Hawthorn v North

[Mr Ripper]

Pretty good game, wasn't it.

Using the '2001 vs 1993 thread' scoring system, it get's a 7.5/10 from me. Would have got an 8.5, but unfortunately the performance of three blind mice was worth a minus 1. What's the point of having rules when they make 'em up as they go along...or just plain ignore 'em? Won't single out incidents...too many to recall.

Oh well, enough of the negatives.

It was good to see a game that, for a change, was played in an attacking manner from the start. Lots of goals, lots of running, not too many packs and little flooding.

A few observations...

Johnny Barker has got to be the most improved player in the AFL over the past 12 months. He was a sensation in the first half today, marking everything that came his way and setting up scoring opportunities. He's gonna be sorely missed with that quad strain (that's a driver muscle for the benefit of you Adelaidians ).

Jon Hay brought back memories of F.Brown with that match saving tackle in the dying minutes, but that shouldn't outshine his performance for the rest of the match. He is almost impossible to beat one out. Strong in the air and lightning quick once the ball hits the deck. Gonna be a nightmare for key forwards in the years to come.

Billy Nicholls of Hawthorn and North's Digby Morrell are a pair of potential cult figures if ever I've seen 'em!

Wayne Carey: looked like a lame duck *boom tish* from the outset. Should get himself 100% before attempting another comeback.

Anthony Stevens must just about have the biggest heart in league football. Tirelessly threw himself into contest after contest today (so what's new?). I notice he tossed the coin before the match. He may have to get used to it if Carey can't get himself right.

Corey McKernan: Hmmmmm.

Anyway, bouquets to both sides for putting on a fine display of the Australian game...and brickbats to the maggots!

 

[Danny Chook Fan Club]

It was a bloody good game, but you're right about the jokers with the whistles. We all have been guilty in the past of wanting the umpires to 'let the game go', but sixteen free kicks for the entire match was a bit rich.

And the ones they handed out! Two very soft kicks - one for each side - after a player had kicked for goal, and there was a very dodgy ruck free payed to Boffa straight after seven or eight obvious ones were missed (again, to both sides) in a pack situation.

You're spot on about Jonny Hay too. I've been calling him the best full back in the game for a year and a half now, and for pure defensive skill I think he's got them all covered, Fletcher included.

Cheers to Ang Lekkas, who is getting back to his 1999 best.

 

[Wilko1]

I won't go as far as saying it was a great match ( I went), but congratulations to Hawthorn for nearly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

 

[Dan26]

Ripper,

I think you'll find most Kangaroo games over the last 8 yeras have been exciting to watch with a free-flowing style. It's simply the way they play football which is great to see.

North are one of the few teams that always play the game on their terms. Long kicking, no flooding, move the ball quickly, kick it long into space, play the percentages, etc.

If there is one team who play footy the way it should be played, it's North. Well, there is really no one correct way to play footy, but I think North's way has proven to be the most successful.

Essendon, for example are successful primarily due to the stength of our playing list, NOT our game plan. North have been successful due to their game plan. It's no coincidence that North have been involved in dozens of great games over the last 8 years.

 

[mick]

Originally posted by Dan25
Ripper,


North are one of the few teams that always play the game on their terms. Long kicking, no flooding, move the ball quickly, kick it long into space, play the percentages, etc.

If there is one team who play footy the way it should be played.

Dan
Although I agree with the main point of your post i.e Roos play an exiting brand of footy. I take exception to the point that they don't flood. There were a number of occasions against the Hawks where Picket was the only player forward of CHB,

The Pagans Paddock game plan is well known - The reason the Roos leave have such an open forward line is their midfielders/hf flankers are pushing back ie-flooding.