Unofficial Preview Preseason trial game - Brisbane v Adelaide, 10 am, Friday 25th

[Nunez]

Overall it was plain to see we've worked hard on rebounding from half back and trying to be selfless with the ball. I thought Joe and Charlie's effort trying to pass to others was a highlight. The team really looks to have bought into that mindset and hope they continue to do so.

Rayner looked rusty early on but worked his way into the game. Really excited to see how he progresses.

Outside of Neale, the most impressive player was Berry. He looks so fit and ran very hard both ways. So good to see him with a full preseason and really hope he can get a full year in. We'd be a better team if he can.

 

[Mighty Lions]

I was very bullish on him when we were linked to him during the trade period. I maintain it wont be an easy decision between him and Oscar if everyone is fit. Dare I say I was 'shouted down' when I suggested that. He really impressed me during his games against us a couple if years ago. So much so, that i felt the Cats had finally found their answer in the ruck. However, Scott just doesn't seem to have any interest in giving a specialist ruck a chance. He insists on playing guys like Stanley, Bilcavs and Rategalea, who he feels can offer more with their running or marking in the forward line. Anyway, Oscar is on notice and from early pre-season reports he knows it.

Both will play the early games before Hippy returns. When Hippy is ready to play, that's when the pressure may escalate for one of them. In Big O's defense, they gave Fort significantly more time in the ruck today hence why he seemed to have a better day. I would rate Big O as our main ruck by a fair way right now.

 

[LongLion]

Both will play the early games before Hippy returns. When Hippy is ready to play, that's when the pressure may escalate for one of them. In Big O's defense, they gave Fort significantly more time in the ruck today hence why he seemed to have a better day. I would rate Big O as our main ruck by a fair way right now.

I liked Fort in the ruck & can see Oscar spending more time in the forward line than Fort. Really liked Berry's game, McStay & early on the defensive pressure from charlie & daniher was good but dropped off as the game went on. Lot to like about the hitout.

 

[POBT]

Makes sense to share the load between Fort and Oscar in the pre-season. In round 1, I suspect Oscar will take on the lion's share of ruck minutes, albeit that Fort will play there more than Daniher/Fullarton did last year.

One thing I reckon we can confidently say from the preseason is that Oscar is cherry ripe fitness wise. He doesn't need to put too many more miles into his legs. He looks primed.

 

[scoman]

Both will play the early games before Hippy returns. When Hippy is ready to play, that's when the pressure may escalate for one of them. In Big O's defense, they gave Fort significantly more time in the ruck today hence why he seemed to have a better day. I would rate Big O as our main ruck by a fair way right now.

Yeah that's what I meant with the 'fully fit' comment, will be decision time when Hipwood returns. I think Fort is a better player in the ruck contest, but OMac is in better shape physically and better around the ground, below his knees etc, and this will hold him in good stead to hold his position. Fort just seems a bit untidy/ underdone outside of the ruck contest

 

[davemc_lions]

I like the Fort/Big O combo.. They different rucks which help against different teams.. I like this. Fort like Big O has second and third efforts and tries at ground level.

For me Berry looked good just sometimes hacks disposal still.
Rayner looked fit although did not get involved much.. So too Cocky.
Neale looked back to being fit
Wilmot showed something
Answerth looked great nice to see him out their again.. Wing might be a good idea has some pace and can play back as well.
Pity Sharp, AhChee and Prior did not get much game time.
Wet conditions and we played against a crows outfit that were missing players.

 

[POBT]

From a style of play perspective, something I noticed a couple of times was one of the wingers looping around the back of the contest to provide coverage. It was even happening at centre bounces. Dunno if we were doing it last year or if it's a recent adjustment to restrict opposition mids from bursting through the front of the stoppage.

 

[blueiris]

Not a fan of the Oscar/Fort combo Fort really isn’t a forward and it takes time off McInerney who’s is easily the best Ruckman we have

 

[Saucery]

Dan Merritt quote of the day:

(giggling) "I would have been nervous being that Butt, sitting under the footy knowing Joe Daniher was behind me"

 

[RoyBoy17]

Impressed with what I saw. All around good team performance. Everyone putting in a shift. I feel a lot more confident heading into this season as opposed to last year. I think come round one we’ll be ready. Got caught out by the swans last year and looked well underdone. That won’t be the case against Port. Liked Answerth on a wing. Wilmot shower AFL level cleanness with his ground level stuff. Can play this year easily. Liked the mid rotations and also the ruck combo. We dominated the ruck and had a lot of clean take outs

 

[Section 5]

Not a fan of the Oscar/Fort combo Fort really isn’t a forward and it takes time off McInerney who’s is easily the best Ruckman we have

I am not convinced it is the way to go either
Coaches could be of the opinion it is the best way forward until Hippy's return

Decision is Fort in for:- one of Cockatoo, AhChee, possible Robbo/Berry/Coleman out
So, a bit of possible marking ability forward or being more mobile around the ground

 

[Section 5]

1/4 time Suns 38 v Port 11
Still not raining

 

[KissKiss]

Wouldnt Fort be in for Fullerton (who was in for Hipwood) of last years team? Its more of a forward out than a runner in terms of structure

 

[blueiris]

Wouldnt Fort be in for Fullerton (who was in for Hipwood) of last years team? Its more of a forward out than a runner in terms of structure

I get that they don’t want to play Daniher in the ruck with Hippy out but surely you don’t take the time on ground away from Oscar who’s been improving every season the problem is I don’t think Fort is a capable forward

 

[Gadzorks]

He is definitely in consideration. Kiddy, Noah, Wilmot all have to fight it out. Thats why these pre-season hit outs are important for those fighting to keep their spot.
Berry has been good but again his disposal by foot lets him down. Adams on the other hand has been great with his disposal by foot. Charlie still not in defence mode when the ball is with the opposition.

Didn't like a couple of his short kicks out. Put them low when there was no pressure.

 

[mattsmob]

I get that they don’t want to play Daniher in the ruck with Hippy out but surely you don’t take the time on ground away from Oscar who’s been improving every season the problem is I don’t think Fort is a capable forward

They’ve shown they don’t want to go away from the 3 tall forward structure and they obviously see Fort’s ruck work as more influential than Fullarton’s forward work, which I can’t really argue with. Also on a dry day I think both Fort and Big O will be very dangerous as a deep forward, especially when it takes a tall defender off McStay and Daniher. Not many teams will be able to cover 3 guys +195cm that can all take a mark above their head.

 

[Section 5]

1/2 time Suns 54 v Port 16
Still no rain
Powell-Pepper off with possible hamstring issue. Did not look bad just holding his hammy

 

[blueiris]

They’ve shown they don’t want to go away from the 3 tall forward structure and they obviously see Fort’s ruck work as more influential than Fullarton’s forward work, which I can’t really argue with. Also on a dry day I think both Fort and Big O will be very dangerous as a deep forward, especially when it takes a tall defender off McStay and Daniher. Not many teams will be able to cover 3 guys +195cm that can all take a mark above their head.

Yeah I do understand that but big O has been my Pod all pre-season in SuperCoach now I’ll probably have to pay up for a Grundy

 

[Dalions]

 

[Dalions]

Great to see both Noah and Cam back and doing what they do best.
I thought Answerth played well on the Wing.

 

[Pacman82]

Answerth played really well I though, a lock for my Supercoach team this year (1st time playing it for ages)

 

[blueiris]

Answerth played really well I though, a lock for my Supercoach team this year (1st time playing it for ages)

Yeah definitely between him and Coleman for D5 ATM

 

[KissKiss]

1/2 time Suns 54 v Port 16
Still no rain
Powell-Pepper off with possible hamstring issue. Did not look bad just holding his hammy

Heard Lycett hurt his ankle as well. Not a good start for them

 

[Section 5]

3/4 time Suns 68 v Power 31
No rain as such but things getting very slippery
Lycett off with an ankle injury. Just a rolled ankle

 

[blueiris]

Heard Lycett hurt his ankle as well. Not a good start for them

SPP Dixion and Lycett well at least Hayes now plays number one ruck and gives people a cheap R3