Team: B I wasn't super - impressed, but we did win against a side who usually beats us at a venue that hasn't suited us. I am pleased, as we have played fairly ordinarily against North in recent times.
Explanations: [3] Simpson: Simmo's best game of the season to date and an excellent one it was. He not only got possessions, he beat his man in one on one contests, managed to clean up across defence and show a lot of endeavour and courage in the way he approached the ball. Very pleasing. [2.5] Kreuzer: Not as good in the ruck, but he did control the North ruckmen (who usually pound us). His work around the ground and at the stoppages was excellent. He took some excellent marks and was the most effective big man on the ground. Pity about his kicking at goal.... [2] Henderson: An excellent target up forward, especially early. [1.5] Tuohy: Took on the North small forwards and did well. Managed 2 goals going the other way, which was excellent. [1] Walker: Lots of the ball, but not as good at quietening his opponents as he can be. [1] Carrazzo: Good job in the middle controlling the North mids. Not yet at his best, but steadily improving. [1] Murphy: Not as much of the ball as he (and I) would like, but his effectiveness once he got it was excellent. His tackling was brilliant: North didn't respect him and he managed frees and goals because he really put in. [1] Garlett: Not a heap of the ball, but very effective with it and always dangerous. His goals were telling. [1] Curnow: Very good at minimizing the effects of the North midfield. His goals were invaluable. [0.5] Yarran: Not his biggest night, but he did some really good team things: including 8 tackles. he also took 2 excellent marks by really putting his body in. Not 100%, but a significant improvement. [0.5] Jamison: Not at his best either, but he did control Petrie well.
Honourable Mentions: Judd: Like Murphy and Yarran, his possessions were more telling by their results than by their number, except his kicking for goal, which remains ordinary. Gibbs: Worked hard and did a negative job well, but his kicking was well off and his confidence appeared to be down. Lucas: OK. Not as timid as he can be. Watson: After a very quiet start, he managed to get on top of his man and provided some drive when it was really needed.
There will be a few boys from the NBs who'd be presenting a good case to be included. Few blokes in the midfield should be nervous. Murph must rest... he's obviously carrying an injury. Juddy will make up for his soft game against the Kangabies. Blokes in consideration would have to be Robbo, Levi, Graham and White.
Fair enough. Looking at the team on Friday night and we have a few guys who are struggling physically at the moment: Murphy and Yarran to name but 2. Murphy is definitely struggling with this butt injury of his. He played, and did OK, but he wasn't 100%. I guess it will depend on how he pulls up this week. I didn't expect him to play against the 'Roos. Yarran also looked quite restricted and didn't have the burning pace that is one of his hallmarks. I remember 2 moments when he needed his pace to break contact and it just wasn't there. Also he limped quite clearly when approaching the bench. Mind you, I was impressed by the way he put his body on the line for 2 very nice marks, and his 8 tackles was a significant improvement over what he can be like. Carrots looked a bit better on Friday: he must be getting some of his match fitness back. Eddie Betts was also one who looked less than 100%, but an improvement on what he has been recently.
Graham did his chances of getting a game no harm at all. He plonked himself at the front of the pack and managed a significant portion of our clearances on Saturday. Unfortunately he wasn't as successful at the centre bounce. But his 4 games at VFL level have been very promising. Robbo showed some real G & D and was excellent for the Baby Blues: very effective in the conditions. Buckley also showed a bit, but he went off with a shoulder injury that suggested to me that he probably won't be fit enough for next week.
I hate going to Box Hill - crap venue to watch football - today was crapper than usual because of the weather but I did go along to see the early game because I wanted to see Mitchell and I finally saw something of why we drafted him.
I don't think he was our best player by any stretch of the imagination but, despite the conditions, he took overhead contested marks and was able to out-body the slighter players at the lower level. Also, unlike other days when he has kicked multiple goals with minimal kicks, he could have finished with 8 to 10 today with the opportunities he created.
I didn't get a chance to ask him but I was wondering whether his demotion could have been at his request (similar to the decision Hampson made a few years back when he wasn't getting enough ground time in the Bullants' senior team). He is still as slow as a glacier but so were lots of others in the conditions.
Still to be convinced he can perform at the higher levels on a fast track but at least I saw something.
As for the senior game, in even worse conditions, I was completely satisfied with the efforts of ALL players in contributing to a team performance.
I am really happy to read that, especially considering the lack of spirit and endeavour in recent weeks.
With Gold Coast smashing Collingwood last night, next week's game ay Metricon Stadium is looking ... interesting. Last year we experienced a disaster at Carrarra. What is going to happen this time?
I hope RR managed to see this game: I respect his opinions, particularly as he is as close to the guys as he is. He also gets to see them up close and personal each week. However, here is my humble opinions about the guys who played today:
Davies: Not bad. The condition made his job easier, but he played very good one on one footy and beat his man most of the day. At this point, I'm afraid he won't be with us next year: decision making is just not good enough and he gives away too many frees. However, he had a strong game today.
Joseph: AJ played well today. His modus operandi was suited to the conditions and his tendency to kick long fit the circumstances of the game well. He played mainly back pocket, rather than a hard tag all day. He also played close and tight and could say he beat his man.
Bootsma: the conditions didn't suit Boots and he spent much of the 2nd half coming on and off the ground. Not his greatest effort, but he can say that he didn't have a mark against him on the day.
White: apart from a few minor blues later in the game, Simon really had it over his opponents and gave some decent drive from defence. Not likely to get his spot back with this performance, but he was solid and had his fair share of the ball.
Duigan: played forward and on the ball and produced his best effort for some time. His ability to make good decisions helped him a lot, while his kicking was pretty good in the conditions. One of our better players and one who really put his body in.
O'Keefe: for his first game he back, he was pretty good. His kicking was nice and he got some ball. He'd have been happy just to get through, but to have some influence would have pleased the coaching staff and O'Keefe a fair bit.
Temay: his best game for the year to date, especially after half time when Box Hill produced their best footy. He kept his head and got a lot more of the ball than he has been and didn't give away many frees. His ability to find the ball and not fumble was good.
Laidler: played back and produced his best game for ages. He read the ball well in the air and took quite a few marks in defence. His kicking was good as well. His opponent had only a handful of possessions and didn't respect him. One of the reasons Box Hill kicked their lowest score against Preston ever.
Menzel: conditions didn't suit his style of play at all, but he made a reasonable contribution. He'll be better for the experience and much better with another 5 - 10 kg of muscle on him. His kicking was good.
Casboult: one of his best efforts for the year, especially when conditions suited him so poorly. He was probably the most effective big man on the ground and the only one to look like taking a decent grab. He worked hard in the ruck and got some very nice taps, pounding the ball forward 15 m or more. he also managed some good goals, mostly for his ground work, which is not traditionally his strength. Kicking for goal? Hmmm: some work required here still.
Buckley: a very good game from Buckley until he was injured. Buckley was good in the packs and around the stoppages and was always dangerous. He got more of the ball than he usually does and gave the indications that he wasn't far away. I don't think he'll get a promotion because of his shoulder injury, but if he keeps up that effort, it won't be long in coming.
Warnock: did a good job in the ruck, making some pretty good efforts on a wet day. He didn't get many marks, but people didn't tend to kick it to the ruckmen much. His was an improved performance and one that suggested he wants a recall.
Robinson: probably our best player on the day, Robbo played a pretty typical game and really got in the Box Hill guys' faces. His body was at the bottom of most packs and his intensity was really up. His kicking was suited by the conditions, but he got his foot to the ball, which not everybody could manage, with his strength.
Graham: did his chances of getting a game soon no harm at all. He placed himself well at the boundary throwins and got most of our clearances from them. Not as many centre clearances though. he did put his body in and he appeared to have time that others lacked. he appeared to be tagged later in the game, but he lifted again in the last quarter and got plenty of the ball.
Dale: lots of leaping over packs, but not many marks. He was quite reasonable in defence, but didn't stand out. He gave away 2 frees up forward trying for speckies.
This had to be a good start to the day: ordinary conditions and Mitchell really makes the most of his opportunity. I'd be interested in how RR thinks he went, but that HAD to be a positive step.
2013 Peter Jackson VFL Box Hill Hawks 0.1 2.3 4.5 6.7 (43) Northern Blues 1.3 7.3 9.3 9.5 (59)
GOALS: Box Hill Hawks: Hallahan 3 O'Brien Murphy Wanganeen Northern Blues: Casboult 2 Wilson 2 Menzel 2 Lincoln Graham Duigan
BEST: Box Hill Hawks: Hallahan Kelly Mirra Cust Ceglar Iles Northern Blues: Robinson Graham Lambert Laidler Bransgrove Duigan
With last results, I couldn't be happier. Seeing the game on the box is not as good as being there, but much better than the alternative! And this week there really was some spirit in the place. Like some of the earlier games of the season, the Baby Blues really stepped it up and tackled and chased like they meant it! Hawthorn, sorry, Box Hill, players couldn't get a sniff without a Blueboy pressurizing him.
We still have issues: we don't come home very well, our forward line has issues and our midfielders were beaten at the clearances, especially at the centre of the ground. However, the relentless pressure, hard work and team spirit were excellent!
Geeze, if Mitchell isn't getting a game in the VFL Seniors at this stage of his career, then you have to think it's curtains for the kid.
It's a shame, he's a big unit and has that extroverted personality we're all screaming for in our big blokes.
What a waste.
With the weather looking slightly wet, we can't afford a huge, slow forward line. Hopefully he can get some confidence back in the Baby Blues 2's. He won't be the first to go back and get something out of it. Then again, wet and grotty and poor disposals don't suit him much.
Bit surprised nobody has started this up yet. Probably still getting over the blood pressure issues from the last quarter. You all know the drill: [1] At least 3 players required a mention. [2] No more than 10 votes to any one player. [3] Votes have to add up to 15. [4] Please include a team rating. If you don't. you'll be assigned a stock rating of 'B'.
Carlton d St. Kilda! A much better result, and a much better turnout. In fact, it has been quite a while since this many people voted.
Votes: Judd, Chris 383 Henderson, Lachie 319 Simpson, Kade 257 Kreuzer, Matthew 82 Rowe, Sam 81 Cachia, Jarryd 69 Lucas, Kane 22 McLean, Brock 18 Tuohy, Zac 18 Walker, Andrew 17 Gibbs, Bryce 12 Jamison, Michael 8 Murphy, Marc 7 Betts, Eddie 7 Curnow, Edward 7 McInnes, Andrew 3
The top 3 vote getters were considered the best 3 by some margin, with not a lot of difference between them.
Progressives: 2464 - Judd, Chris (0) 1932 - Walker, Andrew (0) 1895 - Henderson, Lachie (0) 1441 - Garlett, Jeff (0) 1239 - McLean, Brock (0) 1162 - Simpson, Kade (0) 1026 - Kreuzer, Matthew (0) 1024 - Murphy, Marc (0) 989 - Gibbs, Bryce (0) 865 - Waite, Jarrad (0) 731 - Jamison, Michael (0) 626 - Yarran, Chris (0) 500 - Armfield, Dennis (0) 424 - Cachia, Jarryd (0) 380 - Lucas, Kane (0) 375 - Warnock, Robert (0) 335 - Tuohy, Zac (0) 304 - Robinson, Mitch (0) 303 - Scotland, Heath (0) 207 - Carrazzo, Andrew (0) 206 - White, Simon (0) 185 - Betts, Eddie (0) 156 - Curnow, Edward (0) 94 - Rowe, Sam (0) 80 - Hampson, Shaun (0) 62 - Casboult, Levi (0) 29 - McInnes, Andrew (0) 15 - Bell, Tom (0) 6 - Ellard, David (0) 5 - Menzel, Troy (0) 4 - Buckley, Dylan (0) 3 - Duigan, Nicholas (0)
Juddy has opened up quite a lead, but not an insurmountable one. Hopefully he will keep his form up. Hendo has got very close to Walker, so the race is open.
Box Hill Hawks vs. Northern Blues (ABC TV) Saturday 20th July Box Hill City Oval at 1:10 PM
Box Hill Hawks B Pratt Wilsen Mirra HB Kelly Litherland Lawlor C Iles Sewell Lock HF Wanganeen Murphy Tobin F O'Brien Grimley Ceglar R Lowden Hallahan Anderson Int O'Donnell Cust Post Gordon Exon* Weekes Johnson Harvey Wood
Northern Blues BDavies Dirago Joseph HBBootsma White Duigan CO'Keeffe Lambert A. Gianfagna HFTemay Laidler Wilson FMenzel Casboult Buckley RWarnock Robinson Graham Int Marcon Meese Bransgrove Bonaddio Mitchell Thomas F. Dale Coulson* Lincoln
To be honest, our team has looked stronger on other days and not quite come up. Hopefully having Casboult to kick to will make a difference to us.
Very interested to see Rhys O'Keefe back. I'm not expecting much, as he has been out for a long time. But at least he gets a chance to show what he has to offer.
Also very glad to see Marcon and Thomas back.
Box Hill Hawks vs. Northern Blues Saturday 20th July Box Hill City Oval at 10:00 AM
Box Hill Hawks B: Wilsen Collins McDonald HB: Brand Boseley Northe C: Crocker Harvey O'Donnell HF: Cust Johnson Wood F: Cassidy Retzlaff Weekes R: Post Graham Andrews Int: Papadopoulos Pell Summers Monkhorst Tatupu Miles Cunningham Thompson Goodwin
Northern Blues B: D. Watson Valladares Yelland HB: McDonald Currie Posar C: Ballard Bonaddio Lincoln HF: Dorman Visser Soncin F: Thomas Mitchell Burgess R: Meese Marcon Bransgrove Int: Clark Marchbank Cattapan Haynes Toman Gleeson Drew Delahunty Dufficy
To be honest, if Murphy isn't fit, I hope we don't play him. We have been burnt before. I never like playing unfit players. Same goes for Carrots: if he isn't 100%, then don't play him. I hope they are fit, but I doubt it. Especially Murphy.
Who would be Watson's best match up this week? To be used to best advantage, we need to utilise his kicking skills on the rebound. That means he'd be best off if we could put him on someone who'll be reasonably static around the goalsquare, allowing him to sag off for the handball receive out of defence. And of course he's most likely to be exposed by a fast leading forward who can double back towards the goalsquare. Petrie's probably too mobile for him. Hansen's out injured now, isn't he? Are they playing a 2nd ruckman as a secondary target at the moment? If so, that could be the go. Majak Daw would be too explosive, but at the moment he's not really a high possession player and I'm guessing he's not good defensively.
This is a really important issue that you've raised, Mav: Watson would not be a good match up on Daw, because Daw has pace and doesn't relate well to physical pressure. I'm not sure we do have anyone who fits that classification,but Watson isn't it. A year or so ago I would have put Laidler on Daw: Laidler doesn't have the pace, but he is spot on for the body contact, reads the ball well in the air and often plays on bigger with success. That is not a likely match up. I guess we'll have to watch to see who North is considering as its 2nd or 3rd tall forward.
Explanations: [3] Judd : Excellent, especially at the centre clearances. [3] Henderson: Probably his best 4 quarter effort for the year. he dominated his position and beat 4 opponents on the night and gave an excellent target. [2.5] Simpson: Fine game, especially early when St. Kilda were at their best. His marking and kicking were excellent. [1.5] Kreuzer: Good effort in the ruck and around the ground. [1] Rowe: Probably his best game for Carlton: he marked well, he kicked well and he was a good target. [1] Tuohy: Took Milne apart and looked very composed and hard in defence. His goal was a beauty. [1] Cachia: A good, solid job on the St. Kilda mids. [0.5] McLean: Not as prolific as has been, but good value on his least favourite surface. [0.5] Lucas: Good early with his run and marking. [0.5] Walker: Good all night at keeping the St. Kilda small and medium forward quiet. [0.5] Gibbs: 20 odd possessions and did a job well. He really showed some desperation in the last quarter that you don't often see.
Honourable Mentions: Watson: Considering that he was a last minute call up, he did pretty well. I was disappointed with his attack on the ball sometimes and his willingness to give up when the ball was still fairly close, but he did get on top of his opponents and he only had a handful of marks against him. His kicking, but for one clanger, was excellent. McInnes: Andrew looked a little slow at times, but he worked hard and had the better of his man after quarter time. Garlett: Almost got a vote for his 3 goals. He didn't do a lot other than that, and he appears to be some way off his best yet. However, this effort was much better than for most of last week. Murphy: Considerably better than last week, even with some hamstring soreness. 20 odd possessions and put his body in better. Betts: 1 quarter and a half for 11 possessions was a considerable improvement over recent weeks. Hopefully he can get his mojo back soon. Jamison: Outpaced early by Riewoldt, he kept at it and got on top, pushing Riewoldt further up the ground and away from the scoring zone. Scotland: Far from his best, but he was good when the game was needed to be won. On the way back to form. Yarran: 200% better than last week, he ran and chased and marked with a lot more endeavour. Also on the way back.
