I watched the replay, keeping in mind to pay attention to Jake Lloyd. I thought he had a great game and was one of our best. Then I checked the stats. He had 42 disposals, not only most in the game, but most for Round 18. He also gained 706 metres, not only the most in the game, but also most for the round. So the
bad stuff he did must have just been awful.
Lloyd works so hard getting himself in the best position to get the ball moving out of defence. He's involved in so much of our play. Obviously, if you're getting the ball as often as Jake, then you're likely to have a higher number of chances when something can go wrong. Next game, note how often Lloyd is in a critical position where a mistake will likely lead to a goal, but he makes the right play, and we get out of danger. Of course, it doesn't come off every time, but I suspect he's as good, or better than anyone in our side at making good decisions in tough situations, except perhaps Rampe.
I would prefer to move Lloyd to the midfield (wing) because I don't think he's a good enough defender, and would prefer someone. like Stoddart, with more pace and penetration on the kick. But he does that sweeper role well and it won't be easy to get Horse to take him out of defence, but that's something for next year.
I thought everyone played well, except McCartin. Stoddart didn't get much of the ball, but he showed a few times that he's going to be fine at AFL level. I really liked the play when he made a perfect kick to Fox on the lead, who kicked the goal. I also liked Fox's game. He did something special in a lot of areas. Made a couple of perfect tackles, took a great mark and split the posts when he had to kick a goal. I wonder if he were given a specific role every week, how well he would do.
I thought we played well and should have won, but missed easy chances. Lose by a point, win by a point, it really doesn't matter, except that if Jake Lloyd had kicked that goal and we won, everyone would be raving about just what a star he is.
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