At the moment Acres and Weitering are not close to being fit. Weitering is struggling and really needs a rest. If Acres isn't going to get better, then he needs to sent to surgery, and prepared for next year. Better do it now than wait until he can't be replaced.
Not sure that this is the draft to make huge changes, but it is the one we're stuck with.
Mitch McGovern is struggling. We can't carry him at the moment. I'm not sure what his future is, but he is making mistakes that cost us goals. He leads to competition in this area.
Doc played well today: he, at least, wasn't embarrassed. But he is nearer the end than the beginning.
Least effective game I have seen from Weitering.
Easily the best contribution from Docherty this year.
Lemmey has a blinder but that is all you will see on his resume, would the selectors be gutsy enough to give him a senior game ??
Hopefully not; first time I have seen Lemmey show enough to even consider him for selection.
Having watched the game, I note that most of his marks were either uncontested or one-on-one against an opponent who lacked the size or strength to impose any physical pressure on him.
Very good kick for goal and still very young but I would need to see much more to be convinced that he could provide a useful contribution in the AFL with the 'kick to a pack' option that the Blues consistently employ.
Evans actually showed enough pressure to indicate why he has been selected but his disposal was a disgrace and I won't be sorry if he fails to get another game.
They say tall players can take longer to develop and I think this is Young's ninth season since he made his AFL debut with the Dogs but, with our current list of injuries, he seems to be making a greater contribution than at any time other than his first season with the Blues.
He might not become anything more than a useful depth player (as a defender or desperation ruck option) but recent coaching seems to have developed or unlocked some previously undiscovered skills - especially as a tall forward.
He has looked slow when playing in defence and trying to mind an opponent but he now seems quicker when he initiates a lead and he has shown some skill in putting his body in the way to create space for teammates.
The couple of times he has been omitted this season seem to have been to accommodate a better player or for team balance, rather than because he failed to play his part. At 202 cm and still a relatively young player (no pun intended), it will be interesting to see if he can continue to improve and establish himself as a regular player.
Doc had a holiday and when given plenty of time, which he often had, his disposal was good. But the few times he was under real pressure, again disposal was wayward. Seems to have lost a yard (or more) but could still serve as a useful backup when required.
Still not convinced with McMahon. Seems a good old fashioned FF/CHF, mark and kick kind of guy. Might just be a useful VFL player.
Lemmey looks better when forced to get into the action. I know big guys can take time (see Lewis Young) but Lemmey seems to be a one-trick pony whose only trick is to mark the ball when he is not under physical pressure. Lacks speed, acceleration and mobility.
Campo boys coming along nicely, just need to work on disposal... and eliminate fumbles. Agreed.
@DJC I didn't see the game, were we just being cautious given how fatigued TDK looked?
Pitto copped a knee to the ribs and there was some discussion about whether he was taken off because he was restricted or to ensure that he was available for Friday night. Either way, Lemmey came into the game when Pitto went off.
Lemmey tried to do a little ruck work but it would be a gross overstatement to suggest he made much of a contribution.
I also got frustrated with Charlie, seems reluctant to get across to contest or chase at times. Might be just because he isn't as mobile as he used to be.
I agree; Charlie doesn't work hard enough - maybe he is not fit enough because he always seems to be be recovering from one injury or another.
the player who may come under consideration is Evans who won the ball ok but couldnt hit the scoreboard and finish his work. I wouldnt select him but given the Crows torched us around the packs and our small forwards were AWOL he may get a call up. Small forwards had little or no chance when we weren't getting centre clearances.
Lemmey just spends too much time unable to get near the ball and is pushed aside by smaller players in contests. Situation normal. Id be playing Lemmey down back in the VFL in the second half of the season as a last resort to see if he can make it. Been there; done that.
Apart from his towering mark and goal, I was very impressed with the number of intense pressure acts from Durdin, which possibly didn't trouble the statistician.
Ollie Hollands running ability was on a different level today; the number of times he tracked up and (deep) back was eye catching and very telling - even his disposal was better than sometimes is the case.
McGovern seemed to miss out on his obligatory floating turnover but Carroll had some shocking kicks for a change.
