Hi Guys,
Went to the game and I can tell you the positives far, FAR outweigh the negatives.
Goodes was sensational! Played the whole game, (he, Jude and Mattews were the only seniors that did I think) and looked like he is continuing were he left off last year.
Bazza is back! Looked alot more like the 06 version then the 07 one, moved well, took some good marks and kicked well also.
Marty Mattner I think will turn out to be the get of the off season. Nicky Mals injury was a tragedy, but the impact will be lessened so much by his arrival.
Craig Bird has got to play from round 1. He didn't seem to be as involved as last week but when he was, he was great. Took a superb mark to kick for goal but unfortunately stuffed the kick.
Jesse White I just lurvvvve this kid. He also didn't seem to be as involved as last week but I just love the way he goes about his business. His ruck work is good and while he gives away a bit in height, he has a vertical leap that could reach the stars.
Jarred Moore was fantastic. He has an awareness that so many others in our team don't have and for any Bevan sympathizers who say he's tough and he's this or that, watch this kid play - he's tough AND knows how to play AND can kick the ball.
Jack impressed, O'Dwyer was pretty good as was Bruce. Of the seniors, Jude, Ablett and Lewie were good, even McVague did some half decent stuff. Good to see that even in a practice match, Kirky ends up with his head bandaged! Benny Mathews has to go. We have too many keen and eager youngsters that should be given a go, he is a waste of space, looked oh so slow and out of touch.
A real tragedy about Thornton. He took a mark and seemed to turn his knee and that was it- gooooooooone. He (understandably) looked very dejected after it happened as he was playing some good footy and one would think was a chance at some stage for senior selection. I don't know what he has actually done but they are saying it is season ending.
All in all, it was a great hit out albeit against not much opposition. Port seemed disinterested and very sloppy and I think Choc will be ramping up the training drills after that.