Anyone know how many rotations we had?
Well, I made it to the game. But I was with my 2 year old for his first ever game of footy so I missed most of what happened on field. Importantly he had a good time running around after a little footy and enjoying the grassy spaces. He also seemed to take a liking to Parker (excellent taste, hey!?). We left during the last quarter as the rain began to pelt down. Was able to see Dawson and Leonardis get touches of the ball and cheered them on.
From the glimpses I got, I, like many others, thought Towers went alright. Nobody especially stood out. Was disappointed with the disposal overall. I hope it's not going to be "de ja vu all over again" this year. Actually, despite the many disappointing games last year (none worse than the Hawks and Tigers matches - both of which I was at), in hindsight I am appreciating the outcome more. A top four finish and a narrow loss to Freo while we were missing 4 of our best players is very respectable. I don't think this will be our year but feel more positive that there is hope than that dull, horrible taste that lingered well into last year after the 2014 GF.
I thought Blacktown was an OK venue. Like someone else said - great surface and facilities and agree we need to take some games west for our supporters there (and I live in the east).
I will be impressed if Nankervis ever makes it as a steady AFL player (because it is tough and he is not that big and quite slow) but he does have great footy skills. I saw a couple of deft touches from him that made me smile.
Gotta run - my two year old wails.
I agree with many of the comments here about who went well. I'd just like to add a bit of praise for Reg though, who I thought was pretty solid.
Today's a draft of your epitaph
If you watched yesterdays game and the games jack played in last year he's not set the world on fire or anything he was ordinary. He's not the greatest kick in the world particularly into forward 50. I think Dawson has more upside than BJ and can see him develop into a Shaun Burgoyne role for us in a few years
Apples and pears. A small mid v a mid sized forward.
We have them where we want them, everything is going according to plan!
Couldn't make the game due to illness but watched all of live and a bit more today..
Comments pretty much reflect what was said before really
* Nothing from Hewett to suggest he won't be ready for Round 1
* Mills looks the goods and I'd have him off HBF for this year, I like his crisp disposal and he seems to always have a lot of time. He still had one look and dropped a ball; he'll need to get rid of that real quick though but I'm sure he will
* Towers looked good and I'd say he'll start every game available this year, like his movement and leap
* Dawson was a "good new story" but Dunstall overplayed it up a bit I think, look forward to having a closer look at him at Drummoyne though
* Nankervis I like but I fear he just isn't quite AFL standard
* Jake Lloyd looks set for a good year, we need players like him to step up
Not a bad hit out I guess, hard to read too much into it
I agree MP that Mills looked good off halfback, but now it's a matter of how to fit everyone in. The consensus seems to be that both Talia and Laidler had good games. So we still have Ted, Rohan, Zak Jones and Macca to fit in the side, all of whom have been slated to go into the back six at times. There is also a bit of love for Nic Newman, who is yet to play and would need to be elevated.
I wouldn't get down on Nankervis just yet. Ruckmen take time to develop, especially Mummyesque types. I'm not expecting him to get up to AFL standard for another 3 or 4 years. The career of a number 1 ruckman doesn't seem to get going until age 24 or so. For example, Matt Lobbe was 24 before getting a full time gig and he was a highly touted 1st round pick who has lived up to his billing.
I've been a fan of Hewett from the start, but still have trouble fitting him into the best 22. We also don't know what the story will be with McGlynn and whether he slots into the senior side if he's fully fit. I'd like to see Hewett get at least 7 or 8 games this year.
I forgot to mention Laidler, I just love the way he goes about things.
For me the backline of Smith Ted Laidler Rampe Reg and Mills looks pretty solid.
I'd have Jack Parker and Rohan if fit across the centreline with a forward line of Towers Franklin McVeigh Reid Tippett Heeney
With a starting onball brigade of Sinclair, JPK Hanneberry that leaves the bench and I'd be going for Lloyd, Hewett and Harry C for sure but just not sure about the last spot. Zak Jones needs to come on well this year but Mills may well take his spot. I'm a huge Benny fan but has father time caught up with him? Talia hasn't overly impressed me yet and he's not a bench style player anyway as we can always swing Reid down back for am injury. I'd lean towards McGlynn pending fitness
I thought Talia played well. He had 11 possessions at 100% DE. He plays an aggressive attacking game for a key defender.
I also think Tom Mitchell will hold his spot despite some poor disposal. He's just too big a possession winner. There's still plenty to play out in the preseason before we'll know about those final few spots.
I had the impression watching on TV that Towers jumped out of the stalls and had an excellent first half. TV can be deceptive, but he didn't seem to be so visible after half time. One of the things that has held him back was his knack of coming in and out of games.
Any thought? was my perception at the weekend wrong? Hope so.
Mills gonna be well worth all the Eddie hate etc of the last couple of years. Mitchell never to play seconds again, barring any rehab requirements.
If Dunstall and his mates had stopped talking about how the coming storm and associated lightning (which never eventuated) was going to have them leave the field, we may have heard some genuine commentary. Sad to see a great game getting better every year, and the descriptions getting even more abysmal.
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