2021 VFL discussion thread

[dejavoodoo44]

McLean took some good grabs late in the Q to give us a 1 point HT lead. The Sharks have some good players Gower (ex-Dogs) and Dawson can really play. Our best are Blakey, Taylor, Brand and Clarke.

I also thought that Stephens was good in that quarter. And I'm starting to get keen to see how Sheather would go, if he was given more time around the ball.

[cruiser]

I agree re Sheather - the stand out for me and he’s continued his good form into the 3rd quarter.

[dejavoodoo44]

Nice to see Ronke get a goal at the end of that quarter, after laying a tackle in front of the goals. Sheather continuing to be good. Taylor handily bobbed up for a couple of goals. O'Connor is playing well. Perhaps still looks a bit hesitant with the ball in hand, but has taken a couple of strong grabs and has generally hit his targets. Thought it was vaguely ironic, when a Swans player was lying flat out in the middle of the ground, and instead of calling a halt to play, the umpire tripped over him.

[Foreign Legion]

Very disappointing finish. We had a very good side in and got run over the top.

Sheather looks promising. O'Connor improving.

[crackedactor 01]

I knew they would likely lose despite a 15 point lead at 3/4 time. Some of their defensive skills when they don't have the ball are laughable. Laidler is not a AFL/VFL coach. Sheather and Blakey were the only two worth mentioning.

[dejavoodoo44]

Disappointing finish. Don't know what the clearance numbers were, but I think Southport got on top there.

Of our players, Sheather was most impressive, today. Taylor also had a good game. Blakey did some good things, mainly playing of the half back flank. Most of the defence had pretty good games: Brand, Gould, O'Connor, Carruthers and Ling. Sinclair managed his usual whole hearted performance. Stephens was good at times. Ronke in his return, managed to top the tackle count with 9. While McLean took some strong marks, but unfortunately, only kicked 1.4.

[Aprilbr]

Yes a disappointing last quarter resulting in a 31 point turnaround. They got right on top in the clearances and contested possessions. Our midfield went missing in that last quarter. We also missed too many tackles and gettable shots at goal (McLean). I thought that Blakey was one of the few who kept going in that last quarter. Playing him off half back for some of the match seemed to work although also he also seemed to move into the midfield at times. He really is a class above this level despite his dinky kicks. Some thoughts on others:

Taylor had a good game but like the rest dropped off in the last quarter.

Brand was solid in defence.

Gould didn't do a lot. I just think he lacks the athleticism to make it.

Ling was solid but unspectacular.

Sheather looks very much like persevering with. Did not some good things. Potential there.

Sinclair and new ruckman. They were both beaten by one guy, Crossley, all day and who gave his team a lot of drive out of the centre in the last quarter.

Clark good for most of the day but missing in the last quarter.

O'Readon was average and needs to show more if he wants to make it.

Gray got plenty of possessions but seems destined for delistimg.

Goulden our captain in the reserves is a smart player and fine leader.

Ronke was handy on his return.

It was good to see the senior players come across and watch the game for a while. It shows good team spirit and support. Paddy McCartin was there too. Longmire also dropped in.

[Ralph Dawg]

Really impressed by Blakey off HB. Playing in defence makes him more accountable and as I have pointed out before, he has all the attributes to play down back.

I remember a few years ago I suggested to play Dawson in defence and was shut down by many others on here. Turns out I was right back then and I reckon Blakey could go the same way if we persist with him in defence.

I thought Will Gould was good today. He's been pretty consistent in the VFL and just needs that breakout game to push for his debut. Ling on the other hand looks like a very average VFL player and uncomposed under minimal pressure. Well off the pace.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I hope so too Dawg

[Mountain Man]

At half time I found I had selected the same Spanish sausage as John Longmire - but that might be the only judgement of mine that matches his expertise!
But
For what’s it worth I watched 4 quarters of our back defenders.
Brandt was the organiser. Very tall so not very mobile but experienced enough to know when to attack the ball and leave his opponent.
Blakey played most of the game as CHF and was very effective in plugging central entries. He has more time and less pressure in that role and I thought the move was a success. He has an annoying habit of running sideways and the kicking across his body so it’s not clear who he is trying to connect with but I give him full marks for energy and effort.
I thought OConnor was solid all afternoon with some good contested marks.
Maybe ORiordon played up the ground for significant time but he was not often sighted by me.
Ling seemed to me to do what defenders are supposed to do. He was always on his man and won most contests and linked well.
Gould was a real disappointment to me. He didn’t play close to his man but also didn’t intercept. He fumbled on the ground and while he crashed some contests he didn’t mark or effectively spoil. After the game he remained on the ground and did running and discussions with coaching staff - which I took to be an assessment of his performance.
Anyway a loss in a tight game only in the last 10 minutes. Lovely sunny morning.
I noticed Sheather’s blonde locks frequently up the ground but otherwise can only comment on the back line performances.

[MattW]

At half time I found I had selected the same Spanish sausage as John Longmire - but that might be the only judgement of mine that matches his expertise!
But
For what’s it worth I watched 4 quarters of our back defenders.
Brandt was the organiser. Very tall so not very mobile but experienced enough to know when to attack the ball and leave his opponent.
Blakey played most of the game as CHF and was very effective in plugging central entries. He has more time and less pressure in that role and I thought the move was a success. He has an annoying habit of running sideways and the kicking across his body so it’s not clear who he is trying to connect with but I give him full marks for energy and effort.
I thought OConnor was solid all afternoon with some good contested marks.
Maybe ORiordon played up the ground for significant time but he was not often sighted by me.
Ling seemed to me to do what defenders are supposed to do. He was always on his man and won most contests and linked well.
Gould was a real disappointment to me. He didn’t play close to his man but also didn’t intercept. He fumbled on the ground and while he crashed some contests he didn’t mark or effectively spoil. After the game he remained on the ground and did running and discussions with coaching staff - which I took to be an assessment of his performance.
Anyway a loss in a tight game only in the last 10 minutes. Lovely sunny morning.
I noticed Sheather’s blonde locks frequently up the ground but otherwise can only comment on the back line performances.

Cracking post; well done on your dedicated analysis.

[ugg]

Sydney Swans
Goal Kickers: M. Sheather 3, L. Taylor 3, H. Mclean, A. Gulden, B. Ronke, D. Stephens
Best Players: B. O''Connor, W. Gould, R. Clarke, K. Brand, M. Sheather, L. Taylor
Southport
Goal Kickers: B. Gowers 2, M. Johnson 2, J. Dawson 2, T. Fields 2, C. Nutting 2, R. King, B. Crossley
Best Players: J. Dawson, T. Fields, M. Manteit, M. Gahan, L. Webb, M. Johnson

[The Big Cat]

Sydney Swans
Goal Kickers: M. Sheather 3, L. Taylor 3, H. Mclean, A. Gulden, B. Ronke, D. Stephens
Best Players: B. O''Connor, W. Gould, R. Clarke, K. Brand, M. Sheather, L. Taylor
Southport
Goal Kickers: B. Gowers 2, M. Johnson 2, J. Dawson 2, T. Fields 2, C. Nutting 2, R. King, B. Crossley
Best Players: J. Dawson, T. Fields, M. Manteit, M. Gahan, L. Webb, M. Johnson

Where did this summary come from? I thought Blakey and Stephens looked a class above and Gould looked like he might never play at AFL level.

[Aaron]

A report of the VFL game Vs Southport on Swans Site:

MATCH RECAP | Swans edged by Southport in thriller final term

https://www.afl.com.au/news/627043/battle-of-brisbane-goes-down-to-the-line-southport-downs-swans

Lewis Taylor was easily the Swans’ best player with 23 possessions, nine marks and three goals, while Ryan Clarke compiled another 30, Nick Blakey took the game on to have 26 touches but could have been a bit cleaner with his disposal, Dylan Stephens had 23 and a goal and Hayden McLean took seven marks.

[The Runner]

First half comments:
Ignore any comments about Taylor, Grey and Clarke. All 3 aren't to AFL standard - no care for their disposals.

Blakey - really good down back. Broke lines, used it well. Could be a good future move.
McAndrew - competes but needs some basic ruck positioning lessons to use his height more
Gould - contrary to reports earlier, he was good. His attacking ball use set up our first two scoring opportunities
Sheather - can sub in for Wicks when needed. Very similar type, strong for a young kid. The space he finds in a contest with a small shimmy is similar to Warner
Ronke - his field kicking means he'll not come back to seniors.
Brand - good 1 on 1, very reliable
Ling - thought he played the small defender role really well. Great holding the ball free in the first, then a few link up plays
Stephens - really tried but his disposals lack conviction. Dinky kicks and loopy handballs. But seemed more physical
McLean - seems to have lost confidence, and his kicking shows it