The Lecras injury may have left many Eagles fans in a state of despair, but today's performances were a welcome reminder of the strength of this team as a 'unit'.
I attended these games with a deranged individual colloquially known as a 'Bombers fan'. Though that's not exactly relevant to this post, it needed to be disclosed.
Anyway, I know it's preseason and in terms of results meaningless, but our performances were very strong across both our games. Against Essendon we were generally a bit rusty but were far more effective with our disposal than the Dons.
Against Freo, we applied our forward press with superb solidity. For the first quarter/half we must've kept the ball in our half for 75% of the period. The Dockers were fairly tame though, scoring their only goal (can you give me an L.O.L?) with a minute left in the game. Our passing and ball movement was also impressive with several attacking thrusts executed with precision. The only really disappointing issue with the day was our inefficient forward line. To be fair though there was no JJK or many others of note.
Best Performers
Dean Cox looked very strong. Shannon Hurn excelled in the Freo encounter, a key figure in the forward press. As I was at the game it was very evident how well he reads the play. I thought Josh Hill played fairly well too. Though I was probably paying too much attention to him, which may have skewed my impressions. Gerrick Weedon also tried hard and kicked a couple of goals. I hope we give him a real chance this year if for nothing else than because he wears number 44.
I also can't fail to mention the Essendon runner...she...erm...can deliver water to me any time. (Fans in Block 123 know what I'm talking about.)
Dissapointments
No Naitanui, Dick nor JJK. But that's to be expected. What should never be expected is the atrocious thing on top of Tom Swift's head. Good God man! Don't you own a mirror? I honestly thought some kind of wild and poorly groomed pony was running around out there.
Best Moments
Although rather concerning, the clash between Darling and some Docker occurred right in front of where I was sitting. For a preseason game, it was a collision of epic proportions. Plus, destroying Freo it always nice.
Monday 20 February 2012
Friday 17 February 2012
(Heart)Breaking News: Lecras to Miss Season
Our worst fears have been realised. One of our best players will miss the 2012 season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
I'm honestly stunned by this. The vision I saw on the news a couple of days ago seemed to suggest nothing too serious. But I suppose that is often the way with these types of injuries.
It goes without saying that it's terrible news for both Lecras and the team. Thoughts of Lecca playing some role in our midfield are dashed. The comfort of knowing we have his prowess in front of goal is also gone.
I feel rather desolute at this point. He's probably the one player we didn't want to lose as we really have no obvious replacement. You can't replace talent or class.
This is a chance for others to step up, but all I can think of is Hams right now. That is a scary proposition.
Get well soon Mark.
I'm honestly stunned by this. The vision I saw on the news a couple of days ago seemed to suggest nothing too serious. But I suppose that is often the way with these types of injuries.
It goes without saying that it's terrible news for both Lecras and the team. Thoughts of Lecca playing some role in our midfield are dashed. The comfort of knowing we have his prowess in front of goal is also gone.
I feel rather desolute at this point. He's probably the one player we didn't want to lose as we really have no obvious replacement. You can't replace talent or class.
This is a chance for others to step up, but all I can think of is Hams right now. That is a scary proposition.
Get well soon Mark.
Thursday 16 February 2012
Lecras Hurts Leknee
I debated whether to use this title. This is no laughing matter, but then again the title isn't at all funny. It is rather glib though. Also, I don't even want to consider the grammatical errors involved. Regardless of title defects, Lecras did suffer at the very least an 'injury scare' today, which could later be confirmed as something very scary indeed. As at this stage his status is unknown, it's feasible he could miss some 'real' games once the season kicks off.
It rather reminds me of last season where it appeared he would spend more time in the centre only for his groin to explode (not in a good way) half way into round 1. He missed a few games which certainly only hampered the coaching staff's desire or ability to put him into the engine room for greater stretches. This season it has even been explicitly stated by Lecras himself that he was preparing for greater midfield time.
It still could be a false alarm and I hope it is. But without Lecras' influence, let's say up forward, we even look more dinosaur-like and far less dangerous. By dinosaur-like I mean big and slow as opposed to having awesome tails...and names.
Here's hoping he's okay, for our sakes and this guy 'cause he looks pretty nonplussed...
Vive LeCras!
It rather reminds me of last season where it appeared he would spend more time in the centre only for his groin to explode (not in a good way) half way into round 1. He missed a few games which certainly only hampered the coaching staff's desire or ability to put him into the engine room for greater stretches. This season it has even been explicitly stated by Lecras himself that he was preparing for greater midfield time.
It still could be a false alarm and I hope it is. But without Lecras' influence, let's say up forward, we even look more dinosaur-like and far less dangerous. By dinosaur-like I mean big and slow as opposed to having awesome tails...and names.
Here's hoping he's okay, for our sakes and this guy 'cause he looks pretty nonplussed...
Vive LeCras!
Monday 13 February 2012
12 Predictions for 2012: Part 2
This would have worked better as a countdown...but the die has been cast. Let us continue!
5. President Kennedy will Kick 65 Goals+
This is JJK's 7th year in the league and his performances and numbers have continued to rise. In each year since his rookie year he has kicked more and more goals; 5, 6, 7, 31, 41, 52. Though I can't seem to verify these numbers the point is still valid; despite his Flinstone-esque run up and his checkered past (He played for Carlton!!!) he has the potential to be our greatest forward. Importantly, he hasn't reached his ceiling yet so we can expect his goal tally to continue to rise. All the way with JJK!..I would still take Buddy for the Coleman though.
6. Mark to the Midfield
Again not very bold. Lecras has stated that he's been working with the midfield group and has never been fitter. I do like the idea and we did see it at times last year. But I don't see him as a permanent fixture there unless our forward line is really functioning well. We also need to find a small forward or two. But he's a very skillful player and given the right circumstances could be very effective.
7. Biggest Improver?
I was going to put Chris Masten but I'm not hopping on that band wagon. No sir, no more. He may have teased us towards the latter part of last season but that was an anomaly in an overwhelmingly disappointing career. Plus, if he does improve who will I villify? Ernie's friend has departed and E-Mac is actually fairly decent now despite the whole 'kicking' thing. No, we all need a good scapegoat.
Instead I predict the Gaffer will improve. He showed some great signs last season but perhaps ran out of legs a bit towards the end. He's very talented and he has good skills and class our midfield really needs.
8. The Biggest Disappointment of the season will be...?
Several.
The fact that it may be Mr Glass's finale.
The umpires will be all colourful and annoying.
Brian Taylor.
The hideous facial hair that some Eagles will insist on maintaining (this is related to Brian Taylor).
Subiaco Oval, in general.
We will only beat the Dockers twice.
Ross Lyon's press conferences.
Pavlich being all Pavlich.
5. President Kennedy will Kick 65 Goals+
This is JJK's 7th year in the league and his performances and numbers have continued to rise. In each year since his rookie year he has kicked more and more goals; 5, 6, 7, 31, 41, 52. Though I can't seem to verify these numbers the point is still valid; despite his Flinstone-esque run up and his checkered past (He played for Carlton!!!) he has the potential to be our greatest forward. Importantly, he hasn't reached his ceiling yet so we can expect his goal tally to continue to rise. All the way with JJK!..I would still take Buddy for the Coleman though.
6. Mark to the Midfield
Again not very bold. Lecras has stated that he's been working with the midfield group and has never been fitter. I do like the idea and we did see it at times last year. But I don't see him as a permanent fixture there unless our forward line is really functioning well. We also need to find a small forward or two. But he's a very skillful player and given the right circumstances could be very effective.
7. Biggest Improver?
I was going to put Chris Masten but I'm not hopping on that band wagon. No sir, no more. He may have teased us towards the latter part of last season but that was an anomaly in an overwhelmingly disappointing career. Plus, if he does improve who will I villify? Ernie's friend has departed and E-Mac is actually fairly decent now despite the whole 'kicking' thing. No, we all need a good scapegoat.
Instead I predict the Gaffer will improve. He showed some great signs last season but perhaps ran out of legs a bit towards the end. He's very talented and he has good skills and class our midfield really needs.
8. The Biggest Disappointment of the season will be...?
Several.
The fact that it may be Mr Glass's finale.
The umpires will be all colourful and annoying.
Brian Taylor.
The hideous facial hair that some Eagles will insist on maintaining (this is related to Brian Taylor).
Subiaco Oval, in general.
We will only beat the Dockers twice.
Ross Lyon's press conferences.
Pavlich being all Pavlich.
Saturday 11 February 2012
12 Predictions for 2012: Part 1
I know it really should be 2012 predictions for 2012, but who would read that? Nobody. Partly because I would never be able to write a list that long and therefore not post it and therefore potential readers would not be able to see it. But mainly because it would be just a bunch of half-baked (or is that deep-fried?) thoughts from the dark recesses of my...oven.
That being said, as I type I haven't thought of any of the 12 predictions which may or may not follow so don't expect anything too enlightening.
But without further a stallling, here is the list we've all been not waiting for:
1. Naitanui will become our No. 1 ruck option.
Cox is a legend but father time is undefeated...though a time machine may be an option worth exploring. He was brilliant last season, Cox not Il Tempo Padre, but he is 31 and the end has to be nigh. We all know Naitanui has got incredible talent and we saw signs last year of greater consistency within games. As the curtain draws on the career of one ofour THE greats expect a Salinger-esque (coming of age) season for our favourite Fijian.
2. Josh Hill will be amazing...ly less annoying than Ernie's friend Ebert.
I remember when Hill began his career. I picked him up in Dreamteam after a couple of good performances as a sneaky forward and he promptly let me down. It was a rookie mistake by me and it still stings. But the point is he's versatile with good pace. We desperately need a small forward or two and he may fill that role. But my prediction here relates to Ebert, perhaps the Eagle I vilified most after Masten last year. Even if Hill doesn't do much he can kick a football fairly well so it's unlikely he'll piss me off as much as Brad...or was it Brett? Who cares. But his brother does have a masssive head. Huge. Plus Port Adelaide...ew. By the way, I really wish I had thought of 'Ernie's Friend' as a nickname for Ebert last year. What a waste...just like the pick we used to draft him (zing).
3. Robert Walls won't give us any credit, but he's not on TV so no one will be listening.
Self-explanatory really, but he's still on radio. God I hate him. Did I mention that?
4. The Eagles will Finish Top 6
It's a fairly unbold prediction but I was going to write top 8 so give me some credit. I have a fear, largely founded on the fact that I have a predilection towards pessimism, that we will slightly regress. Rationally though, we executed a wonderful game plan last season that was extremely effective against all but the very elite. (Pies, Cats) But I wonder if teams will be more prepared this year. I still don't believe we have the same talent-base which allows us to out-skill the best teams. We will rely on young players like Shuey and Selwood to continue to develop and hope that others can lift their game. I also think that there were a dearth of 'solid' teams last year. Surely teams like Essendon, Adelaide or even (shudder) Fremantle will be better. But hell we haven't even played a pre-season game yet, so this prediction is based on nothing you can bite....or lick for that matter.
Tune in tomorrow for Part 2 plus some Dockers-related insults.
That being said, as I type I haven't thought of any of the 12 predictions which may or may not follow so don't expect anything too enlightening.
But without further a stallling, here is the list we've all been not waiting for:
1. Naitanui will become our No. 1 ruck option.
Cox is a legend but father time is undefeated...though a time machine may be an option worth exploring. He was brilliant last season, Cox not Il Tempo Padre, but he is 31 and the end has to be nigh. We all know Naitanui has got incredible talent and we saw signs last year of greater consistency within games. As the curtain draws on the career of one of
2. Josh Hill will be amazing...ly less annoying than Ernie's friend Ebert.
I remember when Hill began his career. I picked him up in Dreamteam after a couple of good performances as a sneaky forward and he promptly let me down. It was a rookie mistake by me and it still stings. But the point is he's versatile with good pace. We desperately need a small forward or two and he may fill that role. But my prediction here relates to Ebert, perhaps the Eagle I vilified most after Masten last year. Even if Hill doesn't do much he can kick a football fairly well so it's unlikely he'll piss me off as much as Brad...or was it Brett? Who cares. But his brother does have a masssive head. Huge. Plus Port Adelaide...ew. By the way, I really wish I had thought of 'Ernie's Friend' as a nickname for Ebert last year. What a waste...just like the pick we used to draft him (zing).
3. Robert Walls won't give us any credit, but he's not on TV so no one will be listening.
Self-explanatory really, but he's still on radio. God I hate him. Did I mention that?
4. The Eagles will Finish Top 6
It's a fairly unbold prediction but I was going to write top 8 so give me some credit. I have a fear, largely founded on the fact that I have a predilection towards pessimism, that we will slightly regress. Rationally though, we executed a wonderful game plan last season that was extremely effective against all but the very elite. (Pies, Cats) But I wonder if teams will be more prepared this year. I still don't believe we have the same talent-base which allows us to out-skill the best teams. We will rely on young players like Shuey and Selwood to continue to develop and hope that others can lift their game. I also think that there were a dearth of 'solid' teams last year. Surely teams like Essendon, Adelaide or even (shudder) Fremantle will be better. But hell we haven't even played a pre-season game yet, so this prediction is based on nothing you can bite....or lick for that matter.
Tune in tomorrow for Part 2 plus some Dockers-related insults.
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