Player review vs Crows

[Snoop Dog]

Was down the pub watching the game tonight so fair to say my recollection of the game isnt so great now so feel free to cast your opinions freely;


Fasolo - was quiet and ultimately subbed off for Elliott which I aint sure would have been the plan. Having kicked 3 last week would have been nice for him to back it up but look with Fasolo, Didak and Sinclair all running around they aint always going to be on. Tonight the other two seemed to step it up.

Didak - was worried about the amount of contested footy that was going to be around tonight and was curious as to how he would go was excellent. went in when he had to and there were a couple of efforts late where he was v aggressive at the ball. think some at the pub were curious about my apparent 'man love' for Didak!

Maxwell – was a bit nervous how he would go 1:1 on a bigger bloke but was good early and had to play on a much taller Jenkins for much of the night. I thought it was one fo his best of the year to be honest. Was just in everything and creating contests all around their back half.

Goldsack – felt he set the tone early. Was a physical presence back and fwd and ran really hard to make contests and provide an option. Not sure how many touches he had but it seemed every time he went near the ball he had an influence on it. Some nice goals. Very good.

Obrien – his role was to help out Keefe and he did it well. Along with a few others he found himself free for periods of time and he really influenced it when he did. his run and carry was very good.

Clarke – had a few different blokes to contend with but his run and carry early was really important. Was able to play on smalls but at times was picking up Porps as well and did well. Credit to him he has returned a much better footballer……he tackles!

Pendlebury - outstanding as always and got away to a really good start on van Berlo. Was interesting to see him pushed fwd at stages through the night. Goal at the end of the last was huge.

Blair - Was a night made for the little fella and was in amongst it all night. was good around the stoppages with the hands and his second efforts v good.

Thomas – 2nd game back and intensity was awesome. Was interesting was going with Dangerfield but they seemed to want and get van Berlo to him after his good start. His work rate was incredible and his last qtr awesome

Beams – had Sloane and they both did well but our guy was better. He is a terrific starter. Had 18 touches to half time or something didn’t he? He and # 22 are now A grade!

Jolly – won the ruck and how aggressive was he in the ruck contests – moreso than seen for a while so was happy with him albeit wish he had slotted that goal

Wellingham – seemed to be taking a turn on van berlo and Dangerfield at different stages. Not a huge influence early but i thought he worked his way into it and his last qtr was v good. Used it well under pressure.

Sidebottom – how good was he early - they just could not get near him. His aggressiveness also stood out for me.

Keefe – was a worry early wasn’t it. Tippett got the better of him and was worried we didn’t have a back up for him. Hope knee is ok.

Buckley – seemed to be spare man back and whilst i thought he started slow he seemed to get into the game and inlfuence it and finished having a pretty good game. Not sure how effective his kicks were but was in good spots.

Sincalir – How good was he. His pace and carry really worried them on a night which wasn’t made for it. Hats off to him and the coach. I think we were all pretty well calling for his head in the first 5-6 rounds.

Dawes – wasn’t a night for him or any of the big fellas. I think his ruck work is competitive and has come on. Presented up front and always ensures at least a contest. If we get that with Dids, Sinclair etc can at least get into the game but he needs to be more influential.

Cloke – Quiet but triple teamed and didnt provide any real influence on the game.

Toovey – Got Johncock and thought he did well. IN fact has been real good all year.

Shaw – Awesome early and got rid of his tag to hit the first. Was amongst it all night with their fwds and I thought he was really willing to hit bodies and create pressure.

Williams – I just loved his game. I get to watch a fair bit of junior footy and in my mock draft last year I think I had him around 40-50 so was surprised he didnt go in the ND bc he just presented as a competitive kid, who would win his own ball and had pace. Can imagine how thrilled I was when we landed him in the Rookie draft and havent been surprised at all to see him do well in the VFL. Was surprised we played him down back bc he hasnt played a lot there but thought he was really good. Read the game really well for a kid who hasnt played back a lot. Ran really hard to create an option and his kicking was great given as a junior it was a perceived area of concern. That was a tough game to debut in and it was one fo the bests debut games since Heath Shephard for mine!

Elliott - was sub and didnt do much....

 

[half_back_flank]

Can't see anything i strongly disagree with, good write up.

Your comment about Didak was exactly how i felt pregame. Tonight was a huge test for him and he passed with flying colours. If that roost from outside 50 was anything to go by, looks to be 100% and the groin isn't worrying him which is fantastic.

 

[Knightmare]

Really loved the intensity. Incredible that we would match and beat Adelaide in the contested ball. Best and most fun game i've seen in a long time. Considering the star power missing: Swan, Ball, Reid, Tarrant and Keeffe going down just after we activated our sub this was one heck of a game and a quality team effort. Our midfield really got on top with notable performances from Beams, Sidebottom, Thomas, Pendlebury and Jolly with Toovey, Shaw, Maxwell and O'Brien all getting on top down back.

Simply put if you didn't get the opportunity to watch this game watch the replay on afl.com today.

Votes:
5. Dayne Beams
4. Dale Thomas
3. Steele Sidebottom
2. Alan Toovey
1. Scott Pendlebury

Bests:
Beams: Won clearance after clearance and was the big reason why we won the midfield battle. Just read the ruck taps better than anyone.His inside work was just sensational and he has really elevated his game to a whole new level and if the past month is anything to go by it looks like he might be our next A-grader. Really liked his use of the handball in close and less reliance on his kicking because he can capable set up so much play by hand. Efficiency on the night was allot higher for it and he just needs to continue to replicate that performance. Also really liked his tackling effort, went in hard and played a ripper.

Thomas: Was big in the final quarter. 13 disposals? Just elevated his game when he needed to and played his grand final. Was fantastic to see his influence on the game and his work rate was absolutely phenominal. Ran harder than anyone else and did a fantastic job taking the in form Dangerfield who he thoroughly outplayed in that final quarter.

Sidebottom: Came up big again, ran hard, produced big numbers and had yet another quality game against a quality opposition.

Toovey: Really led our backline again and as always played some fantastic footy. Won just about all 1v1s and is playing some sensational footy right now. Tackle numbers terrific and continued prodived rebound which is nice to see working into his arsenel.

Pendlebury: Won the inside ball as usual but what really stood out was his ball use. By foot at times under pressure was phenominal and played an excellent game.

Jolly: Won the ruck battle against the in form Sam Jacobs. The hitouts to advantage was the difference between the two and Jolly continued to time and time again hit it down our midfielder's throats for first use. Do the people who want Wood in our best side watch what Jolly does? Seriously? Been fantastic all year minus that one poor performance against Carlton. Has allot more good footy in him and I'd be very surprised to see him retire at seasons end.

Maxwell: Really imposed himself on the contest and while his numbers don't stand out I rated his performance and influence on the game highly. His tackles were as hard as any I saw on the night and his physicality was team lifting as far as I'm concerned. His numbers don't reflect his influence.


Also good:

Shaw: Strong defensive game and played his usual game.

O'Brien: Strong contribution to the defensive unit and held strong down back at times providing solid run.

Goldsack: Probably our best forward for the night and again hit the scoreboard. Did his job.

Didak: Again played another solid game and is building into the season well. Ball use again very good but is now finding more of it which is good to see. Here's hoping his numbers continue to increase.

Keeffe: Until injury played a solid game on the imposing and in form Tippett. Shocking luck for the guy. Had him in my top 5 for the Copeland before tonight so disappointing outcome if season ending. Will recover and take back his mantle I'm sure.

Blair: Continued to put his head over the ball and managed to win more of it than in recent weeks which is a big positive.

Williams: Really solid debut and it was interesting to see him line up down back. Was really expecting him to play as a sub. I suspect he will take allot out of this game - the intensity the game was played with and really grow from being a part of this game. Williams played a really solid game and really impressed me. Played hard and attacked the ball as he does at VFL level. He has a future and I wouldn't be surprised if his future was to be at AFL level. Would love to see him thrown into the midfield v Gold Coast and Melbourne to see what he can do. Should play next week. Certainly held his own even in the what would be for him an unusual role down back.

Wellingham: Another solid contribution.

Sinclair: Played his role.

Clarke: Solid performance. Defensively is showing improvement and his run at times was solid. Disappointed he missed those long shots at goal though. Those were his bread and butter back when he first played for the Pies.

Buckley: Had some meaningful long kicks but as always some of his decision making and ball use was poor. To his credit he does win his own ball but I'd rather explore other options down back who can play similar roles.

Elliott: Only played when subbed in, in that final quarter. Can't learn allot from that. Give him another game next week.

Poor:

Fasolo: Disappointing performance considering how well he played last week. Tackling pressure was the only thing I can say he did well, but as usual played his greedy early career Medhurst-like game and was unimpressive. After the bye if he hasn't improved I'd give him some VFL time because he really needs to go back and take some confidence by getting his hands on the ball more but also needs to start setting up other team mates for opportunities at goals more because everyone knows when Fas gets it, it will go onto the boot and he will be looking at only the goals and you just can't carry players with that mentality.

Dawes: Again played without confidence and just didn't have his usual influence. Needs some time at VFL level. I'd look to play one or two of Paine/Gault/Ceglar right now in his place. Dawes just isn't producing and needs to get some confidence and find more of the ball. With Gold Coast and Melbourne coming if he can't start to produce more as a forward he needs some time to get some form together because he just doesn't look like himself and just isn't playing productive football.

Cloke: Was double and tripple teamed but his influence on the night was minimal. He did at times crash packs and bring the ball to ground but no goals and one mark just isn't going to get it done. The guy needs to sign his contract now - just is not playing to his usual standard and needs that weight lifted from his shoulders to perform.

 

[TheGreatGrundy]

Always look forward to this thread. Good summary of the players' efforts last night. Can't believe the threads criticising Jolly and Dawes. These critics may have a just cause when we are losing, but not when we have won 6 games in a row.

To win away after losing Keeffe was a truly courageous effort, and to all the Buckley knockers, the Dawes dis-likers and the 'Jolly can't jump or get a possession posters', I suggest that you look at the positives which are winning us games and let the coaches decide whether Dawes and Jolly need a break from AFL. I've never enjoyed winning as much as last night.

 

[Swooop]

Really good assessments Snoop and Knightmare, well done.

Amazing job by the defence, Adelaide just six goals at a home game, one KPD and even he was having a (slightly) ordinary night by his previous standards early on , then goes done with injury early in the last.

Maxy, Harry, Tooves, Heater were just so good; Buckley was good too I thought. He certainly wins plenty of the ball and usually does very well with it ( it's more that you hold your breath a bit - but for me, a lot less so lately)

Superb job by the mids.

Goldy and Didak were the main forwards really.

Cloke not worth a mill IMHO, even in top form, it's still only two or three goals. despite all the big marks.

 

[TheGreatGrundy]

Cloke not worth a mill IMHO, even in top form, it's still only two or three goals. despite all the big marks.

Cloke has been offered $700000 and if he does not want it then we should trade him to the million dollar suitor and use the picks to secure a top player in the next draft. I agree he is no million dollar player. His form so far this year does not justify the massive offers he is receiving.

 

[Markfs]

Excellent comments on the players.

I'd also like to add that, as a team, we were fantastic after Keeffe went down. Everyone single player did his job...and more

p.s. "Buckley was good too I thought. He certainly wins plenty of the ball and usually does very well with it ( it's more that you hold your breath a bit - but for me, a lot less so lately)"....exactly..give the guy a chance

 

[danielnajdek]

Cloke has been offered $700000 and if he does not want it then we should trade him to the million dollar suitor and use the picks to secure a top player in the next draft. I agree he is no million dollar player. His form so far this year does not justify the massive offers he is receiving.

Definitely isn't helping his price tag by the way his playing atm. Isn't worth 600K by this years form.

 

[SnakePlisskin]

Very happy with Harry's game , didn't buckle under the high ball , I reckon he tried to mark everything .

 

[Jie_Hodge]

Cloke has been offered $700000 and if he does not want it then we should trade him to the million dollar suitor and use the picks to secure a top player in the next draft. I agree he is no million dollar player. His form so far this year does not justify the massive offers he is receiving.

Cloke is a restricted free agent isn't he so unless we matched the offer being put to him he can walk to said club without a trade. However we do get compensated draft picks I think or was that just if you lost a player to GWS and GC and a lump of cash for a free agent of our own this or next year

 

[TradeDraft]

Loved Elliot Game even for a Bit. Goes for the Mark Strong, Uses the Ball well and Great Tackler.

Hope he gets a Full Game Next Week

 

[Go Pies!!!!!]

Great review.

Dawes needs to stop looking to the umps for help and start turning that aggression towards the contest.

 

[Gambit78]

Great review. Great game. The last time I was that pumped was the Prelim last year.

Have to say that often people talk about the talent we have in our team, but after watching the replay, I'm staggered at how good we are with the ball. It really hit home on Saturday night. I don't know if Collingwood will ever be under more pressure than that and the way we were clean with the ball, disposal under pressure, that last quarter was incredible. We are so slick with hands, ground level ball was assured, our foot passing was precise, I'm back to marveling at the team in much the same way I was in 2010. Love it.

How clean is Blair with the ball on the ground? Don't think he fumbled once all night.

Pendles' ability to ride a tackle and hit a target with hands is up there with Diesel Williams.

Sinclair's attack on the ball is first rate. That last quarter in particular, doff your hat son.

And while he has his knockers, the one thing I like about Buckley is his ability to shrug a tackle. Anyone else notice this? He is a really difficult man to tackle.

Love it.

 

[Bob Neil]

Well played - love watching these tough, high pressure games (we haven't been able to participate in one for some time).

I thought the Pies had the quintessential 'all played well'...couldn't see m/any passengers in your side. Thought it was a really hot game for three quarters and you can't help but admire how your blokes rallied for a win despite the injuries (before and during the game).

Even your debutant Williams personified your team, didn't look overawed - attacked the pill hard and was a really valuable contributor.

Unless the attrition from injuries hits you later in the season I think you're on track for another strong premiership tilt.

 

[Maggie5]

Just watched the game again and saw Dawes do some really good things in the ruck, especially with his second efforts. I am prepared to be patient with him as he is going from a forward to forward/ruck, can't imagine it would be that easy. But agree he needs to control his demonstrative behaviour as umpires will just ignore anyway.

 

[Quicky]

I've been pretty positive of Dawes performances but I thought he was pretty ordinary against Adelaide. He is very fumbly. What he is doing is working hard and presenting well. While he keeps doing that you need to persist as I think he can improve. What i'd like to see him do is get back to his good goalkicking accuracy. He creates himself so few chances he really needs to nail the opportunities he does create.

 

[vjknight]

just watching the game now.....thanks number 13

one qtr at a time.

firstly, what impressed me was the lack of blatant errors. no terrible kicks to opposition, no stupid blazing away at goal - just a good even contest in pretty good conditions for winter night time footy.

blair - excellent.
maxwell - outstanding....in everything.
sinclair - clearly given an instruction to pass off, and did it beautifully. his pace and massive desire to be at the ball first means he can become a huge asset as the pressure builds thru the year.

more later.