New confidence in the Footy dept.

[btdemon 482]

I am rapidly gaining confidence in the FD's ability to pick the right guys. On three levels they seem to be getting it right most of the time.

Firstly, they seem to be making good tactical selections for each game in relation to match-ups and tactics. Rivers proved to be a great call last night even though some think he doesn't fit into our new defence. Hughes was OK and PJ did some nice things but the conditions didn't suit him.

On the second level, they are only picking players who deserve a spot. It appears that players now have to show consistently good form at Casey before being picked. This is sending a strong message to the list and suggests a real change in culture at the club. I thought that Joel McDonald was a bit stiff even though he had an absolute shocker against Nth. But in hindsight they were right to drop him. Likewise Martin. There are guys like Cheney and Jetta playing at Casey who have potential and add great depth but again they will have to earn there spots. Newton has only been picked when his form at Casey demanded it and dropped as soon as he didn't perform in the seniors.

Thirdly, the players who are getting a game are largely repaying the faith shown in them by producing great form. I was not completely convinced that Bennell had the right stuff but he is proving me wrong. The FD obviously know this. this may slightly contradict my second point but I don't think Bennell ever deserved to be dropped for shirking that contest.

Yes, this FD is giving me confidence that they really know what they are doing. Thy are picking the right players. I have not felt like this in all my years as a Demon supporter.

Edited May 7, 2010 by btdemon

[GRUN DEE 69]

The FD are on the money where this side is heading. A developement year yes! Playing player's who deserve there spot yes.

I just hope we can keep our FD together in years to come. We have a special club going to high places! Let's keep it together.

[sylvinator 96]

The FD are on the money where this side is heading. A developement year yes! Playing player's who deserve there spot yes.

I just hope we can keep our FD together in years to come. We have a special club going to high places! Let's keep it together.

Agreed. There is definitely a balance going on between being picked for form, and still recognising that we are a developing team that needs our youngsters playing games together. I think they are getting the balance right for now.

I'd still like to see a greater emphasis on development later in the season. At best we will come 8th-10th this year, and won't be seriously pushing for top 4, so we may as well take advantage and use this year to develop the boys.

I'd like to see Watts brought in ASAP and play the rest of the year. Also, Gysberts, Wona, Blease, Jetta and Bail should all be given plenty of opportunities at senior level

[Adzman 2,154]

Here here!

Get some games under their belts asap and we will be all the better going forward.

[joeboy 3,163]

I agree with the sentiments of the thread , but I think they got it wrong yesterday by retaining Johnson, and not making a late switch for a more agile player in the conditions , like the Bulldogs did with Roughead and Hill.

Edited May 8, 2010 by joeboy

[titan_uranus 24,974]

I agree with the sentiments of the thread , but I think they got it wrong yesterday by retaining Johnson, and not making a late switch for a more agile player in the conditions , like the Bulldogs did with Roughead and Hill.

Agree. And Johnson duly repaid the faith by accumulating a grand total of 0 kicks.

I can't remember who our emergencies were but surely one of them would have been a running player. Dunn could have rucked against Andrejs Everitt.

[grazman 7,406]

Agree. And Johnson duly repaid the faith by accumulating a grand total of 0 kicks.

But had two goal assists and twenty hitouts.... shocking performance what were they thinking.

[titan_uranus 24,974]

But had two goal assists and twenty hitouts.... shocking performance what were they thinking.

20 hitouts: Jamar did most of the ruckwork against Hudson, which left Johnson to ruck against Everitt. Anyone could get hitouts against him.

2 goal assists is nice, but 0 influence around the ground is not.

Example: Lake snaps that point. Grimes takes the kick in. Johnson asks for it 50 out. Grimes kicks to the contest. Johnson decides to stand on the ground and wait for the ball to come to him. He gets spoiled. Should have gone airborne and then he might have touched the ball. He just doesn't know how to use his body or how to take a contested mark.