team connections etc.

One of the things that I have been watching closely over the course of this season is the developing combinations, connections and on field relationships within the team.

All have noted the May/Lever combo and the way that they work together in the structure of the defence. When Tomlinson went down, and Petty came in they looked to work together with him to ensure he knew what he needed to do. It was similar with Bowey. The defence also has great connection with the mids, not only in defence but also in attack.

I noted early in the season how many times Hunt would run down the wing inside Langdon to support and give him an option. Later in the season it looked to me like Salem took over this role, running in support of Langdon in particular but also backing Brayshaw. In the defensive part of the ground, it was not uncommon to see Spargo pop up back there to do a job.

With the mids the connections are very obvious with Petracca and Oliver seeming to have an uncanny ability to know where the other is and to find them with a pass. Viney looks to me to be more individual in the way he plays the game. He has a very broad based game that looks to hunt the ball and then relay on reflex to get the ball to go forward player. (not sure if that makes sense)

All the mids that attend stoppages or centre bounces look to have a good connection with both Max and Luke. The connection/relationship between max and Luke is very clear. Max The Mentor and Luke soaking it all up like a sponge.

Things like ‘the wingers club’ needs a mention as I think Gus enjoys this aspect of playing the position with the contrast to Langdon.

The mids work in defence and also in the forward 50 relies on understanding when to go and when to stand out and let the specialists do their work. This was exceptional this season. Both ends really worked well.

In the forwards we have Spargo, Kossie and ANB that work together well. Kossie the spark, Spargo the steady and ANB the Spreader. All three together are better than the individuals. They just complement each other so well. AS for the talls down there, well, it took a while to come together but it was worth the wait.

This premiership game will cement the relationships within the team and the wider list and the players will realise just how important these combinations and connections are and go about understanding them and working on them and supporting team mates.

I love the way that this team is enjoying their footy this season and love the way that the whole list ha brought into the team ethos.

P.S. have watched the game replay each day at least once since last Saturday. A time goes by I am sure I will drop back to watching it just once a week. Not yet though.