DiscoStu17

No 50m for Bowey?

We’ll see how much it means in the next 30min. They can do it if they want to.

Petty been on the bench for 1 1/2 quarters?

These chase down push-in-the-backs are rubbish. Before the 1980s, the push in the back rule was almost exclusively for marking or tackling people on the ground. So they didn’t get jumped on with peoples knees etc. The way it’s interpreted at the moment just doesn’t make any sense. You’re trying to affect the kick. It’s not like it’s causing any lasting damage.

More seagulls than people?

Block your ears. Turn away. It is the path to the dark side…

Absolutely. He should’ve stuck to his guns. There is more than enough evidence to support his claim. I understand keeping a lid on the umpire criticism, but The Corporation should not be immune from criticism. They are not the CCP.

Lowered expectations?

Yeah, nah. Not 20 Definitely not 22. Or 35, or 14, Not overly fond of 25 or 19 either There must be one that’s okay? Maybe? Can anyone think of one?

No maybes about Ess though. They are absolutely charred.

Actively going for North and Saints today

Yeah. They’re cooked. Maybe.

Don’t mind that - they showed they can have the game on their terms – it should’ve been over at three-quarter time. They dominated for 3/4 of it, but they really need something done about their kicking for goal.

Some very annoying kicking for goal but at least it’s down the right end. Sparrow’s tackling looks like it could be contagious - there’s been a bit more desperation.

I think he’s still on the injury list. McAdam was supposed to be playing but must be a late withdrawal. All the AFL emergencies are playing, so hopefully they don’t need them. sparrows State of mind seems to be a lot better today. Maybe eating some raw meat etc. Should be a long way further in front, but connection into the forward line could be better. There has been a few nice transfers and Marks so far though. At least we have a midfield today.

Still think Bergman will be a better bet than Houston.

Ratugolea - how many kgs?

We all have our technological challenges 😀

I think he might surprise us. The VFL team is a dog’s breakfast. Everyone is playing their own game with little sharing. That has come from players being dropped without actually playing. On the weekend he was able to hit Sestan in space over the shoulder under pressure. Last week it was from the bottom of the pack to Fullarton for a shot on goal. He is making good decisions and may offer more than first thought.

This has not been the case recently. Fullarton has been starting in ruck for 20+ minutes then Verrall gets 5min at the end of the quarter. They’re obviously trying to see if Fullarton can do the role with more exposure, but all it’s doing is stuffing up Verrall’s development and the clearances.

I’ve said it before, but Bryan won almost all of these hitouts against Fullarton and Brown. Verrall won 8/13 against him in the first half. He is ok, but not better than we already have.

I don’t think his fitness is a problem anymore. He seems to be moving much better this year and the injury issues are largely behind him. He dominated the SA u18 comp as a 15-16 year old but then had 2 1/2 years of osteitis and back issues. I think he also won the highest jump at the combine (with Weddle). But just leaping in the ruck doesn’t work when they can just push you away - it’s all about strength at the moment. Until they change the rules again.

Bryan’s going so well they brought in Goldstein instead. He won a lot of hitouts against Casey last week, however 99% were against Fullarton. Bryan had 13 contests with Verrall in the first half - Verrall won 8 of them. I’m sure they’re giving Fullarton every opportunity as he is more experienced but he cannot control the centre square. As no1 ruck this week Verrall had 45 hitouts, 7 clearances and 20 possessions. I don’t think he’s quite ready for a regular role yet but he’s damn near the same as Bryan, and as good or better than several who are masquerading in AFL at the moment.

They seem less likely to use Lingers in a major attacking role since the hawks tagged him to great effect 2 years ago. Most of the time he is used negatively or as the +1 at the contest, so doubtful if he gets much statistical recognition. From the half I saw, it looks like we were mauled in post clearance possession as we were always 2nd to the party. Freo could make up any zone on the fly and run receivers through it, or run out to space. Can’t midfielders tell where the ball is going from the hand/arm of the ruck anymore? You don’t need to stand next to someone else and be reactive to them - you can stand 10m away, even on the opposite side of the contest. As long as you can read the tap and reach the contest zone at speed.

To some extent, our midfield has been spoilt by having Max, who will not always deliver it on a platter, but just does not ever get beaten. Not sure if they have a Plan B for when the opposition gets the tap?