Re: AFL Rd 1 2024 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond
Reply #77 –
That's how I see it.
I think fans are giving Fantasia credits that as yet remain undeserved, for a variety of reasons he's been ordinary since leaving the filth.
As you mention we know Owies has missed a bunch of pre-season, I think I posted as much in the pre-game questioning about how they could all be playing not having stepped on the field yet for 2024. But at least we saw Owies willing to do the work to get contests, that's his gig, and as I see it that's the modern small forward role. FWIW, I thought Hollands games was similar, he was all over the ground but not very effective or influential particularly before 1/2-time.
They all looked better once we got on a roll, but that can't keep happening.
The cameo stuff some fans like is in my perspective way over-rated.
You've always had a bit of a man-crush for Owies LP but you have to admit that he was a spectator for most of the game and got nowhere near his usual ouput. Several folk here commented on the wisdom of his selection after he only took part in one reserves practice game and I think he was short of a gallop and not quite up to the pace of the game.
Fantasia had a full pre-season ... by his standards, but is still a bit off the pace. I think that showed in his poor disposal after he had worked hard to get the pill. Still, his two goal assists were critical and he could have easily blazed away.
It was nowhere near enough for AFL, and further Fantasia DE went at just 45% in gathering those 1%ers, if you go with a DE under 50%, that means you helped them more than you helped us!
Fantasia had two turnovers to four from Owies. I think that means Owies helped Brisbane more than Fantasia did.
Hopefully, they'll both be better for the run and will play good footy tonight.