Toast Attacking power has improved

[PonsfordMagpie]

Much has been said about the improvement of our defence under Justin Longmuir, which is no doubt evident, but I think the improvement of our attacking power has been remarkable.

We're currently #4 for 'points for' with 1017 points which is an average of 92.45 points a match. Only the top 3 sides in Melbourne (1186), Richmond (1124) and West Coast (1103) sit above us in this statistic.

We've already scored over 100 points in six of eleven matches which is a solid effort, considering the scoring average has been declining steadily across the league.

The last time we averaged over 90 points, we played finals which occurred in 2013 when we averaged 97.63 points a match and this was occurring at a time when scoring was obviously higher across the league.

We've also seen bags of five kicked on five occasions already this season, when this feat only occurred once over the course of the 2016 and 2017 seasons when Alex Fasolo kicked 6 against the Tigers in our thrilling win against them in round 2 2016. The following players who have kicked five or more goals in the game are as follows:

Josh Thomas (5) = Round 3 2018 v Carlton
Jaidyn Stephenson (5) = Round 4 2018 v Adelaide
Jordan De Goey (5) = Round 7 2018 v Brisbane
Jordan De Goey (6) = Round 9 2018 v St Kilda
Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) = Round 11 2018 v Fremantle

It's remarkable we've been able to improve this in area despite the absences of Elliott and Fasolo who were our top goal scorers last year and Cox and Reid have been largely insignificant as our tall forwards.

 

[Football God]

It starts off with the Centre clearances and we are playing number 1 team at it this week

 

[Quicky]

Much has been said about the improvement of our defence under Justin Longmuir, which is no doubt evident, but I think the improvement of our attacking power has been remarkable.

We're currently #4 for 'points for' with 1017 points which is an average of 92.45 points a match. Only the top 3 sides in Melbourne (1186), Richmond (1124) and West Coast (1103) sit above us in this statistic.

We've already scored over 100 points in six of eleven matches which is a solid effort, considering the scoring average has been declining steadily across the league.

The last time we averaged over 90 points, we played finals which occurred in 2013 when we averaged 97.63 points a match and this was occurring at a time when scoring was obviously higher across the league.

We've also seen bags of five kicked on five occasions already this season, when this feat only occurred once over the course of the 2016 and 2017 seasons when Alex Fasolo kicked 6 against the Tigers in our thrilling win against them in round 2 2016. The following players who have kicked five or more goals in the game are as follows:

Josh Thomas (5) = Round 3 2018 v Carlton
Jaidyn Stephenson (5) = Round 4 2018 v Adelaide
Jordan De Goey (5) = Round 7 2018 v Brisbane
Jordan De Goey (6) = Round 9 2018 v St Kilda
Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) = Round 11 2018 v Fremantle

It's remarkable we've been able to improve this in area despite the absences of Elliott and Fasolo who were our top goal scorers last year and Cox and Reid have been largely insignificant as our tall forwards.

We look very different and very dangerous. Our talls have provided structure while our smalls and mediums have looked dynamic. It's very obvious we have a lot more pace up there with WHE, Stephenson, Varcoe and De Goey with Thomas also adept at ground level. That's helped immensely. Those guys spread the load a lot and stretch the opposition defence. The other honorable mention is to our mids who are also contributing more. Phillips has been hitting the scoreboard regularly as has Sidebottom. We are getting more from Treloar and Pendlebury also.

 

[Baltimore Jack]

We have found that missing connection between the Mids and the Forwards

 

[SprooseMoose]

I feel like a lot of our goals are from better positions as well. Either directly in front, or from the goal square

 

[Kilmo]

Much has been said about the improvement of our defence under Justin Longmuir, which is no doubt evident, but I think the improvement of our attacking power has been remarkable.

We're currently #4 for 'points for' with 1017 points which is an average of 92.45 points a match. Only the top 3 sides in Melbourne (1186), Richmond (1124) and West Coast (1103) sit above us in this statistic.

We've already scored over 100 points in six of eleven matches which is a solid effort, considering the scoring average has been declining steadily across the league.

The last time we averaged over 90 points, we played finals which occurred in 2013 when we averaged 97.63 points a match and this was occurring at a time when scoring was obviously higher across the league.

We've also seen bags of five kicked on five occasions already this season, when this feat only occurred once over the course of the 2016 and 2017 seasons when Alex Fasolo kicked 6 against the Tigers in our thrilling win against them in round 2 2016. The following players who have kicked five or more goals in the game are as follows:

Josh Thomas (5) = Round 3 2018 v Carlton
Jaidyn Stephenson (5) = Round 4 2018 v Adelaide
Jordan De Goey (5) = Round 7 2018 v Brisbane
Jordan De Goey (6) = Round 9 2018 v St Kilda
Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) = Round 11 2018 v Fremantle

It's remarkable we've been able to improve this in area despite the absences of Elliott and Fasolo who were our top goal scorers last year and Cox and Reid have been largely insignificant as our tall forwards.

Six now with Mase The Ace and Stevo came pretty damn close too with 4 goals 3 plus a silly handpass in the goal square. Mihocek with 4 the week before too.

 

[MJC23]

We are alot smarter with how we are going inside 50 this year. The last few years we have blazed away and kicked to contests where our forwards are either out numbered or there is a defender parked on their own. This year we are definitely lowering our eyes a lot more and if there is nothing to kick to inside 50, we are retreating back to give our forwards a bit more time to run into space. It also helps with our dynamic forward line that defenders can't afford to drop off dangerous players like WHE, JDG, Stephenson, Thomas etc.

Our kicking to Mason Cox is also a lot smarter. We have finally worked out that we need to kick it about 10m in front of him to give him time to run and jump at the ball and either mark it or bring it to ground.

 

[domin8tors]

We are alot smarter with how we are going inside 50 this year. The last few years we have blazed away and kicked to contests where our forwards are either out numbered or there is a defender parked on their own. This year we are definitely lowering our eyes a lot more and if there is nothing to kick to inside 50, we are retreating back to give our forwards a bit more time to run into space. It also helps with our dynamic forward line that defenders can't afford to drop off dangerous players like WHE, JDG, Stephenson, Thomas etc.

Our kicking to Mason Cox is also a lot smarter. We have finally worked out that we need to kick it about 10m in front of him to give him time to run and jump at the ball and either mark it or bring it to ground.

add to this continuity. yes we have had injuries but this year it's been the same 6-8 that have been out and out for the most part of the year. the back six and forward 6 have been relatively unchanged. and listening to the " experts" it can take approx 50 games for players to get used to how their teammates play.

 

[biggiemediums]

Much has been said about the improvement of our defence under Justin Longmuir, which is no doubt evident, but I think the improvement of our attacking power has been remarkable.

We're currently #4 for 'points for' with 1017 points which is an average of 92.45 points a match. Only the top 3 sides in Melbourne (1186), Richmond (1124) and West Coast (1103) sit above us in this statistic.

We've already scored over 100 points in six of eleven matches which is a solid effort, considering the scoring average has been declining steadily across the league.

The last time we averaged over 90 points, we played finals which occurred in 2013 when we averaged 97.63 points a match and this was occurring at a time when scoring was obviously higher across the league.

We've also seen bags of five kicked on five occasions already this season, when this feat only occurred once over the course of the 2016 and 2017 seasons when Alex Fasolo kicked 6 against the Tigers in our thrilling win against them in round 2 2016. The following players who have kicked five or more goals in the game are as follows:

Josh Thomas (5) = Round 3 2018 v Carlton
Jaidyn Stephenson (5) = Round 4 2018 v Adelaide
Jordan De Goey (5) = Round 7 2018 v Brisbane
Jordan De Goey (6) = Round 9 2018 v St Kilda
Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) = Round 11 2018 v Fremantle

It's remarkable we've been able to improve this in area despite the absences of Elliott and Fasolo who were our top goal scorers last year and Cox and Reid have been largely insignificant as our tall forwards.

The bolded part brought a smile to my face. That really is amazing. At the start of the year I was one of the parrots shouting "We won't score, where will our goals come from?" Well, I for one am glad that they have proved me wrong.

Best part of the 5 goal hauls...

Josh Thomas - 26 years old.
Jaidyn Stephenson - 19 years old.
Jordan De Goey - 22 years old.
Will Hoskin-Elliot - 24 years old.

Those four probably play together for a very, very long time. I'm starting to salivate thinking how god damn potent a mix of mids/forwards we are going to have. Once these guys get another couple years in together, add in big Cox who has now added to that five goal tally! Who's next? Surely it's Steele's turn against Carlton!

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

Updated list of 5 or more goals in a match:

Josh Thomas (5) = Round 3 2018 v Carlton
Jaidyn Stephenson (5) = Round 4 2018 v Adelaide
Jordan De Goey (5) = Round 7 2018 v Brisbane
Jordan De Goey (6) = Round 9 2018 v St Kilda
Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) = Round 11 2018 v Fremantle
Mason Cox (5) = Round 12 2018 v Melbourne

It was also the first time since 2011 (Round 19-20) when we've kicked 20 goals or more in consecutive matches, further enhancing the argument that the forward line has substantially improved this year.

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

Six now with Mase The Ace and Stevo came pretty damn close too with 4 goals 3 plus a silly handpass in the goal square. Mihocek with 4 the week before too.

Yep, Collingwood and Melbourne are level at 6 all.

Collingwood = 6
- 1). Jordan De Goey (6) v St Kilda = Round 9 2018
- 2). Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) v Fremantle = Round 11 2018
- 3). Josh Thomas (5) v Carlton = Round 3 2018
- 4). Jaidyn Stephenson (5) v Adelaide = Round 4 2018
- 5). Jordan De Goey (5) v Brisbane = Round 7 2018
- 6). Mason Cox (5) v Melbourne = Round 12 2018
Melbourne = 6
- 1). Tom McDonald (6) v Collingwood = Round 12 2018
- 2). Jesse Hogan (5) v Brisbane = Round 2 2018
- 3). Tom McDonald (5) v Gold Coast = Round 8 2018
- 4). Jake Melksham (5) v Carlton = Round 9 2018
- 5). Jesse Hogan (5) v Adelaide = Round 10 2018
- 6). Jesse Hogan (5) v Western Bulldogs = Round 11 2018
Richmond = 4
- 1). Dustin Martin (6) v Brisbane = Round 4 2018
- 2). Josh Caddy (6) v St Kilda = Round 6 2018
- 3). Dustin Martin (5) v Adelaide = Round 2 2018
- 4). Jack Riewoldt (5) v West Coast = Round 9 2018
North Melbourne = 3
- 1). Ben Brown (6) v St Kilda = Round 2 2018
- 2). Ben Brown (5) v Carlton = Round 4 2018
- 3). Ben Brown (5) v GWS = Round 9 2018
West Coast = 3
- 1). Jack Darling (6) v Richmond = Round 9 2018
- 2). Josh Kennedy (6) v St Kilda = Round 11 2018
- 3). Josh Kennedy (5) v Gold Coast = Round 4 2018
Adelaide = 2
- 1). Josh Jenkins (5) v Richmond = Round 2 2018
- 2). Mitch McGovern (5) v Carlton = Round 7 2018
Carlton = 2
- 1). Charlie Curnow (5) v Richmond = Round 1 2018
- 2). Matthew Wright (5) v Richmond = Round 1 2018
GWS = 2
- 1). Jeremy Cameron (6) v Western Bulldogs = Round 1 2018
- 2). Jeremy Cameron (6) v Gold Coast = Round 12 2018
Hawthorn = 2
- 1). Luke Breust (5) v North Melbourne = Round 5 2018
- 2). Jack Gunston (5) v Sydney = Round 8 2018
St Kilda = 2
- 1). Jade Gresham (6) v Richmond = Round 10 2018
- 2). Tim Membrey (6) v West Coast = Round 11 2018
Sydney = 2
- 1). Lance Franklin (8) v West Coast = Round 1 2018
- 2). Ben Ronke (7) v Hawthorn = Round 8 2018
Brisbane = 1
- 1). Dayne Beams (5) v North Melbourne = Round 11 2018
Fremantle = 1
- 1). Michael Walters (5) v Western Bulldogs = Round 5 2018
Geelong = 1
- 1). Daniel Menzel (5) v St Kilda = Round 4 2018
Gold Coast = 1
- 1). Tom Lynch (8) v Carlton = Round 2 2018
Port Adelaide = 1
- 1). Robbie Gray (6) v Adelaide = Round 8 2018
Essendon = 0
Western Bulldogs = 0

 

[Kreme Pie]

I'm hoping Elliott can come back soon and start kicking bags.

Does anyone know how far away he is?
All it says every week on the injured list is TBC.

 

[Vicky Park]

Yep, Collingwood and Melbourne are level at 6 all.

Collingwood = 6
- 1). Jordan De Goey (6) v St Kilda = Round 9 2018
- 2). Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) v Fremantle = Round 11 2018
- 3). Josh Thomas (5) v Carlton = Round 3 2018
- 4). Jaidyn Stephenson (5) v Adelaide = Round 4 2018
- 5). Jordan De Goey (5) v Brisbane = Round 7 2018
- 6). Mason Cox (5) v Melbourne = Round 12 2018
Melbourne = 6
- 1). Tom McDonald (6) v Collingwood = Round 12 2018
- 2). Jesse Hogan (5) v Brisbane = Round 2 2018
- 3). Tom McDonald (5) v Gold Coast = Round 8 2018
- 4). Jake Melksham (5) v Carlton = Round 9 2018
- 5). Jesse Hogan (5) v Adelaide = Round 10 2018
- 6). Jesse Hogan (5) v Western Bulldogs = Round 11 2018
Richmond = 4
- 1). Dustin Martin (6) v Brisbane = Round 4 2018
- 2). Josh Caddy (6) v St Kilda = Round 6 2018
- 3). Dustin Martin (5) v Adelaide = Round 2 2018
- 4). Jack Riewoldt (5) v West Coast = Round 9 2018
North Melbourne = 3
- 1). Ben Brown (6) v St Kilda = Round 2 2018
- 2). Ben Brown (5) v Carlton = Round 4 2018
- 3). Ben Brown (5) v GWS = Round 9 2018
West Coast = 3
- 1). Jack Darling (6) v Richmond = Round 9 2018
- 2). Josh Kennedy (6) v St Kilda = Round 11 2018
- 3). Josh Kennedy (5) v Gold Coast = Round 4 2018
Adelaide = 2
- 1). Josh Jenkins (5) v Richmond = Round 2 2018
- 2). Mitch McGovern (5) v Carlton = Round 7 2018
Carlton = 2
- 1). Charlie Curnow (5) v Richmond = Round 1 2018
- 2). Matthew Wright (5) v Richmond = Round 1 2018
GWS = 2
- 1). Jeremy Cameron (6) v Western Bulldogs = Round 1 2018
- 2). Jeremy Cameron (6) v Gold Coast = Round 12 2018
Hawthorn = 2
- 1). Luke Breust (5) v North Melbourne = Round 5 2018
- 2). Jack Gunston (5) v Sydney = Round 8 2018
St Kilda = 2
- 1). Jade Gresham (6) v Richmond = Round 10 2018
- 2). Tim Membrey (6) v West Coast = Round 11 2018
Sydney = 2
- 1). Lance Franklin (8) v West Coast = Round 1 2018
- 2). Ben Ronke (7) v Hawthorn = Round 8 2018
Brisbane = 1
- 1). Dayne Beams (5) v North Melbourne = Round 11 2018
Fremantle = 1
- 1). Michael Walters (5) v Western Bulldogs = Round 5 2018
Geelong = 1
- 1). Daniel Menzel (5) v St Kilda = Round 4 2018
Gold Coast = 1
- 1). Tom Lynch (8) v Carlton = Round 2 2018
Port Adelaide = 1
- 1). Robbie Gray (6) v Adelaide = Round 8 2018
Essendon = 0
Western Bulldogs = 0

Fascinating stuff. Interesting too that we've had the best spread of players kicking bags of goals. Five players for us, three for Melbourne, three for Richmond etc. North obviously dependent on Brown, WC on Darling and Kennedy, and so on.

Our spread of goal kickers - and may it continue into the second half of 2018 - is indicative of a strong structure and set-up. If one of the forward pieces isn't working on a given day, the other pieces hold up and at least one will get the space and opportunity to hit the scoreboard with regularity.

We haven't seen anything like this for years. A functioning and potent forward line ably supported by some goal-kicking mids - and who'd a thunk it with no Elliott and Moore?

 

[neilk]

I was against the idea of Moore to the backline but think it’s the best spot for him now. Reid can stay forward if his form warrants it.

 

[Anzacday]

who'd a thunk it with no Elliott and Moore?

Or Fas.

 

[peter moore]

Updated list of 5 or more goals in a match:

Josh Thomas (5) = Round 3 2018 v Carlton
Jaidyn Stephenson (5) = Round 4 2018 v Adelaide
Jordan De Goey (5) = Round 7 2018 v Brisbane
Jordan De Goey (6) = Round 9 2018 v St Kilda
Will Hoskin-Elliott (6) = Round 11 2018 v Fremantle
Mason Cox (5) = Round 12 2018 v Melbourne

It was also the first time since 2011 (Round 19-20) when we've kicked 20 goals or more in consecutive matches, further enhancing the argument that the forward line has substantially improved this year.

The missing link now is another big forward to complement Cox and add to our smalls that are doing the job (Stephenson, De Geoy, Hoskin Elliott, Thomas and Elliott to come) We have used Mihocek, Reid and Moore in that roll and all capable, but not quite there at the moment.
Is Lynch worth what this going to cost to find that missing?

 

[neilk]

The missing link now is another big forward to complement Cox and add to our smalls that are doing the job (Stephenson, De Geoy, Hoskin Elliott, Thomas and Elliott to come) We have used Mihocek, Reid and Moore in that roll and all capable, but not quite there at the moment.
Is Lynch worth what this going to cost to find that missing?

His ongoing knee injury issues must be a concern for anyone looking at the big $$$ it will take to get him.

 

[jackcass]

Fascinating stuff. Interesting too that we've had the best spread of players kicking bags of goals. Five players for us, three for Melbourne, three for Richmond etc. North obviously dependent on Brown, WC on Darling and Kennedy, and so on.

Our spread of goal kickers - and may it continue into the second half of 2018 - is indicative of a strong structure and set-up. If one of the forward pieces isn't working on a given day, the other pieces hold up and at least one will get the space and opportunity to hit the scoreboard with regularity.

We haven't seen anything like this for years. A functioning and potent forward line ably supported by some goal-kicking mids - and who'd a thunk it with no Elliott and Moore?

Yep nearly our entire F50 group...

FF: WHE - Cox - Thomas
HF: JDG - ??? - Stevo

Very impressive spread when you look at the numbers of players hitting the scoreboard each game.

 

[jackcass]

His ongoing knee injury issues must be a concern for anyone looking at the big $$$ it will take to get him.

It's only a PCL strain isn't it?

 

[OniAu]

Building a hawthorn like forward line. Through their premiership years they had numerous guys popping up to wreak havoc. Bruest, Roughhead, Gunston , Poppy , Rioli

I was pretty envious of their set up and synergy ! Ours is starting to form , at such a rapid pace also !

 

[neilk]

It's only a PCL strain isn't it?

Been reported he’s facing surgery for the problem. Was in the papers, if that’s to be believed.

 

[Baltimore Jack]

His ongoing knee injury issues must be a concern for anyone looking at the big $$$ it will take to get him.

PCL's are as common as dog s**t on the footpath.
Its not a real issue

 

[Horaceg]

We are much smarter this year and have the running power with WHE, Stephenson, JT, JDG and confidence is high.

Mason also holds the defense accountable.

 

[Darkyprotector]

PCL's are as common as dog s**t on the footpath.
Its not a real issue

True but its been a issue for a fair While

Concern is more than applicable

It's bad

 

[Pie eyed]

We have found that missing connection between the Mids and the Forwards

Look for long, flat, quick kicks into the forward fifty instead of the hesitant rain bringing up and unders we were serving up earlier.

There is your "connection".
In general the players are more confident to take the first option in nearly every situation, which is a clear sign of the players growing more confident of their team mates abilities and "reading" each other as a group. As the average number of games played increases so should the "understanding", which should equate to even better performance.