JLT Round 1 - Blues v Hird's Old Crew (this Thursday, Princes Park)

[Thryleon]

So much to like, and yes, it's only JLT. But...

Welcome Gibbo, Gov and Newman, immediate positive impact (especially impressed with Newman's work down back - got a ripper with this kid). Likewise Walsh, but almost goes without saying now, what a star. Fish and Cripps... dynamic duo.

Flip - good stuff. Took some very good marks along with good ruck work.

Welcome back, Weiters.

Never thought Cuningham would make it as a defender or even mid (at this stage), too many vanishing acts... BUT... fading in and out as a silky, opportunistic forward... yep.

Concerns: Polson and SOJ (although SOJ made the most of very few possessions) and concentration lapse in final qtr.

These two I have pencilled in to be 50-100 odd game cameo performance players and will never win many fans over.

They won't win you many games off their own boot, but they will plug away, over and over and over again and make the most of their limited abilities in the same way other less lauded players have in the past.

Its worth remembering at this point, that whilst everyone lauded Hawthorn's usual suspects of Roughead, Cyril, Lewis and co, there were other blokes who somehow found a way to impact games without their requisite ability (thinking of Will Langford's grand final against Sydney in 2014).  21 disposals, 6 tackles 3 goals.  If you can get something resembling that from JSOS, or Polson, then they have done alright and are worth keeping just in case we have a few drop to injury.  Your depth cant all be classy.  They just have to be willing to stick around, play their part for the team and the club, and make the most of limited opportunities which thus far they appear to be doing.