Knightmare
Brownlow Medallist
- Sep 22, 2010
- 19,533
- 19,542
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
- Other Teams
- Chicago Bulls
- Banned
- #1
Snoop has some other committments so I'm covering for him with this weeks review.
Team notes:
1st quarter Hawkins and Podsiadly were getting it far too easily. Geelong getting clean entries into the forward 50 with Hawkins and Podsiadly marking far too easily on the lead. We had no 3rd man up or anyone filling the space allowing the two Geelong bigs to lead right up the middle which should not happen.
In the first half Geelong were rebounding far too easily from their back 50 and going end to end with little resistance. Did we overextend or not fully commit to the press in the 1st half?
With 15min to go in that final quarter we went completely into self preservation mode and just stopped our attack on the game. It was really hard to watch and in those situations you just need to continue to attack the game - we were playing not to lose which is very dangerous with so much time left to play. You always need to play to win. Ultimately very lucky the way things went in those final 2 minutes but we hardly won that final quarter through better play and our approach in these situations needs to change drastically because you don't win games like that against good teams with any regularity.
Votes:
5. Sidebottom
4. Pendlebury
3. Reid
2. Toovey
1. Jolly
Good:
Sidebottom: Played a great game. First 3 quarters in particular was absolutely outstanding. Just runs and runs and runs. Would love to see how many km he covered. Wouldn't be shocked if he covered 25km over the game such was the intensity of his running. Offensive running was great but also did plenty of defensive running and played great 2 way ball. I liked allot of his handballing in close, really stood out at times. His inside work was strong to go with his outside work, just looks like such a complete player now and I have him right in that same conversation with Pendles and Swan as our no.1 midfielder which is a credit to him. Marking game was good. Even showed his smarts on occasion creating space to allow him to execute which was great to see. Complete game and was the big reason why we were the better team over those first 3 quarters.
Pendlebury: Any 30 disposal, 4 goal effort from a midfielder is a serious effort. That final goal was luck more than skill in that final minute but I love the way he can lift his play when the game is on the line and at it's most important stages. You can just rely on him when needed and he just imposes his influence on the contest through his superiority. Just a dominant inside game. Kicking much improved this week after some weeks where his execution by foot was below average, even under pressure he executed some excellent kicks hitting his intended targets.
Reid: Had an absolutely aweful start. Those first 15 minutes on Hawkins was just dominated on the lead with Hawkins just getting free of him every time. After this he lifted his game significantly and had a serious impact in those final 3 quarters playing a big part in the final result. His confidence just kept growing and growing going from spoiling everything that came his way to winning 1 on 1s for the mark every time. Was just fantastic to watch him improve as the game went and to play such a big part in the win. Against Hawkins after quarter time physically held his own in every contest and won with their the spoil or mark which was fantastic. Also his tackling game was noteworthy, he had two very important tackles stopping what otherwise would have been certain Hawkins goals. Showed great technique and taking down such a big body is just so impressive. He came up big when he needed to and after quarter time did everything right.
Toovey: Was absolutely fantastic throughout. Stopped his direct opponent and offensively had a big influence. I can see big improvement in his ability to read the ball and he looks so confident going off his man and taking those intercept marks which he probably wouldn't have gone for last year. Provided some nice run and times and kicking was solid as always. Played a really complete game and will be one of the heros of the night who might have gone under the radar.
Jolly: To half time was our best on ground. His stats are hardly flattering but his influence on the contest was massive. Jolly had an incredible amount of meaningful taps to advantage in that first half. Such a difference having him in the team! He may not have snuck forward for goals and only took the one mark for the day, but his tap work was absolutely sensational and he was the reason our midfield got on top. Credit to the big fella. Having a sensational season and I like the way the club are managing him to make sure that he gets through the season.
Wellingham: Played a seriously good game and I consider him very unlucky not to have made my bests. Marking was absolutely excellent and he showed why he would make a really dangerous forward. What was good about the marking was just how strong he was overhead, even in instances where the opponent was spoiling the ball he still could hold strong for the mark which was impressive. I loved it in the forward pocket where he created space for himself with the ball to find Dale Thomas 30m out directly infront, was excellent play and great composure. Every time he got his hands on it he had an influence and made his posessions meaningful which is what really impressed me. Kicking execution was on for much of the night and at times excellent and his handballing in close also very good. Tackle numbers not super high but had some really meaningful tackles and an important stop near the end on the last line of defence which impressed me.
Swan: Went out in the final quarter and we really missed his run. Up to that point had played a really good game. Clearance work was nice. I loved the spin move to evade the tackle and open up the angle on goal up forward and to create space, just so smart up forward and kicks those goals so easily whenever he runs forward and attacks, maintaining that forward momentum.
Others:
Shaw: It is very intentional that I'm leaving him out of my bests. Kicking execution was absolutely terrible and well below standard. His poor kicking really hurt us and it was really unlike him to not execute with the consistency he typically does. Decision making was also poor and on an important kickout in the final quarter kicks short to Marty Clarke, but with more Geelong numbers on either side it was an easy ball to intercept. Shaw certainly got his share of the ball showing his typical rebounding proficiency with all those marks off opposition kicks as well as some strong 1v1 wins while also beating and shutting down his direct opponent. I liked his attack on the contest and on the ball and he really played hard and tried to put his stamp on the game. He is without a doubt in great form right now but none the less I expect better execution from someone of Shaw's quality. Particularly if he is going to be playing that loose man back role as he did tonight for much of the time.
Beams: Clearance work great as always. Just reads the ruck taps so well and puts himself in the best position every time which is what makes him such an effective inside player. I really like allot of his handballing in close, has great vision and finds the right target almost always. What I'd like to see Beamer clean up is with his clearance work he needs to show more composure when he wins it and instead of just going onto his boot and getting it forward to centre he needs to further use his vision and look for a target in close by hand because he so many times his rushed kicks forward get intercepted because they are more wish and hope kicks to get it out of his area rather than to a target which makes his kicking efficiency so low. Just needs to slow down a bit more in close, get that bit more comfortable and take lessons from Pendles to take those few more seconds to sum up his options before making those decisions inside. I think he can afford to change this aspect of his game because by hand it isn't just that he is precise, but also very quick at executing the handball so even if getting tackled he should still be able to execute without much problem. It just felt like such a re-occuring problem throughout the night that I couldn't not notice it every time he won the ball.
Cloke: Solid but probably not a great game. I loved that flying contested grab where he just went flying into the pack. He is still kicking with great confidence at goal and that aspect of his game seems to have really clicked for him this season which is great to see. Had a really good fight with Harry Taylor throughout the night and probably broke even from that contest. The one play on after a strong mark then kick out on the full was poor, but otherwise it was a reasonably solid without being a spectacular game. Don't know what it is this season but Cloke just doesn't seem as productive as he was last season. I suspect this might have to do with less big targets up forward with L.Brown gone and Dawes not producing to the level he has in seasons gone past. Hopefully things turn around for him in the 2nd half, he'd want it to being a contract year!
Dawes: Starting to work his way into the season now and performed better than in some of those early games. Competed well when put in the ruck but also up forward took some strong marks and in front of goal showed more confidence. He did have that very gettable miss, but when he thought the game was over early in the 4th with the big lead he loaded up from outside 50 and converted so with the less perceived pressure on his kick seemed allot better and on that occasion didn't seem to get inside his own head seemingly not expecting to kick it. Did like his game though and it was probably his first "productive" game for the season which is a real positive and a sign that his form is on the up.
Fasolo: I liked his unselfish kick from 50m out finding Wellingham closer to goal. After this though he played his usual selfish game where all he thought about was going for goal and being the hero. Other than playing his typical hero ball I didn't mind his game. His marking was on display and was really strong overhead. Conversion from set shots was good. Showed some evasiveness up forward and has that ability to create space for himself at times. His use of the handball was very good and can execute his handballs quickly to target. I loved the contest where he put his head over the ball and just charged at it v Stevey J, Stevey J ended up getting it to Geelong's advantage but I loved his attack on the ball and while he didn't win the ball I really enjoyed his endeavour. That 50m penalty was very fortunate in the end, I like that he converted it in the end. He is very much someone who can lift in the big moments and this just confirms that he is someone who enjoys that which is very pleasing to know that he is someone you can trust in end of game situations with the ball in hand, because those types can just make a habit of making winning plays and lifting in those critical moments as we have seen time and time again from Pendlebury, Thomas and Sidebottom.
Thomas: I don't think of Thomas as an outside running type anymore. He really looks like more of an inside player than he does outside now. His running this year doesn't look nearly as good as it was last year both from a speed and endurance standpoint - conditioning not nearly where I'd hope it would be for this time in the year. Hopefully this comes back as the year goes, but I'd really like to see him given more of an opportunity through the middle where this year he seems to best influence the contest. One other area for work, while it's nothing new, but his set shot goalkicking is still very ordinary and just needs more work. He works hard to impose himself on the game and his hardness goes without question. Perhaps an inside receiving role to capitalise off Beams' and Pendlebury's inside work might be the best role for him. What also impressed me was his handballing in close and like the rest of our midfield brigade just looks really good by hand and in close so add that to his natural tackling and his hardness and willingness to take those hits I like the inside role for him at the minute.
Goldsack: Another solid performance. Didn't get allot of the ball but when he did he made all his touches count. I loved that 65m set shot goal. Roccaesque. At times energised the team using his athleticism, I particularly liked his run after that Thomas handball over the top. Goldy was involved in another really notable play where he broke a tackle and kicking long finding Dawes placing the kick perfectly which was really encouraging with the feel of Goldsack's kicking often not quite right with him sometimes overkicking or just not placing it correctly. Did have his quiet patches and had one of two poor skill errors but there was allot more good than bad and Goldy looks to be on the improve which is encouraging.
Clarke: Didn't have his usual influence and was really quiet in the end I felt. Defensively got one of two important stops. Offensively I don't know whether Geelong shut down his influence or whether
Sinclair: Didn't have his usual defensive influence and hardly noticed him out there. His chasing and tackling just wasn't there to the usual standard. Had that one attempt where he nearly finished but couldn't quite convert in the end. A drop off from past games in intensity and needs to play to the intensity he did in those 7 and 8 tackle games from earlier on. That's what he is in the team for so if he can add that to some touches, solid ball use and maybe a goal a game he could make himself a fixture in the team, but I think there might be a couple knocking on the door in coming weeks.
Blair: Put his head over the ball every time and just went in hard as anything. At his size probably needs to play smarter football - as a low 170cm guy he won't physically have a huge influence and won't crunch guys so while I like his endeavour and attack on the footy he needs to play smarter to get his hands on it more and have a greater influence on the contest. He would be happy with that dribble goal from the angle.
O'Brien: Didn't provide the rebound he has in recent weeks but he wasn't the loose man. I liked allot of what he did throughout the night when he did get his hands on it though and he could probably have been better utilised on some occasions offensively. On one occasion he used Wellingham on a short pass centrally which was nice to see with our previous tendency to always look wide. I also liked one kick where he got bumped and still executed the short kick to Sidebottom. Defensively was ok and got some stops in on occasion but when he played on Podsiadly at times looked lost and on one occasion just completely misread the ball drop allowing an easy mark to Podsiadly early. Also lost that horrible 1v1 on Duncan where he got edged under the footy then losing his balance allowing Duncan to get goalside with the ball and convert for the easy goal. I'd rather he stick to a more offensive role either off a back flank or as an extra man down back if we elect to go the seven man backline because more often than not he does look lost on a man, often getting outbodied, outmarked, beaten on the lead or through not being able to change direction quick enough against more agile forwards. He just looks so much more comfortable running in a straight line and charging off a half back flank.
Maxwell: Had another strong game defensively. Took some intercept marks as well as some 1v1 marks. Imposed himself on the contest at times. Got some spoils in and on occasion played 3rd man up. I enjoyed one sequence where Maxy got the spoil and then followed up his effort with the tackle on Stevey J to stop what otherwise more than likely would have been a goal. Yet another solid game where the stat line doesn't flatter him, but he played his role and did what you expect from him.
Keeffe: Not his best game for the year. I think playing last week as a forward really unsettled him and he just seems to need that consistency of role which should be as a backman where he plays clearly his best footy. Tonight he just looked really unsettled, getting beaten on the lead early by both Podsiadly and Hawkins. Also his kicking while good for most of the night was on two or three pccasions off target which is very much unlike Lachie. He was due for a shocker, but considering the way he has started the season a very forgivable performance.
Didak: Didn't get allot of it and in the end got subbed. I still was encouraged by his performance and I see a place for him in our best side without a doubt. Ball use by foot was exceptional and back to the previous high standard we are used to. Just needs to find more of it and get utilised more offensively to increase his influence. Additionally defensively he needs to look to increase his influence, no tackles out of a forward/midfielder isn't good enough and to be of greatest use to this team he needs high possession counts while also accumulating some tackles each game.
Buckley: Got subbed on late. That handball that got intercepted by Geelong nearly gave me a heart attack. As with many of our mistakes in that final quarter the play could have and frankly should have resulted in a Geelong goal. Really wasn't a great handball and I just don't feel at all confident with Buckley in late game situations in close games or against better sides with his decision making and ball use issues.
Team notes:
1st quarter Hawkins and Podsiadly were getting it far too easily. Geelong getting clean entries into the forward 50 with Hawkins and Podsiadly marking far too easily on the lead. We had no 3rd man up or anyone filling the space allowing the two Geelong bigs to lead right up the middle which should not happen.
In the first half Geelong were rebounding far too easily from their back 50 and going end to end with little resistance. Did we overextend or not fully commit to the press in the 1st half?
With 15min to go in that final quarter we went completely into self preservation mode and just stopped our attack on the game. It was really hard to watch and in those situations you just need to continue to attack the game - we were playing not to lose which is very dangerous with so much time left to play. You always need to play to win. Ultimately very lucky the way things went in those final 2 minutes but we hardly won that final quarter through better play and our approach in these situations needs to change drastically because you don't win games like that against good teams with any regularity.
Votes:
5. Sidebottom
4. Pendlebury
3. Reid
2. Toovey
1. Jolly
Good:
Sidebottom: Played a great game. First 3 quarters in particular was absolutely outstanding. Just runs and runs and runs. Would love to see how many km he covered. Wouldn't be shocked if he covered 25km over the game such was the intensity of his running. Offensive running was great but also did plenty of defensive running and played great 2 way ball. I liked allot of his handballing in close, really stood out at times. His inside work was strong to go with his outside work, just looks like such a complete player now and I have him right in that same conversation with Pendles and Swan as our no.1 midfielder which is a credit to him. Marking game was good. Even showed his smarts on occasion creating space to allow him to execute which was great to see. Complete game and was the big reason why we were the better team over those first 3 quarters.
Pendlebury: Any 30 disposal, 4 goal effort from a midfielder is a serious effort. That final goal was luck more than skill in that final minute but I love the way he can lift his play when the game is on the line and at it's most important stages. You can just rely on him when needed and he just imposes his influence on the contest through his superiority. Just a dominant inside game. Kicking much improved this week after some weeks where his execution by foot was below average, even under pressure he executed some excellent kicks hitting his intended targets.
Reid: Had an absolutely aweful start. Those first 15 minutes on Hawkins was just dominated on the lead with Hawkins just getting free of him every time. After this he lifted his game significantly and had a serious impact in those final 3 quarters playing a big part in the final result. His confidence just kept growing and growing going from spoiling everything that came his way to winning 1 on 1s for the mark every time. Was just fantastic to watch him improve as the game went and to play such a big part in the win. Against Hawkins after quarter time physically held his own in every contest and won with their the spoil or mark which was fantastic. Also his tackling game was noteworthy, he had two very important tackles stopping what otherwise would have been certain Hawkins goals. Showed great technique and taking down such a big body is just so impressive. He came up big when he needed to and after quarter time did everything right.
Toovey: Was absolutely fantastic throughout. Stopped his direct opponent and offensively had a big influence. I can see big improvement in his ability to read the ball and he looks so confident going off his man and taking those intercept marks which he probably wouldn't have gone for last year. Provided some nice run and times and kicking was solid as always. Played a really complete game and will be one of the heros of the night who might have gone under the radar.
Jolly: To half time was our best on ground. His stats are hardly flattering but his influence on the contest was massive. Jolly had an incredible amount of meaningful taps to advantage in that first half. Such a difference having him in the team! He may not have snuck forward for goals and only took the one mark for the day, but his tap work was absolutely sensational and he was the reason our midfield got on top. Credit to the big fella. Having a sensational season and I like the way the club are managing him to make sure that he gets through the season.
Wellingham: Played a seriously good game and I consider him very unlucky not to have made my bests. Marking was absolutely excellent and he showed why he would make a really dangerous forward. What was good about the marking was just how strong he was overhead, even in instances where the opponent was spoiling the ball he still could hold strong for the mark which was impressive. I loved it in the forward pocket where he created space for himself with the ball to find Dale Thomas 30m out directly infront, was excellent play and great composure. Every time he got his hands on it he had an influence and made his posessions meaningful which is what really impressed me. Kicking execution was on for much of the night and at times excellent and his handballing in close also very good. Tackle numbers not super high but had some really meaningful tackles and an important stop near the end on the last line of defence which impressed me.
Swan: Went out in the final quarter and we really missed his run. Up to that point had played a really good game. Clearance work was nice. I loved the spin move to evade the tackle and open up the angle on goal up forward and to create space, just so smart up forward and kicks those goals so easily whenever he runs forward and attacks, maintaining that forward momentum.
Others:
Shaw: It is very intentional that I'm leaving him out of my bests. Kicking execution was absolutely terrible and well below standard. His poor kicking really hurt us and it was really unlike him to not execute with the consistency he typically does. Decision making was also poor and on an important kickout in the final quarter kicks short to Marty Clarke, but with more Geelong numbers on either side it was an easy ball to intercept. Shaw certainly got his share of the ball showing his typical rebounding proficiency with all those marks off opposition kicks as well as some strong 1v1 wins while also beating and shutting down his direct opponent. I liked his attack on the contest and on the ball and he really played hard and tried to put his stamp on the game. He is without a doubt in great form right now but none the less I expect better execution from someone of Shaw's quality. Particularly if he is going to be playing that loose man back role as he did tonight for much of the time.
Beams: Clearance work great as always. Just reads the ruck taps so well and puts himself in the best position every time which is what makes him such an effective inside player. I really like allot of his handballing in close, has great vision and finds the right target almost always. What I'd like to see Beamer clean up is with his clearance work he needs to show more composure when he wins it and instead of just going onto his boot and getting it forward to centre he needs to further use his vision and look for a target in close by hand because he so many times his rushed kicks forward get intercepted because they are more wish and hope kicks to get it out of his area rather than to a target which makes his kicking efficiency so low. Just needs to slow down a bit more in close, get that bit more comfortable and take lessons from Pendles to take those few more seconds to sum up his options before making those decisions inside. I think he can afford to change this aspect of his game because by hand it isn't just that he is precise, but also very quick at executing the handball so even if getting tackled he should still be able to execute without much problem. It just felt like such a re-occuring problem throughout the night that I couldn't not notice it every time he won the ball.
Cloke: Solid but probably not a great game. I loved that flying contested grab where he just went flying into the pack. He is still kicking with great confidence at goal and that aspect of his game seems to have really clicked for him this season which is great to see. Had a really good fight with Harry Taylor throughout the night and probably broke even from that contest. The one play on after a strong mark then kick out on the full was poor, but otherwise it was a reasonably solid without being a spectacular game. Don't know what it is this season but Cloke just doesn't seem as productive as he was last season. I suspect this might have to do with less big targets up forward with L.Brown gone and Dawes not producing to the level he has in seasons gone past. Hopefully things turn around for him in the 2nd half, he'd want it to being a contract year!
Dawes: Starting to work his way into the season now and performed better than in some of those early games. Competed well when put in the ruck but also up forward took some strong marks and in front of goal showed more confidence. He did have that very gettable miss, but when he thought the game was over early in the 4th with the big lead he loaded up from outside 50 and converted so with the less perceived pressure on his kick seemed allot better and on that occasion didn't seem to get inside his own head seemingly not expecting to kick it. Did like his game though and it was probably his first "productive" game for the season which is a real positive and a sign that his form is on the up.
Fasolo: I liked his unselfish kick from 50m out finding Wellingham closer to goal. After this though he played his usual selfish game where all he thought about was going for goal and being the hero. Other than playing his typical hero ball I didn't mind his game. His marking was on display and was really strong overhead. Conversion from set shots was good. Showed some evasiveness up forward and has that ability to create space for himself at times. His use of the handball was very good and can execute his handballs quickly to target. I loved the contest where he put his head over the ball and just charged at it v Stevey J, Stevey J ended up getting it to Geelong's advantage but I loved his attack on the ball and while he didn't win the ball I really enjoyed his endeavour. That 50m penalty was very fortunate in the end, I like that he converted it in the end. He is very much someone who can lift in the big moments and this just confirms that he is someone who enjoys that which is very pleasing to know that he is someone you can trust in end of game situations with the ball in hand, because those types can just make a habit of making winning plays and lifting in those critical moments as we have seen time and time again from Pendlebury, Thomas and Sidebottom.
Thomas: I don't think of Thomas as an outside running type anymore. He really looks like more of an inside player than he does outside now. His running this year doesn't look nearly as good as it was last year both from a speed and endurance standpoint - conditioning not nearly where I'd hope it would be for this time in the year. Hopefully this comes back as the year goes, but I'd really like to see him given more of an opportunity through the middle where this year he seems to best influence the contest. One other area for work, while it's nothing new, but his set shot goalkicking is still very ordinary and just needs more work. He works hard to impose himself on the game and his hardness goes without question. Perhaps an inside receiving role to capitalise off Beams' and Pendlebury's inside work might be the best role for him. What also impressed me was his handballing in close and like the rest of our midfield brigade just looks really good by hand and in close so add that to his natural tackling and his hardness and willingness to take those hits I like the inside role for him at the minute.
Goldsack: Another solid performance. Didn't get allot of the ball but when he did he made all his touches count. I loved that 65m set shot goal. Roccaesque. At times energised the team using his athleticism, I particularly liked his run after that Thomas handball over the top. Goldy was involved in another really notable play where he broke a tackle and kicking long finding Dawes placing the kick perfectly which was really encouraging with the feel of Goldsack's kicking often not quite right with him sometimes overkicking or just not placing it correctly. Did have his quiet patches and had one of two poor skill errors but there was allot more good than bad and Goldy looks to be on the improve which is encouraging.
Clarke: Didn't have his usual influence and was really quiet in the end I felt. Defensively got one of two important stops. Offensively I don't know whether Geelong shut down his influence or whether
Sinclair: Didn't have his usual defensive influence and hardly noticed him out there. His chasing and tackling just wasn't there to the usual standard. Had that one attempt where he nearly finished but couldn't quite convert in the end. A drop off from past games in intensity and needs to play to the intensity he did in those 7 and 8 tackle games from earlier on. That's what he is in the team for so if he can add that to some touches, solid ball use and maybe a goal a game he could make himself a fixture in the team, but I think there might be a couple knocking on the door in coming weeks.
Blair: Put his head over the ball every time and just went in hard as anything. At his size probably needs to play smarter football - as a low 170cm guy he won't physically have a huge influence and won't crunch guys so while I like his endeavour and attack on the footy he needs to play smarter to get his hands on it more and have a greater influence on the contest. He would be happy with that dribble goal from the angle.
O'Brien: Didn't provide the rebound he has in recent weeks but he wasn't the loose man. I liked allot of what he did throughout the night when he did get his hands on it though and he could probably have been better utilised on some occasions offensively. On one occasion he used Wellingham on a short pass centrally which was nice to see with our previous tendency to always look wide. I also liked one kick where he got bumped and still executed the short kick to Sidebottom. Defensively was ok and got some stops in on occasion but when he played on Podsiadly at times looked lost and on one occasion just completely misread the ball drop allowing an easy mark to Podsiadly early. Also lost that horrible 1v1 on Duncan where he got edged under the footy then losing his balance allowing Duncan to get goalside with the ball and convert for the easy goal. I'd rather he stick to a more offensive role either off a back flank or as an extra man down back if we elect to go the seven man backline because more often than not he does look lost on a man, often getting outbodied, outmarked, beaten on the lead or through not being able to change direction quick enough against more agile forwards. He just looks so much more comfortable running in a straight line and charging off a half back flank.
Maxwell: Had another strong game defensively. Took some intercept marks as well as some 1v1 marks. Imposed himself on the contest at times. Got some spoils in and on occasion played 3rd man up. I enjoyed one sequence where Maxy got the spoil and then followed up his effort with the tackle on Stevey J to stop what otherwise more than likely would have been a goal. Yet another solid game where the stat line doesn't flatter him, but he played his role and did what you expect from him.
Keeffe: Not his best game for the year. I think playing last week as a forward really unsettled him and he just seems to need that consistency of role which should be as a backman where he plays clearly his best footy. Tonight he just looked really unsettled, getting beaten on the lead early by both Podsiadly and Hawkins. Also his kicking while good for most of the night was on two or three pccasions off target which is very much unlike Lachie. He was due for a shocker, but considering the way he has started the season a very forgivable performance.
Didak: Didn't get allot of it and in the end got subbed. I still was encouraged by his performance and I see a place for him in our best side without a doubt. Ball use by foot was exceptional and back to the previous high standard we are used to. Just needs to find more of it and get utilised more offensively to increase his influence. Additionally defensively he needs to look to increase his influence, no tackles out of a forward/midfielder isn't good enough and to be of greatest use to this team he needs high possession counts while also accumulating some tackles each game.
Buckley: Got subbed on late. That handball that got intercepted by Geelong nearly gave me a heart attack. As with many of our mistakes in that final quarter the play could have and frankly should have resulted in a Geelong goal. Really wasn't a great handball and I just don't feel at all confident with Buckley in late game situations in close games or against better sides with his decision making and ball use issues.
