Open training session tomorrow (Sat 19th Feb)

[bc27]

First hit out so you expect that a bit, not on his own. Not so much untidy but trying to bite of inside passes that weren't there. Kicks went where they were directed but got chopped off. A bit reckless and will be brought up in the review. His short kicking was okay and banged a few floaters forward under a fair bit of pressure. He is no Nathan Buckley that is for sure.

I’m honestly hoping Ross can become a regular. His type of game is exactly what the midfield needs.
He had a couple of nice games towards the back end of last year. 25d game against Geelong in round 19 and a 24d against hawks in round 23.
He found plenty of it in the intra club…. I hope he gets a start in the midfield on Saturday against cats and can gain a bit of confidence…

 

[Grrr]

I’m honestly hoping Ross can become a regular. His type of game is exactly what the midfield needs.
He had a couple of nice games towards the back end of last year. 25d game against Geelong in round 19 and a 24d against hawks in round 23.
He found plenty of it in the intra club…. I hope he gets a start in the midfield on Saturday against cats and can gain a bit of confidence…

He is a hard nut defensive mid with a big body, we don't have his type. Martin is big but is pure attack. Thought early last year when given a chance early Ross was pretty timid, not wanting to get in the way of a pretty star studded midfield. Late in the year all those stars were out so he was given the responsibility and as you say he had some good games. There was nothing timid about his inter club game.

I think he is a necessary part of our midfield as he gives our attacking midfielders Prestia, Edwards, Martin and even Cotchin a bit of coverage to attack even more. Thought RCD also played reasonably well setting up in the defensive position, but he is also an attacking mid so might have to wait for an injury. A few more scrach matches and some VFL to harden him up and he will be ready to go.

 

[JR82]

Just had a decent look at the game too.

Agree, blacks had the better midfield (that is a multiple premiership midfield) and looked sharp at times. Some of Cotch and Prestia's work was absolutely A grade.

Couple of comments

We look to be moving the ball zig zag from kick marks. The wave of handballs happened a bit, especially yellow. But block's skills meant they could open the play up. Players running from behind for a handball and moving the ball quickly from beyond the mark is a big tactic. So very much what Melbourne did last year.

Gibcus has an amazing leap. JR did him when they were moving a lot - but gave the ball away most of the time to someone else. But, I love what we are seeing. Seriously looks the most likely to mark the ball when it's in the air, against JR!

Sonsie, lots of talent. But saw team mates yelling and waving at him a lot to get into position. Not a shock for a first year player who has been injured to not know where to be. But that they played him as first choice mid says a lot. Some great displays of footy nouse too.

Balta looked good on the move, as a forward and ruck. But when he is forced to play body on body he wasn't great. So to me that means paly him in a running role - lead up forward. Leave JR and Tom deeper.

Soldo and Nank look great. Soldo seems to be moving a bit better and skills may have improved.

Cumberland nice. Martyn nice bits.


Ross and RCD did really well against A grade opponents. They both look to be better physically developed and I was impressed. If they can keep building through the year they will both play games and do well. Neither looks A grade to me. But both look like they could be good B graders - which is awesome. I did notice RCD run Castagna down, and George ain't slow.

Not a huge amount of pressure in the game. Although MRJ applies an absolute heap of pressure - fast hard at it and looks up to the pace and size.

A lot to like in that hit out. The A team was very good, as you'd expect. Back line was great, midfield very good and attack good if patchy (smalls looked good though). Add Dusty to that mix and we are in for a good season.

Biggest thing was a game plan that actually suits the stand rule. Short kicks to free targets, and fast run on football. Open the oppo up and move it into the forward 50 cleanly.

Just on our fwd entries, we were doing a bit more than just bombing it in which was a nice change from the norm last year. JR only really beat Gibcus when it was delivered lace out, Gibcus had him covered when it was a contest, his reading of the ball in the air is elite. Sonsie impressed but needs to learn structures etc which given his non pre season is to be expected at this stage.

 

[JR82]

Ross and RCD first 5 minutes was actually electric. They were everywhere. Dion and Cotchins experience came through but Ross accumulated really well but he’s just really untidy but foot. His hands were actually pretty impressive and if he can build on that going into the Geelong praccy and really get into the contested footy he might just find himself a spot.

Ross & RCD will get their chance early given Lambert & Graham are out atm & may miss the start of the season. If those 2 can show a bit in the pre season games we don't need to rush the other 2 back which would be ideal for us.

 

[Dr Tigris]

Just on our fwd entries, we were doing a bit more than just bombing it in which was a nice change from the norm last year. JR only really beat Gibcus when it was delivered lace out, Gibcus had him covered when it was a contest, his reading of the ball in the air is elite. Sonsie impressed but needs to learn structures etc which given his non pre season is to be expected at this stage.

Yep. Although I would say that when JR could use his body in space he won the contest. When it was in the air he was beaten by Gibcus outjumping him at exactly the right time. That is an elite skill, to beat JR in the air every time!

I am very impressed with Gibcus, he looks to have elite traits.

JR was good, but not top end like he can be. How much was Gibcus being so good and how much was JR not being on top of his game?

 

[NZ_Tiger]

Ross & RCD will get their chance early given Lambert & Graham are out atm & may miss the start of the season. If those 2 can show a bit in the pre season games we don't need to rush the other 2 back which would be ideal for us.

Two gut running machines for two suspect runners. I think Parker would of been pencilled in for one of these spots.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rioli2Rioli]

Two gut running machines for two suspect runners. I think Parker would of been pencilled in for one of these spots.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If Lambert doesnt play round 1 i would be putting Ralphsmith in that role

 

[captain blood 17]

If Lambert doesnt play round 1 i would be putting Ralphsmith in that role

I want Hugo on a wing. Sorry Marloin

 

[GhostofJimJess]

I’m honestly hoping Ross can become a regular. His type of game is exactly what the midfield needs.
He had a couple of nice games towards the back end of last year. 25d game against Geelong in round 19 and a 24d against hawks in round 23.
He found plenty of it in the intra club…. I hope he gets a start in the midfield on Saturday against cats and can gain a bit of confidence…

I was critical of him last weekend. I thought he was really good today.

 

[Karp3_dm]

I want Hugo on a wing. Sorry Marloin

Im happy with Marion starting on bench and rotating thru the mids as an impact player

Just come on when the guns need a break and go hammer an tong for short bursts

 

[NZ_Tiger]

If Lambert doesnt play round 1 i would be putting Ralphsmith in that role

I wouldn’t. He’s not ready for a midfield role.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk