Which of is something of a comment on the observational skills, of the commentary pairing, that we often get doing NEAFL games. I made a mental note, of when it occurred to them that Cameron was missing. It was around four or five minutes into the final quarter. I think that they also identified at least three toppies as Kilpatrick.
Im not so sure on Thurlow going out. I found it interesting that the commentators on Friday night alluded to the fact that he actually has very good reputation of disposing of the ball and that this would come with confidence and game time. It would be unusual for someone to lose that skill but it wouldnt be unusual for it to be a little rusty after limited game time.
The guys you refer to are in my view very raw and we dont want a team made up completely of players like this.
Do I not want to see these three improve? Of course I do. McInerney, in particular, has impressed me hugely at NEAFL level with his combination of pace, skill, competitiveness and willingness to take the game on.
Do I think this has to happen by the end of this season? No, not particularly. None of them is particularly developed physically, and they all have plenty to learn about the game. I don't think the rest of this year (and even next) spent predominantly in the NEAFL team will indicate a failure in their development.
Also, they are also similar players in the sense that the roles they are likely to play in the senior team are pretty similar. They'd each bring something slightly different, but nonetheless, they'd essentially play on the outside, at least at this stage in their careers. Hoping one of the three might see extended time in the senior team is one thing. Expecting all three to? I don't think so.
Thurlow, especially, plays a quite different role. He's one who I hope will give the coaches confidence to release Mills further forward, particularly if he continues to settle and improve as he has over the last couple of matches. Fox and Jack are playing less defined, "utility" roles, but they still have the physical attributes to provide something more "inside" than any of the three younger players are currently capable of.
Cameron's injury is a calf strain.
NEAFL: Amartey relishes run in ruck - sydneyswans.com.au
The upcoming NEAFL game at Metricon against the Suns now starting at 11am instead of 11:30am
Gold Coast SUNS (7th) v Sydney Swans (3rd) at Metricon Stadium, 11am
Click here for live stream
GOLD COAST
B: 13. C Ah Chee 21. J Leslie 45. J Dawson
HB: 17. C Ellis 46. C Graham 43. J McLennan
C: 42. C Nutting 35. M Rischitelli 36. J Schoenfeld
HF: 47. S Fletcher 12. S Day 33. G Horlin-Smith
F: 56. R Gilmore 32. B Crossley 57. J Mentha
R: 22. T Nicholls 40. J Heron 7. W Brodie
Int: 53. R Buckland 55. C Joyce 54. L McDonald 49. M Selsby 50. E Semaan
Emg: 51. B Deslandes
In: 33. George Horlin-Smith 13. C Ah Chee 47. S Fletcher 32. B Crossley 55. C Joyce 49. M Selsby 50. E Semaan 53. R Buckland 57. J Mentha
Out: 29. Chris Burgess (AFL) 34. Ben King (AFL) 38. Jesse Joyce (AFL) 47. Hewago Paul Oea (Allies) 49. Alex Davies (Allies) 53. Connor Budarick (Allies) 55. Josh Gore (Allies) 48. Fitzroy Greenwool (unavailable)
New: 49. M Selsby
SYDNEY
B: 52. J Pawle 47. T Pink 33. R Stoddart
HB: 51. R Barkley 55. H Maguire 53. K McKellar
C: 32. J Bell 49. C Kilpatrick 25. B Ronke
HF: 16. Z Foot 45. S Wicks 8. J Rowbottom
F: 19. M Ling 46. J Amartey 2. D Menzel
R: 17. D Cameron 27. J McInerney 1. J Rose
Int: 56. N Brewer 48. K Martin 54. L Swaney 57. T Tyson 59. R van Huisstede
Emg: N/A.
In: 48. K Martin 57. T Tyson 59. R van Huisstede 55. H Maguire
Out: 4. R Clarke (AFL) 31. H Reynolds (injured) 55. S Gaden (Academy)
New: 48. K Martin
Thanks Ugg. Hope Reynolds injury isn't related to the knee he had operated on before we drafted him.
ugg, I miss your former match previews. Even if you no longer have time to collate and post all the stats and recent history, I'd be glad for just a paragraph of your thoughts and comments.
I guess my comment would be as follows:
The swans will have a solid challenge, especially if some of the players listed as emergencies for the seniors stay in sydney tonight. Having said that it does look like there are a whole bunch of toppies for gold coast who may be first gamers. The swans toppies on the other hand are experienced campaigners who fit well in to the swans neafl side. In my view the game will be won or lost around how the toppies perform. If the swans listed players can inspire and encourage the toppies through their play and leadership I actually think the swans can win this one. As always it is the senior players in a team who must guide the least experienced.
I agree that the toppies are the weak link in both sides and it is through the weakest link that games are often lost. Looking at the numbers I see GC having seven toppies and the Swans ten so even if ours are a little more experienced I think we are going to find it tough to win on their home ground.
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