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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: VFL 2026 Rd 18: Carlton vs Gold Coast at Carlton
Last post by crashlander -
I do have a number of observations:
[1] Ben Camporeale really does backend games.
I've noticed before that Ben often seems to have big last quarters, but I hadn't realized just how often he does it. It is almost his modus operandi, which tells you that he has the tank. Body strength ... I still have some questions there, but he is coming along nicely.
His disposals were also pretty good in the first half. I am sure he will get a senior game before the end of the year. Billy Wilson had a couple last year and it did him the world of good.
[2] Our total lack of key position types:
If we lack these at senior level, and it is obvious, it is almost the defining feature of the VFL side. We haven't had any all year, which is why Moir has been our primary target, but without him yesterday the only tall forward was O'Keefe, who had an ordinary one.
In defence, Duffy, Harvey and Paea managed to do the deed, especially after half time. Paea couldn't handle Ugle-Hagan, but Harvey managed to contain him well. Harvey had 12 possessions and 7 marks and has generally impressed this year. He had an ordinary patch when we started out losing streak, but he has been very good in the last 5 weeks.
Paea was excellent when moved onto Knobel, having 17 possessions and 12 marks!
Duffy: he isn't getting many possessions and not much kudos, but he is doing the job negatively. His disposal and decision making have improved a lot. But, do we give him another year? We might, as we are just so short of players his size.
It is very frustrating to see Monahan injured, as he was really coming along. His pace was more noticeable, because he was getting more of it.
[3] Our rucks:
I can't see all 3 of our present rucks still on our list in 2027. And Hudson O'Keefe looks like drawing the short straw. He isn't getting enough ruck minutes, and he does have a decent leap, and he isn't getting enough of the ball. He barely touched it in the first half.
Riley didn't have a big game, but he does have a future. He also can take a decent contested mark.
Reidy was well beaten early, but clearly did better in the second half. He needs more strength if he is going to be a senior player.
[4] Our VFL boys:
We had 11 AFL listed players yesterday, which is probably the least we've had all year. But, as has been the case for most of the year, many of our VFL boys have stood up.
Jack Sammartino had 23 possessions and has impressed me this year. He has been a big in for this year. And it hasn't just been getting the ball: he has often had a job and has done them well. He was reasonably quiet in the first half, but clearly finished strongly.
Tom Howard must have wondered why it took so long to get a game. He didn't have huge numbers, but he was in the right spot and kicked truly.
I didn't see much of Farrar at all in the first half, but he kicked 3 after half time. He is a goal kicker, no doubt. The negative on him is that he can disappear from games, but he has been one of our better pickups. He might even get a chance to train-on, which I wouldn't have any issues about. If he can get to be more consistent, he has the traits to make it.
Logan Prout always is a contributor. He didn't have a big game this week, but he always has a job and does it with minimum fuss. And he has become a goal kicker this season.
Alwyn Davey started well, kicking 2 early goals, but disappeared after that. Still, he wasn't as useless as I expected. 4 tackles I liked.
Tyson Gresham probably won't make it, as he is that bit too small, but he is clever. I liked what he was doing when he got the chance. Good hands and good skills.
Ollie Warburton also had a good game back in the midfield.
[5] Why have Gold Coast been so useless?
Gold Coast had 16 AFL listed players, including guys who really should be stars. But, like their seniors, they don't tackle like our guys do. Considering that they dominated the ruck, their midfield should be ashamed of themselves.
Jye Farrar looked like he was going to make it not long ago, Now he's getting 9 possessions in the VFL. That is almost typical of this mob, serious underachievers.
