05-26-2018, 09:52 PM
Best thing about the game was improved form of youngish players I had penciled in to be part of the fabric of the team (who we all thought had stalled and gone backwards this year). We all started to question our recruitment and development again, but these blokes finally started to show why they've been backed in -
Plowman - back to his form of a year ago. has been stinking it up a bit this season, but showed how good he is at halving or winning a tough contest. He's not super quick or skilled, but he is a very good and dour defender, with solid skills. Good to see him playing like that again. Reliability is what we need from him, and is what I thought he had. Keep playing like that Plow.
Weitering - took a few marks, linked up a few times, and kicked well. Most importantly has seemed to have got past the sads and absolute lack of confidence that afflicted him all year (and some). Time in the two's to regain form and confidence seems to work - who woulda thunkit? Still has a lot of improvement in him, which will come when his confidence grows.
Samo - a lot more mongrel in his game this week. He was very timid early in the season, but has been gradually building intensity and effort the last few weeks. Maybe it is simply 2nd year blues for him. It wouldn't have a name if it wasn't such a common problem.
Of the babies still in nappies -
Dow showed how good he will be. His best game by far, and his first game where I thought he deserves a game next week, based on actual impact this week (not just based on green shoots). Not bad for a kid with 9 games to his name. Seems to be getting fitter, and more used to the pace.
Lochie O is a lot lighter and will take a while to come good. Plenty to like about him, just needs to be developed. Don't mind if it's in the 1's or 2's.
Harry is 2 years ahead of those blokes, but has also played less than 10 games. Bit of a headless chook still, and needs to fill out more and use his size to his advantage more. Needs to keep playing 1's now, even through form slumps. Just needs to get more games, and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in the 1's. No easy outs for him by dropping him to the 2's just yet.
Kerr is showing a little bit for a 2 game KPF. He might be ok, he might not.
Concerns -
Cunningham should be better, and for me is the bloke who would make a huge difference to the team if he stepped up. We are crying out for more midfield depth, and he's got the tools, just can't get involved enough. I'd be hesitant to drop him after a poor first game back, he needs to be challenged to make up for it. His 3rd season on the list - and has a contract till the end of 2019. He has enough time to continue developing, but time is starting to run out...
Plowman - back to his form of a year ago. has been stinking it up a bit this season, but showed how good he is at halving or winning a tough contest. He's not super quick or skilled, but he is a very good and dour defender, with solid skills. Good to see him playing like that again. Reliability is what we need from him, and is what I thought he had. Keep playing like that Plow.
Weitering - took a few marks, linked up a few times, and kicked well. Most importantly has seemed to have got past the sads and absolute lack of confidence that afflicted him all year (and some). Time in the two's to regain form and confidence seems to work - who woulda thunkit? Still has a lot of improvement in him, which will come when his confidence grows.
Samo - a lot more mongrel in his game this week. He was very timid early in the season, but has been gradually building intensity and effort the last few weeks. Maybe it is simply 2nd year blues for him. It wouldn't have a name if it wasn't such a common problem.
Of the babies still in nappies -
Dow showed how good he will be. His best game by far, and his first game where I thought he deserves a game next week, based on actual impact this week (not just based on green shoots). Not bad for a kid with 9 games to his name. Seems to be getting fitter, and more used to the pace.
Lochie O is a lot lighter and will take a while to come good. Plenty to like about him, just needs to be developed. Don't mind if it's in the 1's or 2's.
Harry is 2 years ahead of those blokes, but has also played less than 10 games. Bit of a headless chook still, and needs to fill out more and use his size to his advantage more. Needs to keep playing 1's now, even through form slumps. Just needs to get more games, and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in the 1's. No easy outs for him by dropping him to the 2's just yet.
Kerr is showing a little bit for a 2 game KPF. He might be ok, he might not.
Concerns -
Cunningham should be better, and for me is the bloke who would make a huge difference to the team if he stepped up. We are crying out for more midfield depth, and he's got the tools, just can't get involved enough. I'd be hesitant to drop him after a poor first game back, he needs to be challenged to make up for it. His 3rd season on the list - and has a contract till the end of 2019. He has enough time to continue developing, but time is starting to run out...