Watched the whole game at Arden Street - first personal look at the VFL side this season. Notwithstanding the quality of the opposition, the things that stood out to me were:
- JVR: echo much of what is said here. Has speed, hits up hard, good below his knees, plays a team game with smart handball, watches the ball, competes strongly whatever his position in the contest, good smarts, hands and nice kick. They may want to have a look at him at senior level if he can produce consistently. Definitely excited about this guy.
- Bedford: everywhere, linking up, tackling, and the blistering speed, plus some good finishes - too good for this level.
- Dunstan: also too good for this level, doing in on the bit - excellent in traffic and good disposal (the knock on him at St Kilda)
- Weid: On the positive, worked hard (as always), crumbed a few, and noticeably, to me at least, he was launching in packs - if he could clunk half the ones he gets good hands on he would be a champ, plus still pushed off the ball a bit too easy, although not as much as last season. Its the same knock on him... Not have Mitch Brown in the forward line gave him much better looks IMO.
- Laurie: agree with the Spargo comparison but probably quicker, cleaner, better kick? Very skilled.
- Majak: had a picnic today, sentimentally, be good to see him get a game at AFL level, but obviously not as a result of injuries to Max or Jackson - a rest for Max at some stage???
- Woewodin, Deakin Smith, McVee, Rosman all did some good things.
Noticeable overall was the tackle intensity, strength around the ball. At the last huddle Corrigan was continually reinforcing the 'play your role' mantra.