So we are 4 weeks in and that gives us our first review point of the season. Here is my take:
General Team
1. Team defence - our overall team defence is stronger than in recent years. It appears Clarko actually has a plan and it allows us to be opened up less while still allowing attacking moves. Opposition sides have worked it out relatively quickly and we lack the skill and speed to implement it effectively all of the time but it is a good start and I am sure will go through several iterations over the next 20-30 games;
2. We are controlling games for longer, this is a big plus.
3. Lack of athleticism across the ground is noticeable and the better teams go faster for longer and we are a fair way behind.
4. Sheez is the real deal, wow!
Backline
1. Have performed well as a unit and the structure has stopped bigger scores being kicked against us. Logue is a great addition, Sheez has added skill we have lacked for many years and Jack has played twice as well as 2021 in my view.
2. Been disappointing not having the 3KP defenders together, and I am looking forward to seeing them gel in the next 4-6 weeks;
3. I have 4 locks for 2024 so far.
- KP Defenders - McKay, Logue, Corr
- General Defender - McDonald
- Creative of HB - ????
The backline mix at the moment won't win us many games, but keep us in them. We lack run out of the backline and if we are to be a finals team, we need to replace Jack and Bonar types with the run our opposition clearly wins with. Jack has been great, but simply isn't the right type of player for the modern game. Bonar has the athletic traits but unless he adds an attacking game, he won't be in it.
4. Need KP depth
Midfield
1. LDU is a genuine star and Jy looks like he is back to his best.
2. Cam is our 2nd most impactful midfielder.
3. We need better run. LDU, TT and Wardlaw are the only 3 dynamic mids in our team, plus Cam who needs to be part of the mix. We lack powerful runners on the wings but have invested in inside mids.
4. Cunnington has reached the end. Football changed in 2022 and he is not suited to it. He makes it difficult to defend the transition. Incredible career but time comes for all of us.
5. I am nervous that only one of Powell or Philips will work in the modern game. Powell has done a great job at improving physically to give him the best chance, it is up to Will to see how his next 12-24 months go when he is hopefully injury free;
Forwardline
1. Structure is poor, hopefully just a matter of time but it is not setup to make the most of individual talents;
2. Curtis has been poor and we lack crumbers so has hurt us.
3. We are slow in the forwdline, affecting our ability to crumb and ability to provide defensive pressure
4. Charlie has impacted the contest and moves to the right positions often. Not working yet but has the tools just needs some easy marks and goals to gain a little confidence.
5. We are getting more I50 than have in recent years, that is a good sign
6. Need to invest in more KP depth. Mc Donald v Philips may still be an interesting decision for review over the coming years.
There is plenty more but that is my quick takes.
General Team
1. Team defence - our overall team defence is stronger than in recent years. It appears Clarko actually has a plan and it allows us to be opened up less while still allowing attacking moves. Opposition sides have worked it out relatively quickly and we lack the skill and speed to implement it effectively all of the time but it is a good start and I am sure will go through several iterations over the next 20-30 games;
2. We are controlling games for longer, this is a big plus.
3. Lack of athleticism across the ground is noticeable and the better teams go faster for longer and we are a fair way behind.
4. Sheez is the real deal, wow!
Backline
1. Have performed well as a unit and the structure has stopped bigger scores being kicked against us. Logue is a great addition, Sheez has added skill we have lacked for many years and Jack has played twice as well as 2021 in my view.
2. Been disappointing not having the 3KP defenders together, and I am looking forward to seeing them gel in the next 4-6 weeks;
3. I have 4 locks for 2024 so far.
- KP Defenders - McKay, Logue, Corr
- General Defender - McDonald
- Creative of HB - ????
The backline mix at the moment won't win us many games, but keep us in them. We lack run out of the backline and if we are to be a finals team, we need to replace Jack and Bonar types with the run our opposition clearly wins with. Jack has been great, but simply isn't the right type of player for the modern game. Bonar has the athletic traits but unless he adds an attacking game, he won't be in it.
4. Need KP depth
Midfield
1. LDU is a genuine star and Jy looks like he is back to his best.
2. Cam is our 2nd most impactful midfielder.
3. We need better run. LDU, TT and Wardlaw are the only 3 dynamic mids in our team, plus Cam who needs to be part of the mix. We lack powerful runners on the wings but have invested in inside mids.
4. Cunnington has reached the end. Football changed in 2022 and he is not suited to it. He makes it difficult to defend the transition. Incredible career but time comes for all of us.
5. I am nervous that only one of Powell or Philips will work in the modern game. Powell has done a great job at improving physically to give him the best chance, it is up to Will to see how his next 12-24 months go when he is hopefully injury free;
Forwardline
1. Structure is poor, hopefully just a matter of time but it is not setup to make the most of individual talents;
2. Curtis has been poor and we lack crumbers so has hurt us.
3. We are slow in the forwdline, affecting our ability to crumb and ability to provide defensive pressure
4. Charlie has impacted the contest and moves to the right positions often. Not working yet but has the tools just needs some easy marks and goals to gain a little confidence.
5. We are getting more I50 than have in recent years, that is a good sign
6. Need to invest in more KP depth. Mc Donald v Philips may still be an interesting decision for review over the coming years.
There is plenty more but that is my quick takes.
