RDFL Thread 2007

[Blueboy16]

On the theory of BM possibly being the difference for the Burra TBR, they must still be rated a massive show when Simsy gets right, Bev Green gets back and Payney finds form, just to name a few. Don't think for one minute that Diggers don't have the players to turn this season around very quickly. Morgan is a high quality player that would have assisted Diggers, but the guys who have taken them to last years GF deserve some credit too.

You may be right JB2 but I think you will find that the competition is leaving Diggers behind in development. The top 5-6 sides in the comp recruited at least 1 gun for this season

Sunbury - S James, Bonnici, Miskin
Romsey - Connellan, Higgins (Both returned)
Woodend - Sipthorp, Salpietro
Riddell - M Allen (returned)
Kilmore - Kemp (returned)
Centrals - Bullen

Diggers biggest recruit for 07 is Craig Thompson who was playing Sunbury 2's last year. Yes a good footballer but not in the same breath as the above. Remember come finals time no Jose, Walshe, Hoare NO Diggers.

 

[Mongrel]

riddell are still the team 2 beat.just travelling along nicely

 

[Trueblueroo]

Thats my thoughts to Deano!

 

[Harry Wilson]

Riddle with Bomber, Belville, Allen and Wadden, too strong for most teams to contend with.

Don't forget Romsey has Luke Edwards back also, previously a Bowen Medallist, once he gets himself right he has the ability to change a game off of his own boot, much like Brydan Morgan and Wadden from Riddle.

After playing against Diggers, I totally agree with the theory TBR put forward, the day we played them they had no options up forward, BM can play through the mid-field with dominance and then rest forward and take strong pack marks and kick the much needed goals. Had Digger's secured him, they would probably be sitting eith 5-1 or 4-2 ther abouts. Some times one player can make that much of a difference. Digger's have a had a 3 games decided by less than 3 goals, give them a forward option and things could be very different for them this year!!

 

[Itsmyshow]

Not much being said about the lack of a dominant Full Forward in the competition this year... When we look back at previous years with guys like Lee James, Arnel Davis and Aaron James last year (And to an extent Payne), and in previous years Lee James, Dan Commerford, Al Meldrum, etc etc.. This year the leading players are Mick Allen, Brydon Morgan, Dan Salpietro and forward pocket/midfield type players, I think its an interesting flip on previous years...

 

[Trueblueroo]

I think what is happening in the AFL, is reflecting heavily the style of game local footy is being played at! Football has become more your running, midfield, hard ball winners! Very much evident with the style of games West Coast and Sydney play with no big major forward! Barry Hall kicks 2-4 goals but he's no Fev or John brwon who kick bags of 6-7!

Lee James was a big part of Riddells game plan, and they have learnt to play without him this year, putting more focus of Bladey and Belville!

 

[matt_nicholls]

Riddle with Bomber, Belville, Allen and Wadden, too strong for most teams to contend with.

Don't forget Romsey has Luke Edwards back also, previously a Bowen Medallist, once he gets himself right he has the ability to change a game off of his own boot, much like Brydan Morgan and Wadden from Riddle.

After playing against Diggers, I totally agree with the theory TBR put forward, the day we played them they had no options up forward, BM can play through the mid-field with dominance and then rest forward and take strong pack marks and kick the much needed goals. Had Digger's secured him, they would probably be sitting eith 5-1 or 4-2 ther abouts. Some times one player can make that much of a difference. Digger's have a had a 3 games decided by less than 3 goals, give them a forward option and things could be very different for them this year!!

Morgan would be a big asset for the Burra as he can play on-ball also.

At this stage of the season I'm going to give each side a percentage rating, based on their performances for the year.

NB: The percentage and grades are on my scale, not the Victorian Education Departments.

Sunbury Kangaroos - 95% (A+) Not much to complain about here, look the goods with their recruits dominating. A tip for opposition sides: TAG BONNICI!

Woodend-Hesket - 90% (A) No major problems, just need to get their best side on the park.

Riddell - 90% (A) Threatening, haven't had to string together games against quality opposition though.

Romsey - 85% (B+) Look to be contenders on their day, might be a little top heavy up forward with Morgan, Dawson and Burlak. Need a quality crumber to stand up.

Kilmore - 75% (B) May be a little bit young to take on the bigger sides at this stage, will definitely be a strong club in the future if they keep most of their list together. Will finish fifth.

Lancefield - 40% (D+) Showed some good signs against Riddell and dominated in Round 1 against Rockbank but will need to do more if they want to finish in the top-five. Losing to Macedon will prove costly. The best of the bottom four.

Diggers Rest - 50% (C-) Had high hopes and looked good in the practice matches, particularly against Heathcote. Need to have everyone up and running together and get back some confidence. Not enough blokes standing up at the moment.

Melton Central - 35% (D) Looked to show something early, with some reslliance against the better sides but have dropped off dramatically. Wheelahan and Plummer have been flying the flag but not having Under 18s appears to hurt.

Macedon - 30% (E+) Defeating Lancefield was a great effort and the coach did the right thing by playing talented Under 18s. Couldn't back it up against a much more determined Rockbank.

Rockbank - 30% (E+) Struggled early but look to have found some much needed fight in both reserves and seniors. The club appears to have become more united and stronger since their coach departed.

 

[footyhead18]

Thats my thoughts to Deano!

Woodend the team to beat. Looked the better side for 90% of day on sat and still have Sipthorpre, Ninga, Disco and Cunik to come back in. 4 of their best 6 players i would suggest. Riddell are only half the side without James, Diggers are gone. That leaves Woodend & Sunbury.
Sunbury looked ok but their ball use, particularly going into forward half was average at best. Only M Mcinerney and Bonnici real quality users of ball. There are also doubts over their ability to step up in finals and big games. I saw them wilt under intense pressure last year, particularly at Woodend near end of season. I hope they go well because they have battled for so long. Is there any chance of James playing end of season? Can he qualify for finals?

 

[Harry Wilson]

As far as I'm aware James can't play finals, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Would he even get a game they way the Roos are travelling at the moment? Is he the right bloke (on a club level) to help them into the finals? Great player to watch and will definately help win games, but a what cost?

I agree with Footyhead18, Sunbury's ball use is a little average as a whole, with the exception of Bonnici and M McInerny, these guys hold the rest of the side together. Just pray they don't get injured.

 

[Hawker28]

I don't know about that!!! In a game that was full of pressure i would say that perhaps skill level from both sides was about the same, anyway! The Kangaroos had way more scoring shots to us, and had 7 more in the last quarter! Yes we have guns to come back in, but you have to take 4 blokes out of a side thats flying at the minute! Missed Ning on the weekend, however we failed to play 4 quarters of football, similar to last years final!

The Roos are versatile all over the ground this year and that's a good sign for them! We'll bounce back his week against Kilmore, and improve on what we need!

 

[matt_nicholls]

As far as I'm aware James can't play finals, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Would he even get a game they way the Roos are travelling at the moment? Is he the right bloke (on a club level) to help them into the finals? Great player to watch and will definately help win games, but a what cost?

I agree with Footyhead18, Sunbury's ball use is a little average as a whole, with the exception of Bonnici and M McInerny, these guys hold the rest of the side together. Just pray they don't get injured.

When will people learn that AJ is no longer in the RDFL and can't play finals anywhere in an Australian winter league this year?

I wouldn't write off Sunbury Kangaroos, they are a better side this year than last, and that's without the big fella!

I was told that the Hawks paid no attention to Bonnici on Saturday. If that is they case I am astonished. One thing that the Roos do better than every other club in this comp is analyse their own players and the opposition.

Even if it gives them a one per cent advantage over their opponents, that one per cent is worth it. You might have two sides evenly locked at three-quarter time with no wind advantage, every little bit of knowledge helps.

As for poor users of the ball going forward, I don't think any club has been able to deliver the ball well going inside 50 this season against Woodend-Hesket, they are great at pressuring the ball barrier. I saw the Roos against Kilmore and Romsey and they were slick. Sometimes too slick for unaware forwards!

 

[Trueblueroo]

We don't need him! And i don't want him! We are better off without!

 

[Itsmyshow]

When will people learn that AJ is no longer in the RDFL and can't play finals anywhere in an Australian winter league this year?

I wouldn't write off Sunbury Kangaroos, they are a better side this year than last, and that's without the big fella!

I was told that the Hawks paid no attention to Bonnici on Saturday. If that is they case I am astonished. One thing that the Roos do better than every other club in this comp is analyse their own players and the opposition.

Even if it gives them a one per cent advantage over their opponents, that one per cent is worth it. You might have two sides evenly locked at three-quarter time with no wind advantage, every little bit of knowledge helps.

As for poor users of the ball going forward, I don't think any club has been able to deliver the ball well going inside 50 this season against Woodend-Hesket, they are great at pressuring the ball barrier. I saw the Roos against Kilmore and Romsey and they were slick. Sometimes too slick for unaware forwards!

Nah, no analysing here...

 

[matt_nicholls]

Nah, no analysing here...

You wish! Sorry, but had to reveal something to the opposition. You would think they would have picked it up themselves though.

A certain coach asked me a few weeks ago not to write anything about one of his players for fear of the opposition finding out his hidden talents. Well if Woodend-Hesket didn't know to tag Bonnici then I doubt that coach had much to worry about as other sides don't seem to take notice.

I know you keep stats IMS and won't want to reveal any here, but surely Daniel has been averaging about 35 possies each week!

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

Harry... Rightly so Riddell should be the team to beat! If everyone think's that we "Could" be the read deal then thanks for the encouragement, but however, no one in their right mind would doubt Riddell!

Like i said beware of the sleeping giant, we are in 3rd gear and happy to be like that until the end of year when its required!

Any one of the 7 suides on the ladder in descending order could make a finals apperance, and the moto goes , "You got to be in it, to win it"!

We'll wait till Riddell to make any sort of judgement on our season thus far, Woodend put a good case forward and i personally believe they are the best w ehave played thus far!

Matt Stace however is bigger to Woodend this year more than Mick Lacy in 2006! Lacy was lazy at times last year, however Matt covers just as much ground as the blokes he taps it down to! Like to see how he polls at the end of the year!

Wonder were Diggers would be on the ladder had they aquired the services of Bryden Morgan this year, would they be 1-5 still or would they be 5-1? Very interesting debate, this could be? Diggers seem to lack a dominant forward to take control of a game! However i don't doubt Payne will get them in motion soon!

To late to play the under dog card, you blokes are the best; Get used to it !

 

[Halffullonfence]

Macedon - 30% (E+) Defeating Lancefield was a great effort and the coach did the right thing by playing talented Under 18s. Couldn't back it up against a much more determined Rockbank.

Find me a game this year when the Cats have not played their kids 95% of team under 22. Who the hell are you anyway to give ratings on clubs you know nothing about. Stick to Lancefield and Kilmore & the Heathcote league.

Seriously sick of your drivel.

Prefer IMS rundowns anyway no where near as biased.
HFF not happy !!!!!

 

[matt_nicholls]

Macedon - 30% (E+) Defeating Lancefield was a great effort and the coach did the right thing by playing talented Under 18s. Couldn't back it up against a much more determined Rockbank.

Find me a game this year when the Cats have not played their kids 95% of team under 22. Who the hell are you anyway to give ratings on clubs you know nothing about. Stick to Lancefield and Kilmore & the Heathcote league.

Seriously sick of your drivel.

Prefer IMS rundowns anyway no where near as biased.
HFF not happy !!!!!

Whoah, I didn't say anything about the kids not backing it up, nor the coach against Rockbank. Just saying they didn't back up with a win. Nothing against Macedon. They have been playing a really good style of footy, just not winning many games. They will continually improve Beats, as you know.

 

[BrownDog2]

and just for the record, Pickles l read with disgust your criticisms of the two umpires who did the Kilmore Kangaroos match.
Whoever they were they were 2 guys out there doing their best and having a crack, anyone can sit in the cheap seats and criticise. I wouldn't mind betting that those umpires made a lot less mistakes than the two teams that day.
It is so weak of jurno's potting easy targets, l wonder if you see Mongrel, for arguments sake, put in an average one would you be so quick to name and shame?
I doubt it.

 

[matt_nicholls]

and just for the record, Pickles l read with disgust your criticisms of the two umpires who did the Kilmore Kangaroos match.
Whoever they were they were 2 guys out there doing their best and having a crack, anyone can sit in the cheap seats and criticise. I wouldn't mind betting that those umpires made a lot less mistakes than the two teams that day.
It is so weak of jurno's potting easy targets, l wonder if you see Mongrel, for arguments sake, put in an average one would you be so quick to name and shame?
I doubt it.

Haha. Must be pick on Pickles day. Fair enough, I'll cop it. But I wasn't picking on the umpires. I was picking on the selectors. Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a lot of respect for the men and women in orange.

 

[Itsmyshow]

Macedon - 30% (E+) Defeating Lancefield was a great effort and the coach did the right thing by playing talented Under 18s. Couldn't back it up against a much more determined Rockbank.

Find me a game this year when the Cats have not played their kids 95% of team under 22. Who the hell are you anyway to give ratings on clubs you know nothing about. Stick to Lancefield and Kilmore & the Heathcote league.

Seriously sick of your drivel.

Prefer IMS rundowns anyway no where near as biased.
HFF not happy !!!!!

Harsh but fair... Lol...

I think the point HFF is trying to make is that the kids have played every game for the seniors this season, Nipper Wright, Al Collins even Formosa have backed up each week in the one's and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and the rest of the year. Add to that the youngsters a year or 2 out of 18's and the Cats have a good future to build on.

I think the concept was ok Matt, just maybe do your ratings on where the clubs are with the cattle they have rather than the position overall, might be a better way to rate it...

 

[Itsmyshow]

To late to play the under dog card, you blokes are the best; Get used to it !

Omni, seeing as though you are the knower of all and the outstanding example of word manipulation, could you give me the complete and proper explination of the word "Drivel".. Just for the benefit of the plebs out there, like myself...

 

[Harry Wilson]

Call 'em as you see 'em Pickles. I think it's great that someone with the ability to publish opinions is doing so. Without his "Ponderings" and so on and so forth the league would have a lot less coverage. I don't always agree with what you say Pickles, but keep saying what you need to, debate is the spice of the RDFL Life!!! Good work!!

PS. Someone owes me a Pot and a Parma!!

 

[Itsmyshow]

You wish! Sorry, but had to reveal something to the opposition. You would think they would have picked it up themselves though.

A certain coach asked me a few weeks ago not to write anything about one of his players for fear of the opposition finding out his hidden talents. Well if Woodend-Hesket didn't know to tag Bonnici then I doubt that coach had much to worry about as other sides don't seem to take notice.

I know you keep stats IMS and won't want to reveal any here, but surely Daniel has been averaging about 35 possies each week!

Uh... No comment...

 

[matt_nicholls]

Harsh but fair... Lol...

I think the point HFF is trying to make is that the kids have played every game for the seniors this season, Nipper Wright, Al Collins even Formosa have backed up each week in the one's and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and the rest of the year. Add to that the youngsters a year or 2 out of 18's and the Cats have a good future to build on.

I think the concept was ok Matt, just maybe do your ratings on where the clubs are with the cattle they have rather than the position overall, might be a better way to rate it...

Point taken, I know that Macedon has a strong youth policy. Everyone knows that. I did those ratings because all 10 clubs in this comp have been up and running against one another for at least five years and have had every opportunity to build. Some clubs like Macedon, Lancefield, Rockbank etc. will struggle because of geographics and population, as well as sponsors to pay players like the other clubs in the area. I don't think I've ever personally criticised clubs in the paper or on this forum for that matter. Nor should I have to!

 

[Itsmyshow]

Call 'em as you see 'em Pickles. I think it's great that someone with the ability to publish opinions is doing so. Without his "Ponderings" and so on and so forth the league would have a lot less coverage. I don't always agree with what you say Pickles, but keep saying what you need to, debate is the spice of the RDFL Life!!! Good work!!

PS. Someone owes me a Pot and a Parma!!

Ill cop it for this...

I actually agree with you Harry... Usually the debate comes from what pickles writes.. And it livens things up around here... So im all for it...