My thoughts on last night's game.
We finally played a 4 quarter game. I was dreading which quarter we would let them kick 4 or 5 goals in a row but we didn't. I thought at times when we were challenged we rose and went up a cog and fought back. Our leaders in Viney and Gawn were really pivotal in doing this.
Our connection forward of centre was much better. But it still needs work. Unfortunately Tmac started off in 2018 form and then was done for for the night which lead Weideman to compete and crash which I thought he really well. At one stage in the 3rd he drew about 5 GC blokes and crashed the pack which lead to Viney setting up a goal.
Defence was really strong. I thought Omac played like he had a point to prove, he looked quick and more reactive and wasn't afraid to take the game on. Took a goal saving mark in the last where he positioned himself well. Lever showed glimpse of getting back to his best, he too took a goal saving mark in the last 5 minutes as well. May completely shut down Ben King, though some of his kicking was very sloppy.
Unfortunately our kick out are so predictable. Bang on Maxy head on the left side of the ground. Goody needs to rectify this immediately because we've done this every week.
Just one some players,
Weideman - Leave him in Goodwin. He's exactly what we've missed the past few weeks and he draws at least 2 defenders for his ability to jump and crash packs. Should take confidence out of this game.
Bennell - Again, just bloody leave him in the team Goody! When others seemed rush, he slowed time down when he had the ball and showed glimpse of his class from his 2014/2015 years when he was elite. Bloody excites me that he could potentially get back to his elite self again.
Hannah - Mr clutch. Becoming renown as someone who stands up in the critical moments with a goal or a tackle. His pressure was immense and while he didn't get much of the ball, he's always involved making defenders nervous. His delivery to Weideman was just pure.
Gawn - A real captain and workhorse game. I ready some crazy stat that he only spent like 5 minutes on the bench for the whole game. Surely he's AA form again.
Viney - Back to the Viney we know. Played angry and it showed in his performance. His delivery was so much better and he lowered his eyes which set up a couple of goals. Well done Vines.
Petracca - Look honestly I was disappointed with Petraccas game. Yes he kicked a good clutch goal but he played too much Hollywood football for my liking. Majority of the night he rushed his kicking when the likes of Oliver and Viney were taking time with the ball. Hopefully he cleans this up next week because he still showed glimpse what a superstar he could become. Just needs to tighten up on those loose screws.
Pickett - Again, didn't get a lot of the ball but his pressure was simply immense. He had 4 goal assists and just does those little things like the knock on to Frietsch for the goal and the checkside to Bennell and you just know there's class there to work with. His set up to Harmes was a delicious. Kind of player you know that if you keep playing he'll get better and have a break out game.
Special shout out to Vanders, Langdon, Salem, Oliver and Hibbered who all played really good games and had vital moments in the game.