Northern Blues vs. Werribee Tigers
Sunday 18th August
Visy Park at 2:00PM
Northern Blues
B: McDonald Coulson Davies
HB: Joseph McCarthy O'Keeffe
C: A. Gianfagna Marcon Lucas
HF: Duigan Rowe Lambert
F: Buckley Mitchell Collins
R: Meese Cachia Ellard
Int: Bolger* Currie Dufficy Thomas Dale Lincoln Wilson Bransgrove Temay
Werribee Tigers
B: Hine Firrito Sherlock
HB: Meredith Kennedy McMahon
C: Sierakowski Gysberts B. Ross
HF: Moore Warren Castello
F: Harper B. Brown McKinley
R: Currie Greenwood McGenniss
Int: Maric Sodomaco Wormald Clouston Speight Sullivan McDonald A. Brown* Bolton
Nice to see McCarthy back. Interesting to see how our midfield manages without Bell and Graham.
Northern Blues vs. Werribee Tigers
Sunday 18th August
Visy Park at 11:00AM
Northern Blues
B: Yelland Valladares Drew
HB: Dale Currie Posar
C: Lincoln Ballard Thomas
HF: Wilson Clark Temay
F: Dufficy Visser Dorman
R: Marchbank Taglieri Bransgrove
Int: Cattapan Soncin Bonaddio Gleeson Petroro Grimes Jenkins D. Watson Delahunty
Werribee Tigers
B Martiniello White Wormald
HB: McDonald Wales Sodomaco
C: Ruggles Sharp Hicks
HF: Davis Clouston Maric
F: Speight Tudor W. Sullivan
R: Fort Bolton Laracy
Int: Henderson Barbuto Stevens Purton-Smith Eade O'Shea Williams Lang Kershaw Zumbo Fairley Jones M. Sullivan
Laidler?
Thanks, CRASH.
Hoping to get to PP on Sunday arvo for this one... Keep the pies hot and the steak sangers just like last week!
This should be a terrific clash/game.
Will be particularly interested in the efforts of Buckley, Duigan, Ellard, Joseph & ROK.
Laidler?
Still injured, as far as I know. I'd like him back: there is a spot there with his name on it in the seniors that would allow Gibbs to go back to the midfield and be useful. But that is another tale.
Laidler?
Still injured, as far as I know. I'd like him back: there is a spot there with his name on it in the seniors that would allow Gibbs to go back to the midfield and be useful. But that is another tale.
I will still hold out hopes for Laidler until he's actually gone - if he does go. I'm really hoping that this is the year of his recovery.
Good to see McCarthy and Mitchell play. Decision time for them- re 2014.
Unfortunately McCarthy has been so injured. He is the right size to be backline useful.
We have put three years into these two, time to decide if the effort was waste!
Is Collins worth the perseverance? I think he may be!
Good to see McCarthy and Mitchell play. Decision time for them- re 2014.
Unfortunately McCarthy has been so injured. He is the right size to be backline useful.
We have put three years into these two, time to decide if the effort was waste!
Is Collins worth the perseverance? I think he may be!
McCarthy is going to have to hold down CHF without his big buddy Watto around. His best ally is Davies... who was v. good last week except for disposal. I'd put up the white flags re McCarthy and Mitchell. Collins? He was good last week and has some terrific skills, but... seems to go missing during 'heat'.
Thanks Baggers
Agree with what you say!
Good to throw McCarthy responsibility.
I suspect he might have more skills that Watson (apart from Kicking.)
If he could repay the investment, it would solve heartache and meet a real need.
Mitchell would need to show a lot quickly to avoid the White Flag
Good to see McCarthy and Mitchell play.
If they get 10 possessions between them I would be surprised. :o
Good to see McCarthy and Mitchell play.
If they get 10 possessions between them I would be surprised. :o
Ouch !
Riverrat, will you give me 15 possessions for McCarthy, Mitchell and Collins ?
Brown and Greenwood are interesting players for Werribee...the former is a tall rangy KP Forward who takes a good grab....still very raw but rookiie material IMO and Levi Greenwood is a player who seems to play well every time I see him on the TV but cant hold his spot in Nths senior team....
Good to see McCarthy and Mitchell play.
If they get 10 possessions between them I would be surprised. :o
Ouch !
Riverrat, will you give me 15 possessions for McCarthy, Mitchell and Collins ?
Nah - Collins can find it quite well - just not always the best at using it.
I hope to see the same type of effort from the guys who went back for tomorrow's game. Today was good, but there are still spots available and we need guys to be able to step up.
Good to see McCarthy and Mitchell play.
If they get 10 possessions between them I would be surprised. :o
Ouch !
Riverrat, will you give me 15 possessions for McCarthy, Mitchell and Collins ?
Nah - Collins can find it quite well - just not always the best at using it.
I'll give you 20 between them... 13 to Collins, 4 to McCarthy and 3 to Mitchell. RR can be too generous. Sorry to trump you Young Fella (RR)... ;)
Game underway. Werribee off to an early lead.
Blues 2 - 1 - 13 to Werr 3 - 3 - 21
Quarter time:N orthern Blues 2. 1. (13) trail Werribee 3. 4. (22)
GOALS: Marcon, Rowe
STATS: Marcon 12, Ellard 9, O'Keeffe 8, Giafagna 8
Info thanks to Matt Lodge and the Northern Blues via Twitter.
I did ask which team has the wind, but I haven't had an answer yet, or maybe I've simply not be smart enough to find it.
We have the 'scoring end' this quarter and we start with the first clearance and the first score - a point. Doesn't that sound familiar. :-[ :-[
No Dylan Buckley - he was a late withdrawal.
Matt Lodge is happy with McCarthy's game to date: 5 possessions and some good negative stuff. I must admit, we NEED a guy like McCarthy to stand up.
Matt Lodge is happy with McCarthy's game to date: 5 possessions and some good negative stuff. I must admit, we NEED a guy like McCarthy to stand up.
Box Bransgrove is off with a hamstring: he is done for the day. That weakens our midfield and makes our rotations more difficult.
Blues 2.4. 16 trail Tigers 3.5. 23 - 10 min gone, 2nd term: lots of attacking, but not much scoring, and scoring has been behinds. Forwards? Can we take a grab? Rowe took a real speckie earlier, but doesn't appear to have much of it since.
Half Time: Northern Blues 3. 5. (23) trail Werribee 6. 10. (46)
GOALS: Duigan, Rowe, Marcon
DISPS: Marcon 19, Ellard 15, O'Keeffe 13, Gianfagna 13, Joseph 12
Ellard and O'Keefe racking them up.
O'Keefe is the REALLY good news in that.
Blues now 48 points in arrears with back to back to back goals. Blues 3.5. 23 trail Blues 10.11. 71 - 12 min gone, 3rd term
Cachia and O'Keeffe have not stopped trying today - big numbers in one percenters.
McKinley gets his second and the margins blown right out to 54 points. Blues 3.6. 24 trail Tigers 11.12. 78 - 18 min gone, 3rd term.
Info: Northern Blues and Matthew Lodge twitter.
Six turnovers in our back half and its another goal to Werribee. This is a rout, we're on the wrong end of. Blues 3.6. 24, Tigers 13.13. 91
Werribee have kicked 7.4 to 0.1 this quarter.
With such a hiding happening, I'm not so sad I couldn't make it to Princes Park today... Davey Ellard & ROK seem to be the only good news stories of the game thus far.
Duigan kicks his 3rd and the margins just 35. O'Keeffe's had it 31 times. Blues 10.9. 69 to Tigers 15.15. 105 - 24 min gone final qtr
lodgey talking up O'Keeffe's perfomance today, labelling it "elite". Wouldn't be surprised to see him come in next week for Bootsma.
Siren. Werribee 17. 16. (118) defeat Northern Blues 10. 10. (70)
Huge thanks to ianh, Crash, Lodgey, Pezzdog, the Turnip and CIMM for the news / updates... much appreciated. (Apologies to anyone I left out).
The news on ROK warms the cockles of this heart.
Full Time. Werribee 17. 16. (118) defeat Northern Blues 10. 10. (70)
GOALS: Duigan 3, O'Keeffe 2, Rowe 2, Marcon, Wilson, Meese
STATS (Disposals): O'Keeffe 31, Ellard 30, Marcon 26, Joseph 25, Dale 21, Lambert 21
Full Time. Werribee 17. 16. (118) defeat Northern Blues 10. 10. (70)
GOALS: Duigan 3, O'Keeffe 2, Rowe 2, Marcon, Wilson, Meese
STATS (Disposals): O'Keeffe 31, Ellard 30, Marcon 26, Joseph 25, Dale 21, Lambert 21
Thanks, guys. I got kicked off the computer, as usual.
A disappointing result, but we did get some real positives:
[1] O'Keefe - 31 possessions is probably the best he has done for us. With someone needing to come in for Boots, that is a good effort.
[2] Ellard - 30 possessions from him in his 2nd week back with most of our centre breaks is also very good news.
Interesting to see how the reports come back. We need a tall defender to stand up: do we have any left?
Will ROK crack a senior gig this week?
thanks for the report
really appreciated.
Sorry you get kicked off the computer - but as you realize, father's have no rights !
Great news about O'Keefe. MickM ought to give him a go - as someone said, pick em before you need em!
McCarthy did not do so well. Bit sad for him. Bit sad for the coach too, it does not seem he is getting the guys to fire!
Will ROK crack a senior gig this week?
He was the stand out today along with Ellard. With Bootsma most likely playing VFL next week, I would think that ROK would be the most likely replacement.
Let me just say this, he certainly will be strongly considered by the Match Committee this week. He should be given a chance to save his career.
I went home at 3/4 time in disgust and missed out highest scoring term (such is life) so the following comments relate only to the first 3/4.
Carlton-listed players in descending order of usefulness
The first 4 played well enough to be considered for senior selection next round if there are any vacancies.
Rhys O’Keeffe = Played with dash and vigour – another strong bullocking game
David Ellard = Outstanding first half – looked weary in the send half but kept on keeping on
Jaryd Cachia = Solid midfield performer
Aaron Joseph = Easily our best defender – always gives his all
Nick Duigan = Played as a lead up forward with periods in defence – probably our best forward – nothing to write home about
Frazer Dale = Tried hard and racked up possessions but not particularly productive – too slow
Andrew Collins = Played as leading forward – provided dash but not much on the scoreboard
Sam Rowe = One great mark and goal but not much else
Pat McCarthy = Couple of strong spoils – one of his better games but thoroughly outpointed by his opponent – had 9 possessions to ¾ time but not one was contested – weak link
Kane Lucas = very disappointing lack of effort - insipid
Marcus Davies = Consistently beaten on the lead – on a par with McCarthy
Tom Temay = Not much to say – did not impress – too slow – too small
Luke Mitchell = Should have played in the early game because he can’t buy a kick at this level – it’s like starting one man short – had one possession to ¾ time and that was courtesy of a holding free kick in a marking contest when he would not have got near the ball anyway – weakest link
Jeremy Laidler = Did not play
Dylan Buckley = Did not play – I heard he is done for the season
Of the better performed Preston boys, Marcon was the best player for the Blues; Lambert was a little quieter than usual (spent a long period off the ground early in the game before returning to play well); Meece tried hard but was towelled up by NM ruckman Currie.
Rhys O’Keeffe = Played with dash and vigour – another strong bullocking game
RR
Would you bring R O'K for Bootsma.
Give him Goddard as per last year?
Cheers RR!
Who could make way for O'Keefe this week?
Let's see if RoK gets a chance
He would be one hell of a comeback story
I'm on the Okeefe bandwagon like others...he has persisted agaisnt the odds and I'd like to see him play seniors this week...probably at the expense of Josh Bootsma who needs some confidence rebuilding in the NB's...
temay sounds to be another disappointment
@ pick 35,
temay sounds to be another disappointment
@ pick 35,
Like I always say if you pick very small players they have to have very good skills or an edge to their game like extreme pace....his maidn claim to fame was high endurance which is good but I would have thought expected in a smaller running player.
Temay seems to be just run of the mill in most aspects of the game though and he was a strange choice IMO....coupled with the fact he had made his name at U18 level as a small defender yet straight after his name was called out Rodgers said he was seen as a midfielder......what about recruiting a specialist midfielder ...there's an idea?
Sorry but no to O'Keefe!
Sure he had the worst run with injury but why does he get a game on the back of one good game?
I acknowledge that Bootsma had a shocker but to drop him would be the easy choice. He comes across as a bit of an introvert, so hopefully MM goes to him and says you had a crap game but I believe in what you've got so we are going to back you in. Get out there and prove me right.
Play him on the HB flank against a non body player.
Sorry but no to O'Keefe!
Sure he had the worst run with injury but why does he get a game on the back of one good game?
I acknowledge that Bootsma had a shocker but to drop him would be the easy choice. He comes across as a bit of an introvert, so hopefully MM goes to him and says you had a crap game but I believe in what you've got so we are going to back you in. Get out there and prove me right.
Play him on the HB flank against a non body player.
Okeefe is playing for his career...Bootsma isnt...Okeefe is also more physically developed and we need stronger bodies in the seniors.....we need a good kicking half back flanker with Scotland close to retiring and Gibbs now more likely to be playing further up the ground. Big rewards if Okeefe makes it as a player and Bootsma has time on his side to develop...
temay sounds to be another disappointment
@ pick 35,
Like I always say if you pick very small players they have to have very good skills or an edge to their game like extreme pace....his maidn claim to fame was high endurance which is good but I would have thought expected in a smaller running player.
Temay seems to be just run of the mill in most aspects of the game though and he was a strange choice IMO....coupled with the fact he had made his name at U18 level as a small defender yet straight after his name was called out Rodgers said he was seen as a midfielder......what about recruiting a specialist midfielder ...there's an idea?
his name hasn't been mentioned at all in a press for selection - might prove me wrong after 12 months
but we're world champions in the list clogger stakes
traditionally there have been some nuggets between pick 30 and 60
for the life of me - even for speculative purposes, wasn't there a mongrel defender above 6'2 in that same range?
Sorry but no to O'Keefe!
Sure he had the worst run with injury but why does he get a game on the back of one good game?
I acknowledge that Bootsma had a shocker but to drop him would be the easy choice. He comes across as a bit of an introvert, so hopefully MM goes to him and says you had a crap game but I believe in what you've got so we are going to back you in. Get out there and prove me right.
Play him on the HB flank against a non body player.
bootsma needs preseason at my nonna
that will fix the one out problem
I went home at 3/4 time in disgust and missed out highest scoring term (such is life) so the following comments relate only to the first 3/4.
Carlton-listed players in descending order of usefulness
The first 4 played well enough to be considered for senior selection next round if there are any vacancies.
Rhys O’Keeffe = Played with dash and vigour – another strong bullocking game
David Ellard = Outstanding first half – looked weary in the send half but kept on keeping on
Jaryd Cachia = Solid midfield performer
Aaron Joseph = Easily our best defender – always gives his all
Nick Duigan = Played as a lead up forward with periods in defence – probably our best forward – nothing to write home about
Frazer Dale = Tried hard and racked up possessions but not particularly productive – too slow
Andrew Collins = Played as leading forward – provided dash but not much on the scoreboard
Sam Rowe = One great mark and goal but not much else
Pat McCarthy = Couple of strong spoils – one of his better games but thoroughly outpointed by his opponent – had 9 possessions to ¾ time but not one was contested – weak link
Kane Lucas = very disappointing lack of effort - insipid
Marcus Davies = Consistently beaten on the lead – on a par with McCarthy
Tom Temay = Not much to say – did not impress – too slow – too small
Luke Mitchell = Should have played in the early game because he can’t buy a kick at this level – it’s like starting one man short – had one possession to ¾ time and that was courtesy of a holding free kick in a marking contest when he would not have got near the ball anyway – weakest link
Jeremy Laidler = Did not play
Dylan Buckley = Did not play – I heard he is done for the season
Of the better performed Preston boys, Marcon was the best player for the Blues; Lambert was a little quieter than usual (spent a long period off the ground early in the game before returning to play well); Meece tried hard but was towelled up by NM ruckman Currie.
Thanks, RR, Pity there wasn't a heap of positives to report.
I read about Mitchell with much disappointment. He showed a fair bit as an U18. I was quite happy we picked him up. However....
You are right: this season it is like having a man less on the ground. I don't think he would have 20 possessions in 10 games.
At least he makes the decision on his future a relatively easy one.
I am also disappointed to read about Lucas, who has improved a fair bit this year. His form has dropped away remarkably. If he could respond like Robbo did, he would never need to: he wouldn't be dropped.
Tom Temay has also been a disappointment. I expected a lot more from him. He may get another chance as he is very young. At least he could get a few run - with roles, as that was how he performed best last year.
Sorry but no to O'Keefe!
Sure he had the worst run with injury but why does he get a game on the back of one good game?
I acknowledge that Bootsma had a shocker but to drop him would be the easy choice. He comes across as a bit of an introvert, so hopefully MM goes to him and says you had a crap game but I believe in what you've got so we are going to back you in. Get out there and prove me right.
Play him on the HB flank against a non body player.
Okeefe is playing for his career...Bootsma isnt...Okeefe is also more physically developed and we need stronger bodies in the seniors.....we need a good kicking half back flanker with Scotland close to retiring and Gibbs now more likely to be playing further up the ground. Big rewards if Okeefe makes it as a player and Bootsma has time on his side to develop...
O'Keefe is in his fifth year and has had serious injuries every year, people complain about Waite only managing to play half the season, from why I know about O'Keefe he can kick but he's not quick and not a defender in the true sense.
Clear out the rubbish Dale, Collins, O'Keefe, Mitchell, McCarthy, Davies, Joseph etc. We know what they bring and it's just not up to standard. Get some youth in there, speed, size and mongrel. Leave the 190cm projects alone, if they're short then they must have speed, get real mids, get some real size, just get some players. Hughes and Rogers, you're days are hopefully numbered, time for a fresh set of eyes this list with its high number of first rounders should be better and the people to blame are the recruiters.
Sorry but no to O'Keefe!
Sure he had the worst run with injury but why does he get a game on the back of one good game?
I acknowledge that Bootsma had a shocker but to drop him would be the easy choice. He comes across as a bit of an introvert, so hopefully MM goes to him and says you had a crap game but I believe in what you've got so we are going to back you in. Get out there and prove me right.
Play him on the HB flank against a non body player.
Okeefe is playing for his career...Bootsma isnt...Okeefe is also more physically developed and we need stronger bodies in the seniors.....we need a good kicking half back flanker with Scotland close to retiring and Gibbs now more likely to be playing further up the ground. Big rewards if Okeefe makes it as a player and Bootsma has time on his side to develop...
O'Keefe is in his fifth year and has had serious injuries every year, people complain about Waite only managing to play half the season, from why I know about O'Keefe he can kick but he's not quick and not a defender in the true sense.
Clear out the rubbish Dale, Collins, O'Keefe, Mitchell, McCarthy, Davies, Joseph etc. We know what they bring and it's just not up to standard. Get some youth in there, speed, size and mongrel. Leave the 190cm projects alone, if they're short then they must have speed, get real mids, get some real size, just get some players. Hughes and Rogers, you're days are hopefully numbered, time for a fresh set of eyes this list with its high number of first rounders should be better and the people to blame are the recruiters.
No arguments from me about clearing out the rubbish...just make sure its a skip and not your normal council bin because we need to stack it high...
Fair point about Waite and the comparison with Okeefe is fair enough.....ROK is long odds to make it especially with his injury history but so was Dean Rice when Stkilda dumped him....also agree he is probably a one trick pony with his kicking but so was Stewie Dew and he was a dual premiership player. I just want another couple of looks at ROK before we send him to that skip on the naturestrip....
Sorry but no to O'Keefe!
Sure he had the worst run with injury but why does he get a game on the back of one good game?
I acknowledge that Bootsma had a shocker but to drop him would be the easy choice. He comes across as a bit of an introvert, so hopefully MM goes to him and says you had a crap game but I believe in what you've got so we are going to back you in. Get out there and prove me right.
Play him on the HB flank against a non body player.
I agree. Mick played him on jack for development reasons. Why would he then drop bootsma? Bootsma stays.
Glad to hear about ROK's performance though. He will be kept for next year.
Dew had the runs on the board and you bring up Dew I'll raise you a Hartlett again a big kick and size but injured all the time, how long did we hold our for this guy.
I want to give experience to the guys who have shown they can play and at least get on the park, not cross our fingers and hope we have a gem when more likely than not it's just a polished turd.
Sounds to me that ROK should be given a chance to prove he should stay on our list next year. He's been plagued by injury so we need to at least give him one last chance - if we don't we may be hurting ourselves, especially if another club picked him up and he flourished.
Sounds to me that ROK should be given a chance to prove he should stay on our list next year. He's been plagued by injury so we need to at least give him one last chance - if we don't we may be hurting ourselves, especially if another club picked him up and he flourished.
This is where our recruiting has been wrong, surely 5 years is long enough. It's not like he was elite when he gt to the club. He's been given two chances now, an extra year after his initial contract and now two on the rookie list.
What is it with out recycled rookies at the moment, is it laziness by the recruiters? Get some young hungry kids on the list, the next Garlett or Casboult could be coming. We already knew that Collins, O'Keefe and Dale were not up to it.
ROK when he gets on the park looks like he has promise. Doesn't seem to have any glaring deficiencies in his game unlike so many on our list.
Hartlett even when fit struggled to have any sort of impact at VFL level. To be honest regardless of his body I don't think he had the ability to make.
It's really a question for the doctors. I really like the kid. Think of it as taking a unknown 23 year old out of the State Leagues.
We shouldn't have too much issue delisting the 6-7 needed.
@Ray/Shakin'
Under normal circumstances I would agree that he's had his chance, time to move him on. However, I've been reading very encouraging things recently about ROK and even in the past when, on the rare occasions he wasn't injured, reports on him were positive. I'm sure, if all this is true, he would, on balance, be a better bet than some totally untried young kid from the late rounds of the draft?
It would seem a big shame to get rid of him now when he seems finally to be coming good?
Sounds to me that ROK should be given a chance to prove he should stay on our list next year. He's been plagued by injury so we need to at least give him one last chance - if we don't we may be hurting ourselves, especially if another club picked him up and he flourished.
This thought process kills me.
If he moves on and becomes a gun elsewhere so be it.
The Hawks cut a top ten key position player after two years on the senior list because they could see the writing on the wall with him.
Rhys O keefe has been unlucky with injury but our last two years have been crap and he hasnt been good enough to get a decent hit out.
Time to move on, and give him the chance for a fresh start. Cachia got that chance and he ended up benefitting. Right now its not helping him nor us to keep him.
Re: The Hawks.
Max Bailey has played 36 games and is 26. Three knee reco's
It all comes down to a question of talent. If ROK can't play then move him on. If you think he can and the Doctors can't see a reason why he can't play a lot of football why would you get rid of him?
@Thry
Mate your rigid and dogmatic approach kills me with all due respect - one rule that says he's been there long enough move him on without due further consideration of all circumstances and how he's currently performing. Talk about blind justice!
I prefer a more flexible view and approach, so I guess we will have to agree to differ.
12 months for a bloke on minimum wage isn't a big gamble. The scum did the same for Gumbleton whose had a dire run. ROK could use that faith as extra motivation as well.
Re: The Hawks.
Max Bailey has played 36 games and is 26. Three knee reco's
It all comes down to a question of talent. If ROK can't play then move him on. If you think he can and the Doctors can't see a reason why he can't play a lot of football why would you get rid of him?
difference there is Bailley fills a need.
Cookie, i mean no disrespect with that, however its not being rigid its being realistic. If he filled an obvious need for us or was a one of a kind, then id say perhaps but 186cm and a good left foot is not special enough to persist with him.
Only way he survives is as a senior listed player. Someone else goes for him to stay. As it is there are a few with limited opportunities about to be shown the door, and we are going to get rid of another one to keep O'Keefe.
Rhys O’Keeffe = Played with dash and vigour – another strong bullocking game
RR
Would you bring R O'K for Bootsma.
Give him Goddard as per last year?
If we want to play finals, we should select the best possible team and, ATM, I don't think that includes Bootsma and I can see nothing to gain by selecting him and subbing him off again because he isn't up to it. I would only play him against the bummers if the MC think we need another taller defender and then, given the size of his likely opponent, I would give serious consideration to Rowe.
I would happily have either ROK or Ellard ahead of Yarran in a make or break game.
Re: The Hawks.
Max Bailey has played 36 games and is 26. Three knee reco's
It all comes down to a question of talent. If ROK can't play then move him on. If you think he can and the Doctors can't see a reason why he can't play a lot of football why would you get rid of him?
difference there is Bailley fills a need.
Cookie, i mean no disrespect with that, however its not being rigid its being realistic. If he filled an obvious need for us or was a one of a kind, then id say perhaps but 186cm and a good left foot is not special enough to persist with him.
Only way he survives is as a senior listed player. Someone else goes for him to stay. As it is there are a few with limited opportunities about to be shown the door, and we are going to get rid of another one to keep O'Keefe.
Hoping ROK fills a need too. Hard at it midfielder, clean hands in close and a racking left foot*
* If fit
Sorry but you earn your games in the CFC, not as if Bootsma does much in the twos anyway. That's the type of crap that puts players offside, playing blokes who don't deserve a game. MM is gonna look like a goose if Bootsma doesn't make it that's for sure. The kid is a liability out there. I'd rather give Yarran a go on the wing TBH.
I would happily have either ROK or Ellard ahead of Yarran in a make or break game.
Now that is plain silly!
???
@Thry
No worries Thry - its just that ROK happens to be a type we are screaming out for and he's reportedly coming good. Agree, only play him this year if he's currently deserving of a spot, and some observers think he is.
I would happily have either ROK or Ellard ahead of Yarran in a make or break game.
Now that is plain silly!
???
Not so, Airborne Lad :). In a make or break game I'd much rather have a bloke who will put his body on the line; who can be trusted in the trenches/serious heat and has a football brain.... Yazz, in his present state of mind, aint gonna delivery that.
On the surface of it, ROK looks to be a bad investment owing to his body troubles. But looking deeper they seem to be behind him, at long last.
I don't think anyone is recommending him on just one game. Except for yesterday I've seen his games this year since returning and he has improved each time, so I wasn't surprised at his best for us yesterday.
At 6' 3" in the old and close to 90kgs, he provides real grunt around the contest. Plus he can be played off HB as well as mid-field. For a comparison, he's a little like Dinger for grunt/tough stuff but has excellent defensive skills, a footy brain, excellent disposal and attitude. Worth another chance and definitely should replace Boots or Yazz for our next game. :)
Want to change Yarran's present state of mind? Throw him down back.
I think I would be looking at starting Yarran at HBF, with a roving commission through the wing and to HF, and into the corridor. That should give him plenty of opportunities to shine, both around the boundary line and with bursts into the corridor. Needs to be somehow brought into the play a lot more - seems to be struggling to find the ball atm, especially up forward. Seems to lack a bit of confidence when he does get it too.
Want to change Yarran's present state of mind? Throw him down back.
Yep and release Gibbs to the guts.
@Cookie
But boy he looked spritely, quick and up for it in the few times he carried the ball out of defence. He was a changed man, albeit for a few minutes only.
@Cookie
But boy he looked spritely, quick and up for it in the few times he carried the ball out of defence. He was a changed man, albeit for a few minutes only.
He looked like a caged animal when he got the ball on half back for the first time, he looked around to as if to say should I, then instinct took over and bang he looked good. Play him on a wing so he can go back when needed and run the ball but also use the ball into the forward 50.
@Raydan
That's exactly what Yazz should be encouraged to do Ray, play on instinct because that's when he's at his best - he's not a big thinker/calculator IMO. He will occasionally stuff up but so be it, the benefits will far outweigh that.
Sorry but you earn your games in the CFC, not as if Bootsma does much in the twos anyway.
Fair enough to say you need to earn a game, but not fair I think to say Bootsma didn't deserve a run. I cannot say I had watched him directly in recent weeks but my mail is Bootsma probably played his best three weeks of football for the club prior to his recall, and he did that as a KPD. So given Watson went down, White is out for the season and Laidler and Duigan continue to struggle for consistency he seemed the logical if not he only choice!
Want to change Yarran's present state of mind? Throw him down back.
Yep and release Gibbs to the guts.
Now we're talkin'. Yazz is just too lazy to be a forward... but down back he MUST work, and everyone benefits. Plus it'll improve his currency when we trade him at year's end. >:D
Okeefe is playing for his career...Bootsma isnt...Okeefe is also more physically developed and we need stronger bodies in the seniors.....we need a good kicking half back flanker with Scotland close to retiring and Gibbs now more likely to be playing further up the ground. Big rewards if Okeefe makes it as a player and Bootsma has time on his side to develop...
I don't think O'Keeffe is tall enough to be a direct swap out for Bootsma, O'Keeffe is more likely to get a run if someone like Tuohy or Armfield went down.
If Crameri plays again O'Keeffe could do a job on him perhaps, but the other forwards O'Keeffe is either too small or too slow.
Having to rotate Waite back to cover for Bootsma being sub'd is not ideal, if we started with O'Keeffe we would already be starting with a very small defensive line up and would lose some of that flexibility. Waite did play better in defense but doesn't look like a defender, that is not his mindset he is more like a taller and slower version of Walker.
Not seeing the weekend game live I did not notice on the replay, but did Bootsma get anytime up forward?
It will be interesting to see how they all go against the EssenScum who I think have a much harder defensive unit than Nthmond!
O'Keeffe should come in and go to Goddard.
Beat him last year before being hurt. Also got under his skin.
Okeefe is playing for his career...Bootsma isnt...Okeefe is also more physically developed and we need stronger bodies in the seniors.....we need a good kicking half back flanker with Scotland close to retiring and Gibbs now more likely to be playing further up the ground. Big rewards if Okeefe makes it as a player and Bootsma has time on his side to develop...
I don't think O'Keeffe is tall enough to be a direct swap out for Bootsma, O'Keeffe is more likely to get a run if someone like Tuohy or Armfield went down.
If Crameri plays again O'Keeffe could do a job on him perhaps, but the other forwards O'Keeffe is either too small or too slow.
Having to rotate Waite back to cover for Bootsma being sub'd is not ideal, if we started with O'Keeffe we would already be starting with a very small defensive line up and would lose some of that flexibility. Waite did play better in defense but doesn't look like a defender, that is not his mindset he is more like a taller and slower version of Walker.
Not seeing the weekend game live I did not notice on the replay, but did Bootsma get anytime up forward?
It will be interesting to see how they all go against the EssenScum who I think have a much harder defensive unit than Nthmond!
Boots went forward briefly on the weekend, but failed to impact any contest, nor was it delivered to him particularly well.