VFL Round 10: Northern Blues vs Box Hill at Box Hill

[cookie2]

That also assumes they know what Bolton is thinking and what deals SOS will get done.

IMHO no one has papers stamped and given where we are at not getting a game has more to do with development of knowledge and skills whilst getting a game means there is no more for you to learn or that you can learn in the ones without hurting the team.

Add the word "yet" and I'd possibly agree with you, although there may be one or two, I don't know for sure. Any players that have been around for a few years and can't crack a senior game, especially if they can't demonstrate the minimum required skills or attitude, would certainly be vulnerable by end of year though.

[DJC]

Add the word "yet" and I'd possibly agree with you, although there may be one or two, I don't know for sure. Any players that have been around for a few years and can't crack a senior game, especially if they can't demonstrate the minimum required skills or attitude, would certainly be vulnerable by end of year though.

I think "end of year" is a critical element Cookie.

I think we have a much better and more effective focus on player development under Bolton's leadership and players who have languished in the NBs for a couple of years are now starting to show what they are capable of.  For example, I would have said that Billy Gowers was on thin ice but, after watching him play on Saturday, I reckon he could slot straight in to the senior side.

It may be a case of too little, too late for some but they still have the opportunity to determine their future career trajectory.

Interestingly, our kicking efficiency has gone from 18th last season to 6th this year.  Some of the improvement may be due to new players but it does show that the 2015 list was capable of much better disposal than many of us thought.  I think the possession game is a factor but you can't maintain a possession game without good disposal.

[cookie2]

@DJC

That's positive news DJC. Mass delistings are indicative of system failures at the club I guess and if we can avoid that kind of waste whilst building a winning team then great. I'll be guided by yourself and others on here re. our NB talent as I usually can't get along to their games and I haven't seen them on tv for some time now.

[laj]

I think "end of year" is a critical element Cookie.

I think we have a much better and more effective focus on player development under Bolton's leadership and players who have languished in the NBs for a couple of years are now starting to show what they are capable of.  For example, I would have said that Billy Gowers was on thin ice but, after watching him play on Saturday, I reckon he could slot straight in to the senior side.

It may be a case of too little, too late for some but they still have the opportunity to determine their future career trajectory.

Interestingly, our kicking efficiency has gone from 18th last season to 6th this year.  Some of the improvement may be due to new players but it does show that the 2015 list was capable of much better disposal than many of us thought.  I think the possession game is a factor but you can't maintain a possession game without good disposal.

As far as disposal goes a big change from early in the year is the handballs are no longer finding grass. Good handball keeps the run going and gets the ball into the 50 very quickly and efficiently, one that hits the grass slows or stops that run, or worse, turns it over.

[DJC]

As far as disposal goes a big change from early in the year is the handballs are no longer finding grass. Good handball keeps the run going and gets the ball into the 50 very quickly and efficiently, one that hits the grass slows or stops that run, or worse, turns it over.

Overall disposal efficiency has gone from 17th to 8th while kicking efficiency has jumped from 18th to 6th.  I don't have handpassing efficiency figures but it must not be as good as our kicking.  I guess that's understandable since many handpasses are executed under pressure or when tackled but there is ample room for improvement.

[malo]

I like the sound of this sort of player review:

42. Mark Whiley
Stats: 28 disposals (20 contested), 11 hard-ball gets, 9 clearances
From the coach: He was again significant around the stoppages and contested ball: it was a bull-like performance in tight in tough conditions. He got the ball going forward our way and was relentless for four quarters.

[ElwoodBlues1]

I like the sound of this sort of player review:

42. Mark Whiley
Stats: 28 disposals (20 contested), 11 hard-ball gets, 9 clearances
From the coach: He was again significant around the stoppages and contested ball: it was a bull-like performance in tight in tough conditions. He got the ball going forward our way and was relentless for four quarters.

He isnt smart or quick enough with the ball at senior level...maybe he could learn to play Half back and release a player like Byrne to play up the field more and who does have the tools to become a top line player...

[DJC]

I like the sound of this sort of player review:

42. Mark Whiley
Stats: 28 disposals (20 contested), 11 hard-ball gets, 9 clearances
From the coach: He was again significant around the stoppages and contested ball: it was a bull-like performance in tight in tough conditions. He got the ball going forward our way and was relentless for four quarters.

Yes, I think I neglected to mention Whiley but he was pretty good.  However, I'm not sure who he could replace and whether he would strengthen the side.  It is good to see blokes like Whiley really having a crack.

[Baggers]

He isnt smart or quick enough with the ball at senior level...maybe he could learn to play Half back and release a player like Byrne to play up the field more and who does have the tools to become a top line player...

That's my only knock on Whiley, his footy smarts ...or lack thereof. There is no doubting his endeavour and ability to compete and contest.