NAB Challenge-March 11- Richmond

[earlsta]

I was at the game, here is my summary.
I haven't read any of the other posts in here as to not show bias.

Anyway I really don't have an eye on the midfield when I watch the footy, so I won't really comment on that but I did notice Sloane and MacKay do a few nice things through the middle.

I'll start with Taylor Walker, only about 5minutes in the Richmond crowd were begging for their team to take whoever was on him of the time off the ground. Um Yeah, nobody would have stopped Taylor today, he was the best on the ground and just completely unstopabble. He took about 6-7 contested marks, and yeah I really think this year is his year.

Nobody could stop him, and he's just too smart and too good, he kicked like a Mule today too. We're just lucky he's on our team, unbelievable player wow, what a talent.

Anyway I noticed our handballing today was absolutely elite, seriously it was insane the way we took the ball from one ground to the other. I really think our boys weren't going at 100%, Dangerfield wasn't that's for sure, we still won quite easily.

Also, Dangerfields tackle on (Morton)? I think it was, rofl! owned moment, I heard the hit from 100m away, it was hilarious, Morton got dragged straight after.

Also noticed Jaench wasn't on much, but everytime he got the ball he was dynamic and exciting, he just breezed past players, will play Rd1 no doubt in my mind.

B. Smith runs hard, didn't have a lot of it, but damn he has a tank on him, seems very very very fit and I think this kid might be playing Rd 1 aswell. I don't think Reilly played that well, had a few miskicks.

Tambling was so so, nothing special, few errors but also did a few nice things. Mckernan I thought is definately ahead of Moran, going by what I saw on the bench and with the rotations made, McKernan will play Rd1.

Also Chris Knights played a decent match today, ran very hard and tried his best, he'll come good around Rd5 I'd say, still needs the match fitness.

Overall it was a great game, Richmond had shocking disposal for the day..oh and Dustin Martin will be Elite. But yeah, after watching today it's pretty obvious we have the best young KPP Forward in the Country, I don't care how many goals Rievoldt kicked last year, Taylor Walker is a better player, don't get me wrong Jacks a gun, but Taylor is something special.

We better pray to god we hang onto him.

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

I was at the game, here is my summary.
I haven't read any of the other posts in here as to not show bias.

Anyway I really don't have an eye on the midfield when I watch the footy, so I won't really comment on that but I did notice Sloane and MacKay do a few nice things through the middle.

I'll start with Taylor Walker, only about 5minutes in the Richmond crowd were begging for their team to take whoever was on him of the time off the ground. Um Yeah, nobody would have stopped Taylor today, he was the best on the ground and just completely unstopabble. He took about 6-7 contested marks, and yeah I really think this year is his year.

Nobody could stop him, and he's just too smart and too good, he kicked like a Mule today too. We're just lucky he's on our team, unbelievable player wow, what a talent.

Anyway I noticed our handballing today was absolutely elite, seriously it was insane the way we took the ball from one ground to the other. I really think our boys weren't going at 100%, Dangerfield wasn't that's for sure, we still won quite easily.

Also, Dangerfields tackle on (Morton)? I think it was, rofl! owned moment, I heard the hit from 100m away, it was hilarious, Morton got dragged straight after.

Also noticed Jaench wasn't on much, but everytime he got the ball he was dynamic and exciting, he just breezed past players, will play Rd1 no doubt in my mind.

B. Smith runs hard, didn't have a lot of it, but damn he has a tank on him, seems very very very fit and I think this kid might be playing Rd 1 aswell. I don't think Reilly played that well, had a few miskicks.

Tambling was so so, nothing special, few errors but also did a few nice things. Mckernan I thought is definately ahead of Moran, going by what I saw on the bench and with the rotations made, McKernan will play Rd1.

Also Chris Knights played a decent match today, ran very hard and tried his best, he'll come good around Rd5 I'd say, still needs the match fitness.

Overall it was a great game, Richmond had shocking disposal for the day..oh and Dustin Martin will be Elite. But yeah, after watching today it's pretty obvious we have the best young KPP Forward in the Country, I don't care how many goals Rievoldt kicked last year, Taylor Walker is a better player, don't get me wrong Jacks a gun, but Taylor is something special.

We better pray to god we hang onto him.

few people have commented on Jaensch's lack of game time and it sounds like all our players were using Richmond players as witches hats, with this in mind I think Jaensch may struggle to make our round 1 team.

other reports had both Tambling and Radar playing pretty good games

re Tex vs Jack, there is no doubting Tex's potential and the love for Tex on this board however Jack's 2010 season has him in front at this stage

 

[dylan123]

I don't think Jaensch came on until the start of the 4th quarter which was a bit disappointing as I thought he would have got a bit more game time with no Callinan.

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

I don't think Jaensch came on until the start of the 4th quarter which was a bit disappointing as I thought he would have got a bit more game time with no Callinan.

if this is the case I can't see him being named in the round 1 side

 

[amez_7]

I'm taking it you were at the game? How was Moran in the ruck contests? Rowie and Bone didn't sound too impressed with him.

Walker. Gun.

It wasn't anything special but it was passable. We dominated the clearances so there must have been some decent supply. I'm leaning towards Moran because I think he offers us more all over the ground. I noticed Smack did alot of rucking around the ground particularly in the fwd line.

amez

Who played on Walker?

I believe it was shared between Rance & McGuane. It didn't really matter who was on him, he was just pure class today.

Also, Dangerfields tackle on (Morton)? I think it was, rofl! owned moment, I heard the hit from 100m away, it was hilarious, Morton got dragged straight after.

Also noticed Jaench wasn't on much, but everytime he got the ball he was dynamic and exciting, he just breezed past players, will play Rd1 no doubt in my mind.

That's what I love about practice matches. You can hear everything that happens out there. Some of the tackles were bone crunching
On Jaench he was the Sub and only came on in the 4th qtr but I agree he was very exciting.

 

[Drummond]

Also noticed Jaench wasn't on much, but everytime he got the ball he was dynamic and exciting, he just breezed past players, will play Rd1 no doubt in my mind.

I don't think Jaensch came on until the start of the 4th quarter which was a bit disappointing as I thought he would have got a bit more game time with no Callinan.

if this is the case I can't see him being named in the round 1 side

On Jaench he was the Sub and only came on in the 4th qtr but I agree he was very exciting.

Jaensch has too much skill to make the side, be real here guys.

 

[earlsta]

Yeah so Jaench didn't play much today, but after today's limited time on the ground he seriously NEEDS to be in our side.

He is very quick, I saw him grab the ball near the wing and breeze past 3 Richmond players with ease, and he's got such a brilliant kick on him, very penetrating. No idea why Craig hardly gave him game time today, he's more than worthy of it.

Moran was on the bench a lot, he's too soft, I don't think he will make it, made a good smother in the last quarter and that's about it lol.

Oh yeah and I also noticed Maric was very good today with his hit outs, good to see. It's hard to work out who is going to be in our final team, I think Vince and Knights will need two weeks in the SANFL at the start of the year if we're going to be serious about taking fit players into matches, unlike last year.

Discuss.

 

[StonesThrow]

How much did they look like they were struggling?

 

[Effes]

Vince did do a lot of work pre Christmas so I don't see why he won't be ready for round 1.

 

[evo]

Adelaide were very impressive today. I'm embarrassed to say the scoreboard probably flattered us if anything. You guys will make the 8.

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

Jaensch has too much skill to make the side, be real here guys.

Drumm

I'm not questioning Jaensch's skill level, however it's hard not to think that given the fact Matty was the sub today and only came on in the last stanza it strongly suggests to me that he is on the outside of our best side for round 22.....

we all know that Craigy loves to get solid game time into his players prior to round 1 so its not a good sign for Jaensch for round 1

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

Yeah so Jaench didn't play much today, but after today's limited time on the ground he seriously NEEDS to be in our side.

He is very quick, I saw him grab the ball near the wing and breeze past 3 Richmond players with ease, and he's got such a brilliant kick on him, very penetrating. No idea why Craig hardly gave him game time today, he's more than worthy of it.

Moran was on the bench a lot, he's too soft, I don't think he will make it, made a good smother in the last quarter and that's about it lol.

Oh yeah and I also noticed Maric was very good today with his hit outs, good to see. It's hard to work out who is going to be in our final team, I think Vince and Knights will need two weeks in the SANFL at the start of the year if we're going to be serious about taking fit players into matches, unlike last year.

Discuss.

I'm certainly not saying that Jaensch is not worthy of round 1 selection and I think we all recognise the attributes that he brings to the team, however all I'm saying is that if I was Matty I would be concerned at being the sub with a extended bench and only playing 1 qtr in our last practice match before round 1.

I have no doubt that Jaensch made an immediate impact today however we also need to consider that Matty has come on fresh late in the game, the game was already won and we kicked 7 goals to nil in the last, considering all this I would expect him to breeze past opponents

 

[Drummond]

Drumm

I'm not questioning Jaensch's skill level, however it's hard not to think that given the fact Matty was the sub today and only came on in the last stanza it strongly suggests to me that he is on the outside of our best side for round 22.....

we all know that Craigy loves to get solid game time into his players prior to round 1 so its not a good sign for Jaensch for round 1

Mate,

Where did I say I disagreed with what you said? I agree, on the back of today's events, I'd rate him a 25% chance of playing R1, but that's a joke as he's incredibly skilled and we need all the skill in the side we can get.

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

Mate,

Where did I say I disagreed with what you said? I agree, on the back of today's events, I'd rate him a 25% chance of playing R1, but that's a joke as he's incredibly skilled and we need all the skill in the side we can get.

I guess I took your "be real here guys" in a certain way

 

[amer]

Jaensch > assorted Reillys and Doughtys.

 

[Tarasque36]

Yeah, also at the game today..
S Thompson was subd out 3qtr time for Jaensch to get a quarter, so seems Jaensch not in mind for round 1.

Moran only played the last quarter, so Maric and Smack prob ruck in round 1. Maric seems to play well against lesser opponents (this week) compared to last week when beaten. Better ruck than moran, but I think Moran offers more around the ground. Saw him run to make position to be a link man a few times. Needs more footy into him and maybe by mid year will show a more complete game in the ruck. Smacks jump is amazing! But hasnt shown much in the ruck yet.

I'm worried about Porp tho. Seems slower. Opponents are always on him and he's not taking many marks. His kicking is inaccurate , field kicking too. Altho he did almost pull of goal of the millenium, in the 3rd quarter. Deep in the pocket in a pack, quick high snap, floated and seemed to land right on the goal line (or just over!!) then bounced back into play and Richmond got a goal (i think). Maybe he's not ready for round 1? Lost confidence?

Truck was great today on Riewoldt , except the first goal he got. L Thompson came over the back and spoilt it, but Truck pushed Jack from front on (free kick), as that panicked last ditch effort when out of position, but thought there was time for him to see the spoil was coming anyway.
L. Thompson looked good for the few small spells he had in the game in defence. Back line worked too well for Tiges forwards today , Truck , Stevens , Davis , Stiffy , Doughty and Tambling. Otten played mostly on HB today too ,which was interesting.

 

[crow_fish]

Arrived at today’s game 20mins into first qtr, after being held up and no taxi to be found.

2nd qtr spent on the outer wing before moving to interchange side in second half.

Certainly the zone worked well today and most impressed by the player’s voice on the ground level. The linking and run was most impressive at times, it did look like a training drill. The use of handball was very effective and way we put ball in front of player made it so much easier for us to use the ball quicker and deliver it better to the forwards.

Disagree with thoughts Richmond won’t trying, given they had poor day out but they had pretty good side on park given their list. Our interchange wasn’t overused it was for mine like Round 1 trial of rules similar to last week with couple of exceptions. We certainly did rotate but that will be ongoing factor during season where players come off in short burst. We didn’t use Jaensch until sub for Thompson at 3 qtr break. Symes came on for Smith at Half Time (didn’t notice smith go back on after that). And Moran only played last 20 mins of the last quarter. So majority of time the interchange consisted of 3 players. Certainly the crows fitness on a warm day came through in the last qtr imo.

Craig was very vocal in address before start of the 4th. Could hear his level of voice from 80m away, and certainly was excellent move given few easy goals late in 3rd after dominating early in 3rd without get good scoreboard result. As I wasn’t on interchange side in first half, that can comment that Craig didn’t spend 3rd on the bench but was in the box but he was down there in 4th.

 

[cmndstab]

I was only able to listen to a small fraction of this game due to other commitments Great to see we had a big win though, and most importantly no injuries Also great to hear that some players who needed good games had them.


Don't suppose a replay of the stream exists anywhere?

 

[crow_fish]

Thoughts on few players

Knights - Really impressed with him today and he think is important part of the structure, he put the after burner’s on in second qtr but didn’t finish it off. But certainly showed some of his previous form today his work rate was very good, and certainly rewarded for it in the last qtr. But certainly could have kicked few more if better deliver for his leads and if made better of his opportunities in first half. With knights on one flank and Henderson on the other we certainly have some dash.

Rutten I thought has good day, and our back six with Otten back across half back looks strong. They have strong understanding and for majority of time rebound the ball well.

\As mentioned previously the Dangerfield tackle was something to witness! Can see him playing closer to goal more now with Callinan missing with his tackling pressure. From games I’ve been to in last couple of weeks the umpire’s our all over the holding the ball rule with no much opportunity for disposal. Certainly the focus will be on less stoppages this year but whether it will be focus earlier before finding happy medium which I see as most likely.
Porps showed some good touch in Forward 50 with couple of nice grabs.

The exchange off the ball between Maric and King was a nice bit of comedy in last qtr. Think this originated King taken shot at Maric prior to him going in for marking contest (although I didn’t who took him out presume it was king) it went unsighted by the umpire. Presume Maric took exception to this.

Moran did well in the last qtr, certainly Clarke at the end of game was happy with his output. Will be interesting to see who use as sub in Round 1 and if Craig decides to take in Moran or a running type.

Don’t think forward line of Tippett, Walker and McKernan would work. While McKernan is currently pinch hitting in ruck and spending time up forward it will be interesting see what happens when Tippett returns. Don’t think we should rush him or Henderson back if we have bye Round 2. I think with the traditional 22 Moran would get nod for 2nd ruck but it is very interesting call atm. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Craig use new rule to sub ruck after 15 mins in 3rd.

L Thompson – had very limited game time from what I witnessed unless missed a fair bit of him in the first qtr.

Smith – Can’t see him making Top 21 come Round 1. Although very happy where he is at, same time last year he would have been a walk up starter but we are putting strong side on the park atm.

 

[Schulzycrow]

You wouldn't want to watch it. It was terrible. Gave up after 10 minutes of constant rebuffering and listened to AA and Rowey and Bone spouting jibberish.

Good points
Win in Melbourne
No injuries
Tex flexing his muscles should have had 9
Smack gettting amongst it lock in for bench round 1.
Knighta and Vince getting game time.
Plenty of firepower to come back and played a Richmond side at almost full strength.

A good end to the week and now a long weekend

 

[crow_fish]

In really not sure how fit mckay is either.he came off part way into the third quarter and he was stuffed, thought he was injured the way the doc was walking with him.

Now onto the dons v pies

When Mackay came off in last qtr think 10-15 mins approx, he was talking to doctor about his Shoulder/Collarbone, issues lifting his right arm. Not sure if this happened earlier and didn't go away. But after speaking to the Doc he didn't return after that.

Happy to hear we have no injuries but my only concern is Mackay because certainly from what I saw today played wing role well and generates good run. But would like to hear that he is on the training track this week.

 

[dylan123]

The exchange off the ball between Maric and King was a nice bit of comedy in last qtr. Think this originated King taken shot at Maric prior to him going in for marking contest (although I didn’t who took him out presume it was king) it went unsighted by the umpire. Presume Maric took exception to this.

Yeah King held Maric down when he went to jump to make it to the marking contest. I looked away for a couple of seconds and then I see them going at it.

 

[MightyTiger]

Great win by you guys today, Walker will be an absolute star of the competition in a couple of years.

One thing I do want to pull some of you guys up on is that while yes we named a strong side, the main of our senior group have had limited pre seasons or next to no pre season.

Newman has had hamstring problems for a little while and it was his first practice match.

Deledio has had Achilles issues and is a little off the pace being worked into full fitness slowly.

JR has had an operation on his hand and jarred his knee a couple of weeks back nowhere near full fitness.

And Jackson has had hamstring tendinitis for most of the pre season.

So yes we named a strong squad but the bulk of the senior players are severely under done in terms of match fitness.

Oh yeah I also think you guys will definitely make the finals this year as I think last year was not a true reflection of the absurd amount of talent you have on your list.

 

[Stripple]

In regards to special J, from what I understand Friday was about simulating match day situation as much as possible. In that regard I think Jaensch may be the number one pick for the super sub. The guys that got "subbed" on to the team earlier are probably not in the scope for round 1 as much and where just getting a bit of game time to show off their wears.

I think by bringing on J in the 4th Craig was trying to see what would happen in a real game and saying to Jaensch show us what you can do fresh off the bench and have an impact.

Just a thought that he might be closer to the round 1 team than most think.

Can't wait to see how makes it to round 1

 

[cmndstab]

With Callinan having gone down, I'd say Jaensch is likelier than not to play in round 1.