VFL Games 2026

[Ocker]

I thought that Bowman was being tried as a small defender in the 2nds. I haven't seen enough of the 2nds to form an opinion on him, but if he is ever to be tried before delisting, now is the time.

[BRS328]

I thought that Bowman was being tried as a small defender in the 2nds. I haven't seen enough of the 2nds to form an opinion on him, but if he is ever to be tried before delisting, now is the time.

He has had an injury interrupted season but is starting to play well in the VFL team I know he is rated by the coaches so highly unlikely he will be delisted at season end.
A big risk bringing in first gamers at this time of the season however some times you have no choice

[wolftone57]

That was a hard fought win over what was a much more experienced side, with good signs from virtually all of our AFL-listed players. I feel one key move was putting Dattoli into the center - we lost clearances by 17 in the first half but only by -4 in the second half with Cleary, Shipley and Dattoli allowing us to break even.
3 votes - Cootee. Outstanding performance given the conditions, working hard in both directions and clean with his disposals.
2 - Dattoli. Dangerous forward in the first half applying pressure and taking his chances, then excellent in close in the second half, winning the most clearances on the ground.
1 - Kyle. Clean and composed coming out of defence and worked hard positioned beatifully to intercept.

Snell had another good game in defence, and Green solo rucked and improved as the game went on, though he should have converted at least one of his shots.
Henry Meaney in his first game in the VFL looked like he belonged, I was more impressed by this game than others at U18 level where he has been more productive.

I think Datoli and Cootee should both play AFL next week, alternating between forward and midfield. We need help in the mids as wed end up losing the mids battle. Maybe it is Benny Matthews, needs to look at our stoppage positioning. It has been a problem all the way through and has not improved under Cox.

[bandwagon]

v. Essendon @ Windy Hill
Q1 4.2 v 4.2
As the score suggests a nice even game, and roughly even numbers of AFL listed players. Bombers are dominant in the ruck which has allowed them a few quick breaks out of the center. Good pressure from us, though our delivery into 50 could improve.

[bandwagon]

HT 7.8 v 10.4
Our pressure and accurate kicking have allowed us to push ahead, but Essendon are definitely not out of it. Cleary looks so good at this level - especially on a small ground, wonder if they will rest him as the senior emergency? El Hawli looks a decent player - Essendon must be doing well if he cant get a game in the firsts...

[bandwagon]

3QT 11.12 v 13.6
McLean (concussion?) & Hanily (foot) off injured at half time and Essendon pushing hard, should be a cracking last quarter.

[Dow]

cracking game

[Sandridge]

My spy at the ground says Sheldrick and Co. Warner have been hurt too and we virtually don't have anyone on the bench!

[Dow]

wow the wheels completely fell off in the last quarter - missing a couple is to much it seems

[bandwagon]

wow the wheels completely fell off in the last quarter - missing a couple is to much it seems

FT 18.17 v 15.8
Yeah we got beaten up in that last quarter. We were smashed in the ruck all game, I'm amazed we only lost the clearances 40-37, it just felt they got a lot more clean possessions out of the middle. However my biggest disappointment was our delivery into F50 - towards the start of the last quarter Cleary and then Sheldrick delivered shocking kicks to the advantage of the defender, who both times immediately rebounded and Essendon scored a goal. So deflating.
Still, we play finals, hopefully we get Ladhams back and are competitive.

3votes - Cleary. 29 disposals, 16 tackles, 9 clearances and a goal. Relentless workrate and a fixture at center bounces.
2 votes - Sutton. A storming first half, shame he couldn't back it up in the 2nd.
1 vote - Andrew - 'cos why not? Not amazing, but his best games since coming back from injury. Will it be enough to ensure we see him again next year?

Of the rest - Mclean was quiet before being injured; Cunningham worked hard, but his kicking seemed off; Rosas was terribly fumbly early but improved; Sheldrick was busy without really standing out; Phillipou doesn't get much ball, but kicked two outstanding goals; Bowman was a bit meh; Corey Warner was good defensively; Hanily looked good before his injury and Snell worked well with Andrew but was ultimately overwhelmed by the one-sided i50's.

[rickmat]

I was wondering what happened to McLean. Concussed so out for a week at least. Can anyone enlighten me as to the non appearance of Melican in the VFL game? He was dropped from the seniors but didn't play in the VFL. No mention of him being injured!!!!