vs Essendon (Game Thread)

**TheGrimReaper** · 18 May 2008, 06:22 PM

lol Dearie me, I haven't edited my profile for ages have I? Things change.

**ROK Lobster** · 18 May 2008, 06:24 PM

deleted

**TheGrimReaper** · 18 May 2008, 06:26 PM

Originally posted by ROK Lobster

I see, so Legs and I are idiots because you don't know how to change your profile.

No, you're idiots because you're behind the times. And I only said you're an idiot, legs is ok.

**stellation** · 18 May 2008, 06:28 PM

Just back from the game, some random thoughts;
I think Craig Bird will be one of the best midfielders in the competition in a few years.
LRT was clearly beaten on at least one lead today by a lumbering Hille, and a few times couldn't make ground on leads that were not honoured.; his big strength was his athleticism, I guess now it just falls back to his silky skills and cunning reading of the play? He just looked awfully lost out there.
I still think it was stupid to play Malceski.
It was rather cold there.
I'd like to see Moore get more rotation time in the middle, and I'd like to see Monty get less.
I was suprised to see Mickey kicked 6, he kicked straight but I just didn't see that he was as dominant as 6 goals suggests (I did think he played well, just that it was a quiet half dozen).
Playfair really does work hard as a forward, I'd like to see him spend more time as a true CHF though- he is obviously a good marking target, but i think he plays on well and his field kicking is much better than his goal kicking (Hi Ryan!). I thought he was played way too deep at times.
Spida is just about the best tap ruckman I have ever seen, even now. I don't care about the quality of the opposition today, they can still get in the way at taps.
Jolly played very well around the ground, looked to be working hard.

**DeadlyAkkuret** · 18 May 2008, 06:28 PM

Can someone delete this ridiculious bickering? I actually want to chat about the game today, since it has Game Thread in brackets in the title.

**Legs Akimbo** · 18 May 2008, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by TheGrimReaper

lol Dearie me, I haven't edited my profile for ages have I? Things change.

Just some general advice. Raving against the collective membership of RWO to post scores because you cannot find a working radio, internet stream or other site where scores are posted, particularly when one is on your homepage link, is unwarranted.

Anyway, back to the footy. Sounded like a great performance today listening on 3AW between whacking golf balls at the driving range.

Can anyone give an opinion on Playfair's game? I am pleasantly surprised.

**ROK Lobster** · 18 May 2008, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by Legs Akimbo

Can anyone give an opinion on Playfair's game? I am pleasantly surprised.

I only saw the 2nd half. I thought he presented well and generally marked well. his kicking looked good and his hair is way cooler than Jude Bolton's.

**CJK** · 18 May 2008, 06:36 PM

So cold still.

Playfair impressed.

EDIT: Oh - and how about the crowd cheering when Barry Hall was sighted in the crowd on the big screen? That was fun!

**Legs Akimbo** · 18 May 2008, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by ROK Lobster

I only saw the 2nd half. I thought he presented well and generally marked well. his kicking looked good and his hair is way cooler than Jude Bolton's.

If he can straighten us up in the style of big Earl Spalding crashing packs during his halcyon Carlton years, then I will be very happily pleasantly surprised.

**satchmopugdog** · 18 May 2008, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by DeadlyAkkuret

Can someone delete this ridiculious bickering? I actually want to chat about the game today, since it has Game Thread in brackets in the title.

Agreed..I was going to ask for some assistance from the mods.Wierd.

**Nico** · 18 May 2008, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by DeadlyAkkuret

Yet here you are judging him on one good performance.

Stunning reply Deadly. Usually when someone plays a very good game these is at least a very remote chance he might have a bit of ability. Gee even I concede when Bevo plays a good game, and his tackling was very good today. Perhaps the taste of humble pie in your case is a bit fishy given that you appeared to take the bait.

Now if Playfair plays the way he did today we might have a genuine 3rd tall forward option. He played as a genuine CHF, leads straight up the ground which for us is the first since Plugger, and runs into space at centre half forward. Did anyone see a similar style to Steve Johnson of Geelong and he kicks better. Another thing he showed was when he gets the footy he thinks about what he will do with it, as per his last goal give to Jack. He also has courage and is prepared to run with the flight of the ball.

Sure he has to produce against good teams but give a little credit where it due.

Over and out, Deadly.

**satchmopugdog** · 18 May 2008, 06:44 PM

On another tack..what about Bevan's tackling today..on the tele it looked fantastic.

When in doubt tackle them bother.

Plus Cometti's comment when Spider was grabbing at players with his long arms "Looks like an octopus rather than a spider,but an octopus doesn't have as much ink."

**Mike_B** · 18 May 2008, 06:50 PM

A game of two halves. In the first half our skills were awful, we overused the ball and we were very ordinary. 2nd half comes and we look much better, although I do have to wonder how much of that was down to Essendon falling away terribly...

Comments on a few players....
Bird - Had his best game for us so far
Bevan - did some fantastic work defensively, particularly with his tackling
Kirk - Inspirational today, just seemed to be where he needed to be at crucial times
Jolly - Has really stepped up this year, another good game today. A couple of brain explosions, but having a presence on the scoreboard, especially early helps alot
Moore - Improving every week and was brilliant today.
Playfair - strong game from him today. kicking still lets him down sometimes, but he knows where to be as a forward and importantly plays in front.

On the downside, depending on what the match committee's feelings are on Schmidt and Fossie being in our best 22, on current form, I'd have to say Jude Bolton and Buchanan would be hearing VERY loud footsteps.

**DeadlyAkkuret** · 18 May 2008, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by Nico

Stunning reply Deadly. Usually when someone plays a very good game these is at least a very remote chance he might have a bit of ability. Gee even I concede when Bevo plays a good game, and his tackling was very good today. Perhaps the taste of humble pie in your case is a bit fishy given that you appeared to take the bait.

Not sure what you're talking about, mate. I've barely posted here over the last two weeks and definitely didn't bag Playfair after his initial poor performance, so why would I be eating humble pie?

The point I was making is that you shouldn't be blowing your own horn in regards to Playfair, based on one match, when you're having a go at those who critisised him after one match.

**Big Al** · 18 May 2008, 07:10 PM

Just back from Frigid Stadium reasonably happy with the effort today. The Bummers are seriously struggling at he moment so it's hard to gauge exactly where we're at.

Playfair - Presented well and was impressed with his game
Leo - Thought it was the best he's played all year.
Moore - Getting better and better.
Bevan - His tacking and pressure skills were terrific.
Jolly - Seemed to be everywhere.

BTW: Anyone see the good looking guy who sent back a brilliant torp back into play after the Jolly goal in the last qtr (the one he sent into the Stadium roof). That guy should seriously be signed up.