Individuals
Lycett : 14k, 7hb, 2m, 6t, 67ho, 1.1 - very good game. Monstered the ruck albeit against an undersized opponent and was in the thick of it all game. Fought hard for ground balls and it's going to be tough for the MC to find the spot he deserves. He's ready for a recall
McInnes : 12k, 5hb, 4m, 1t, 3.0 - played as a permanent forward and EP were better for it (EP's Jones who's primarily a ruck and had been played forward in recent weeks was dropped to the reserves somewhat unluckily but the league side was better balanced as a resukt). Big Fraser was a standout. Under the conditions his ball handling was clean and not only did he kick 3 goals himself he had a hand in several others. Super impressive game from a big fella in unfavourable conditions for a tall. Making a good case to be retained in 2018
Gorter : 10k, 4hb, 2m, 0t - after getting pantsed last week he responded very well. Admittedly it was good weather for defenders but he was strong in the contest and calm under pressure. Very rarely beaten. Showed character to come back from the worst game I'd seen him play
Giles : 5k, 3hb, 0m, 1hb, 55ho - joined in the ruck domination with Lycett but was less effective around the ground. Don't think he offered more than the omitted Jones would have and I'm increasingly of the view we pay him out of his contract for next year because McInnes and Petrie deserve a spot ahead of him
Mutimer : 21k, 11hb, 4m, 7t, 2.1 - good conditions for a bulldozer and he thrived. Strong in the packs and was very good at driving the ball forward. His first goal was a bit of an accident as he over shot a kick to a leading forward from well outside 50 only to see the ball skid on for a goal. His second was a good round the body snap from about 25. Very solid game and a good return to form
Watson: 7k, 2hb, 2m, 2t - better than his stats suggest. Played half back so the ball wasn't often in his area. Attacked the ball well, used his pace and was rarely beaten one on one. No signs of the ankle injury that kept him out and showed enough, imo, that he's capable of putting pressure on the MC to select him later in the year once he recaptures his best form
Lamb : 16k, 14hb, 3m, 4t, 0.1 - not a typical Lamb game. Played primarily on the wing, worked hard, put his head over the ball and if have credited him with more than four tackles. He's a clever little ****** at times too - got himself in a good position for an out the back seagull goal several times but in the wet it just didn't work out for him. On another day he'd have 3 or 4 goals - that's also not a criticism as it was good positioning by him as he was better putting himself in a dangerous spot rather than getting sucked in to an already over crowded contest. He's been a source of frustration for me at times but I'm hard pressed to think of another player on our list that I want to see come good
Rotham : 5k, 1hb, 1m, 1t - like Watson the ball wasn't in his area a lot but unlike Franky he struggled a bit. In heavy conditions his lack of bulk showed and he was the worst of the Eagles players. Needs a preseason of protein shakes and gym work to bulk up. Should also hang around with Rioli and steal his food - will help both of them
Snadden: 8k, 7hb, 2m, 2t, 1.0 - given that those stats are from less than a half of footy they're very good. Got a knock somehow late in the second quarter which I didn't see, but he was very slow to get up and had to be helped from the ground. He didn't return and I'm assuming due to a concussion. Such a shame because like Mutimer the conditions suited him - bashing the ball forward to gain territory was more important than spotting up a target and he was being quite effective
Finally, he's not an Eagles player anymore but old ginners deserves some love. Had a game high 37 possessions, kicked a goal and was at his belligerent best. Was a
cracking game in conditions that were tailor made for a not so skilled player who has never lacked for effort
Think I'm done