Game Day Dons v Cats - TUES 25th 7.10pm @ the Cattery

[Don Won]

Yeah, Prior was good. Agree, Shiel back is looking great and it allows Martin to play mostly forward.

One standout to me was ball movement in the backline was fast and accurate with little fumbling. Players spread very well for such a skinny ground too.

Jones was very impressive on the wing/forward and Dursma is as tough as nails albeit a little rusty.

It’s great having a group of backs where we have 3 or 4 with elite disposal.

 

[ghostdog]

Was Caldwell injured or rested?
I don't even know when he left the field.

 

[joey_jo_jo]

Was Caldwell injured or rested?
I don't even know when he left the field.

He had late start to pre season so fingers crossed they're managing him. Don't think he has may CBAs

 

[sameolds33]

If anything, bunch of our goals were from marks 15-25 near front of goal, instead of the hopeful 50m out near the boundary. And having Caddy, Kako, Martin, as well as Langford, converting up forward meant we finally were able to spread their defence about. So good signs.

It was almost a relief when Hobbs kicked it OOF - i was starting to wonder, in what universe does Essendon ever kick 17-2? I needed a touch of reality.

Favourite play was Draper splitting the pack of 3 Geelong players and Kako crumbing the ball to goal.

 

[Cold Sober]

Impressed with our pressure both ends. Numbers, spoils, gives hope.

 

[jctrout]

Draper likes to square the ledger - in the entry before Kako's 4th goal, when Draper split the pack, TDK drove a knee into the back of Draper's head. Straight after, Draper get's up and looks for him. Next entry, guess which cat was the third in line of the three defenders? Yep you guessed it. Draper just launched at him and planted the knee into TDK's ribs. The fact that he took everyone else out was a bonus

 

[Nicholas61]

Draper likes to square the ledger - in the entry before Kako's 4th goal, when Draper split the pack, TDK drove a knee into the back of Draper's head. Straight after, Draper get's up and looks for him. Next entry, guess which cat was the third in line of the three defenders? Yep you guessed it. Draper just launched at him and planted the knee into TDK's ribs. The fact that he took everyone else out was a bonus

Haha that is fantastic. I remember a Swan got him in the head last year - next play he was involved in the first person in red and white got cannoned into then he got in a scuffle as well. If he played in the 80s you could only imagine the dark side Sheeds would have tapped into.

 

[Happyskeret]

I think we will turn the ball over a bit this year which will continue to frustrate. Most of our players had a bad moment or two but overall the good outweighed the bad.

All I want to see is continual improvement and effort from the boys and I wish them good health.

 

[fairbump_playon]

I think we will turn the ball over a bit this year which will continue to frustrate. Most of our players had a bad moment or two but overall the good outweighed the bad.

All I want to see is continual improvement and effort from the boys and I wish them good health.

Agree. There were plenty of ugly turnovers in these preseason games. Hard to tell if that’s rust or the way we will be.

 

[Agronomus]

Agree. There were plenty of ugly turnovers in these preseason games. Hard to tell if that’s rust or the way we will be.

Deep breath, then keep repeating "develop year develop year" until the nausea subsides

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

Draper likes to square the ledger - in the entry before Kako's 4th goal, when Draper split the pack, TDK drove a knee into the back of Draper's head. Straight after, Draper get's up and looks for him. Next entry, guess which cat was the third in line of the three defenders? Yep you guessed it. Draper just launched at him and planted the knee into TDK's ribs. The fact that he took everyone else out was a bonus

For this attribute alone, he deserves another 6 years. You need your big guys to throw their weight around (2MP ain't got this).

 

[TheUnicorn]

I’m finally watching the replay after attending the game.

1st Q - I’d say Draper, Merrett, and Martin have stood out the most, massive opening quarter by them. Langford’s willingness to chase and apply pressure has also been notable.

2nd Q - Pretty poor quarter! Ridley was solid early in the quarter, and Caddy performed well, he was competing for everything in the air and could have clunked a couple more marks.

3RD Q - Martin was silky smooth, Jones smart positioning and worked really hard, he had a great quarter. Durham’s contested marking is impressive and will be really handy in the forward line. Gresham provided excellent pressure throughout as well. Caddy is leading for everything and never stops working. Prior looks really solid, I’m not sure he’s done much wrong so far.

4th Q - There were clearly a lot of tired bodies on the field. However, Kako was lively, while Tsatas showcased his impressive skill, scooped the ball up with one hand without breaking stride a few times, although he looked absolutely exhausted by the end of the game. Jones and Bryan appeared to be fitter than most, finishing the match strongly. On the other hand, while Hobbs performed well in tight situations, he seemed to struggle overall lots of panic and poor disposals, both he and Duursma did not have great games.


Overall, I was pleased with this hitout, there were lots of solid performances all around. We seemed to think about what we were doing going up the ground, instead of just bombing it to numbers up the wing. Our defense looked solid, and both Caddy and Kako were terrific. I believe our midfield performed well as well, but I’m not sure how we’re going to make room for everyone moving forward.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

Pre-season I know but I couldn't resist this:

"They're (b)eating the cats, they're (b)eating the dogs!!!"

absolutely unreal