They're 4th and we're last, so a good result is not expected.
Saturday morning at 12:05 at home.
Our squad for today:
B: S. Durdin Marchbank Lewis Young
HF: Wilson Akuei Lachie Young
C: Moir Binns Cuningham
HF: Cahill Monahan Motlop
F: McMahon Lemmey Mirkov
R: Pittonet Lord J Carroll
Int: Prout White Darcy Hogg Ramshaw Maher
Em: Stevens Lambert Lefroy Lewis Ferronato Nelson
is this televised anywhere?
You can watch it on the AFL website, although for me the telecast is constantly buffering and basically unwatchable.
https://www.afl.com.au/afl-tv/stream?player=arILJvH9PY&streamId=State%20League%20CH5
Cuningham originally named but is not playing. What has happened this time.🙁
Trying to follow the stream but it is buffering horribly - perhaps problems at my end. Makes it hard to follow the game, but we are 3 goals up at half time. Billy Wilson busy Pitto looking good - even got a goal - Jack Carroll better than this level but none of them really dominating. Other than that solid performances at best to half time, Bunns and Motlop not grasping the opportunity to press for seniors as yet but neither have been bad and Mots is our only multiple goal kicker with 2. Cunners literally insighted by me - may have been on bench all half though. Is his absence conformed?
No-one really pressing for a seniors spot next week but still a half to go.
Cunners on start 2nd half and involved immediately
3 points down at 3QT as Southport kicked into gear. Still in it. Marchbank looking more like the quality player we know but not sure who might push for senior selection next week on today's performance. Binns getting busy but not at his best
Classy finish from Cunners to level the scores.
Managed minutes as part of his rehab.
Lost by 2 goals - more precisely 1 goal 6 which probably more accurately reflects the extent to which Southport outclassed us once they kicked into gear. Reeled us in and were all over us. In terms of seniors next week Binns kept grinding, not his best game but might have been our best player once Wilson went off. Wilson was turning it on until injured, hope it is nothing too bad. Pitto did OK but nothing to force his way into the firsts, Marchbank started looking like the player we know he is, Carroll was good early but faded out. Cuningham played the second half and showed his class but probably needs more runs in the 2s and to show his body can stand up, Motlop showed a bit but not enough for mine to earn a firsts gig. Young and Durdin didn't disgrace themselves but are backup only at this stage. Cooper Lord showed a bit, seems neat and honest, laid more tackles than any senior or rookie listed player but my initial thought is he might be a bit vanilla for the higher level. For seniors next week unless the match committee want to go 2 rucks I can't see anyone forcing their way in. If they want to demote Fantasia and/or Durdin Binns Carroll and Motlop could all be considered.
The lack of intensity and the poor disposal of our VFL team really stand out. We were beaten in yet another close finish, when, if a couple of guys stood up, the result could have been different. The guys really lack spark and don't have any mental toughness when things get hot.
Our intensity and defensive game was on the money... early. Of the AFL listen players, Billy W., Motlop, Marchbank and Carroll were busy... early. For mine, and being harsh, the only blokes who put their hands up were Billy (hope nothing serious with his injury) and maybe Motlop (for Durdin as sub, maybe). Can't see Marchbank squeezing out any of our present back seven. Good to see Cooper L making his debut - workman like, but no doubt needs more time to show his wares.
Once our intensity dropped away, along came the overgrown Sardines.
The gap between our VFL and AFL looks significant. This is definitely an area that requires attention. The top performing and flag winning AFL teams also tend to do well in the VFL. I doubt Voss will have too many selection headaches when he reviews that.
As an aside, why didn't the VFL boys have the same Carlton Respects outfit as their AFL counterparts ? They only got the socks, at least as far as I could tell.
I thought Binns worked a lot harder than Motlop, and Cuners showed why we've persevered with him. None of them really have a chance of displacing anyone from the AFL team.
A disappointing result given the AFL-listed players in our team.
Its all about luck at this point. I'm glad all of them are starting to get going. Need a bit of depth and despite not wanting any of the current mob out odds are that an injury can happen any time so the more getting fit the better.
From our 23 last night, i'd have Durdin and Fantasia as player #22 and #23.
Cunners and Motlop in to replace them is an improvement IMO.
Fit and in form I have no doubt. But ongoing fragility is a problem with Cunners and Mots isn't yet putting in enough and consistent enough effort for mine. True the supply isn't great and Mots seems the type to lift at the higher level but I think he has to earn the promotion. Durds had little chance to show his wares on Friday albeit that one of his efforts in particular was ordinary and Fantasia probably put in his best effort though still not enough to hold his spot once others are back, I think Cunners needs more time in the 2s and whilst you could promote Mots on potential I am not sure it is anything but shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic.
As you say, if Cunners and Mots were fit an in form you'd go for it.
I think at their current levels, they would still offer more.
Yes, if Cuners can get to match fitness without suffering another injury and Motlop starts running with intent rather than just running.
I dont see Fantasia being dropped, Voss obviously likes him and his form while nothing brilliant has improved, if he was going to be dropped it would have been a while back and why change a winning team anyway?
And why change it for a bunch of iffy injury prone players who cant go with VFL kids from the Bullants and Journeymen from Southport?
Apart from Cerra who I would introduce back into the team as the sub initially I wouldnt fix what isnt broken. Id be sticking with Cowan and making sure he doesnt become a Tasmanian player, been doing a great job on his opponents much like Concotta and attacks the ball with ferocity and is an old school style defender.
not much in the reserves to be excited about players like carol and binns do nothing that is a standout ?????
No, it doesn't look like anyone in the VFL is making selection difficult for Voss and the MC.
Fantasia has been unimpressive but has been fulfilling a role - Cottrell's role basically. Cottrell does it better and if it comes down to a choice between them Cotters will win. And in the pure small forward role his diminished pace, inability to kick over a jam tin and avoidance of physical contact puts him behind the 8 ball. What he has is experience and nous and that has got him a gig during our injury crisis but I think with a full list he is not in the 23 or even in the first couple in line for promotion. But a full list is rare as unicorn crap so it will come down to who is out I suspect.