football club.

 

[DaveW]

As long as Bassett's still putting in on the field, I'm content.

His work rate on Saturday was excellent, a true team player.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Originally posted by lacrow
Delivery to the forwards this week was 1000 times better than the past 3 weeks. We actually hit targets instead of bombing into our shoulderless full forward (Carey). Plus, having Stevens in the goal square and Carey at CHF is a really good move. My only complaint would be that all the leads seemed to be out to the pockets for low percentage shots. We'll need to keep up good delivery if we hope to beat sides like Brisband/Collingwood who play with extra men in our forward area.

No doubt our entry in the forward line was much better last week & the forwards look more cohesive with Stevo joining the Duck. Was also impressed by our forward's pressure (including kick outs) which lead to the Weagles turning the ball over heaps for more return inside 50m entries. Agree with you that we lead to the pockets a few too many times. Hopefully this can be corrected this week.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Originally posted by macca23
No Bassett and Hart the 3 weeks before - 3 losses.

They weren't the only reason for the losses, but we look a totally different side with our regulars back in defence.

These players out was certainly a contributing factor as our defence often looked rattled in our losses. Our defence at times last week looked near impassable with Benny, Smarty & the Hound, as link up so well. Throw in the improving Massie & the return of Kenny & it looks far more settled.

 

[Jars458]

Originally posted by naughty monkey
Don't paper over the cracks with Fred people! He has an attitude problem, and that's a very dangerous thing in a football club.

Can't agree with that.

I think he is just super passionate.

He is in MY first five players picked every week.

Good to see him back and in super form.