Overall an impressive display, although a worrying third term when Savage and Billings tore us apart with their disposal skills and we were smashed at the clearances in that term. It was interesting to see who would step up for us when it mattered and it was general the younger brigade – Oliver, Trac and Brayshaw the stars and Bugg,  Lever and Tyson huge as well. The big difference is that for the first two terms our disposal and ball movement was so precise (almost Hawthorn of 2012-15ish) and you could see the errors unfolding for our opponents. Pleasingly, we got a reminder in the third term that you can’t ease up the intensity and even more pleasing, we stepped it up again in the last.

So many good players but here’s my take:

Oliver: Brilliant first half. Set the tempo in the middle in the first quarter and then drifted down forward and snagged a couple in the second. What are his Brownlow odds?

Petracca: Not far behind him. Big marks, big takeaway, big mistake by Saints three years ago. Lifted in the last when we needed him.

Lever: Unbelievably clean early when the heat was on and safe and sure in the final term. Does anyone now question why we paid the big bucks to get this guy?

Brayshaw: He was back tackling like he did in 2015 and he even cost a goal with one of his over-exuberant efforts. Then his final term took it to a new level - he was everywhere. After a so-so display against North, he made sure he’s in for Rd 1.

Fritsch: Skills, pace and the only question mark (his intensity) were answered early. But a quietish second half begs the question – how can he get a game ahead of ANB and Harmes if they are fit … and Bugg?

Hannan: After an ordinary sort of game against North, he stepped up big time and his pace and tackling was a feature. We know the coach loves him and on that showing, you can see why. Lock him in for Rd 1 Eddie.

Salem: I’m not totally sold on him in the guts, but he was clean and showed how dangerous he can be with a classy snag in second term. But along with Billy, he has to keep performing.

Hibberd&Melksham: The Bomber buddies must be looking forward to Rd 7 already. Melky continued to show that he is a dangerous hard-running small forward. Hibberd is a SC must. 

Maynard: OK someone has to miss out in Rd 1 and if Viney plays, it will most likely be him. But he’s courageous and a massive worker like his brother. He will play at some stage, but I suspect he’ll win the Casey B&F.

Tyson: Came back in and looked fit and smart and his first goal was Tysonesque with a nice change of direction.  Prolific in last term. Put him back in your best 22.

Stretch: Billy was everywhere in the first term and his releases were generally exceptional. He kept running and it would be tough to leave him out on that display. But if Harmes, Viney and ANB return, then it could get down to him or Salem for Rd 1.

Bugg: Showed his value in the third term. Beat his man, legged, no free and still gets up to lay a strong tackle that sees the ball spill to Jeffy to re-establish our lead. Really lifted when it counted and it will be a brave man that leaves him out Rd 1, but it could get down to Fritsch v Bugg for that last forward spot, if ANB is fit.

Garlett: A few classy intercepts and a couple of snapped goals. Not dominant but his pace adds to our forward pressure mix.

Pedersen: Brilliant early mark and long kick to set up Petracca’s first goal. Did nothing wrong and worked his butt off but hard to see playing Rd 1 if T.Mac returns.

Jetta: Not his best night, but maybe needed the run. Won’t get Motlop (he’s not there) but will get a key Cat in Rd 1.

Frost: Came on in second term and made a couple of poor kicking errors and beaten a couple of times by Bruce but lively and grew in stature in the last term.

Hunt: Not his greatest night disposal wise, but showed why he’s so dangerous and converted the sealer.

Wagner: Another handy game, but if Jordy is fit, then he looks likely to be the unlucky one to miss.

O-Mac: Was he rested after quarter time. Or injured?  He wasn’t that impressive early, but we did miss his kicking composure in the third term.

Vince: One cross field howler, but overall another strong display. Will he pick up Danger when he rests forward? That is the question.

Jones: He’ll be better for the run. Certainly not his night.

Gawn and Hoges: Our two money men missed quite a few targets early but both got better as the game wore on and did not stop running and presenting – which ultimately is what their paid to do.

Eradicate these lapses please and there’s not much time left before the opener.

We can handle a poor quarter every now but the key is to at least kick a couple of goals against the run of play or implement some kind of plan B to stop the bleeding.  We dominated the first quarter yet the Saints managed to kick 4.

In saying that, it was a positive response in the last quarter for a JLT. 

Tyson was very composed in the second half, Jesse was clinical by hand and foot and worked tirelessly throughout. His work in close was a highlight. Lever.....well.....pay him more.

Brayshaw a big plus, Jeffy better for the run and Trac has amazing vision. 

Get ready folks!!!

 

8 minutes ago, Deespicable said:

Overall an impressive display, although a worrying third term when Savage and Billings tore us apart with their disposal skills and we were smashed at the clearances in that term. It was interesting to see who would step up for us when it mattered and it was general the younger brigade – Oliver, Trac and Brayshaw the stars and Bugg,  Lever and Tyson huge as well. The big difference is that for the first two terms our disposal and ball movement was so precise (almost Hawthorn of 2012-15ish) and you could see the errors unfolding for our opponents. Pleasingly, we got a reminder in the third term that you can’t ease up the intensity and even more pleasing, we stepped it up again in the last.

So many good players but here’s my take:

Oliver: Brilliant first half. Set the tempo in the middle in the first quarter and then drifted down forward and snagged a couple in the second. What are his Brownlow odds?

Petracca: Not far behind him. Big marks, big takeaway, big mistake by Saints three years ago. Lifted in the last when we needed him.

Lever: Unbelievably clean early when the heat was on and safe and sure in the final term. Does anyone now question why we paid the big bucks to get this guy?

Brayshaw: He was back tackling like he did in 2015 and he even cost a goal with one of his over-exuberant efforts. Then his final term took it to a new level - he was everywhere. After a so-so display against North, he made sure he’s in for Rd 1.

Fritsch: Skills, pace and the only question mark (his intensity) were answered early. But a quietish second half begs the question – how can he get a game ahead of ANB and Harmes if they are fit … and Bugg?

Hannan: After an ordinary sort of game against North, he stepped up big time and his pace and tackling was a feature. We know the coach loves him and on that showing, you can see why. Lock him in for Rd 1 Eddie.

Salem: I’m not totally sold on him in the guts, but he was clean and showed how dangerous he can be with a classy snag in second term. But along with Billy, he has to keep performing.

Hibberd&Melksham: The Bomber buddies must be looking forward to Rd 7 already. Melky continued to show that he is a dangerous hard-running small forward. Hibberd is a SC must. 

Maynard: OK someone has to miss out in Rd 1 and if Viney plays, it will most likely be him. But he’s courageous and a massive worker like his brother. He will play at some stage, but I suspect he’ll win the Casey B&F.

Tyson: Came back in and looked fit and smart and his first goal was Tysonesque with a nice change of direction.  Prolific in last term. Put him back in your best 22.

Stretch: Billy was everywhere in the first term and his releases were generally exceptional. He kept running and it would be tough to leave him out on that display. But if Harmes, Viney and ANB return, then it could get down to him or Salem for Rd 1.

Bugg: Showed his value in the third term. Beat his man, legged, no free and still gets up to lay a strong tackle that sees the ball spill to Jeffy to re-establish our lead. Really lifted when it counted and it will be a brave man that leaves him out Rd 1, but it could get down to Fritsch v Bugg for that last forward spot, if ANB is fit.

Garlett: A few classy intercepts and a couple of snapped goals. Not dominant but his pace adds to our forward pressure mix.

Pedersen: Brilliant early mark and long kick to set up Petracca’s first goal. Did nothing wrong and worked his butt off but hard to see playing Rd 1 if T.Mac returns.

Jetta: Not his best night, but maybe needed the run. Won’t get Motlop (he’s not there) but will get a key Cat in Rd 1.

Frost: Came on in second term and made a couple of poor kicking errors and beaten a couple of times by Bruce but lively and grew in stature in the last term.

Hunt: Not his greatest night disposal wise, but showed why he’s so dangerous and converted the sealer.

Wagner: Another handy game, but if Jordy is fit, then he looks likely to be the unlucky one to miss.

O-Mac: Was he rested after quarter time. Or injured?  He wasn’t that impressive early, but we did miss his kicking composure in the third term.

Vince: One cross field howler, but overall another strong display. Will he pick up Danger when he rests forward? That is the question.

Jones: He’ll be better for the run. Certainly not his night.

Gawn and Hoges: Our two money men missed quite a few targets early but both got better as the game wore on and did not stop running and presenting – which ultimately is what their paid to do.

I missed the third qtr but I thought N Jones was pretty good.

Great summary otherwise.

Great summary Deespicable

Ins. Lewis.  tmcd.   Viney if fit

outs for me are Wagner. pedersen bugg. Fritsch or Hannan Maynard 

round 1

jetta. Omcd. Lever

hubberd. Frost. Lewis

salem. Viney  Hunt

melksham. Tmcd. Petracca

garlett. Hogan. Hannan/Fritsch 

gawn jones oliver 

brayshaw vince tyson Stretch 

emerg. Hannan/Fritsch Maynard Pedersen 

Potentially we have Viney, ANB, Tmac, Harmes and Lewis to come in for round one. Watching the game I thaught Bugg, Wagner and Maynard looked a bit off the pace but wern't totally bad. Bugg can't kick. Is Vince an automatic selection for round 1 ? We played 24 I think so that is 5 more to come in with 3 dropped which leaves 4 more for to be dropped. Interesting times for selection crew.

Pre-season or not, but am I the only one who thought Bernie probably played his best game in nearly two years? Looked in great touch tonight.

Just now, dl4e said:

Potentially we have Viney, ANB, Tmac, Harmes and Lewis to come in for round one. Watching the game I thaught Bugg, Wagner and Maynard looked a bit off the pace but wern't totally bad. Bugg can't kick. Is Vince an automatic selection for round 1 ? We played 24 I think so that is 5 more to come in with 3 dropped which leaves 4 more for to be dropped. Interesting times for selection crew.

Very nice to have the problem!

Where is Joe boy?

Round 1 (presuming Viney isn't fit)

FB: Lever OMac Jetta

HB: Lewis Frost Hibberd

C: Hunt Oliver Salem

HF: Petracca TMac Melksham

FF: Fritsch Hogan Garlett

R: Gawn Jones Tyson

INT: Brayshaw Vince Stretch Hannan

EMG: Pederson Maynard Bugg Wagner

 

EDIT: Just realised I forgot about ANB and Harmes. The 22 will be tough to decide this season!

Edited March 8, 20187 yr by Demon Jack

1 minute ago, Demon Jack said:

Round 1 (presuming Viney isn't fit)

FB: Lever OMac Jetta

HB: Lewis Frost Hibberd

C: Hunt Oliver Salem

HF: Petracca TMac Melksham

FF: Fritsch Hogan Garlett

R: Gawn Jones Tyson

INT: Brayshaw Vince Stretch Hannan

EMG: Pederson Maynard Bugg Wagner

No ANB??

Nice hit out

Wasn't too worried by the fad out, looks like a few rotations. Frosty appready out of no where in the 2nd qtr.

I personally enjoyed watching the bottom 15 players. Liked the look of Stretch, Fritsch and Wagner. While not going to be super stars, played their roles and did nice things.

My big call for 2018 is - unless Tyson fixes his disposal he'll be playing with Casey for 2018. Harmes, Nibbler, Tmac and Viney come in to that side for me. Bugg has also showed something this pre seaons

Edited March 8, 20187 yr by Unleash Hell

Official AFL site report has O-Mac listed as injured (back tightness). Hopefully just precautionary, as back issues can be a tough thing to shake. 

round 1??
B: Jetta - O Mac - Hibberd
HB: Vince - Lever - Lewis
C: Jones - Salem - Hunt
HF: Petracca - Hogan - Melksham
F: Fritsch - T Mac - Garlett
Foll: Gawn - Oliver - Viney
I/c: Harmes - Tyson - Hannan - ANB
Emerg: Brayshaw - Stretch - Frost - Pedersen

there's a lot of tough decisions to be made if everyone is fit

Just now, Demon77 said:

No ANB??

I just realised I forgot about him. Probably comes in at the expense of a Stretch or Hannan. 

Harmes is another I forgot to consider.

Just now, Demon Jack said:

I just realised I forgot about him. Probably comes in at the expense of a Stretch or Hannan. 

Harmes is another I forgot to consider.

Lol, I just read the edited version of your post, I also forgot Harmes. Good luck selectors!!

1 minute ago, Demon Jack said:

I just realised I forgot about him. Probably comes in at the expense of a Stretch or Hannan. 

Harmes is another I forgot to consider.

Is there more than one Stretch?  

7 minutes ago, Demon Jack said:

I just realised I forgot about him. Probably comes in at the expense of a Stretch or Hannan. 

Harmes is another I forgot to consider.

At the moment he comes in for Jones.

That was a practice match in the truest sense of the word.

We wont want to bring those lapses into the season proper. Geelong will do what they did to us last year if we do that again. They will hang with us during our best footy and put a gap between us with when we go to sleep.

Jack and Jordie  hopefully will bring more leadership back to the midfield when they get back.

3 minutes ago, Demon_spurs said:

At the moment he comes in for Jones.

I agree with you and that will make for some very interesting selection discussion over the next couple of weeks.

Jones had a very ordinary game with few effective touches. I hope that he is improved by the run.

14 minutes ago, Demon Jack said:

Round 1 (presuming Viney isn't fit)

FB: Lever OMac Jetta

HB: Lewis Frost Hibberd

C: Hunt Oliver Salem

HF: Petracca TMac Melksham

FF: Fritsch Hogan Garlett

R: Gawn Jones Tyson

INT: Brayshaw Vince Stretch Hannan

EMG: Pederson Maynard Bugg Wagner

 

EDIT: Just realised I forgot about ANB and Harmes. The 22 will be tough to decide this season!

Stretch Hannan ( very unlucky ) out 

ANB Harmes ( very lucky ) in 

Frost ?

Viney ( who goes ?  ) 

Tough selection - Great Problem !! 

Hopefully translates to a Great year !!! 

1 minute ago, CHF said:

I agree with you and that will make for some very interesting selection discussion over the next couple of weeks.

Jones had a very ordinary game with few effective touches. I hope that he is improved by the run.

He does however have some credit in the bank

You could tell from the moment the 3rd quarter started we were flat after half time and stuffing around with the ball. Bernie - who was otherwise excellent all night - started doing all sorts of dinky kicks. The midfield couldn't win a clearance. The backline started bombing it in and the forwards weren't defending at all well.

I don't really care that we came out flat thinking or knowing we were ready for round 1 and in some ways it made the 4th quarter a better test to play the game out. What kills me is that we can't bottle it up once we've started poorly.

You have a bad 5 minutes and give away a couple of goals to start a quarter - every team does - but then you have to find a way to get control of the footy. Take the pace out of the game and switch the ball around a bit and get numbers to the contest. 

Every team has bad quarters. The difference between the good, the bad and the ugly is shutting those quarters down and getting back in the game.

5 minutes ago, Demon_spurs said:

He does however have some credit in the bank

I also agree with that. 

1 hour ago, Demon17 said:

So who says they learnt from last year?

 If this was a real match the team blew % building opportunity.  

Unhappy.  Talk is cheap guys.  No wonder we aren't ' trusted ' yet.

FFS Its a pre-season game. Lot of experimenting going on. Lighten up.