Player Review - Round 12 vs Melbourne

[Quicky]

Votes:
5 - Wellingham
4 - Cloke
3 - Ball
2 - Davis
1 - Pendlebury

Remember to add your votes to the MVP award here:
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=21312489#post21312489

Melbourne got an early jump on us and you could tell they had shown up to play. There was a bit of niggle but Davis and Wellingham got us fired up and when things settled we were just too classy. The Dees were really troubled by our forward press and found it difficult to move the ball out of our defense. And when they did it forced their forwards to provide options too far up the ground resulting in their forward structure disolving. You could tell in the second half the Dees lost hope and just stopped working hard. A really pleasing result for us. We could have won by more. And we did it without 7 players from our premiership side.

Fasolo - Won three 50-50's in the first quarter. Great take and look away handball on half forward flank wasn't rewarded by Dids but showed class. Was lucky to get his first goal after a defensive mistake but it's a fundametnal that you have to keep your feet, he did and executed well.

Wellingham - Everywhere in the clearances and really stepped up in Swans absence. Kicked another goal from a clearance which is becoming a speciality of his. It was his highest ever posession game eclipsing his next best. Fantastic game and clear best on ground. You called it Mattys.

Davis - Floated from defence to midfield to forward and had an impact everywhere. Great again at reading the play and chopping off Demons offensive forays. When he won the ball was great at backing himself and breaking the lines. Really set us up with his confidence to run and carry and beautiful footskills.

McCarthy - Kicked the first after a nice contested mark. Was used forward and midfield and was involved a bit with some nice plays. Seems to be gaining confidence and improving. A bit fumbly at one point on the deck but best game since returning to the side.

Cloke - Gave Rivers an absolute bath. Marked everything sent his way. Burnt a few opportunities but it didn't matter as he had so many. It must give the side a heap of confidence knowing they have Cloke as a get out of gaol free card when under pressure. Best contested mark in the league. Faded a bit late but still racked up 20+ touches and 6 goals.

Ball - That has to be one of the best tackling displays I have seen. He was a bull out there today. Got in the Dees faces, niggled and kept their best midfielder in Moloney quiet. Excellent game included 11+ tackles.

Buckley - I'm sure i'll cop it for this but he was ordinary. Turned it over too much. Had a few nice one twos but otherwise poor game.

Brown - Was very good on the half forward line providing a linking option. One some good 1vs1's under pressure or at least brought the ball to ground for our crumbers. Troubled them when pushed deep forward. I also liked his toughness around the ground, gave away a free that resulted in a goal at one point because of this, but you wouldn't have it any other way would you?

Harry - Good on the last line of defense and also when he was playing loose off his man at chopping of the Dees inside 50's. One of a few guys to get beaten by Sylvia who was the Dees most dangerous forward. Would be better without a few of those turnovers. Needs to iron those out of his game and make sure that he isn't caught under the ball. Probably tough critisicms given an otherwise quality game.

Reid - Another really good game today. Got in with some nice spoils and read the ball well coming in. His left is a real weapon coming out of defense.

Maxwell - When he was involved he got the job done. Wasn't involved much though due to our dominance. Did what he had to.

Toovey - Started off pretty poorly getting beaten by Sylvia twice and Jurrah in contests in the first. Worked into the game and gave us what we expect from the Possum - a solid defensive performance.

Krakouer - As expected with the inclusion of Blair and Fasolo and absence of Thomas and Swan spent a fair bit of time in the middle. Didn't really showcase his clearance ability but was not a passenger either and was involved in some good passages where he provided good linking work. When he was forward he was really dangerous kicking at targets. Kicked a nice goal after a baulk in the pocket. Was good.

Tarrant - Very strong in defense and close to the votes. Beat Green comprehensively. He is a fantastic spoiler of the ball and showed it today.

Blair - Got a bit of it on the half forward line but didn't make the most of his opportunities at goal.

Cameron Wood - Didn't do anything impressive in the ruck against a raw Max Gawn. Took a few nice grabs. Did get better as Gawn tired. That said I expect more from a player with his ability, his age, experience and now the string of games he has put together. Just not doing enough for mine.

Steele Sidebottom - Like Krakouer was given more midfield time and didn't disappoint. Made good position and created some good movements with his kicking skills.

Scott Pendlebury - McKenzie kept him a bit quieter than he usually is but he was still a dominant figure in the middle. Showed his poise and ability to read the game - epitomised by a one handed grab and vision to dish off to advantage. The goal working into space and snapping on his left was all class.

Heath Shaw - Was pretty quiet today. Gave away a few free's. Not much to write home about really. Bit of a meh performance.

Chris Dawes - Didn't get alot of it but presented strongly. Took some nice overhead marks, his kicking was uncharacteristically inaccurate. I was particularly impressed with his willingness to continually harrass.

Alan Didak - Look he isn't as dominant as last year but he is beginning to contribute. I've liked his defensive work to harangue and he looks dangerous when he gets the ball but is continually under pressure. I think he is working into the season well and a big game is around the corner.

Tyson Goldsack - Was subbed on for Buckley. Tackled strongly when he came on and gave us good energy. But could only do so much with limited game time.

 

[Chief Ten Beers]

Re: Player Review vs Dees

Not oging to go through them all but well done Fasolo.

Couldn't ask for a better debut.

 

[surfer1]

Re: Player Review vs Dees

I actually thought Wood played pretty good

 

[bradrowe#32]

So did I. Very happy with Wood today.

 

[noideaatall]

So did I. Very happy with Wood today.

bizarre. he got beaten by gawn. I wonder sometimes if we all had so many years of Josh winning one hitout a game that we think a ruckman is ok if they get their hands to the ball a couple of times? I did not once see wood tap the ball with intent and advantage to one of our mids.

 

[Snoop Dog]

Quicky thanks for doing the write - great review. (can you do again as am at Swans game?) - just finished watching the game on replay and a very impressive performance.

Just on Fasolo what a great debut. Got lost a bit early when wasnt running back for Sylvia's first but can be forgiven. Terrific poise and no bloody chance he was handballing to Brown for that goal...probably should have.

Overall just very happy Wellers, Ball could give us something in the mids along with Pendles. Thought Reid, Harry and Davis were excellent across the back and the work up the ground of Dawes to leave Cloke 1:1 with Rivers was a credit to him. Well done CLokey to. Wood.....was ok but to be honest should have done more against the weakest ruck combo he will ever come up against.

 

[Heritier 09]

wood really finding his feet. look melbourne don't have a great ruck division minus jamar but martin beat the 3 essendon ruckmen last week. wood broke even around the ground with he and the beanpole. very impressive and his best game for the year. i'd also take a wood game this year over a fraser game from last year. Come finals time he might be all we've got, and i'm starting to feel like if jolly can't get back, woody will be a premiership player.

fasolo did some really, really special things, one clearance on the wing was outstanding, so clean, and the hanger and his goal were lovely to see. will play a lot of games for us.

wellingham, ball, cloke, dawes, davis, reid and taz just incredible games from all these men.

the boys who are in trouble, not through poor performance, but just the calibre of blokes to come back in, include Buckley, J Mac, Goldy and Blair, and obviously fasolo and Wood

But if all 6 played finals i wouldn't be upset

 

[surfer1]

bizarre. he got beaten by gawn. I wonder sometimes if we all had so many years of Josh winning one hitout a game that we think a ruckman is ok if they get their hands to the ball a couple of times? I did not once see wood tap the ball with intent and advantage to one of our mids.

I must have watched a different game as I thought In saw several taps to advantage

 

[Kirby]

I thought Wood was ok. Fades in and out but wasn't displeased with him.

 

[Quicky]

I'm not suggesting Wood was terrible but I expect more than serviceable given his opponents today. Martin who has been good in the ruck didn't spend much time in there from my observations. He spent most of the game in defense as the Dees were up against it for height. Meaning Wood was playing against a very raw and underdeveloped ruck in Gawn. He did get some good taps to advantage but so did Gawn. Wood got on top with the rest of the team in the fourth. I'm sorry but i'm not going to give props for that effort. To me that is being happy with mediocrity.

 

[PieBeast]

As long as Wood keeps living up to expectations which are provide a contest and break more or less even around the ground I'm happy with him. His work rate is reasonable and fitness levels are pretty good, hopefully he can step up to the next level in a year or two, which is not out of the question.

Wellers was simply outstanding, when on song one of the best players to watch in AFL. Tarrant exceptional in defense, loving seeing him back and performing week in week out. Maxwell's form is still a bit patchy but it looks like his fitness is on the improve. Dids is another one that can't hit his straps at the moment but what is pleasing is his work rate, one can sense form turnaround is just around the corner. Special mention to Blairy, loved his intensity and zest for a contest.

 

[rose jam]

did what we had to.

Glad Cloke didn't bag 10, keep something in the bag. He's in some superb form, most dominant tall forward in the game recently

 

[Optimax]

I thought Wood was ok. Fades in and out but wasn't displeased with him.

Agree he is no jolly and never will be but at least he is offering something now. Not great but useful today is a pass

Also he hurt himself very early in the second, according to Doc Larkins has a loose shoulder and will require surgery.

 

[Heritier 09]

but what else is there though quick?
and how many clubs have a 2nd choice ruckman that good? we're spoilt with jolly, and wood is playing in winning sides, and contributing. remember if jolly plays wood doesn't, what decent ruckman wants that job?

 

[PieBeast]

I'm not suggesting Wood was terrible but I expect more than serviceable given his opponents today. Martin who has been good in the ruck didn't spend much time in there from my observations. He spent most of the game in defense as the Dees were up against it for height. Meaning Wood was playing against a very raw and underdeveloped ruck in Gawn. He did get some good taps to advantage but so did Gawn. Wood got on top with the rest of the team in the fourth. I'm sorry but i'm not going to give props for that effort. To me that is being happy with mediocrity.

Didak, Maxwell and Shaw didn't dominate their positions and I don't see people getting stuck into them and calling them mediocre. Didak and Maxwell might have excuses but so does Wood, as in rucking on his own for the last 5 weeks and not expecting to be our sole ruck.

 

[Quicky]

Special mention to Blairy, loved his intensity and zest for a contest.

Probably undersold his effort today. He also had some time in the middle and loves doing the kamikaze at contested ball. I confused him a few times for Ball today.

Agree he is no jolly and never will be but at least he is offering something now. Not great but useful today is a pass

Also he hurt himself very early in the second, according to Doc Larkins has a loose shoulder and will require surgery.

Haha I think we have switched sides on the Wood debate here Opti

 

[italia_champions69]

I thought Wood's game was more than serviceable. Some really nice taps into space and actually beat Martin/Gawn around the ground I thought.

I wouldn't have Pendlebury in the best today, was solid and showed his class again but was in and out of the game for most of the time.

Cloke is a beast and I think Dawes plays a key part in this. Not many sides have two power full backs that can strength wise, go with both Dawes and Cloke (perhaps Geelong, but I think Cloke would beat Taylor one on one for strength). If you put your premier full back on Cloke, Dawes will bob up and vice versa. They really are twin towers.

 

[Quicky]

Didak, Maxwell and Shaw didn't dominate their positions and I don't see people getting stuck into them and calling them mediocre. Didak and Maxwell might have excuses but so does Wood, as in rucking on his own for the last 5 weeks and not expecting to be our sole ruck.

My gripe with Wood is that we know he has the attributes to be a very good ruckman if he can string them altogether in the one game and over a series of games. Now that he has matured, he is getting some decent AFL experience under his belt and stringing some games together he is at best nuetralising the ruck contest. And to be fair against some struggler opposition.

 

[TheGreatGrundy]

I also thought Wood was OK. I am also sorry that I was unable to see the poor disposal of Buckley who was subbed off with 20 possessions. I thought he was pretty good too.

 

[sloth6]

bizarre. he got beaten by gawn. I wonder sometimes if we all had so many years of Josh winning one hitout a game that we think a ruckman is ok if they get their hands to the ball a couple of times? I did not once see wood tap the ball with intent and advantage to one of our mids.

Your name says it all.

Were you at the game?

A great game from Wood today.

 

[Optimax]

Haha I think we have switched sides on the Wood debate here Opti

No lol but I've seen improvement and he isn't half as lazy as he used to be

I agree he really wasn't great today, but ge carried on under duress and was at least serviceable. He won't play if jolly is fit and I doubt he'll ever become a number 1 ruck but today I am happy to give him a pass mark.

The inspid efforts and lazy streak comes back I'll be first to point them out

 

[domus]

Re: Player Review vs Dees

I actually thought Wood played pretty good

Wood was good.

 

[Daicos Mullets]

Re: Player Review vs Dees

I was very pleased with Wellingham's game today. With senior midfielders like Swan & Thomas out, we were looking for him to step up and he absolutely smashed it! A very encouraging sign for our midfield depth going forward.

I actually thought Woody was reasoanble today, I'd give him probably 60-65%. As far as I'm concerned, he's never going to be the the number 1 ruckman that we were hoping for. However, I think he's improved to the extent that we could actually win a Premiership with him if, for whatever reason, Jolly weren't available. I can see significant improvement in Wood since his 2011 debut in Round 4 against Richmond. I've lowered my expectations & I now see him as "competent", rather than "liability", which is how I rated him this time last year.

 

[Bluey64]

bizarre. he got beaten by gawn. I wonder sometimes if we all had so many years of Josh winning one hitout a game that we think a ruckman is ok if they get their hands to the ball a couple of times? I did not once see wood tap the ball with intent and advantage to one of our mids.

Your name says it all -- Wood has played 53 more games than you maybe watch the game if you ever go.

 

[Axl the great]

Thought Wellingham's game today was the best game by a Pies player all year, Pendles and Swan included.

He did it all, his usual clearance work with pure gut running and a massive defensive effort as well, simply outstanding.

Fasolo will be a good un too, has one thing a lot of our recent recruits all have, Footy smarts.

Thought Wood was ok to good, what people need to realise is he will not tear games apart like Cox or dominate physically like Mumford, as long as he holds his own every week until Jolly gets back then that will do me.