Re: VFL Practice Match NBs vs Richmond
Reply #38 –
Saw the second half and the thing that stood out to me was the ferocity of the tackling. It seemed relentless. Therefore it was no surprise to see the main team continue it an hour later.
Jesse Hyphen will be good. He's just a raw colt running around but but he knows where to place himself, has a fair boot on him and just needs a season or two in the gym.
Cunningham looked good, moves well and seems to have footy smarts. KJ took a couple of imposing marks and showed that he can if he wants to.
Silvagni? He's a 200 game player in the making. There is absolutely no rush with him. Let him develop physically and introduce him to the main team when he can actually impose himself on a game. Although he didn't play Charlie C is a mile ahead of Silvagni in terms of body size and on field presence. I'd be looking at him well before SOS. Jack Watts was going to be the membership selling savior at Melbourne and he was never given a chance to really transition. SOS is special, and will be integral in 2018 when we are really making an impact.
Good call re SOS. So much class so let's not kill him with hitting big bodies too soon.
Totally agree re the hyphen. A raw talent. Will be watching with serious interest how he develops.
I was on the same train as Charlie C and walked to the Punt Road Oval in the same mob as he did. Really good height. But I was a little surprised at how thin he was... bring on the gym.
I know the club's website talked up Jones' efforts early but really the delivery was first class and when the Tiggers mounted a mini comeback (so the heat was on), Jones vanished. He also seemed lost a number of times and some of his efforts at marking if the aggott wasn't delivered lace out were half hearted. A couple of his efforts in the second qtr were just lame. To his credit, his defensive game has definitely improved and he really is trying.
Good to see Big Harry at the game encouraging team mates. Needs some kilos!
Someone I forgot to mention before, and deserves a mention, was the game of Dick. He combined really well on a number of occasions with Byrne to set up some really effective rebounds. Just wish he could gain a yard or two in pace.
Initial impressions of the new coach are really good - communicates well and explains well. Huge improvement on the other cat... but it is early days and he does seem to have a better group to work with.
Will be doing my best to get to Preston City Oval for next Saturday's game. Be able to stay for the whole game rather than having to leave early for the 'G.'