Round 22: Ainslie Tricolours v Sydney Swans Reserves

[Sidney V]

Cheers Al - great work - appreciated.

Have the NEAFL given any info on the finals ie dates venues etc, cant seem to find it on there site. (any info/links appreciated)

[ugg]

I don't have a link but im 99% sure it's saturday 3rd sept 2pm manuka oval

[Sidney V]

thanks mate - any idea on the GF - dates / location ? - might have to make some arrangements to help build the cheers squad number

[ugg]

All Canberra finals are played at Manuka. The final between the Eastern and Northern Conferences is not stated but I remember in the discussion about the formation of the league they wanted it as a curtain raiser to an afl final?

[Big Al]

In a very entertaining clash the Swans Reserves had a tough 24 point win against their main challenger for the Eastern Conference title, Ainslie.

After a dominant 1st quarter it looked like the Swans by how far but Ainslie worked very hard in the final 3 qtrs and at stages looked like running over the top of the Swans. Their amazing accuracy in front of goal also meant the reserves were never real comfortable.

Observations:

Seaby/Pyke - The dynamic duo! Stayed on the ground for the whole game and with Seaby resting mainly a kick behind play and Pyke mainly going forward. Both were quite brilliant setting up a lot of play and were close to being the difference between the 2 sides.

McNeal - He continues to impress me. His clearance work is second to none and has good disposal. Got knocked late in the third qtr by a sling tackle that incensed Crouch in the coaches box. Obviously didn't come back in 4th but but did enough to be one of our best players.

Heath - Had his own footy in the 1st half mopping up across half back. Bit quieter in the second but kicked a long goal at a crucial time in the last qtr which stopped an Ainslie mini run.

McKaigue - probably his best game for the club. Ainslie put a lot of pressure on our defence and Chris stood up manfully. His disposal is getting much better as well. Got reported for abuse of an umpire after McNeal got hurt and they didn't bother with a free kick. How he understood what Chris said will be the interesting thing at the tribunal.

Potter - Very good today. Played a lot in the midfield and did some nice things.

TDL - Made the most of limited opportunities. Ainslie played a loose man in front of TDL and were able to run the ball out consistently. TDL was moved around a lot more as a result. He was even moved into defence in the final qtr when Ainslie got to within 3 goals and took a telling mark to thwart an Ainslie raid.

Jetta - Servicable. Got a reasonable amount of ball but for mine doesn't take the game on enough. Didn't do enough for a recall.

Moore - Rock of Gibraltar. When the team struggled at times it was Bulldog that came up with a crucial play like smother, tackle or a goal to get them back on track. He shows the kids the standard of effort needed at AFL level.

Bevan - Same as Bulldog. Hard as a rock. Gave a sneaky back hander to a bloke right in front of me which was very naughty but put a smile on my face. Bevo will never be in our best 22 but gee he gives a good contest and being one of his fiercest critics I am mellowing a bit with him.

Lamb - Leave the best till last. He's going to be a STAR. He is AFL quality from top to toe. So aggressive with and with out the ball, makes terrific decisions with the ball and like all good players seems to have time when in possession.

All in all an entertaining afternoon which got better as the senior scores were filtering through. The victory song by the team was very passionately sung so the victory and performance meant a lot to them.

[Big Al]

I don't have a link but im 99% sure it's saturday 3rd sept 2pm manuka oval

Bugger... With all the time and effort this year, to miss the semi final leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.

[Bas]

Bugger... With all the time and effort this year, to miss the semi final leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.

Well done for another big effort. Wash it out with beer, all will be well.

[Foreign Legion]

Thanks Al,

Very interested to hear that you think Lamb looks the goods - happy to hear that!

[Big Al]

Well done for another big effort. Wash it out with beer, all will be well.

Is that an offer for a shout next week???

[ugg]

I wonder if Playfair will miss the final as well

[liz]

I wonder if Playfair will miss the final as well

Presumably Stewie M will be otherwise occupied too, leaving Crouch in sole charge.

[Primmy]

Noticed Stuey D at the Cattery too. That left Crouchy in charge.

Thanks Al. Great report.

I have Doggie down as Club Man for this season.

Its a major pity that NEAFL and AFL can't be bothered talking. It would have made a massive curtain raiser for next weeks game. Who on earth is going to split the trip? Not going to happen.

[AnnieH]

It pisses me off backwards that one game is being played in Canberra and the other in Sydney.
VERY VERY annoying.

[unconfuseme]

The N.F.I.A.F.L.!!!!

[ShockOfHair]

Thanks Al,

Very interested to hear that you think Lamb looks the goods - happy to hear that!

+1.

Thanks, Al. Great work as usual.