VFL 2017: Rd 6: Northern Blues vs Sandringham at Preston

[Vivian]

X2. Love your posts Navy.

One of the few that is not all doom and gloom after a loss.

We are on the right track and our performances in the 2s is testament that we now finally have some depth and our overall list is stronger then it has been in a long time.

Fully agree.  This is the best indication in 2017 that we are on the right track.  Northern Blues are playing consistent and strong football.  Depth is building and importantly, a consistent style and method is growing across the two teams.  If the club is to build sustained success, a powerful VFL side is an essential foundation.

[LoveNavy]

X2. Love your posts Navy
Oh stop it shawny..... That is too clever ^-^

Look at the 2s of any club pushing for sustained success. They are distinctly strong. It's how the Hawks and recently the Dogs have the depth to cover outs. I personally place a lot of weight on this factor. Remember how seamlessly those teams shuffle their 22 to optimize match ups.

Not rocket science....
If we move up the Vfl ladder significantly, and remain competitive in AFL, we're undoubtedly on the right track. Don't forget we're hitting off a sizeable handicap year on year of crap recruiting will do that.

It's as interesting watching the NB's performance as our 1's. I'm loving it. Great to see some games broadcast too.

[crashlander]

One of the most dominant performances I have seen from a tall defender and, although it looked like it, he wasn't playing loose man in defence. He simply zoned off his opponent but always managed to have the closing speed to get to the contest.

When the ball was in the air, Jones got to the contest to mark it (one grab) or punch it.

When his opponent was on the lead, he had the closing speed to spoil.

When it was on the ground he had the speed to get to the contest to impact the ball or an opponent (many of whom were strongly impacted).

When he had the ball in hand, he executed the 'don't argue' and/or delivered the ball to a teammate.

A couple of years ago, Baggers and I expressed the view that Jones had all of the tools to become a key defender. We were patting each other on the back today.

Having said that, I can't see him forcing his way into the senior team unless Rowe or Marchbank falter.

Unfortunately Rowe must have read your post. It is not yet determined how long he will be missing for, but he could yet be a LTI candidate. Anterior Cruciate I read this morning.

[flyboy77]

did anyone else think Fyfe's actions in jumping on Rowe's leg - it wasn't really a smother was odd, and rather dangerous (as the effect has showed)?

[crashlander]

did anyone else think Fyfe's actions in jumping on Rowe's leg - it wasn't really a smother was odd, and rather dangerous (as the effect has showed)?

It is a good question.

[Professer E]

How dare you question a prospective brownlow medallist!  Expect a call from AFL house.

[townsendcalling]

X2. Love your posts Navy.

One of the few that is not all doom and gloom after a loss.

We are on the right track and our performances in the 2s is testament that we now finally have some depth and our overall list is stronger then it has been in a long time.

Just look at the Box Hill performances when Hawthorn were at the top of their game.  There is a pattern.

[blue4life]

We really should be going OK in the VFL, we've have virtually no injuries apart from Byrne.

[Thryleon]

did anyone else think Fyfe's actions in jumping on Rowe's leg - it wasn't really a smother was odd, and rather dangerous (as the effect has showed)?

Not really.

Its desperation to get the ball that makes the difference between a good player and a great player.

Keep in mind he has broken his own leg twice playing this sport.

[Baggers]

We really should be going OK in the VFL, we've have virtually no injuries apart from Byrne.

Nailed it. We have the healthiest list in the AFL. Just, really, amplifies the fact of how far behind we are. The upside though is that many of our newbies get a taste of senior footy.