2019 NEAFL discussion thread

[rickmat]

Any update on how the key players went, particularly those on a tight rope in terms of delisting?

[dejavoodoo44]

Something of a disappointing end to the season. Though it was to be expected, against a Brisbane side, that has had a remarkably low number of injuries, right throughout the season. A good way to emphasize this is, to compare the AFL experience of the two sides. Today, Brisbane had 14 players who have played at AFL level, with a total of 742 games experience. In contrast, we had 6, with all up 50 games experience. This manifested in a number of ways. Firstly, the generally larger and stronger Brisbane bodies, were able to absorb more tackling pressure and to get away effective disposals, when they were under that pressure. This meant they were able to keep forcing the ball forward. Which was especially important in the difficult wind conditions. Alternatively, winning the strength battle, enabled Brisbane to often interfere with the effectiveness of our disposals. Also, since the Lions have been playing together, week in and week out, they seemed to have a better understanding of where their team mates were likely to be and how to put the ball to their advantage. So, it was always going to be a struggle, which wasn't helped by two of our more important players, McLean and Amartey, being ruled out with concussion during the second quarter.

Of our players, Rose was probably our best. Which he often is at NEAFL level, but unfortunately, he doesn't seem to be able to rise to AFL level. So, personally, I tend to doubt if we'll see him next season. Of the others, Pink did well in defence, along with McInerney, who played a more defensive role than usual. Of the ruckmen, Naismith and Cameron both had pretty good games, without dominating. While Knoll played mainly forward, where he did a few good things, from limited opportunities on a difficult day for big men. Also up forward, young academy player Kyle Martin did well to kick a couple of goals. The second of which, he showed his toughness, to pick himself up off the ground, after Eagles attempted to add to our concussion woes, with a slamming sling tackle.

Of the other academy players, Gulden probably had the best game, and Thorne wasn't far behind. Both kept battling hard, against the much more mature opposition. As did Geddes, who topped our tackle count; along with the usual suspect: Wicks. Of the other listed players, Hirst, Foot and Bell all had their moments, especially in passages of play where we got through the Brisbane defence, with rapid run and ball movement. Though none of them had that much influence. Which I guess is to be expected, given that the opposition had so much more possession.

So, all up, I don't think that any player turned in a performance that demanded a contract extension, or an upgrade. But on the other hand, I don't think anyone had such a shocker, that management would have said to themselves; well, we were thinking of keeping you on, but after that, forget it.

[Mr Magoo]

Agree with dejavoodoo that this was a difficult game to lock down any particular view on the listed players of which there were only 12.

Even between the academy players - Gulden, Rossman and Roseby are u17s so are underagers even at TAC Cup level. Considering the experience of the Brisbane team it was a very brave effort in very difficult windy conditions.

[ugg]

Best players: Justin McInerney, James Bell, James Rose, Darcy Cameron, Toby Pink

[Nico]

From what I saw of the game we seemed to handball to disadvantage instead of roosting it with wind.

[bloodspirit]

Match report: Swansong ended as Lions head to NEAFL Grand Final | NEWS | NEAFL.

[ugg]

[707]

Gulden did ok as a 17yo playing against a heap of mature senior level players.

Looking at the names for Brisbane it shows how quickly they have developed depth in their list, having no injuries helps of course.

[rb4x]

No NT Thunder in the NEAFL next year. A bit sad about that.

[barracuda]

No NT Thunder in the NEAFL next year. A bit sad about that.

I imagine the cost of flying players from Alice etc was high, and the performances had dropped off. It does bring back into focus what the future of second level afl is. I think everyone likes the concept of the true reserves afl comp, however some serious time and thought needs to go into the state leagues, particularly Neafl. Without a decent eastern comp what happens to all the talented afl players who did not get drafted?

[Pmcc2911]

There is talk of a new reserve grade comp (all the AFL teams) plus a few extras like Canberra and Southport in East and West conferences.
Not sure of the details though.

[barry]

There is talk of a new reserve grade comp (all the AFL teams) plus a few extras like Canberra and Southport in East and West conferences.
Not sure of the details though.

That sounds like an excellent idea. You get to play against other reserve teams, while still providing a path for non-AFL aligned clubs in development areas.

[SeanM]

I like that the neafl gives state based teams the chance to compete against afl reserve sides.

It gives overlooked state league players a opportunity to prove themselves against drafted afl players. Ideally longer term there would be a second nsw team with the strength of sydney uni.

[ugg]

Rory Barkley - Swans NDS Player of the Year - North Shore Australian Football Club

Short article on Rory Barkley winning the NEAFL Development Squad Player of the Year award. I thought that was a bit of a surprise, I personally would have gone for McKellar who played back mostly but also had some run-with roles in the midfield late in the season

The other NDS players wouldn't have played enough games to threaten these two.

Rory Barkley 17 games
Zach Cameron 1 game
Connor Flanagan 9 games
Cooper Kilpatrick 13 games
Kyle McKellar 19 games
Johnny Pawle 9 games
Kyle Veerhuis 5 games

[liz]

I too - on hearing about the award on the night - assumed for 30 seconds that McKellar would win it. I thought he was the stand-out NDS player for the season. I rationalised him not winning it on the basis he had played fewer games than Barkley, because I knew he played a couple of games in the TAC League. But your figures above put pay to that - despite his NAB League outings, he still played more games than Barkley.

I don't think Barkley is unworthy - he was a consistent contributor to the defence for much of the year. I just thought McKellar had slightly more impact in more games.