20 scoring shots last week, kicked 15.5.95. Opposition had 18.

22 scoring shots this week, kicked 10.12.72. Opposition had 17.

We are, at least, generating scoring opportunities so far this year which hasn't, yet, resulted in us leaking scores at the other end.

Poor skill level is (hopefully) something that will wear off as we work towards Round 1 but a scarily high number of clangers is very disappointing. 

As has been mentioned though, at least we scrapped out a win where last year we would have lost (like we lost to Essendon's under-manned side, and Carlton too).

5 minutes ago, Forest Demon said:

On the commentators, I think Matt Granland must be replacing everybody's favourite Dwayne Russell, as he replaced him on Thursday night as well. If so, that was definitely the biggest positive to come out of the day.

Old mate is in Perth for the basketball final.

 

So nothing to see there, he'll be back spouting before you know it

Don't know what to think about this game considering how many of the doggys best were not playing. 

A win's a win, Still playing better then we have in past preseasons. 

How Tom Boyd doesn't cop anywhere near the amount of crtisicm Watts does (or did) is beyond me. He takes a mark and the commentators go crazy, talk of him like he's a star.

1 minute ago, monoccular said:

OMG !  Was Derwayyyn not there. I may just watch the replay after all.

Permanent laryngitis? ?

He was listed as a commentator for Thursday night's game, but Granland was calling it instead. And then Granland was calling again today, so can only assume Dwayne is sick or maybe full time on the NBL finals. I wouldn't wish ill on the the bloke, but it was a pleasure not having to listen to him.

As for the others, Sandy is good, but definitely getting a bit past his used by date. Brad Johnson annoys me, but was generally ok today. Tony Shaw on the other hand is as thick as two planks.

Disappointing overall (we should have controlled the game all day against their seconds!), but some good signs none-the-less (Clarrie in particular). The Club won't be earning many dollars from the "Pledge for Win" program, unless our skills improve markedly.  Way, way too many turnovers, even in non-pressure situations.

A win is a win.

Hopefully can make it 2/2 today with the women's game starting at 5.10pm

Stream here: http://aflcommunity.com.au/index.php?id=495

local pub offering 12 screens all with the same energy drink promoting bloodsport & free hit from the ugly stick. Interested to know how Harmes looked, he was handy on stats board

Wasn't too impressed with the game, but glad we were able to show a bit of character and find a way to win it.
Oliver was very impressive again. Same goes for Watts and I quite liked Bugg and Salem's games as well. 

Anyway, take the positives and move on to next week and try to continue the momentum as we head to round one.

4 minutes ago, Forest Demon said:

On the commentators, I think Matt Granland must be replacing everybody's favourite Dwayne Russell, as he replaced him on Thursday night as well. If so, that was definitely the biggest positive to come out of the day.

Brett Phillips (also from SEN) commentated on Thursday night and he too was very good.

Oliver is an out and out gun!

And for all those guys/girls clambering for Watts' removal, go and support Carlton!

 

21 minutes ago, Buzzy said:

Well that's just disrespectful to the pretty much full strength team we just fielded, barring Hogan and injuries.

 

Hogan and Brayshaw would bring us up to full strength I reckon. Maybe Petracca could be another to bolster our strength.

I think we should all relax and celebrate three wins in a row. A win next week, and in the season proper against GWS and the appalling Dons, make it six. My guess is that has not been achieved for ten years. Enjoy and celebrate. Roos will deliver.

Edited March 6, 20169 yr by Dees2014

Terrible game. 

Skills just aren't there and we should ran all over the young dogs for 4 quarters not just when they tired. Wind was a factor in the first and 3rd quarter performances but not an excuse. Plus the kicking for the goal in the last might've shown we didn't know it was out there anyway.

Grimes, Watts, Kennedy, Tom McDonald, Garland, Harmes, Kent, Frost all showing the same flaws. 

No real answers to who plays in round 1. 

Wagner only played a half, Stretch unsighted, Vanders injured. 

I'm not at all happy. The saints will show us up big time if we can't deal with pressure and defend smarter than we did for most of today.

6 minutes ago, Bobby McKenzie said:

Hogan and Brayshaw would bring us up to full strength I reckon. Maybe Petracca could be another to bolster our strength.

A fit Lumumba would walk into our side.

Watts does NOT belong in the midfield. A promising game, particularly the 10 marks. We found a way when it counted again, hope we can go 3 of 3, the Saints shouldn't be too hard

6 minutes ago, Bobby McKenzie said:

Hogan and Brayshaw would bring us up to full strength I reckon. Maybe Petracca could be another to bolster our strength.

A fit Lumumba would walk into our side.

 

2 minutes ago, djr said:

A fit Lumumba would walk into our side.

That's how bad we're going.

Kicking skills....

Apart from that the rest is coming in to place nicely.

 

Just now, Bombay Airconditioning said:

 

That's how bad we're going.

He will be far better than both Hunt and Wagner for a start.  Good to give them some game time but still a fair way off the pace.  Lumumba will add run, good defensive capabilities and experience to that back 6, which is fine by me.

1 hour ago, hoon1 said:

I know it is just NAB cup, but I have been impressed by Matt Jones so far, his working very hard and his skills have improved a lot, just need to tackle low

Agree with this. I'm very surprised. but he actually looks to have genuinely improved as a player.

 

I usually cringe when he tackles, because of a tendency to throw himself into the opponents back and give away dumb frees, but he has cut most of that out of his game, and been useful in both games.

 

I'm tipping he will play rd1, and at this stage he will deserve it.

28 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

Brett Phillips (also from SEN) commentated on Thursday night and he too was very good.

 

Apologies, thought it was the same person, but either way, a giant step up from Dwayne.

2 minutes ago, Wiseblood said:

He will be far better than both Hunt and Wagner for a start.  Good to give them some game time but still a fair way off the pace.  Lumumba will add run, good defensive capabilities and experience to that back 6, which is fine by me.

Hunt showed nothing today to suggest he's a capable league player. He had an opportunity in the last qtr to show his dash when the back flank but instead handballs over the Skips head.

If his speed is a weapon, why isn't he using it?

Just now, McQueen said:

Hunt showed nothing today to suggest he's a capable league player. He had an opportunity in the last qtr to show his dash when the back flank but instead handballs over the Skips head.

If his speed is a weapon, why isn't he using it?

I thought the same thing. I haven't seen much of Hunt, but am yet to see any of his much vaunted speed whatsoever. Would like to see him back himself and use it a bit more, if that is indeed his big point of difference as a footballer.

I don't understand Hunt getting a game ahead of Stretch and ANB.