I thought Kerridge played about the best that Kerridge could play. However, like my comments about Casboult, he simply isn't good enough. Stop gap at best.
Kerridge tried his guts out and AFL App suggests that he run 17km yesterday, the most of anyone on the ground. He ran 3km at top speed, again, the most of anyone on the ground. There were a few 15-16kms and 2+kms but he maxed out.
Yes, he will always make some howlers, but if you were given the option pre-game of Kerridge having 20 touches or 35 touches (=most) you'd probably take the 35.
Just on Casboult, i thought it played well. Probably the most CM's i've seen him take in a game. Still, failed to really make a difference on the scoreboard. 1.2 was his output. 3.0 wins us the match. But as others will point out, others missed goals too. This is true. But he misses them every week!
Contrast to someone like Jack Silvagni. Only got the ball 8 times. Managed to kick 3 goals straight.
All in all, the game is a step in the right direction. It highlighted a few things we already knew, we're not there yet.
Yeah good assessment on Kerridge, and good stats on him.
As I said in my post, he works hard, that is clear.
What is also clear is he ain't really up to the top level.
35 possessions to Kerridge in an excellent effort. He made 3 mistakes, maybe 4 if you're super-critical. That means he had 31 useful or more than useful possessions. That is pretty good. His work in shutting down a man while getting plenty of ball was a real positive.
For all the mistakes and missed opportunities, it was the injuries to Cripps and White that made the difference. That and the having so many kids. A lot of guys were really struggling for condition in that last few minutes. That won't be the case after a few more pre-seasons. Then WE will have the extra yard of pace at the critical moments.
The umpiring: probably the less said about that the better. At half time I shouted "2 goals to Melbourne, 5 to the Umpires", only to be abused and accosted by some Melbourne supporters. Must have hit a nerve.
Gussy did a great job shutting down Garlett, but the goals really hurt. Frees. And Gussy's mistake by handballing forward when there were 2 Blues behind him was crucial. But he will learn.
Sorry, I didn't rate Kerridge as high as others in yesterday's game. High numbers which shows you the guys works. That's a tick. Otherwise, his fumbly hands for a midfielder cost us hugely on a number of occasions. You watch his next game. Fumbly McFumbles.
I think Smedts and Palmer are the least of our worries. They aren't in our best 22, they'll probably be with us as basically VFL players for experience in 2018 and then be gone. I've got no issue with that whatsoever.
The big one is this upcoming trade/FA/draft period. Well another critical one anyway...
Josh Kelly and Jacob Hopper have to be in our sights surely. Are we after a Dusty Martin as a FA?
Will Gibbs go back to SA, and the Crows? If he does, I'm would say thankyou, very sincerely for his services and for an outstanding leadership and playing role he has produced thus far in 2017. He's been outstanding! What a pro!
Are we into any KPP's? Lever? McGovern? Gunston? Lobb?
Will Casboult go?
For me the delistings include:
Buckley Boekhorst Sumner Jaksch Gorringe Armfield White
What of the future of Thomas? 50/50 IMO. Open to him staying. Just depends on who comes and goes IMHO.
Lamb plays a bit of a niggle/pressure/tagging half-forward role now. Suits him IMO, and I'd like to explore that for the rest of the year, before making a call on his playing future.
Lebois??? Benefit of the doubt in his 1st year and with his injuries, but he'd want to show something or he's gone. Horrible yet again on Saturday in the VFL. I didn't even know he was playing!
Of the rookies, we should keep Alex Silvagni and Sheehan.
I am open to keeping Glass-McCasker and Korcheck. Reckon JGM showed a bit on the weekend. Korcheck, I just wonder if he'll get there. After all, we want him to become a bona-fide AFL ruckman.
Frustrating not to win, but gee I'm a proud Bluebagger. Best game I have seen from our lads for some time, and there have been many great games this year, and last to be honest.
Listenting to Brian Taylor, a clear hater of Carlton commentate, and be allowed to be SOOOO one eyed, is both embarrassing for him and annoying for the Carlton viewer, probably any footy lover. I have never ever rated his calling anyway!
The umps hated us again. Some absolute shockers, howlers. I just don't get it!
The effort yesterday was incredible, to say the least! Two men down also. Hoping Cripps is ok, White too. Particularly Crippa!!!
Have been a little concerned with Weitering's lack of intensity and toughness in the contest this year, again yesterday on a number of occasions. Though he started the best I have seen for a while, then seems to get quite timid in and around the contest. Only a kid, but hopefully he'll impose himself more very soon. I like the kid and he has some serious talent!
Jack is a 3rd tall forward who will be more effective when we get two decent KP Forwards who are the main targets...Jack isnt quick but is a footballer rather than an athlete who relies on smarts and nous to get the job done. He was no superstar at U18 level so the high expectations are based on the Silvagni name rather than his initial abilities and form. I think he has to work hard to be a better player as he isnt a gifted player who can live off talent alone but I think he can and will...
Think he'll become a midfielder in time. Clearance beast!
Pickett as a small defender? Are kidding? He is a lazy little feck who has a very long way to go. Our defenders have been feral in their work rate this year, he wasnt feral in work last week for 30 seconds. No thanks, back to the twos and take a leaf out of LJ's book.
No not kidding. This is how to get his work rate up. See Liam Jones. Your reaction is the EXACT sort of reaction two years ago I got on here when I suggested that we move Liam Jones to defence. That's been a horrible decision hasn't it! Deja vu! Ha!!
Out - Graham, Boekhorst, Smedts In - Cuningham, Fisher, Palmer
*Not sure on Jed Lamb and his concussion. Think Tom Williamson and Alex Silvagni are both another week away availability-wise at AFL level. **Jarrod Pickett as a small defender. ***Caleb Marchbank given a run forward.
Backs 15. Sam Docherty 14. Liam Jones 23. Jacob Weitering Half-backs 20. Lachie Plowman 22. Caleb Marchbank 39. Dale Thomas Centreline 6. Kade Simpson 9. Patrick Cripps 46. Matthew Wright Half-forwards 35. Ed Curnow 41. Levi Casboult 12. Blaine Boekhorst Forwards 13. Jed Lamb 30. Charlie Curnow 1. Jack Silvagni Followers 8. Matthew Kreuzer 4. Bryce Gibbs 3. Marc Murphy (C) Interchange: 25. Zac Fisher 28. David Cuningham 33. Jarrod Pickett 5. Samo Petrevski-Seton Emergencies: 16. Billie Smedts 11. Sam Kerridge 32. Nick Graham
Wow. What a game from Gibbs. Best game I've seen him play...from memory anyway. Really influential. This has been a criticism at times I, and others, have had of Gibbs - he doesn't influence games enough. Well, he certainly did on the weekend. If either SA Clubs want him, it's gonna cost...big time! His trade price just keeps going up. I wonder if he still really wants out?
If he does go, and I reckon there's a very goof chance he still does, we'll need to replace him with proven player(s). Can't replace a 28 year old in form midfielder with U18 kids. It will need to again be a mix.
I'm loving that we don't want to, or need to, play the likes of Kerridge, Palmer, Armfield, White, Graham and the like. It's a good sign! The kids, and senior players, are holding their own...and some!!!
I've changed my mind on Buckley. A year back I'd have him in trouble, but now having seen his work at VFL level, and given Simmo has only a season or two left. I reckon Buckley could get himself setup as Simmo's natural replacement.
JGM gets some slack from me, prior to getting his jaw broken he was also looking quite good at VFL level.
As much as I love his efforts, I cannot see Galluci getting past Le Bois, Pickett or SPS.
Korcheck has stalled somewhat, but that does happen with International Rookies, they seem to go through a transition period in their 2nd or 3rd season.
I think Sumner, Gorringe and Jaksch are in a lot of trouble. They've moved clubs and basically found themselves in the same position at a venue with a weaker list than the one they left!
Yep, it will be interesting. I'm hoping Buckley comes on. He'll need to do it at AFL level before the seasons through to win a new contract.
JGM is fair enough. He would want to show a bit still at VFL seniors level b4 the season is out, Korcheck quite possibly also.
Playing VFL reserves, doesn't instill me with great hope.
Yep Cookie...some of these blokes like Boekhorst, Buckley, Lamb, Gorringe, Jaksch...even Graham might only get a game or two if that in the 2nd half of the season....its still a rebuild and I reckon at least 10 names will be disappearing off the list at seasons end..
Dont see Boekhorst making it...not physical enough for AFL footy and being a Rogers selection wont help him either...but at least he gets a chance unlike some others who probably wont see the light of day in the seniors...
Agree. I'd add to names you mentioned in - Boekhorst, Buckley, Lamb, Gorringe, Jaksch, Graham....
That of - Sumner, Armfield, White, Gallucci (rookie), Korcheck (rookie). Possibly Glass-McCasker (rookie) also.
Gibbs to likely leave also you'd think via a trade.
I've listed 10 senior list players and 3 rookies as 'potential' outs.
GWS play pretty footy and we have to make it tough hard and be physical.....dump Mummy on his fat ar$e too and dont get intimidated by him. The player who is their real leader is Callum Ward IMO, without him Kelly, Scully, Shiel and co will have to get their hands dirtier and I reckon nullifying Ward is a key factor. They will start odds on favs but I reckon we can take it up to them...maybe a player like Armfield could be a suitable in this week, pacy, good tackler and can kick a goal if a smart ar$e big headed GWS backman like Heath Shaw doesnt man up and kick chases instead..
Wright, Palmer and SPS to running backs in Heaf Shaw, Nafe Wilson and Zac Williams Ed Curnow to tag Josh Kelly Gibbs to Callum Ward Docherty to a wing v Tom Scully - make Scull accountable
