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Practice Match Friday Feb 17
I wrote this on Friday in a bit of a rush at work but here are my meandering thoughts.
I have ranked the players to make it easier to read.
Very Poor
Deluca: Played as a forward on Livingston and was poor. Moved badly. Misjudged things and was not up to the tempo. Soft at the ball and contested like a 17 year old. Went into the ruck and may as well have gone off and had a rest. No injury worries and had a full pre season so should be a lot better than this.
Chambers : Played back pocket. Ran a lot and tried as per usual but Eddie was able to slip him when he wants and is to smart and elusive for him. Which is pretty damning when Eddie is 19 and Chambers is 26. I agree with trying to get him to play tight on someone and use the only strength he has in his endurance and running ability but its not much use when Eddie deliberately runs him into other players whenever he wants to get free. Hands like bricks as per normal and the ball just bounces off them when under pressure and he fumbles.
Davies : Still a kid who does not want to grow up into a man. Petulant and lacks concentration. Wastes the ball and his kicking was abysmal. If I was coaching against him I would force him to kick at every opportunity and wait for the turnover.
Livo : Held Deluca early (a witches hat could have held Deluca). Plays tight and tries but again is slow to react. Does not seem to read who is kicking the ball. What depth they have in there kicks and where his opponent will likely lead. So it is all to often a footrace with he the sloweest to get going. I don’t see any improvement and he looks in trouble with Hartlett looking more assured already.
Batson :On the bench for most of it so might be a little harsh. But he looked lost when he did get out there and not up to the pace. No positioning or any real ability where to move to and what was required.
Teague : Played as a defensive forward and tried a lot but did not really get anywhere near it. Still slow and is not a natural forward. Moved onto the ball and looked a little bit more like it but if this is where he is going to be played as a forward/midfield rotation then he is doomed.
Poor
Jackson : A lot of running. Not much outcome. Not been very impressed with him in these practice games after looking fine at training earlier. I hope he is not another Prenda/Chambers “athlete” who cant play at this level. Lacks class when he gets the ball and not enough pace/size to break clear of congestion.
Waite : Got better as the game went on but was poor early on. Ran a good time recently in a time trial so his fitness should not be a concern after the stress fractures. Had a lot of opportunities playing on the dominant red team and took some marks but was not dominant and with all the supply he should have been. Bower would have beaten him in the match up considering the odds being stacked against him.
Thornton : Officially taken over Fevs position as the number 1 tanty thrower. To many turnovers and needs to worry about that more rather than picking on number a teenage number 1 draft pick. His defending was solid but nothing spectacular. He is a long way of 2003/4 form. Playing the same as last year, same attitude and same turnovers. A real concern for someone who has had a couple of months to get over the ankle and should be dominating at this level.
Bannister : Setanta thrashed him. Tried to niggle him and that did not work. The great form he showed in the first hit out is gone. Same as last year for Jordan. Good physique, rippling muscles and moves okay but it is all for show and he is not really a footballer. Just a player who looked good early on with doing some extra training. Now a lot of other players have caught up to his preparation he is not going to stand out. Played down back mainly
Wiggins : Tried hard as usual but his disposals were ordinary. No poise and class when he gets the ball. Just a battering ram and a very limited player.
Sporn : Moving better and had a bit more zip in him but his disposals were poor. Looks a bit bigger and was running harder and putting his body in but did not really win much of the ball or get used much.
Lappin : Needed the hit out as he hardly got anywhere near it. Just pranced around doing a bit here and there and generally taking it easy. When he gets the ball he is a class above but has had much better days and will when the real stuff starts.
McLaren : thrashed in the ruck. Did not get first hands to the ball and was pushed aside to easily. Ran around a lot and covered ground but will not take many marks, win tap outs or be anything other than a pinch hit ruck and defensive style player.
Reasonable
Longmuir : Ran better than last year and had a bit more physicality to his game. Played some of the game as a rebounding defender and also had a run in the midfield. Obviously he is fitter and a bit harder at the ball but still lacks that something needed at his size. When he went forward he was ordinary. Improved effort overall.
Flint : Reasonable and not out of place at this level. He understands what he is doing and just needs some more fitness and size. Some more speed would be great but he is a footballer more than an athlete. Happy with his game.
Hartlett : Better today. Controls the corridor well has presence and is physical and decent pace and agility. The knee injury has not affected his kicking depth at all. Playing back now for the team need rather than what is best for him. Would have him in front of Livo based on training and trial games. Moves better, does not fumble and anticipates better. More aggression in his game and turns quicker and has more agility.
Aisake : Had very few opportunities as a forward but kept trying and giving leads and that turn around McGrath was sensational. If he was playing for the other team he would most likely have dominated. His athleticism is superb and kept presenting even when the ball was kicked over his head or he was ignored.
Bryan : Better up forward today. Lined his body up well when going for a mark and used his improved bulk better. Some more meaning in what he was trying to do and harder at the ball. Will need to keep improving this aspect of his game. He is not going to make it as a full time ruck so needs to develop as a marking forward who hurts.
Bower : More of a flanker than a key postion at the moment with his lack of body size having just turned 18. Good agility and pace and skill. Looks good with the ball in hand. Setanta early on was too good for him before moving over to Waite. Not big and strong enough for key position yet but has good toe and footwork and agility. Just needs another pre season to really be ready for the gorillas.
Fevola : Decent effort from a clearly unfit Fev. A few good things and overall pretty good first hit out. A long way to go but is making decent progress.
Prendergast: Played as a midfielder and that at least uses his best attribute his running ability. No finesse and hardly takes an overhead mark despite being tall. Just kicks long and has the blinkers on when he gets it. Very limited player but he tried hard and got some possessions.
Scotland : Played midfield and down back. Ran hard and moved well. Disposal was not great. Kicked a couple of floaters and even when in space he still turns the ball over. Slimmer and quicker and covering more ground but not making the possessions count enough for a starting midfielder with his experience. A bit to laconic on the field still.
Good
Murphy : a class above most on the field. Hangs a bit off the contest and plays as more of a link/receiver type which is fine at this stage. Would have liked to see more possessions but cant fault his poise and thinking under pressure. Will hold onto the ball and almost force a player to lead where he wants.
Blackwell : Again played on Bentick. Closing the gap but there is still one. Getting bigger and stronger and still has that time on the ball and that clever reading of the play. Kicking was not as good as normal and looked better when handballing. Pace is up but still not overly quick. Covers less distance than other midfielders because he is a step in front of most of them with where to run to. Cuts the angles down well.
Houlihan : Bigger but did not really use it. Played the same way but is fitter and running harder. Still sagging off the packs at every opportunity and waiting for the quick handball. Still not hard enough at the ball to play midfield regularly and he might have a good physique he still lacks strength in the hips and thighs to break a tackle or hold himself in a contest. Slightly better but not good enough. Forward of the centre and in space he is damaging. Play him there and play to his strengths and minimize the weakness.
French : Too good for all comers in the ruck. Jumped over them, out bodied them and contested well around the ground. Typical encouragement of others on the ground. Pray he does not get injured or we are certainties for the spoon.
Walker : Played as a sweeping defender and looked sublime. Then Russell was switched onto him and they had a good contest. Overall not as good as the first practice hit out a few weeks ago. Sometimes a lot of running for little return. When he puts his foot down and really takes off I am not sure he knows what he is going to do with the ball but is prepared to try. Kicking is better but still needs to improve.
Russell : Started with his usual opponent in Fisher who beat him. Then moved over to AW and stuck to his task. Better use of his pace when rebounding and his kicking is better. Improved as the game went on. Playing for the under manned team made it hard so I have given him a good rating due to the amount of ball directed to Fisher especially early on. He is not out of his depth taking on a very good player in Fisher and has improved a great deal since last year and even since a few training sessions when matching up on him 6 weeks ago. Not sure he is great in pack situations. Is bigger but would like some more physicality in him.
More muscle but doubt he has enough strength yet.
McGrath : Impressive and solid. Got his spot as a small rebounding defender and is reliable and hard running.
Simpson : Classy. Pace and skill with the ball. Got better as the game went on and is at his best running around players. Love his agility and change of direction. Need more players like that in the team. Tucks the ball under his arm and is away. Natural attacking wing.
Very Good
Setanta : Awesome early on Bower and the smaller Bannister. Contested, led to the right spots and provide an option and kept trying. Judged the flight of the ball a lot better than last year and kept everything in line and was physical at the contest. Daniher is clearly having an influence on him and is harder at the ball when going up for a mark. Quick and agile and competes when the ball hits the ground. Make some simple mistakes and needs to really get back after a mark to move the play on or to settle for a kick at goal. Just a bit of over enthusiasm but his marking was a lot better. Very happy with him and his improved judgment and physicality. Going to make it on this showing.
Bentick : Same as always for Adam these days in the pre season. Always in the best few and was again today. Hard at the ball, smart with his positioning and movement. Aware of Blackwell and covered for others. Ran and chased and blocked and tackled and gave defensive pressure. Anticipates well and disposal was good.
Lance : Dominated down back on Fev and then Setanta. Got the arms waving and the voice happening. You know he is at his best when directing things like a traffic policeman. Demands the ball when rebounding and gets it. Had presence and covered for others.
Eddie : Clean, quick and classy. Roaming all over the ground but mainly forward of the centre. Elusive, agile and skillful in congestion. Not too responsible for anyone and just does what he likes.
Carrazzo : Has stepped his game up. Puts his head over the ball and getting better as an extractor. Ran hard, provide options and linked up. Switched over at half time but the same effort and ball winning ability. Good pace and kicking has improved. Understands the game better and is reading situations quicker and knowing when to commit. Not wasting his running and is more dangerous with his positioning.
Fisher : Pushed a long way up the ground and almost playing as another midfielder. Kicking was his only problem. Beautiful hands that take the ball at pace overhead with no hesitation. Good running and improved below his knees.
Kouta: Played the first half and was dominant and commanding. The knees are obviously in decent shape and if we can nurse him through this year we may squeeze another out of him next year.
I wrote this on Friday in a bit of a rush at work but here are my meandering thoughts.
I have ranked the players to make it easier to read.
Very Poor
Deluca: Played as a forward on Livingston and was poor. Moved badly. Misjudged things and was not up to the tempo. Soft at the ball and contested like a 17 year old. Went into the ruck and may as well have gone off and had a rest. No injury worries and had a full pre season so should be a lot better than this.
Chambers : Played back pocket. Ran a lot and tried as per usual but Eddie was able to slip him when he wants and is to smart and elusive for him. Which is pretty damning when Eddie is 19 and Chambers is 26. I agree with trying to get him to play tight on someone and use the only strength he has in his endurance and running ability but its not much use when Eddie deliberately runs him into other players whenever he wants to get free. Hands like bricks as per normal and the ball just bounces off them when under pressure and he fumbles.
Davies : Still a kid who does not want to grow up into a man. Petulant and lacks concentration. Wastes the ball and his kicking was abysmal. If I was coaching against him I would force him to kick at every opportunity and wait for the turnover.
Livo : Held Deluca early (a witches hat could have held Deluca). Plays tight and tries but again is slow to react. Does not seem to read who is kicking the ball. What depth they have in there kicks and where his opponent will likely lead. So it is all to often a footrace with he the sloweest to get going. I don’t see any improvement and he looks in trouble with Hartlett looking more assured already.
Batson :On the bench for most of it so might be a little harsh. But he looked lost when he did get out there and not up to the pace. No positioning or any real ability where to move to and what was required.
Teague : Played as a defensive forward and tried a lot but did not really get anywhere near it. Still slow and is not a natural forward. Moved onto the ball and looked a little bit more like it but if this is where he is going to be played as a forward/midfield rotation then he is doomed.
Poor
Jackson : A lot of running. Not much outcome. Not been very impressed with him in these practice games after looking fine at training earlier. I hope he is not another Prenda/Chambers “athlete” who cant play at this level. Lacks class when he gets the ball and not enough pace/size to break clear of congestion.
Waite : Got better as the game went on but was poor early on. Ran a good time recently in a time trial so his fitness should not be a concern after the stress fractures. Had a lot of opportunities playing on the dominant red team and took some marks but was not dominant and with all the supply he should have been. Bower would have beaten him in the match up considering the odds being stacked against him.
Thornton : Officially taken over Fevs position as the number 1 tanty thrower. To many turnovers and needs to worry about that more rather than picking on number a teenage number 1 draft pick. His defending was solid but nothing spectacular. He is a long way of 2003/4 form. Playing the same as last year, same attitude and same turnovers. A real concern for someone who has had a couple of months to get over the ankle and should be dominating at this level.
Bannister : Setanta thrashed him. Tried to niggle him and that did not work. The great form he showed in the first hit out is gone. Same as last year for Jordan. Good physique, rippling muscles and moves okay but it is all for show and he is not really a footballer. Just a player who looked good early on with doing some extra training. Now a lot of other players have caught up to his preparation he is not going to stand out. Played down back mainly
Wiggins : Tried hard as usual but his disposals were ordinary. No poise and class when he gets the ball. Just a battering ram and a very limited player.
Sporn : Moving better and had a bit more zip in him but his disposals were poor. Looks a bit bigger and was running harder and putting his body in but did not really win much of the ball or get used much.
Lappin : Needed the hit out as he hardly got anywhere near it. Just pranced around doing a bit here and there and generally taking it easy. When he gets the ball he is a class above but has had much better days and will when the real stuff starts.
McLaren : thrashed in the ruck. Did not get first hands to the ball and was pushed aside to easily. Ran around a lot and covered ground but will not take many marks, win tap outs or be anything other than a pinch hit ruck and defensive style player.
Reasonable
Longmuir : Ran better than last year and had a bit more physicality to his game. Played some of the game as a rebounding defender and also had a run in the midfield. Obviously he is fitter and a bit harder at the ball but still lacks that something needed at his size. When he went forward he was ordinary. Improved effort overall.
Flint : Reasonable and not out of place at this level. He understands what he is doing and just needs some more fitness and size. Some more speed would be great but he is a footballer more than an athlete. Happy with his game.
Hartlett : Better today. Controls the corridor well has presence and is physical and decent pace and agility. The knee injury has not affected his kicking depth at all. Playing back now for the team need rather than what is best for him. Would have him in front of Livo based on training and trial games. Moves better, does not fumble and anticipates better. More aggression in his game and turns quicker and has more agility.
Aisake : Had very few opportunities as a forward but kept trying and giving leads and that turn around McGrath was sensational. If he was playing for the other team he would most likely have dominated. His athleticism is superb and kept presenting even when the ball was kicked over his head or he was ignored.
Bryan : Better up forward today. Lined his body up well when going for a mark and used his improved bulk better. Some more meaning in what he was trying to do and harder at the ball. Will need to keep improving this aspect of his game. He is not going to make it as a full time ruck so needs to develop as a marking forward who hurts.
Bower : More of a flanker than a key postion at the moment with his lack of body size having just turned 18. Good agility and pace and skill. Looks good with the ball in hand. Setanta early on was too good for him before moving over to Waite. Not big and strong enough for key position yet but has good toe and footwork and agility. Just needs another pre season to really be ready for the gorillas.
Fevola : Decent effort from a clearly unfit Fev. A few good things and overall pretty good first hit out. A long way to go but is making decent progress.
Prendergast: Played as a midfielder and that at least uses his best attribute his running ability. No finesse and hardly takes an overhead mark despite being tall. Just kicks long and has the blinkers on when he gets it. Very limited player but he tried hard and got some possessions.
Scotland : Played midfield and down back. Ran hard and moved well. Disposal was not great. Kicked a couple of floaters and even when in space he still turns the ball over. Slimmer and quicker and covering more ground but not making the possessions count enough for a starting midfielder with his experience. A bit to laconic on the field still.
Good
Murphy : a class above most on the field. Hangs a bit off the contest and plays as more of a link/receiver type which is fine at this stage. Would have liked to see more possessions but cant fault his poise and thinking under pressure. Will hold onto the ball and almost force a player to lead where he wants.
Blackwell : Again played on Bentick. Closing the gap but there is still one. Getting bigger and stronger and still has that time on the ball and that clever reading of the play. Kicking was not as good as normal and looked better when handballing. Pace is up but still not overly quick. Covers less distance than other midfielders because he is a step in front of most of them with where to run to. Cuts the angles down well.
Houlihan : Bigger but did not really use it. Played the same way but is fitter and running harder. Still sagging off the packs at every opportunity and waiting for the quick handball. Still not hard enough at the ball to play midfield regularly and he might have a good physique he still lacks strength in the hips and thighs to break a tackle or hold himself in a contest. Slightly better but not good enough. Forward of the centre and in space he is damaging. Play him there and play to his strengths and minimize the weakness.
French : Too good for all comers in the ruck. Jumped over them, out bodied them and contested well around the ground. Typical encouragement of others on the ground. Pray he does not get injured or we are certainties for the spoon.
Walker : Played as a sweeping defender and looked sublime. Then Russell was switched onto him and they had a good contest. Overall not as good as the first practice hit out a few weeks ago. Sometimes a lot of running for little return. When he puts his foot down and really takes off I am not sure he knows what he is going to do with the ball but is prepared to try. Kicking is better but still needs to improve.
Russell : Started with his usual opponent in Fisher who beat him. Then moved over to AW and stuck to his task. Better use of his pace when rebounding and his kicking is better. Improved as the game went on. Playing for the under manned team made it hard so I have given him a good rating due to the amount of ball directed to Fisher especially early on. He is not out of his depth taking on a very good player in Fisher and has improved a great deal since last year and even since a few training sessions when matching up on him 6 weeks ago. Not sure he is great in pack situations. Is bigger but would like some more physicality in him.
More muscle but doubt he has enough strength yet.
McGrath : Impressive and solid. Got his spot as a small rebounding defender and is reliable and hard running.
Simpson : Classy. Pace and skill with the ball. Got better as the game went on and is at his best running around players. Love his agility and change of direction. Need more players like that in the team. Tucks the ball under his arm and is away. Natural attacking wing.
Very Good
Setanta : Awesome early on Bower and the smaller Bannister. Contested, led to the right spots and provide an option and kept trying. Judged the flight of the ball a lot better than last year and kept everything in line and was physical at the contest. Daniher is clearly having an influence on him and is harder at the ball when going up for a mark. Quick and agile and competes when the ball hits the ground. Make some simple mistakes and needs to really get back after a mark to move the play on or to settle for a kick at goal. Just a bit of over enthusiasm but his marking was a lot better. Very happy with him and his improved judgment and physicality. Going to make it on this showing.
Bentick : Same as always for Adam these days in the pre season. Always in the best few and was again today. Hard at the ball, smart with his positioning and movement. Aware of Blackwell and covered for others. Ran and chased and blocked and tackled and gave defensive pressure. Anticipates well and disposal was good.
Lance : Dominated down back on Fev and then Setanta. Got the arms waving and the voice happening. You know he is at his best when directing things like a traffic policeman. Demands the ball when rebounding and gets it. Had presence and covered for others.
Eddie : Clean, quick and classy. Roaming all over the ground but mainly forward of the centre. Elusive, agile and skillful in congestion. Not too responsible for anyone and just does what he likes.
Carrazzo : Has stepped his game up. Puts his head over the ball and getting better as an extractor. Ran hard, provide options and linked up. Switched over at half time but the same effort and ball winning ability. Good pace and kicking has improved. Understands the game better and is reading situations quicker and knowing when to commit. Not wasting his running and is more dangerous with his positioning.
Fisher : Pushed a long way up the ground and almost playing as another midfielder. Kicking was his only problem. Beautiful hands that take the ball at pace overhead with no hesitation. Good running and improved below his knees.
Kouta: Played the first half and was dominant and commanding. The knees are obviously in decent shape and if we can nurse him through this year we may squeeze another out of him next year.
What has Fev done to his hair?
Anyway, nice Mojo. Interesting to see how Simpson and Walker go this year. And will Murphy and Kennedy be ready to play this year?
Anyway, nice Mojo. Interesting to see how Simpson and Walker go this year. And will Murphy and Kennedy be ready to play this year?
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The Old Dark Navy's
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Nice review mojo. Interesting that you rated Fev and Walker higher than other reviews I have read. I'll take your word for it anyday.
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Great review Mojo!
But I have two questions:
1. Do you think Bower will get a game on the wing later in the year?
He has real pace and when he gets the ball he wasn't afraid to take them on despite being a first year player. If my eyesite isn't failing me, you would have seen him gather the ball on the wing, burn off his opponent whilst copping some body contact and kick long on the run.
2. Did you wear the Tshirt?
But I have two questions:
1. Do you think Bower will get a game on the wing later in the year?
He has real pace and when he gets the ball he wasn't afraid to take them on despite being a first year player. If my eyesite isn't failing me, you would have seen him gather the ball on the wing, burn off his opponent whilst copping some body contact and kick long on the run.
2. Did you wear the Tshirt?
The Old Dark Navy's
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Sounds like you were actually there cypher. Since JD is willing to bet you weren't actually at the game, maybe you should pay him a visit on the main board and set him straight.cypher said:Great review Mojo!
But I have two questions:
1. Do you think Bower will get a game on the wing later in the year?
He has real pace and when he gets the ball he wasn't afraid to take them on despite being a first year player. If my eyesite is failing me, you would have seen him gather the ball on the wing, burn off his opponent whilst copping some body contact and kick long on the run.
2. Did you wear the Tshirt?
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You mean that guy who is on my ignore list?The Old Dark Navy's said:Sounds like you were actually there cypher. Since JD is willing to bet you weren't actually at the game, maybe you should pay him a visit on the main board and set him straight.
Bigfooty is better if you only check in on every fourth troll from JD.
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Indeed it is. I know when to click on a link too. Every post of his after I have just posted is sure to strike pay dirt.
Walker actually played on the wing. It was good to see him get a bit of freedom.
Scotland who has played mainly wing under Pagan played down back. Started on Longmuir and took him apart.
Russell started on Fisher, went to Davies, then Waite, then Walker. Acquitted himself quite well.
If Batson had put in that effort last August, he would be back shearing sheep.
Scotland who has played mainly wing under Pagan played down back. Started on Longmuir and took him apart.
Russell started on Fisher, went to Davies, then Waite, then Walker. Acquitted himself quite well.
If Batson had put in that effort last August, he would be back shearing sheep.
At this stage of the year, practice games can be about a lot of things - getting back the feel of the game, fulfilling new instructions from coaches or playing in a new position, putting into practice parts of your game that you've been training to improve, easing yourself back from injury, avoiding injury ( this is probably best done by playing at your limits), staking a claim if your a player who was outside the best 22 last year, if you're a new recruit - working out what does or doesn't work at senior level. A player has to make sure his name isn't lifted off the magnetic board when the coach is picking the team - whether you do this by round one or round six, it's whether you keep in the 22 on the magnetic board in the long term. With our young team, much of our development can only be incremental.
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cypher said:Great review Mojo!
But I have two questions:
1. Do you think Bower will get a game on the wing later in the year?
He has real pace and when he gets the ball he wasn't afraid to take them on despite being a first year player. If my eyesite isn't failing me, you would have seen him gather the ball on the wing, burn off his opponent whilst copping some body contact and kick long on the run.
2. Did you wear the Tshirt?
1. Not really. As a mobile tall defender on the 3rd forward then I do think he will get a game or 2 at the end of the season. I think Jake Edwards is physically in front of him and a little bit stronger and more robust.
I can't say I recall that incident but I was asked to watch a couple of players very closely. There work off the ball and so it was pretty hard to see everything. Its one thing to watch 18 Carlton players but when its 36 its damn near impossible. What I do see in Bower is a defender with natural attacking instincts. Not strong enough in the push and shove yet but will get there in time. Just a good rebounding tall defender who has good pace and is able to keep up with players like Waite and Setanta who are quick.
2. No. I kept a low profile.
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shagger said:
You are right. My match report was not spot on and a there would be a few mistakes and not always clear with my write ups on the players. The rankings are about right but not the reasoning.
What I should have said about Walker was "he was sublime in the first quater as a defender mopping up. Then moved onto the wing and had a number of opponents before Russell was switched onto him and was almost tagging him. They had a good duel and AW was definitely nullified to an extent. Overall Andrew was good and continued his good pre season form. Better kicking and decision making. A long way to go but making progress."
Jordan Russell can live with Fisher now on the lead and in the air. Something he was not up to 2 months ago at training. Moved onto Davies and far to good for him and then AW where he stuck to his task. Very hard to get a kick on Jordan. Has improved his disposal and also when to run and take off and receive the ball as a rebounding defender. Getting confidence in his game.
Batson was less than impressive. I expected more.
Mojo31: Tries hard but lacked polish in his latest report. Meandering and lacking in detail and focus. Was rushed on Friday after the game but once you take the field there are no excuses. Hard to read and more is expected.
Is set for a big game review following the Geelong NAB cup game.
rating: poor.
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blues4flag said:
Murphy will definitely. Kennedy by around June should be pushing for senior selection. Kennedy is in front of his rehab and has gained fitness quicker than expected.
Da Shag On Fire
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Mojo, where do you see the likes of Flint & Jackson in the next couple of years?
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Da Shag On Fire said:
Flint is in direct competition with a lot of players for that tall defender who is not quite key position. Bannister, Sporn, Teague and those types. I would have to say that he impressed me on Friday and would not be surprised if he moves in front of a number of those types.
Early days but at least he does not panic with the ball and looks assured with what he is doing.
Jackson trains hard and is very fit and has elite endurance. But lacks thats skill and flair needed for a midfielder. A bit skinny and wont shirk the issue but not strong enough to break a tackle or be much of an extractor at this stage. A lot of running but for little output in the practice games.
Its only early and need more time to be judged but that would be my early opinion so far.
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mojo31 said:
Thanks Mojo. I take it your not a Jacko fan thus far?
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Da Shag On Fire said:
He is going okay. I just am pretty realistic with my opinions and dont get carried away to much. Lacks that bit of bite and zip that we need around the packs and that bit of outside skill also that would be handy. A tall utilty type with some weaknesses but has something to work with.
Overall from what I have seen and been told from a couple of sources all the kids taken this year and all the ones taken last year are doing well. Coaching staff are happy with there progress. There attitude, training and the roles that have been asked of them. The deficiencies pointed out to them have been worked on.
They apply themselves well and are making steady progress.
That incluses JR, Harts, Blackers, Flint, Eddie, Murphy, Kennedy, Bower, Aisake, Smith (prior to injury) and Edwards.
The 2 who are not travelling quite as well as expected (but not doing badly) are Batson and Jackson at this stage.
Going back to Waite in 2001 and onwards I would be happy with almost all the kids from that point onwards. Apart from Davies off the top of my head. That would be Waite, AW, Simpson, Fisher, the kids from the last 2 years and the rookie selections of Thornton , Carrazzo, Bentick etc. Not going to include some matured aged players and recylced guys. Just talking about 18 year olds taken in the last 4 years.
The 2000 draft hurt us and some trades for players and getting rid of draft picks proir to that period. I am going to ignore the draft penalties as I am frankly sick of talking about them and its time to move on.
We will see the future on Friday night at the Dome against Geelong and thats all that matters now.
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mojo31 said:
Saturday night at the dome
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After watching the praccie match I just wanted to add my 2 bobs worth:
I rate Flint is ahead of Bannister, Sporn, Wiggins and maybe Teague. Looks like a 190cmish type, needs bulk as pointed out but knows excatly how to play down back, both deep and up the ground, which Livo, Bannister, Wiggins, Sporn, Prendergast and Deluca don't seem be able to do when down there in the past.
Blackwell looks good against Bentick - they are fighting for the same spot and are similar types but I rate both. I like the look of Blackwell and his development is impressive thus far. Not far off is Blackwell.
Batson needs times. Leave it at that. Huge though!
Jackson is only 80kg so ofcourse he's not big enough and strong enough yet so let's just give him a go first. He can play and will be a very good midfielder in a year or two, maybe earlier. First rate attack, endurance and attitude. Skills are fine but was probably rushed too much in a step up from the TAC Cup. He will adjust. Again, I don't find his pace or skill an issue.
Walker's kicking still looks wobbly, he looks great and is big at 190cm and 91kg now. Will have a fine year but some need to be a bit more realistic when appraising his kicking and general skills earlier in the season. They aren't sublime and need lots of work, but that goes for most youngsters. No need to panic with AW, he's a gem! A big plus with him is his confidence is up and it looks like he will get the chance early to settle on a back-flank and wing and play an attacking brand.
Russell doesn't need to go into packs just yet. Not his style and wasn't when we drafted him so we shouldn't be asking him to do it now. He may become more inside as he develops. Does look bigger and taller and confidence is up. Ready.
Aisake looks awesome, very impressive. can see what TD was telling me about with him. Is a jet! His brother looks good, very explosive and contests well. Both are much better than Deluca. Both are rapidly improving.
Bryan is going very well. Just my opinion and I know many will disagree with me but I rate him ahead of Deluca and McLaren for the back-up ruck and tall forward roles. I think he has more natural ability than those two and looks better when up forward and in the ruck. Is bigger and stronger now and learning quickly.
Betts to play more midfield this year. He, Simpson, Russell and Walker have real toe and I just hope they all remain injury free and develop well.
Some struggling players are Teague, Sporn, Deluca, Wiggins, Bannister, Davies. Prendergast is still the same - mobile, fit, big, tall but skills are shabby and doesn't mark much above his head. None are in my best 22 at this stage. Livo is in this category too but sneeks in because of his height and size and fact that Saddington is injured and Hartlett, Bower and Edwards are still developing.
Would love to see Bower and Edwards given some decent time during the NAB Cup, they are very impressive youngsters who have slotted in nicely. I'm sure the Pagan and his band are excited by them. Both different but have nice size, attack on the footy, pace and versatility.
I rate Flint is ahead of Bannister, Sporn, Wiggins and maybe Teague. Looks like a 190cmish type, needs bulk as pointed out but knows excatly how to play down back, both deep and up the ground, which Livo, Bannister, Wiggins, Sporn, Prendergast and Deluca don't seem be able to do when down there in the past.
Blackwell looks good against Bentick - they are fighting for the same spot and are similar types but I rate both. I like the look of Blackwell and his development is impressive thus far. Not far off is Blackwell.
Batson needs times. Leave it at that. Huge though!
Jackson is only 80kg so ofcourse he's not big enough and strong enough yet so let's just give him a go first. He can play and will be a very good midfielder in a year or two, maybe earlier. First rate attack, endurance and attitude. Skills are fine but was probably rushed too much in a step up from the TAC Cup. He will adjust. Again, I don't find his pace or skill an issue.
Walker's kicking still looks wobbly, he looks great and is big at 190cm and 91kg now. Will have a fine year but some need to be a bit more realistic when appraising his kicking and general skills earlier in the season. They aren't sublime and need lots of work, but that goes for most youngsters. No need to panic with AW, he's a gem! A big plus with him is his confidence is up and it looks like he will get the chance early to settle on a back-flank and wing and play an attacking brand.
Russell doesn't need to go into packs just yet. Not his style and wasn't when we drafted him so we shouldn't be asking him to do it now. He may become more inside as he develops. Does look bigger and taller and confidence is up. Ready.
Aisake looks awesome, very impressive. can see what TD was telling me about with him. Is a jet! His brother looks good, very explosive and contests well. Both are much better than Deluca. Both are rapidly improving.
Bryan is going very well. Just my opinion and I know many will disagree with me but I rate him ahead of Deluca and McLaren for the back-up ruck and tall forward roles. I think he has more natural ability than those two and looks better when up forward and in the ruck. Is bigger and stronger now and learning quickly.
Betts to play more midfield this year. He, Simpson, Russell and Walker have real toe and I just hope they all remain injury free and develop well.
Some struggling players are Teague, Sporn, Deluca, Wiggins, Bannister, Davies. Prendergast is still the same - mobile, fit, big, tall but skills are shabby and doesn't mark much above his head. None are in my best 22 at this stage. Livo is in this category too but sneeks in because of his height and size and fact that Saddington is injured and Hartlett, Bower and Edwards are still developing.
Would love to see Bower and Edwards given some decent time during the NAB Cup, they are very impressive youngsters who have slotted in nicely. I'm sure the Pagan and his band are excited by them. Both different but have nice size, attack on the footy, pace and versatility.
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Sometimes I get the idea that my opinion is bookmarked. A few words changed and hey presto a brand new post comes out. 
It just keeps happening on some of these threads.
Not to be forgotten is the quoting of a particular point taken out of context.
I would prefer if it stops and genuine discussion took place rather than recycling someone elses posts or trying to get 1 over on someone.
It just keeps happening on some of these threads.
Not to be forgotten is the quoting of a particular point taken out of context.
I would prefer if it stops and genuine discussion took place rather than recycling someone elses posts or trying to get 1 over on someone.
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It's funny he never mentioned Hansen as a top prospect on another forum.
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The forum is open for all to participate. Others do watch training and games also therefore can write what they want, it's just an opinion.
Pleas don't read into something that isn't there.
Pleas don't read into something that isn't there.
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