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I thought this was a terrific game to watch - far more entertaining than the lopsided scoreboard suggests. Even though the Eagles were outclassed, they had a real dip in the midfield and did plenty of chasing and harrassing. They just couldn't string together enough passes to regularly get the ball into their forward line.
The second half, in particular, was a furiously paced spectacle, with the Swans swarming in numbers, using lots of short handpassing to try and find space. I was highly impressed by all the top-ups who were able to stay with the pace and contribute to this attempted rapid movement of the ball, despite the fact they obviously don't have the same advantages of training full time with the squad. Sure, they got knocked off the ball at times, and fumbled a bit, but as the game got quicker, so they looked more comfortable. Daniel Robinson was probably the best of them. He is very much in the mold of Hannebery, physically as well as game style. He is not overly quick but he runs hard, finds space, has neat enough skills and looks comfortable at this level. Stephen Wray is a little taller but is composed and kicks well. This pair have been playing with the reserves for the last year and a half and I think are still the two most likely to find their way onto the list next year (probably rookie list). Jack's pedigree might get him there too, but he has a fair bit further to go standard wise (and physically too - he is still pretty skinny).
As far as the current listed players go there was plenty to like as well. Walsh and Spangher took it in turns to parade around, controlling the forward line. Walsh's main limitation is that he lacks just a smidgeon of pace, which will be more of an issue at senior level, but he showed a strong set of hands on pressured leads. Spangher's marks were a bit more acrobatic, with a few off-balance juggled marks where he got an initial touch and then finished it off as he fell to ground. Both of them converted pretty well in blustery conditions. Morton chipped in with a goal in each of the first three quarters, and then a final quarter hatrick. He seems to have got the message that he can't just stay parked in the forward line but also needs to work further down the ground.
At the other end, both Heath and Lynch were cool and in control. Lynch, in particular, has improved noticeably in recent games. He has a real air of confidence about him. They are both a bit on the short side to make it as true KPDs at senior level (though so was Craig Bolton and it didn't stop him). But they may well each have the tools to play that "third tall" defender role in time. They are good one on one but also read the play well and aren't scared to zone off. I'll be very surprised if Lynch doesn't get a second year on the list. I really hope Heath keeps his spot too after a continuous season of consistent form and no injuries.
This was the game I've been most impressed with Brown in. (I didn't see the two games that Maxfield commended him for, his first two games.) He was probably playing as a half-back flanker, pushing up to the wings at time. He has a bit of an ungainly running style but he looks athletic and reasonably quick, and was involved in some good reflex play.
As the scoreboard suggests, we had plenty of goers through the midfield. I didn't think Moore was as dominant as he has been in other games, but maybe that just reflects the contribution of others (including all the toppies). He was still very soild. Meredith and Lamb were busy too - the best four quarter game I've seen from Meredith this year, while I wonder if Lamb was troubled earlier in the year with some niggles, because he has looked rejuventated in the last month or so.
Cunningham needs to get a little cleaner with his hands, but I love the way he hunches his shoulders, charges into contests and hunts the ball.
All in all a very enjoyable precursor to the main "entertainment" of the afternoon / evening.
The second half, in particular, was a furiously paced spectacle, with the Swans swarming in numbers, using lots of short handpassing to try and find space. I was highly impressed by all the top-ups who were able to stay with the pace and contribute to this attempted rapid movement of the ball, despite the fact they obviously don't have the same advantages of training full time with the squad. Sure, they got knocked off the ball at times, and fumbled a bit, but as the game got quicker, so they looked more comfortable. Daniel Robinson was probably the best of them. He is very much in the mold of Hannebery, physically as well as game style. He is not overly quick but he runs hard, finds space, has neat enough skills and looks comfortable at this level. Stephen Wray is a little taller but is composed and kicks well. This pair have been playing with the reserves for the last year and a half and I think are still the two most likely to find their way onto the list next year (probably rookie list). Jack's pedigree might get him there too, but he has a fair bit further to go standard wise (and physically too - he is still pretty skinny).
As far as the current listed players go there was plenty to like as well. Walsh and Spangher took it in turns to parade around, controlling the forward line. Walsh's main limitation is that he lacks just a smidgeon of pace, which will be more of an issue at senior level, but he showed a strong set of hands on pressured leads. Spangher's marks were a bit more acrobatic, with a few off-balance juggled marks where he got an initial touch and then finished it off as he fell to ground. Both of them converted pretty well in blustery conditions. Morton chipped in with a goal in each of the first three quarters, and then a final quarter hatrick. He seems to have got the message that he can't just stay parked in the forward line but also needs to work further down the ground.
At the other end, both Heath and Lynch were cool and in control. Lynch, in particular, has improved noticeably in recent games. He has a real air of confidence about him. They are both a bit on the short side to make it as true KPDs at senior level (though so was Craig Bolton and it didn't stop him). But they may well each have the tools to play that "third tall" defender role in time. They are good one on one but also read the play well and aren't scared to zone off. I'll be very surprised if Lynch doesn't get a second year on the list. I really hope Heath keeps his spot too after a continuous season of consistent form and no injuries.
This was the game I've been most impressed with Brown in. (I didn't see the two games that Maxfield commended him for, his first two games.) He was probably playing as a half-back flanker, pushing up to the wings at time. He has a bit of an ungainly running style but he looks athletic and reasonably quick, and was involved in some good reflex play.
As the scoreboard suggests, we had plenty of goers through the midfield. I didn't think Moore was as dominant as he has been in other games, but maybe that just reflects the contribution of others (including all the toppies). He was still very soild. Meredith and Lamb were busy too - the best four quarter game I've seen from Meredith this year, while I wonder if Lamb was troubled earlier in the year with some niggles, because he has looked rejuventated in the last month or so.
Cunningham needs to get a little cleaner with his hands, but I love the way he hunches his shoulders, charges into contests and hunts the ball.
All in all a very enjoyable precursor to the main "entertainment" of the afternoon / evening.
If Sam doesn't come back in I would opt for Jesse, Mitch and Lambchop for the Seniors. I believe Goodsie is injured, he has to be not to chase, he always chases until he is bushed.
does.
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