Proud of the boys today. Exactly the result I was expecting - a solid, gutsy showing resulting in a relatively close loss. One thing that really, really stands out to me so far this year is that we aren't one of the fitter teams in the comp (saw it first hand in the JLT game against the Lions too). A lot of players with hands on hips and knees late in quarters today, particularly (and obviously) late in the game.
- Morrison needs to find some form desperately. A shadow of his former self from last year. Will probably stay in the side due to injuries.
- Love the story behind this bloke, but Mirra just ain't AFL level. He doesn't have the luxury of being a young player with plenty of time on his side. Very solid VFL player, but I personally don't believe he will ever cut it as a consistent member of our best 22. You could actually make a video package of prominent incidents which would back this assertion up. Will also probably be lucky due to our injury list.
- Smith and Nash clearly played injured today (Nash with a corked glute, not sure about Smith). Smith's worst game in a long time (Breust too while I'm at it), granted he still tried his heart out. I'm a big fan of Nash but that stat line is almost unforgivable. I don't think he would have played today had we had more options available to replace him. Unpopular opinion - keep him in ahead of Lewis.
- Mitch Lewis and James Cousins. Hrmmmm... not sold on either. Happy to keep Cousins in mainly due to our lack of midfield depth and potential, but only one of Nash or Lewis should be playing in a perfect world. I'm going Nash, just, but happy with either.
-McEvoy (hoping he's ok for next week), O'Meara, Worpel, Sicily, Henderson, Roughead and Brand (keep him in ahead of Mirra) really good today.
- Wingard and Scully are opposites at the moment. Firstly, both need more time playing in our system, but where as Wingard is using the ball well and looks comfortable with it, but just isn't getting enough of it, Scully is getting it a fair bit of it but looks flustered a lot of the time.
- Howe is an interesting one. Hoping with more gametime over the next few weeks we will see his best again. Will be keeping a keen eye on him for sure. Not sure what to make of him.
- Good return to form from Poppy. Still not the same Poppy that we are so accustomed too, and I'm not sure he ever will be again. Still a solid contributor on his day.
- Poor old Gunston being thrown all over the place with these injuries we have. He's one of those players who will come out breathing fire next week, especially as he was our fill-in captain this week.
As a final thought, was more than happy to see Ablett being bood regardless of the reason. One of the greatest players I've ever seen (maybe the best in my adulthood), but if it was because of the rivalry we have and what a great plauer he is/was... awesome. If it was because people were taking a stand against homophobia and saying that it isn't ok to support that bullshit... awesome as well.
Go Hawks!