Running patterns and structure

[Chimera]

We've got some.

Jack Anthony didn't have a great game on the stat sheet, Kep was ok but gee these two worked hard at ground level.

As I said in the game day thread our blokes knew which way to turn with their backs to goal, which might not seem much but when you're in the clinches under pressure knowing you can turn and kick to a contest without having to worry if anyone's going to be home is a real bonus.

The other pleasing element was the noticeable set ups at the stoppages.

There was never gaps forward of the knock for opposition mids to run into. Overly defensive, two sweepers/stoppers has some knockers but it's a two pronged philosophy.

You'll never let an opposition get clear possession from the stoppage and with the width at Subi if the ball comes our favour defensive side we have clean possession and a chance to get the ball into the hands of Duffield, Hill and Suban.

It stops run ons, halts momentum and gets the ball into the hands of our architects.

 

[Chimera]

Absolutely, getting players to play to their strengths ie McPhee and Deboer will always help the team.

Pinpointing every players strength and weaknesses then injected them into positions where they are going to be most effective might seem simple but it's a much harder art to grasp.

Lyon even before he'd met the group gave an interview in the West detailing our list down to the likes of Viv Michie.

It's nice having a student of the game at the helm.

 

[Arcassius]

^ He didn't give a massive amount of insight into the list in that interview (not surprisingly) but the pass mark for me was actually knowing players names.

 

[Nickos66]

Absolutely, well spotted, OP.

 

[BananaOnTheRun]

i liked all the handballs setting up play or breaking out of congestion. that was pretty rad.

 

[greatgatsby]

Yep, we had good defensive setups. Also liked the forward line pressure and the clean hands in close. Overall, plenty of rustiness but also good progress.

 

[theGav56]

Many of our past pre-seasons have had a bit too much experimentation, and not enough getting structures right. One of the benefits of having a new coach, and especially a disciplinarian like Lyon, is that there has been a really good focus on teaching during the pre-season. Getting it right. Knowing your role.

I too like that he has identified the best roles for some players, especially players like MJ and Anthony who need a clearer focus, and MacPhee and Bradley who can contribute significantly in a structural way.

 

[Jezzitizle]

Thought we varied forward entries really well too, between hitting a target and getting it in deep. Mzungu was clear bog for me, great by hand and foot. Even when our midfield comes back for me he is best 21. Seems to have that Dane Swan knack of being in the right place at the right time to support, and disposing out of congestion. Interesting the way the handball chains are setting up across halfback aswell, seemed very effective at getting a spare man free to kick without pressure. I saw the defensive stoppage setup too, and seems the type of setup that will keep us in it against the teams who are really strong in the middle. If Kep Jack and Clarke start holding their marks will really start to look good imo.