POST GAME: Rd 04 vs Sydney

[DV8 2,271]

43 minutes ago, BAMF said:

It's hard to tell how much of Preuss decline during the match was injury or endurance.He had absolutely zero tank at while at North.

I won't be expecting him to kick 2 goals every week. He will be very inconsistent and frustrate a lot until he can build his tank.

I'd be happy to play Preuss 2 games running,  then rest him for Keilty of tSmith...  play one of these guys for a week or two,  and bring in the Preuss again for another couple. Based on match-ups.

I think having him in for a couple, then rest... might stop opposition coaches from putting to much study in on him, and our combo.. shuffle them around a bit.

Keeps our balance fresh and alternating. rather than becoming predictable vanilla.

[Demon Dynasty 15,202]

1 hour ago, leave it to deever said:

He played well but ironically so did Olir Olir.....the size differences were very noticeable and on a lesser defender it could be very interesting as well as freeing up the others. A crumber would be handy like an inform Garlett.

There aren't many of AA's size / height with the pace to match Deever.  Pruess is a very tough match up playing deep out of the goal square.

[Demon Dynasty 15,202]

59 minutes ago, DV8 said:

I'd be happy to play Preuss 2 games running,  then rest him for Keilty of tSmith...  play one of these guys for a week or two,  and bring in the Preuss again for another couple. Based on match-ups.

I think having him in for a couple, then rest... might stop opposition coaches from putting to much study in on him, and our combo.. shuffle them around a bit.

Keeps our balance fresh and alternating. rather than becoming predictable vanilla.

Fair enough DV.

In a highly settled successful team where everyone knows their role (with only 1 or 2 exceptions in non-key positions), against some very ordinary opp with Pruess having already played half a season and needing to be managed....maybe.  In OUR super unsettled generally ineffective forward line till now (without Pruess) i think that would just unsettle the mids/HBs coming i50 even further.  When our mids/HBs (& Maxy) look up/and scan the i50 horizon, they need to be seeing familiar options presenting themselves so they have outlets, especially when under pressure (which in today's footy is most of the time).

Pruess is an easy target/outlet to spot as a last resort (or when on a mis-match if there is an obvious one spotted by the ball carrier) offering a foil for T-Daddy & Weids deep in the square.  In theory this will allow T-Daddy & Weids to work into a bit of room from 30 to 50 meters or just outside the ARC, while Pruess stays at home as the deep outlet option.

In other words those two need to work super hard with their lead patterns, but not inside 30.  That becomes the Pruess / crumber/s ONLY zone.  This leaves room for Pruess deep and a crumber(s) to work his/their craft with a little more space within 30 meters when the ball hits the deck or for them to lead into the space created behind T-Daddy/Weids who should have lead their opponents out of the area.   And this is the danger area where most goals are scored.  Crowding this area with T-Daddy and Weids trying to cover it hasn't been working as they draw their defenders and one or two others also trying to kill the ball, making it very tricky / crowded and hampering smalls'/crumbers' ability to do their work effectively (not that we have anyone elite here...apart from Jeffy when he's hot, but why make life harder for whoever is playing that role?).

Fine tuning that down to a T will take time and plenty of practice before everyone gels to a level that will stand up under finals pressure.  Keeping it familiar and simple for all concerned is a better option IMO with the very odd occasional change up (more positional changes rather than personnel).  The positional changes will happen anyway as some are asked to cover off other's roles while they are benched / injured (such as Pruess covering for Maxy in the ruck.

Injuries will also bring personnel changes (obviously) but if there's a system and everyone knows that basic system, the person coming in can be asked to fill the role for the injured (suspended/ badly out of form etc) and play that role.  The rest of the game set up / style / general structure stays the same so it continues to look familiar to the regulars playing their roles, especially the mids/HBs as per the above.  Obviously Pruess might be harder to replace in his role above but you still bring a tall in to attempt to cover for however long he is out ...etc etc.

Edited April 13, 2019 by Rusty Nails

[Deeko2 695]

20 hours ago, binman said:

No it didn't. A classic a case of confirmation bias at work

That incident occurred half way though the second. Oscar was concussed late in the 3rd quarter (4.36 to go) in a huge spoil that repelled a Sydney inside 50. In the intervening period betwen the buddy incident and when he got concussed we played our best footy of the match, kicking of 8 of 10 goals.  And in that period Oscar worked super hard and his gut running was big factor in creating that web zone Sydney struggled so badly to penetrate.

Omac has not had a great start to the season but was ok on Friday. Not great, ok. His opponent for much of the game had one mark inside 50 for the game and a solitary point. And  had the equal high number of one per-centers with Hore (who played one more quarter than Omac). He did his job. 

I think your clutching at straws a little binman to say his gut running to assist zoning is a reason he played well. 

If this is all he is offering to the team at the moment plus some token “one per-centres” he’s on thin ice.

With the 6v6 he can’t just slide a little spoil down in front of him, he needs to really smoke it ten rows back. I’d love to see him more courageous in the air and throw himself at some contests. 

I’m not going to get into him about a couple possessions he turned it over as he’s usually fairly safe with the pill once it’s in his hands.

Hes not looking confident at the moment but I still think he will be fine within a couple years. Just not right now for me

[dieter 3,325]

20 hours ago, binman said:

No it didn't. A classic a case of confirmation bias at work

That incident occurred half way though the second. Oscar was concussed late in the 3rd quarter (4.36 to go) in a huge spoil that repelled a Sydney inside 50. In the intervening period betwen the buddy incident and when he got concussed we played our best footy of the match, kicking of 8 of 10 goals.  And in that period Oscar worked super hard and his gut running was big factor in creating that web zone Sydney struggled so badly to penetrate.

Omac has not had a great start to the season but was ok on Friday. Not great, ok. His opponent for much of the game had one mark inside 50 for the game and a solitary point. And  had the equal high number of one per-centers with Hore (who played one more quarter than Omac). He did his job. 

I agree with you entirely.

[DV8 2,271]

1 hour ago, Rusty Nails said:

Fair enough DV.

In a highly settled successful team where everyone knows their role (with only 1 or 2 exceptions in non-key positions), against some very ordinary opp with Pruess having already played half a season and needing to be managed....maybe.  In OUR super unsettled generally ineffective forward line till now (without Pruess) i think that would just unsettle the mids/HBs coming i50 even further.  When our mids/HBs (& Maxy) look up/and scan the i50 horizon, they need to be seeing familiar options presenting themselves so they have outlets, especially when under pressure (which in today's footy is most of the time).

I agree with you RE the Mids expecting the structure, and that their insights will expect that...  but the personal can change, imo.

I think we were better...  with not just Preuss,  but we had more nimble players generally across the field. 

We added a Tall, and Stretch,  Spargo,  and Wagner and Hore.

 

Our defence was more mobile,  and our Mids gave themselves a rocket...  and I suspect our half-forwards also got a rocket,  based on player efforts... if you CATch my drift.

So I think it was the 3 Talls...  that,  eased pressure on Weideman,  and allowed TMc to play higher,  with Gawn.  And I think this part helped our Mids as well.

I think the positive difference in our game was the different structure and balance.   That extra tall forward...  and the extra mobility/speed  Via Stretch, Spargo, and Wagner/Hore... the structural balance worked for us.  

Our players were under less pressure, like this, imv.

Edited April 13, 2019 by DV8

[binman 37,760]

3 hours ago, Deeko2 said:

I think your clutching at straws a little binman to say his gut running to assist zoning is a reason he played well. 

If this is all he is offering to the team at the moment plus some token “one per-centres” he’s on thin ice.

With the 6v6 he can’t just slide a little spoil down in front of him, he needs to really smoke it ten rows back. I’d love to see him more courageous in the air and throw himself at some contests. 

I’m not going to get into him about a couple possessions he turned it over as he’s usually fairly safe with the pill once it’s in his hands.

Hes not looking confident at the moment but I still think he will be fine within a couple years. Just not right now for me

I didn't say he played well.

I said:

'Omac has not had a great start to the season but was ok on Friday. Not great, ok. His opponent for much of the game had one mark inside 50 for the game and a solitary point. And  had the equal high number of one per-centers with Hore (who played one more quarter than Omac). He did his job'. 

As for one per centers i would respectfully suggest that given your 'token one per-centres' (sic)  comment that perhaps you are unaware what they actually measure. 

As per Champion data they measure tackles, spoils and shepherds. All fundamental defensive skills - in particular spoils .   And the best defenders score high in one per centers - Rance being the king. And Omac is by far and away our highest one percenter scorer. 

So again with all due respect i think you don't really get why a coach (that most on this site seem to respect) picks him week in and week out - and in that you are well and truly not alone on this site. The reason Goody picks him is he does his job. Simple. Take Thursday night - Reid was his opponent for much of the time and he was ineffectual.  

As for being more courageous in the air again you are not alone in your seeming blind spot to his courage. Omac cannot be questioned for his courage. Exhibit A is how is how he he ended up getting concussed in the Swans game. Go to the replay and watch the contest at the end if the third quarter (4.36 to go). And then tell me he isn't  'courageous in the air' or doesn't  'throw himself at some contests'.

Omac is pretty slow. He also sometimes gets out bodied (but given he is only 23 that is no shock).

But the fact is that Goodwin, a coach most on this site seem to rate and one the club has seen fit to extend his contract - picks Omac each and every week. For two full seasons. And continues to do so in his third season as coach. Leaving aside the frankly asinine suggestion that a professional AFL coach has favorites and would risk success for some weird reason such as stubbornness what does that tell you? 

I'm not sure about you but it tells me that Omac is doing the job the coach is asking him to do. So he continues to select him. Which is way good enough for me.

You are right - Omac isn't looking particularly confident at the moment. He is one of the many players who post season surgery and i expect that has impacted his preparation. . 

As Goody and other people from the club have pointed out, our all team defensive pressure in the first 3 rounds was woeful so that also makes it hard for defenders. And the entire back six has struggled (not helped by Mays lack of discipline and poor physical preparation i might add). But I expect Omac will soon get back to the his best and have little doubt he will continue to be selected.

And again i'm happy to back the judgement of a coach who I rate as perhaps the best we have had in the many years i have followed the dees. Others can please themselves and no doubt will.  

 

Edited April 13, 2019 by binman

[Demon Dude 425]

OMacs a battler and always will be. I doubt he gets a game once Lever and May get up and running but that could still be a while yet. His lack of speed, strength, coordination and intercept marking means he is well and truly towards the back of the pack when it comes to KPDs around the league imo.

[dee-tox 4,772]

4 hours ago, Deeko2 said:

I think your clutching at straws a little binman to say his gut running to assist zoning is a reason he played well. 

If this is all he is offering to the team at the moment plus some token “one per-centres” he’s on thin ice.

With the 6v6 he can’t just slide a little spoil down in front of him, he needs to really smoke it ten rows back. I’d love to see him more courageous in the air and throw himself at some contests. 

I’m not going to get into him about a couple possessions he turned it over as he’s usually fairly safe with the pill once it’s in his hands.

Hes not looking confident at the moment but I still think he will be fine within a couple years. Just not right now for me

OMac needs Anthony Ingerson at the club to show him how forwards should earn their kicks. Accidentally sliding into their hamstrings. Punching them around the ears. Corked thighs, courage in the air, etc. Guy is too nice, too passive.

Edited April 13, 2019 by dee-tox

[RedLegs23 812]

What i will say about Spargo...

He's very good in just being composed, steady & patient in traffic. Some really good decisions in-tight tonight. Exactly what we need from him. + a little more.

Harmes' importance is increasing. Nice hands, goalkicker. Disposals looked to have improved, also.

Don't be fooled by Patracca's disposal count... he was super efficient & clean tonight. Beautiful game kid.

Jones, you bleed red & blue. So happy for you.

Melksham, ... well, he's now just a gun. He is confidence personified & super super important. In the 'very important players to this club' kinda guy.

Max, IS the very important guy.

Hunt's looking fit. Top 3rQ... wrapped for him.

Hibb - Better, i think?

Fritsch - Better.

Oscar - Worser

Preuss - Massive guy.

Weed knows how to kick for goal... very confident & settled in approach.

 

 

Could go on.

??

[What 18,810]

'The Round so Far' on afl.com.  A 17 minute video that covered every game but ours.

[Sir Why You Little 34,406]

1 hour ago, Petraccattack said:

'The Round so Far' on afl.com.  A 17 minute video that covered every game but ours.

Last Thursday does feel a long time ago...

[Willmoy1947 3,760]

10 hours ago, dee-tox said:

OMac needs Anthony Ingerson at the club to show him how forwards should earn their kicks. Accidentally sliding into their hamstrings. Punching them around the ears. Corked thighs, courage in the air, etc. Guy is too nice, too passive.

Needs a few tats.....

[58er 5,590]

1 hour ago, Petraccattack said:

'The Round so Far' on afl.com.  A 17 minute video that covered every game but ours.

Yes noticed  that Means were in Kane's good books at last I presume!

[DV8 2,271]

10 hours ago, RedLegs23 said:

What i will say about Spargo...

He's very good in just being composed, steady & patient in traffic. Some really good decisions in-tight tonight. Exactly what we need from him. + a little more.

Totally.  His composure or urgency,  are important to us.  Hhe makes very good decisions and distributes the ball like a point guard.

 

[Deeko2 695]

16 hours ago, binman said:

I didn't say he played well.

I said:

'Omac has not had a great start to the season but was ok on Friday. Not great, ok. His opponent for much of the game had one mark inside 50 for the game and a solitary point. And  had the equal high number of one per-centers with Hore (who played one more quarter than Omac). He did his job'. 

As for one per centers i would respectfully suggest that given your 'token one per-centres' (sic)  comment that perhaps you are unaware what they actually measure. 

As per Champion data they measure tackles, spoils and shepherds. All fundamental defensive skills - in particular spoils .   And the best defenders score high in one per centers - Rance being the king. And Omac is by far and away our highest one percenter scorer. 

So again with all due respect i think you don't really get why a coach (that most on this site seem to respect) picks him week in and week out - and in that you are well and truly not alone on this site. The reason Goody picks him is he does his job. Simple. Take Thursday night - Reid was his opponent for much of the time and he was ineffectual.  

As for being more courageous in the air again you are not alone in your seeming blind spot to his courage. Omac cannot be questioned for his courage. Exhibit A is how is how he he ended up getting concussed in the Swans game. Go to the replay and watch the contest at the end if the third quarter (4.36 to go). And then tell me he isn't  'courageous in the air' or doesn't  'throw himself at some contests'.

Omac is pretty slow. He also sometimes gets out bodied (but given he is only 23 that is no shock).

But the fact is that Goodwin, a coach most on this site seem to rate and one the club has seen fit to extend his contract - picks Omac each and every week. For two full seasons. And continues to do so in his third season as coach. Leaving aside the frankly asinine suggestion that a professional AFL coach has favorites and would risk success for some weird reason such as stubbornness what does that tell you? 

I'm not sure about you but it tells me that Omac is doing the job the coach is asking him to do. So he continues to select him. Which is way good enough for me.

You are right - Omac isn't looking particularly confident at the moment. He is one of the many players who post season surgery and i expect that has impacted his preparation. . 

As Goody and other people from the club have pointed out, our all team defensive pressure in the first 3 rounds was woeful so that also makes it hard for defenders. And the entire back six has struggled (not helped by Mays lack of discipline and poor physical preparation i might add). But I expect Omac will soon get back to the his best and have little doubt he will continue to be selected.

And again i'm happy to back the judgement of a coach who I rate as perhaps the best we have had in the many years i have followed the dees. Others can please themselves and no doubt will.  

 

I wasn’t aware of this stat to be honest and was having a read of footywire to get some context.

Its a positive he is leading our club but his average per game lists him at 37 on the list and is behind nearly every fullback in the league. This is not only poor as he offers zero offensively but poor because the pill is in our defence more than every other team in the comp.  We have been the host heavily scored against team this year by far.

I’m just as disgusted in the rest of our defenders who don’t appear higher in this list. They are getting plenty of opportunity.

I know he puts his body on the line and will cop one for the team. I don’t doubt this courage at all in that regard. What I meant was courage in the air taking the intercept mark. Hes our key defender playing for the heaviest scored against team and doesn’t appear in the top 100 players of intercepts this year. I want him to back himself, mark the pill or fist it 30 yards from the contest. 

As for Goodwin picking him, what other choice does he have with the main two on the sidelines? Also, he’s clearly not rated that highly noting that even though we have the poorest kicking team in the comp (my thoughts) and the slowest, we still traded our last three first round draft picks for key defenders.... what does that tell you?

I sound like an Oscar hater and I’m really not. I’d love nothing more than him to turn it around this week and you to come back and say “told you so” but he is clearly playing his worst footy since arriving this year and it’s hard to watch. 

I want him to have a spell in the twos, learn to mark, gain some confidence and come back a better player as right now he looks like a deer in the headlights. 

I hope nothing more that he proves me wrong but I can’t see him “wowing” me anytime soon and would be surprised if he even holds his spot this week.

Edited April 14, 2019 by Deeko2

[DEE fence 4,414]

Overall I was most happy with how they responded, I got the impression this is a different team to some of the bathwater drinkers of the past. I think it is worth the investment in Oscar, as frustrating as it is. There was a time Tmac was all aerobic ability and little else and tear your hair out in frustration. He is a giraffe, but he will morph into a gorilla I am sure of it. Am not against him having a spell in the 2s but I am not in the never going to be good.

Spargo looked fresh, Stretch I was pleased to see in the side.

But as others have commented on, roving to Gawn has to be the story, we should have kicked a cricket score with our center dominance. Preuss is worth everything for the relief he gives Max, it makes Max twice as dangerous. 

I think when the history of the season is written Goodwin will put his hand up too getting the coaching a little wrong at the start of this season.

One last thing, Weed is an absolute smiling assassin, he really puts the hurt on in a tackle, forgot the name of the Swans player he buried? But even without a huge number of goals he makes his presence felt, is going from Giraffe to Gorilla very quickly.

[Pates 9,536]

So I was finally able to watch the replay yesterday, very interesting game to look at and while I’m absolutely stoked (and still a little shocked!) by the win there will be plenty for the coaching staff to analyse with the players. 

Firstly in terms of positives I personally was really happy with Preuss’s game, yes he fade but he still had a presence even when not necessarily “winning”. I think it’s worth persisting because it seems to make TMac and Weiderman appear for released. Also it means that Gawn doesn’t have to run his guts off to get to the forward line, instead he can sit in the hole outside the 50 for the oppositions “get out of trouble” kick. 

Secondly I thought Hore did some really important things, we have sorely lacked someone taking a defensive mark rather than a fist in defence. He showed great confidence in running of his man to help out teammates. 

I also thought Hunt looked at home in the forward line, he chased, he tackled, he affected contests and kicked a couple of snags. If he can get his efficiency with shots on goal a little better he definitely becomes an asset. 

Finally gotta say I was so happy to see Jones make a strong impact on the game. Both captains kicked big goals when we needed them and there is zero doubt it makes the rest of the team walk taller. 

Lots more work to be done but this win will do our confidence the world of good. 

[binman 37,760]

On 4/14/2019 at 4:37 PM, Deeko2 said:

I wasn’t aware of this stat to be honest and was having a read of footywire to get some context.

Its a positive he is leading our club but his average per game lists him at 37 on the list and is behind nearly every fullback in the league. This is not only poor as he offers zero offensively but poor because the pill is in our defence more than every other team in the comp.  We have been the host heavily scored against team this year by far.

I’m just as disgusted in the rest of our defenders who don’t appear higher in this list. They are getting plenty of opportunity.

I know he puts his body on the line and will cop one for the team. I don’t doubt this courage at all in that regard. What I meant was courage in the air taking the intercept mark. Hes our key defender playing for the heaviest scored against team and doesn’t appear in the top 100 players of intercepts this year. I want him to back himself, mark the pill or fist it 30 yards from the contest. 

As for Goodwin picking him, what other choice does he have with the main two on the sidelines? Also, he’s clearly not rated that highly noting that even though we have the poorest kicking team in the comp (my thoughts) and the slowest, we still traded our last three first round draft picks for key defenders.... what does that tell you?

I sound like an Oscar hater and I’m really not. I’d love nothing more than him to turn it around this week and you to come back and say “told you so” but he is clearly playing his worst footy since arriving this year and it’s hard to watch. 

I want him to have a spell in the twos, learn to mark, gain some confidence and come back a better player as right now he looks like a deer in the headlights. 

I hope nothing more that he proves me wrong but I can’t see him “wowing” me anytime soon and would be surprised if he even holds his spot this week.

Good post, with some well argued points.

On the 1% average his ranking this year certainly reflects the fact we both agree on that he has been down on last years's form

Bearing that out is that league wide he ranked 7th in Total One Percenters in 2018  and  8th in Total One Percenters in 2017.

On the point of goody not having other options I reckon that's a bit of a furphy. If he really didn't think he was up to it he would find an option, eg tmac back and keilty forward or petty in
  

Edited April 15, 2019 by binman

[Lucifers Hero 36,983]

Coaches Votes:

9 Max Gawn (MELB)
9 Nathan Jones (MELB)
4 Oliver Florent (SYD)
4 Clayton Oliver (MELB)
2 Jayden Hunt (MELB)
2 Christian Salem (MELB) 

Not sure we were that dominant but I'll take it.  Allir Allir and Heeny a bit unlucky to not poll.

Well done to all the guys.

Interestingly, Salem has hardly rated a mention in this thread.  He is silk but not flashy so he goes under the radar a bit.  Good to see he is attracting the coaches' eye as he has now polled their votes in 2 of the 4 games so far.  Our quiet achiever.

Edited April 15, 2019 by Lucifer's Hero

[Nasher 33,047]

1 hour ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Coaches Votes:

9 Max Gawn (MELB)
9 Nathan Jones (MELB)
4 Oliver Florent (SYD)
4 Clayton Oliver (MELB)
2 Jayden Hunt (MELB)
2 Christian Salem (MELB) 

Not sure we were that dominant but I'll take it.  Allir Allir and Heeny a bit unlucky to not poll.

Well done to all the guys.

Interestingly, Salem has hardly rated a mention in this thread.  He is silk but not flashy so he goes under the radar a bit.  Good to see he is attracting the coaches' eye as he has now polled their votes in 2 of the 4 games so far.  Our quiet achiever.

I was thinking the same thing re: Salem this afternoon. Definitely just quietly going about his business. He doesn’t have any flash tricks in his book that get players noticed, but he plays a tough brand, gets plenty of it and rarely wastes a kick. He’s had a really pleasing start to the season.

[Pates 9,536]

2 hours ago, Nasher said:

I was thinking the same thing re: Salem this afternoon. Definitely just quietly going about his business. He doesn’t have any flash tricks in his book that get players noticed, but he plays a tough brand, gets plenty of it and rarely wastes a kick. He’s had a really pleasing start to the season.

Salem would be leading our B&F in my books, he was the only one to put in solid performances in the first 3 rounds and yet again he was just silky and solid. Given the troubles he's had in the past it's great to see him playing such great footy. 

[scarlett 247]

On 4/13/2019 at 9:27 PM, DV8 said:

I agree with you RE the Mids expecting the structure, and that their insights will expect that...  but the personal can change, imo.

I think we were better...  with not just Preuss,  but we had more nimble players generally across the field. 

We added a Tall, and Stretch,  Spargo,  and Wagner and Hore.

 

Our defence was more mobile,  and our Mids gave themselves a rocket...  and I suspect our half-forwards also got a rocket,  based on player efforts... if you CATch my drift.

So I think it was the 3 Talls...  that,  eased pressure on Weideman,  and allowed TMc to play higher,  with Gawn.  And I think this part helped our Mids as well.

I think the positive difference in our game was the different structure and balance.   That extra tall forward...  and the extra mobility/speed  Via Stretch, Spargo, and Wagner/Hore... the structural balance worked for us.  

Our players were under less pressure, like this, imv.

I think we discussed this previously, i think i was on the keilty bandwagon  but were both wanting the fwd ruck. Tmac and weid both benefited from this and even there forward pressure was better. Petracca looked so much better not trying to be a bustling 3rd tall.

I still worry about Pruess and his lack of a tank especially on a bigger ground. He struggles to get to packs and contests, so if the oppo wanted to they could risk playing a skilled rebounder off him. AA butchered a few which helped us. 

On 4/14/2019 at 2:03 PM, DV8 said:

Totally.  His composure or urgency,  are important to us.  Hhe makes very good decisions and distributes the ball like a point guard.

 

I like a lot of what spargo does, he links up well, and normally hits a short safe option. But i dont see him becoming much more than what he is. He gets pushed off the ball easy and doesnt possess enough zip to be any more. No depth to his kicks and cant kick a goal from 35 out. Hoping garlett pulls his finger out hannan comes back and Chandler lockhart and bedford come on.

[scarlett 247]

1 hour ago, Pates said:

Salem would be leading our B&F in my books, he was the only one to put in solid performances in the first 3 rounds and yet again he was just silky and solid. Given the troubles he's had in the past it's great to see him playing such great footy. 

Our defense has been a shambles except salem. He's put in more than solid performances, he's stepped up again this year, the way he just puts himself in spots where he is going to crunched and just gets up should be inspiring to his team mates, then when he has the ball even under tackling pressure is more reliable by foot than a lot of his team mates.

For pick 2 back in 2014? We now have salem hunt and preuss. If pruess can gain some endurance and impact games for longer, thats better than tyson hunt and salem.

[AllMyTeamsAreWank 563]

17 hours ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Coaches Votes:

9 Max Gawn (MELB)
9 Nathan Jones (MELB)
4 Oliver Florent (SYD)
4 Clayton Oliver (MELB)
2 Jayden Hunt (MELB)
2 Christian Salem (MELB) 

Not sure we were that dominant but I'll take it.  Allir Allir and Heeny a bit unlucky to not poll.

Well done to all the guys.

Interestingly, Salem has hardly rated a mention in this thread.  He is silk but not flashy so he goes under the radar a bit.  Good to see he is attracting the coaches' eye as he has now polled their votes in 2 of the 4 games so far.  Our quiet achiever.

Wrapped to see Hunt in the votes. You get the feeling he is the sort of player that thrives on confidence. Hoping he kicks on this week.