NEAFL discussion thread

[Ludwig]

Congratulations to Darcy - he was just a colossus in the NEAFL this year. I remember the first game this year where he struggled against Smith and the Big O but he has pretty much won his contest in every NEAFL game I have watched this year since. I agree with Ludwig - he has been mismanaged this year. He should've been given more AFL time this year, playing predominately ruck and allowing Sinclair to push forward (anyone notice how good a set shot Sinclair is?). Now if Sinclair cops an injury, we might have to bring in an inexperienced ruck, playing his second game, potentially in a prelim or a grand final! Its not like his form didn't warrant more opportunities, especially when you look at who has been given multiple runs, despite poor form. Here's a thought bubble for our final v GWS. Play him in the ruck, push Sinclair forward. This would allow McCartain to be our third tall, could even force Himmelberg to play some time down back and also place a load of pressure on an injured Lobb, who would have to ruck against Cameron and Sinclair.

The only big negative with Sinclair last year was his poor marking, but he's completely turned that around this year and has become a very reliable mark. He was a forward who became a 2nd ruckman then a 1st ruckman. It makes so much sense to play Cameron, who has dominated in the ruck this year in the NEAFL and Sinclair as forward in place of Reid. McCartin has done so well for an 18 year old playing such a difficult position, but he can't be compared to a mature experienced player like Sinclair.

What really irks me about this is that we didn't even give it a try, unless you want to call that Gold Coast debacle a try.

[bloodspirit]

He was the ruckman that filled in when Cameron was selected to play seniors. When I looked him up, the few articles suggested he was a mature aged former rugby player that is playing in the AFL Sydney comp with UNSW-ES Bulldogs

They were approximately eleventy zillion ruck contests that day and he was up against a Gold Coast Academy player, and he won the majority of them.

Thanks ugg! Sounds like a really intriguing story and slightly reminescent of Mike Pyke, another former rugby player who rucked successfully! Whatever happened to Liam Maze? Haven't heard anything about him for a while.

[bloodspirit]

The only big negative with Sinclair last year was his poor marking, but he's completely turned that around this year and has become a very reliable mark. He was a forward who became a 2nd ruckman then a 1st ruckman. It makes so much sense to play Cameron, who has dominated in the ruck this year in the NEAFL and Sinclair as forward in place of Reid. McCartin has done so well for an 18 year old playing such a difficult position, but he can't be compared to a mature experienced player like Sinclair.

What really irks me about this is that we didn't even give it a try, unless you want to call that Gold Coast debacle a try.

It is kind of hilarious that you have gone from advocating for no rucks, to one and now to saying we should play two. I don't think it's a coincidence that you like to be at odds with the prevailing orthodoxy - or, let's call it ahead of the curve. But it does mean that I take most of what you say with a handful of salt. In case you're going to suggest it, I definitely don't buy that Sinclair wouldn't be a "second ruck" but just a forward.

[Ludwig]

It is kind of hilarious that you have gone from advocating for no rucks, to one and now to saying we should play two. I don't think it's a coincidence that you like to be at odds with the prevailing orthodoxy - or, let's call it ahead of the curve. But it does mean that I take most of what you say with a handful of salt. In case you're going to suggest it, I definitely don't buy that Sinclair wouldn't be a "second ruck" but just a forward.

We might suppose that if Naismith and Reid weren't out injured we wouldn't see either Sinclair or McCartin in the side. We have to adjust to a situation where our usual starting players aren't available. It's not a matter of counting how many ruckmen are in the side. I wouldn't be suggesting we play Naismith and Nankervis in the same side, unless we are desperate, but both Sinclair and Cameron can play forward. I'm mostly upset that we haven't played Cameron in the seniors, except for half a game, when he's been our best reserves' player and incredibly consistent as well. I frankly can't understand it.

PS: Sometimes you can get so far ahead of the curve that you can come full circle, sort of like this.

[ugg]

[bloodspirit]

We might suppose that if Naismith and Reid weren't out injured we wouldn't see either Sinclair or McCartin in the side. We have to adjust to a situation where our usual starting players aren't available. It's not a matter of counting how many ruckmen are in the side. I wouldn't be suggesting we play Naismith and Nankervis in the same side, unless we are desperate, but both Sinclair and Cameron can play forward. I'm mostly upset that we haven't played Cameron in the seniors, except for half a game, when he's been our best reserves' player and incredibly consistent as well. I frankly can't understand it.

PS: Sometimes you can get so far ahead of the curve that you can come full circle, sort of like this.

Brilliant! As usual.

I agree that Sinclair is a viable forward and that Cameron's brilliant NEAFL form deserves reward (but not ahead of Sinclair's even more brilliant AFL form). The question is whether we play them both and, currently, it seems that the answer is no, presumably due to our structures and gamestyle. If we did select them both, you'd think the player that might go out would be McCartin. So how do we choose between them? McCartin has an excellent tank and is a strong mark and has been doing his job bringing the ball to ground when he can't mark. Probably he's more mobile and offers more defensively than either Cameron or Sinclair would also, which is something we place a premium on in our forward 50 (as do most teams these days). It's hard to say whether Sinclair or McCartin offer more as a forward because they have different strengths. But, as I do most of the time, I'm content to defer to those with greater knowledge and expertise, namely our match selection committee. However, I don't think Cameron yet offers more (or even as much as) Sinclair in the ruck, which is perhaps why he hasn't been given more opportunities - but that can, and hopefully will, change.

[ugg]

[mcs]

Brilliant! As usual.

I agree that Sinclair is a viable forward and that Cameron's brilliant NEAFL form deserves reward (but not ahead of Sinclair's even more brilliant AFL form). The question is whether we play them both and, currently, it seems that the answer is no, presumably due to our structures and gamestyle. If we did select them both, you'd think the player that might go out would be McCartin. So how do we choose between them? McCartin has an excellent tank and is a strong mark and has been doing his job bringing the ball to ground when he can't mark. Probably he's more mobile and offers more defensively than either Cameron or Sinclair would also, which is something we place a premium on in our forward 50 (as do most teams these days). It's hard to say whether Sinclair or McCartin offer more as a forward because they have different strengths. But, as I do most of the time, I'm content to defer to those with greater knowledge and expertise, namely our match selection committee. However, I don't think Cameron yet offers more (or even as much as) Sinclair in the ruck, which is perhaps why he hasn't been given more opportunities - but that can, and hopefully will, change.

The problem with McCartin, as good as he is around the ground, in the role he is playing he basically a zero threat in terms of kicking many goals. I think a combo of Cameron/Sinclair is likely to offer more in terms of goal threat, but less mobility as Mccartin has as a forward leading up the ground. Tough call either way.

[dejavoodoo44]

With Canberra beating Uni and Aspley beating Brisbane, I'm guessing that we will host Aspley next week? That is, it seems logical, that the higher ranked Southport would host the lower ranked Canberra.
Of course, I'm not entirely convinced, that the NEAFL has a demonstrated history of logical decision making.

[liz]

With Canberra beating Uni and Aspley beating Brisbane, I'm guessing that we will host Aspley next week? That is, it seems logical, that the higher ranked Southport would host the lower ranked Canberra.
Of course, I'm not entirely convinced, that the NEAFL has a demonstrated history of logical decision making.

Brisbane lost, did they? They are the team I thought most likely to trouble the Swans. We seem to have had a problem with their height in the last few seasons. That's not to say I think the remaining teams- all non-AFL sides - will be easy to beat but I think the Swans fitness levels (even for the academy players) and discipline/structure will hold them in good stead.

Do we yet know when and where the Swans final will be?

Edit: Occurred to me I could just go and look it up.

http://neafl.com.au/tribal-sport-neafl-finals-series-week-2-fixture/

We host Canberra at BISP on Saturday morning. For those who don't fancy the trek out there (especially with an even more important game starting late afternoon on "this" side of town, the game will be streamed.

[dejavoodoo44]

Brisbane lost, did they? They are the team I thought most likely to trouble the Swans. We seem to have had a problem with their height in the last few seasons. That's not to say I think the remaining teams- all non-AFL sides - will be easy to beat but I think the Swans fitness levels (even for the academy players) and discipline/structure will hold them in good stead.

Do we yet know when and where the Swans final will be?

Edit: Occurred to me I could just go and look it up.

Tribal Sport NEAFL Finals Series: Week 2 Fixture

We host Canberra at BISP on Saturday morning. For those who don't fancy the trek out there (especially with an even more important game starting late afternoon on "this" side of town, the game will be streamed.

We host Canberra? Well, serves me right for using logic. And I can't help thinking, that they may get more of a crowd, if the game was scheduled at the SCG.
I was also pleased that Brisbane were beaten, as they seemed to have the most talent. I wonder if any of their players going around today, joined their senior colleagues earlier in the week, for Mad Monday drinkies?

[MattW]

Brisbane lost, did they? They are the team I thought most likely to trouble the Swans. We seem to have had a problem with their height in the last few seasons. That's not to say I think the remaining teams- all non-AFL sides - will be easy to beat but I think the Swans fitness levels (even for the academy players) and discipline/structure will hold them in good stead.

Do we yet know when and where the Swans final will be?

Edit: Occurred to me I could just go and look it up.

Tribal Sport NEAFL Finals Series: Week 2 Fixture

We host Canberra at BISP on Saturday morning. For those who don't fancy the trek out there (especially with an even more important game starting late afternoon on "this" side of town, the game will be streamed.

Beauty. I'll look forward to watching the game on the bus ride up from Canberra.

[barry]

The only big negative with Sinclair last year was his poor marking, but he's completely turned that around this year and has become a very reliable mark. He was a forward who became a 2nd ruckman then a 1st ruckman. It makes so much sense to play Cameron, who has dominated in the ruck this year in the NEAFL and Sinclair as forward in place of Reid. McCartin has done so well for an 18 year old playing such a difficult position, but he can't be compared to a mature experienced player like Sinclair.

What really irks me about this is that we didn't even give it a try, unless you want to call that Gold Coast debacle a try.

It was a try, and is precisely why we never did it again.
You've just to accept that now is not the time.

[rb4x]

I Wonder if the preliminary final fixtures determined on the basis of minimising travelling for the teams.

[ugg]

It may seem like that but they are based purely on ladder positions. Funnily enough based on the final ladder, one half of the draw had 3 QLD sides - Southport, Aspley and the Lions - and the other half were 3 NSW/ACT teams - Us, Uni and Canberra.

I remember last year after the Essendon elimination final, we hosted the NEAFL GF. I guess being a prelim instead of a GF, hosting it at the SCG wasn’t an option this year

I really would like to go on Sat morning but based on past experience it would be touch and go for me to get from Blacktown to the SCG before first bounce