Hi all,
Long Summer absence but watching last week via the internet, I was not impressed against GWS. I know, it is a trial/practice match but some patterns are worrying.
Likes:
Mills - hard to tip out for round 1 - class act
Papley - a burst for sure but showed the ability to read the ball and tenacity - a chance to play this year
Dawson - great booming kick - hope he can get the ball more - definite player to watch but not round 1
Heeney is not injured - thought he was in trouble after Port
Sinclair - looks like he can handle the ruck and works hard - nothing outstanding but might improve a bit too.
Grundy - very good 2 games so far - looks more ready than most for round 1
Nic Newman - seen him once live and last week on TV. Like the look of him, composed and lovely kick. Might need some injuries to have any chance but he can play.
Dislikes:
FIELD KICKING! bloody terrible. Yep its early but we need this fixed quickly - Nick Smith - I love you as a player but work needed. This is the current worst element of our game.
Marks in forward 50 - can't say I've seen many... Tippett MUST play forward for the majority of each quarter.
Our Tier 2/3 players who have a few seasons under their belts but seem stuck - Lloyd, Cunningham, Towers, B.Jack, Robinson (yeah I know but he is 22 this year) If these blokes don't play much this year they should be gone
Buddy in the midfield - probably just for fitness etc but could he and Tippett possibly play 1 game in the forward line - just in case history is a guide?
I know this sounds mostly doom and gloom but if we get rolled by Carlton - without any promising signs - particularly kicking accuracy, then I will be REALLY worried.
Still positive for the year. Most recent years our Pre-Seasons have been average at best but we haven't really rested many big guns this year. If we lead Carlton at 1/2 or 3/4 time then rest players I will be happy but need to see some of the above errors addressed.
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