NAB cup rnd 2. Saints vs Swans Game Thread.

[andyn]

Forward line isn't even near complete so I wouldn't be too worried at this stage. With Bradshaw and White (who only played a very small part of the game) up forward, a lot of the formations they've played around with in the past two games will change. Goodes will go back to where he should play. I was impressed that we matched it with the saints given that they had both key forward targets playing, and we were playing 'try outs.' I thought Beven played well. LRT, Marty and Teddy were great

[baskin]

Not sure what the fuss about Seaby's kick is all about. In a real game it is what you want him to do. Do we want players going into the main season ready to play the real rules or Andy's dinky NAB cup nonsense. I know which I'd prefer. I wonder more about the IQ of those who have their knickers in a knot about Seaby's tactics. I was at the game, it had lots of up sides to it, and in the end we really won. I can't wait for the season to begin.

[sharp9]

On Seaby's 9 pointer...if you watch the tape the umpire's arm goes up about a step before he kicks it...ie at that moment he stepped over the mark and "play on" was called. As he was running in a straight line and the umpire did not actually stop and INDICATE the mark properly, I think that the umpire should have used his common sense and left it alone.

ON the other hand the rule is there to stop players running closer to goal and giving himself an easier kick...so....meh!?

Possibly Seaby lives in Richards/LRT/Bevan territory for footy IQ....hope not.

[sharp9]

I also went to the game, pleasantly surprised I also think we can beat them in round one. However this handballing and kicking backwards on the defensive line has to stop for us to achieve anything, and although LRT did beat Kosi its interesting how many times LRT is in the middle of these atrociaous handballing games on the backline, just kick it forward and dont go backwards. Goodes looked bad dropped balls in warm up. Mumford will improve with the run as will Okeefe. Although MOD got a lot of the ball his disposal is aweful and I dont thing he is in our best 22.

Sorry, but you need to look at the tape (I've just finished it)...O'Dwyer's disposal is very good....plus his stuff-up account is a lot lower than the rest of the back-line.

[undy]

I'm sick of the talking goat and frog!

Yeah - he's got the laptop there, why doesn't he just video them with the webcam ?

[giant]

Loved the game of our three young big defenders - Reg, Ted & LRT were awesome vs two of the best. LRT in particular belted Kosi.

The ruckman all contributed something at some point - Seaby was especially good, Mummy looked like he struggled to get to some contests but some great tapwork when he got there. He looks like an old-style ruckman to me and a match up versus a Cox or Natanui could become pretty messy. I thought Pyke showed he'd improved again, reading the play better and more confidence with his disposals. Don't write him off yet!

Thought the second half was excellent footy from both teams for February and on the whole very happy with that hit out - especially liked that we responded when they stepped up the pace after half time.

Oh, and you'd have to say MOD is a certain starter for round 1, no?

[TheMase]

The umpire called play on and put his arms up to signal it.

Before or after he kicked the ball?

[liz]

On Currie and his seeming lack of confidence. I would love to see him find a place in the team sometime in the future. I hope the fact that he has not played in a game for quite some time (cant' remember how much of last year he missed through injury) is the reason. Those of you who have seen him play in the ressies - is he capable of being an imposing player? He may need a few games back in the reserves or like with White find out whether he is a ruckman/forward, a ruckman or a forward.

In the reserves he's taller and bigger than most opponents thrown at him and doesn't have trouble imposing himself. I've often wondered if the ACTAFL umpires have invented the "Daniel Currie is too tall and too good a mark" rule to ping him for frees when he just leans over and takes the mark.

Reports suggest he is a fairly self-effacing and intelligent young man. Hopefully a few games under his belt will give him the confidence he needs.

I suspect he'll primarily be a ruckman rather than a pure forward, though. He has nothing like the speed or agility of someone like White, and his kicking for goal can be a little iffy at times, too. But hopefully he will turn into the kind of ruckman who can push forward at times, or at least spend time "resting" in the goal square. His hands really are quite special, as he has shown with a couple of his marks in the last fortnight.

[rojo]

On Currie and his seeming lack of confidence. I would love to see him find a place in the team sometime in the future. I hope the fact that he has not played in a game for quite some time (cant' remember how much of last year he missed through injury) is the reason. Those of you who have seen him play in the ressies - is he capable of being an imposing player? He may need a few games back in the reserves or like with White find out whether he is a ruckman/forward, a ruckman or a forward.

[magic.merkin]

Oh and as stated Jude Bolton is as honest as the day is long.

I think we take him for granted at times, but I wouldn't want our side with out him.

A heart as big as Kirky's.

[ShockOfHair]

I forgot to mention the best about the game for me yesterday.

Just after the Swans lost the lead in the third term, the village band here (8000km from Etihad) struck up the Swans club song.

It's a sign!!!

[stellation]

The mark is only the indicator. Only the umpire calling play on should exclude the 9 pt goal. I am not convinced that occured.

Does not matter anyway, the low key buildup will be better for us.

The umpire called play on and put his arms up to signal it.

[ScottH]

Or are you numerically dyslexic? 12 and 21?

That too!!

[Triple B]

Plus as it is only a practice match and not another NAB Cup match at Blacktown, Team GWS won't get another marketing chance on the back of the Swans!!

It's a NAB challenge match, funded by the AFL.

Don't worry, there will be plenty of GWS propaganda....and why not?

[annew]

The mark is only the indicator. Only the umpire calling play on should exclude the 9 pt goal. I am not convinced that occured.

Does not matter anyway, the low key buildup will be better for us.

Plus as it is only a practice match and not another NAB Cup match at Blacktown, Team GWS won't get another marketing chance on the back of the Swans!!