Just got a sneaking suspicion that we might see Rowe start up forward and Hendo down back. Sam is gaining confidence and actually taking marks while Hendo needs to refocus himself. Looking after someone else might help him regain his confidence and if for some reason either or both don't work, just swap them. (Rowe knows how to kick a goal too).
With all of the swing activity against the cats, I was amazed that the Hendo/Rowe exchange was not implemented in the 2nd term.
If you play two slow players in Cachia and Graham then I think having players like Buckley and Armfiled in helps balance the speed ledger. One of our strengths is our speed through the middle now with Yarran, Walker, Docherty taking the ball from defense and rebounding and I think we need to encourage more of that and have other players with speed who can give us an edge. I was amazed Buckley was dropped.....I'd be replacing Garlett with Buckley and having SOJ play forward...I reckon he might create and kick a few goals bit like his old man did..
Like it. Same page.
Was saying to a good mate at the NBs game yesterday that I would bring in SOJ for Jeffy... think I beat him by about 2 seconds to the same suggestion! Either way, Jeffy cannot be allowed to front up again after those two soft efforts in the Pussy Cats game - Dawks will have seen those and will hammer him.
Is that run enough to warrant a recall to AFL for Juddy next week ?
Just got back from the game... and, yes. You could see him gradually increasing his intensity as the game wore on. No brainer that he will front up for the seniors next week.
Ground out a good win. Pretty dreary game at times, but well done by the NBs to beat their much better fancied opponents.
I thought Cachia was probably bog closely followed by Graham.
Graham - as per usual got plenty of the aggott and has obviously been working on his disposal... much better though still a few of the sticking on the boot and hoping for the best. He was influential and continued to get where the ball is at! A good skill for a midfielder. Showed more grunt in and under as well.
Cachia - although he fluffed a few disposals his body work in tight was really strong and effective.
Watson - probably his best game for the year. Actually took marks! Did some nice things and will probably feature in the better players. Slow start though. And still too bloody slow over the grass and in between the lugholes.
McInnes - improved as the game wore on but a shadow of his former self.
Blaine Johnson - pretty quiet really. Not much influence on the game.
Sheehan - if he continues to improve as he is, should get a senior gig before the year is out. Liked his hard work and attack on the aggott.
Byrne - the 'other Ciran' is behind Sheehan in terms of development but he is coming along nicely. Has poise and kicks well on the run/to position. Tightens up, though, when kicking for goal and sprays them. Casboult syndrome?
Temay - hopeless in contests requiring positioning, but did dispose of the aggott well and was serviceable after half time, until then he was the incredible invisible man.
Wood - serviceable and did his job.
Buckley - did some good things and his dash was damaging. Appeared to get injured but reappeared. Good effort.
Reynolds - plenty to work with here. Positions himself well, showed composure under pressure and is pretty damn accurate with that left foot.
(Giles didn't play),
Holman - is getting better at understanding the defensive stuff. Again started off half back. Did some good things but also a few turnovers hurt us. Learning well.
Lucas - hard to believe he had 25 possessions.
Apart from Judd, Buckley and maybe Graham could be considered for a senior call-up. If Carrazzo stumbles then you'd consider Cachia. Gulp, Watson might also be considered.
Casboult while having many good aspects to his game is going to have improve his kicking or be replaced down forward...we cant afford to have a KP forward who misses so many goals. You must be able to convert to win finals and you only get so many chances to put good teams away before the momentum shifts and they get their turn and as Hawkins showed straight kicking keeps you in games even when you are playing average like Geelong were.
This is my big knock on the guy too. He does everything right but taking a set shot at goal, we already know the result before he's kicked it.
He has to be given another season to rectify that fault otherwise, at the end of 2015, we will have to cut our losses.
Can't imagine it would be too difficult to get a Brereton or Carey or whoever to come in and correct the kid's technique.
We should only be 2 goals down at halftime, that center bounce should have been recalled don't want the umps to cost us this one
We have had some dreadful decisions against us in the past two weeks... and that is right up there. Recalled and bounced again every time - well, should have been.
Havnt read a post yet but would any body else consider putting Casboult on Hawkins???
Don't agree. Caz is finding some form, playing on Rowe will destroy him. Hendo for me. I know he doesn't have the strength but he does have the defensive nous.
Although I would favour Waite onto Hawkins, reckon Hendo is the next best bet... it would also get him into the game.
We don't have anyone strong enough to handle Hawkins body on body, this is why Waite should go to him as his agility will get him to spoils without strength contests (which Hawkins will win).
