Didn't really notice McNeil much, and though Parker was a bit scrappy at times - including missing one sitter of a set shot. Didn't really notice Johnston much either, but to be fair, the ball didn't spend much time in Sydney's defence. I thought Lamb was very good in the first half but faded as the game went on. Agree that Moore and Pyke were very good, and Gordon was the standout in the midfield.
I am really not a fan of the approach Longmire is taking to our rucks in the senior team. Mumford has been tremendous with the amount of work he has shouldered but can't help thinking we'd get even more out of him if he got more of a chop out than he is currently getting. I so wish they'd bring Pyke into the team (and while I really feel for Seaby, Pyke has been better than him in both the two last reserves games I've watched). Mumford kicked two goals today, Pyke four - surely both are capable of having an impact if they rest in the forward line? Pyke is just several classes above the ACTAFL now - he moves around the ground as if he's been playing the game all his life. Sure, he missed a few shots at goal today (including one he really should have kicked) but his 4th was a shot from 55m out off one step that might not have spun perfectly through the air but split the posts in two. His hands are soft and smart at ruck contests and he is taking pack contested marks. He also created at least two goals today with very smart play. Get him in the team, Longmire!!!!
I found TDL's game interesting to watch. He was very well guarded by whoever was playing on him, and not allowed an inch of space. He was rarely able to gain any distance on leads and most of his marking attempts were therefore spoiled quite easily. I imagine the coaching staff would have been delighted that he was given such a hard time. His workrate might not have been all it could have been in the first half, but he worked his way into things, and landed up with a couple of goals in the end through some clever play.
Haren also showed some glimpses of great agility and skill for such a big man. I know you're already a big fan Ugg, and while I still don't think he'll play seniors this year, he is definitely looking like a bit of a find. Suddenly, with Reid, two Johnnos, White and now Haren, we're suddenly looking quite well placed for young, raw, developing talls.
I am really not a fan of the approach Longmire is taking to our rucks in the senior team. Mumford has been tremendous with the amount of work he has shouldered but can't help thinking we'd get even more out of him if he got more of a chop out than he is currently getting. I so wish they'd bring Pyke into the team (and while I really feel for Seaby, Pyke has been better than him in both the two last reserves games I've watched). Mumford kicked two goals today, Pyke four - surely both are capable of having an impact if they rest in the forward line? Pyke is just several classes above the ACTAFL now - he moves around the ground as if he's been playing the game all his life. Sure, he missed a few shots at goal today (including one he really should have kicked) but his 4th was a shot from 55m out off one step that might not have spun perfectly through the air but split the posts in two. His hands are soft and smart at ruck contests and he is taking pack contested marks. He also created at least two goals today with very smart play. Get him in the team, Longmire!!!!
I found TDL's game interesting to watch. He was very well guarded by whoever was playing on him, and not allowed an inch of space. He was rarely able to gain any distance on leads and most of his marking attempts were therefore spoiled quite easily. I imagine the coaching staff would have been delighted that he was given such a hard time. His workrate might not have been all it could have been in the first half, but he worked his way into things, and landed up with a couple of goals in the end through some clever play.
Haren also showed some glimpses of great agility and skill for such a big man. I know you're already a big fan Ugg, and while I still don't think he'll play seniors this year, he is definitely looking like a bit of a find. Suddenly, with Reid, two Johnnos, White and now Haren, we're suddenly looking quite well placed for young, raw, developing talls.
Comment