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Date Posted: 16:07 28/04/24 Sun
Author: Annabelle
Author Host/IP: 139-216-204-154.sta.dodo.net.au / 139.216.204.154
Subject: Port and Dons games analyses in terms of players and state of play.

Have watched both these games now so able to provide some analysis.
In both matches we had a tardy start which arguably cost us the game against the Dons. Given the number of veterans we have and coming off a five-day break, chasing tails all day was always going to be tough. Our midfield is conceding clearances, including ones which allow the opposition to burst out of the middle and this compromises the chances of the defence to nullify their opponents to their best advantage. It also lessens the supply to the at times dysfunctional forward line which mainly feature only one tall. Most players have not reached the heights of last year, are treading water, or sliding backwards but we’re being saved by some high-octane surges which provide momentum. The Port game after the first quarter was our best performance of the season but probably a false dawn.

Checkers – such a warrior, he could have won the game on Anzac Day for us with better accuracy but he’s finding his best form again and he competes hard all day, often rising from the ground looking battered and fatigued, but he has an indomitable spirit and is indefatigable in the way he keeps going.

Pendles – probably travelling the best out of the veterans by dint of his footy smarts and positioning but is apt to get caught with the ball and gets brushed away quite easily at times by opponents in the midfield congestion.

Sidey – is on a steep downwards spiral. The wing is a vital position yet he is opposed to the modern prototype at times and is finding it hard to keep up with them as his famous endurance has waned. His disposal and decision-making can be quite problematic.

Mitch – he is forever burrowing beneath packs but his signature is a floaty short kick or rushed handball and he’s being swept away by more potent opposition. Looking tired and like a clapped-out old car.

IQ – his summer promised so much but he’s currently nowhere – he’s not getting a lot of the ball, is loose and a tad error-prone.
Howe – made costly mistakes against the Dons and is being beaten too easily one-on-one at times. His disposal is shaky at times but there is still evidence that he is safe overhead.

Moore – is finding a better balance between attack and defence, earlier in the year vacillating between reckless attack and extreme lockdown defender. Seems willing to showcase his excellent marking skills again.
Cameron – is having an impressively solid season, capitalising on an excellent pre-season which highlighted his sticky hands. Is competing all right in the ruck.

Noble – while still vulnerable to making the odd howler, he provides run for the team and he looks determined to show the coaches that they erred in not including him in the GF. He is even competing aerially by effecting some timely punches perhaps because Markov was preferred because of his extra height.

Maynard – like many peers is below his best. He is not providing as much drive compared with when at his apogee and is occasionally getting caught out in terms of his positioning.

Crisp – shows glimpses of his best but is a long way from being the prolific presence whose daring attacks paved the way for some of our stellar comebacks. The streak may be playing on his mind but perhaps using him as sub might be a good strategy. He has the fitness and creativity to make a difference when brought onto the field.

Harrison – needs to be given more exposure. He has speed and some skills but must be allowed to develop to whatever his potential is.

Josh – his output his really down and even the way he uses the ball has been disappointing at times. Sometimes his wing might not be involved in as much as the play but he is not having a great impact when part of the action.

Nick – as consistent as ever but maybe not as dynamic as he’s been in the past. He’s battling against the need to lift so many out of form teammates and still contributes on the scoreboard and all over the ground linking up with colleagues but he’s asked to do a lot.

JDG -given that he appeared to train the best he ever has over the summer it’s surprising to see him struggling, notably with the quality of his disposals. Against the Dons, there was barely a handball for instance which hit the mark and he was saved at times by the fact that he was combining with Nick so often and the latter is capable of extricating himself from difficult situations. With our faltering midfield, we need him firing more than ever. Every other team showcases devasting bull mids.

Cox – the vicissitudes of his form is obvious. Maybe he still struggles more during his nocturnal outings but he still has something to offer when on song.

Schultz – the wise judges thought we dramatically overpaid for his services and they’ve been vindicated to this juncture. When he first appeared at training, it was hard to see how this nuggety player could be the big difference maker. He applies pressure but we need much more than this from someone worth a first and second rounder.

Beau – appears to have many tools but doesn’t often put it altogether to highlight his weapons. He has genuine speed and strength and does possess skill, but he’s too fumbly and lacks consistent involvement in matches. When running into goal the other day his lack of clean handling was costly but he appeared to momentarily eye the sticks, losing a bit of focus on the ball. His decision-making can let him down as he seems to be in a number of diffent minds before executing. Maybe he should be more instinctive. There surely is still upside though.

Elliott – of all the veterans, he is the one who’s arguably playing better than last year when he looked a bit diminished. He is still competing out of his weight and height division but never stops trying to exert his presence and he absorbs a lot of punishment. His mark of the year contender added to his career highlight reel which laced with iconic moments.


Hill – the peroxided hair has been accompanied by a slight drop off in effectiveness but his best is still electrifying. That superbly weighted kick to Jamie was an example of his sublime execution and his flexibility and speed are incredible assets. Imagine if he was peppered with greater supply!

Reef – has shown a willingness to compete even though he’s probably being played out of position but he doesn’t have to do too much wrong to be the sacrificial lamb.

WHE his best moments have been solid gold, but as is customary there are other times when he flies under the radar. In fairness to him he Is versatile enough to grapple with a variety of roles.

Lippa – his endurance stacks up and he has had some good performances, notably against the Power but his attack on the ball and man can leave a bit to be desired and he does concede some irritating frees.

Going overseas for three weeks on Wed., so will miss some more I will have to catch up on but then will be business as usual with training attendance etc.

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