We might not be having much luck winning on the field, but we've scored a win off it. The Tribunal, in their infinite wisdom, has found the Captain not guilty of making forceful, high contact to the Port player.
Shortly before, the Tribunal knocked Fyfe out for 2 weeks. Although I like Fyfe and think he's a fine player with an unfortunately troublesome shoulder, it's funny because Freo now lose him for the Collingwood clash. They shouldn't have challenged the 1 match ban as they're only playing the Suns this week. Hilarious work by the Fremantle Football Club.
Maybe we should start playing our home games at the Tribunal...
Tuesday 30 April 2013
News: Eagles Have Mad Monday
Not 'Mad Monday' in the sense that the season's over and all the players act like fools. Because, to be honest, didn't that happen Saturday night?...(too soon?)
No, mad because quite a few things happened. The day started with Chris Masten tweeting an apology for being crap. He wasn't good, but I don't feel like he should be held accountable for what was a team meltdown. In fact, I feel quite bad that he decided he had to say sorry. I assume he was receiving a lot of hate 'tweets', which is completely uncalled for. Hate tweet the club if anyone.
Then Nic Naitanui's injury status was upgraded to 'test'. Could he actually return this weekend? I hope so, if only because I'm going to the game. The Eagles are decidedly vanilla when the big fella isn't out there. Plus, if he's fit then put him in because there is no easy games for this team at the moment.
Kerr also said some interesting things about the loss, saying "It is as disappointing a game as I have been involved in … I am still in shock now." It's good to hear and seems to reflect how most of us still feel. He also raises the impact of Priddis' early exit. Although it was a blow, it's hard to see how a fresh Cripps in the last quarter would've had the same impact as Robbie Gray. Cripps is reminding me a lot of Dr Swift.
Finally, Darren Glass was suspended 2 games for bumping Paul Stewart. Disappointing loss but that's the modern game. Apparently we are appealing, which could lead to a 3 game ban. It looks cut and dry to me. But who knows.
No, mad because quite a few things happened. The day started with Chris Masten tweeting an apology for being crap. He wasn't good, but I don't feel like he should be held accountable for what was a team meltdown. In fact, I feel quite bad that he decided he had to say sorry. I assume he was receiving a lot of hate 'tweets', which is completely uncalled for. Hate tweet the club if anyone.
Then Nic Naitanui's injury status was upgraded to 'test'. Could he actually return this weekend? I hope so, if only because I'm going to the game. The Eagles are decidedly vanilla when the big fella isn't out there. Plus, if he's fit then put him in because there is no easy games for this team at the moment.
Kerr also said some interesting things about the loss, saying "It is as disappointing a game as I have been involved in … I am still in shock now." It's good to hear and seems to reflect how most of us still feel. He also raises the impact of Priddis' early exit. Although it was a blow, it's hard to see how a fresh Cripps in the last quarter would've had the same impact as Robbie Gray. Cripps is reminding me a lot of Dr Swift.
Finally, Darren Glass was suspended 2 games for bumping Paul Stewart. Disappointing loss but that's the modern game. Apparently we are appealing, which could lead to a 3 game ban. It looks cut and dry to me. But who knows.
Sunday 28 April 2013
Round 5 Recap: The Long Goodbye as Amateur Hour Rolls On...
What can you say?
Worst loss ever? Probably. Most embarrassing loss ever? Certainly. Season over? You betcha.
Because although the coach may be forced to live in a fantasy world where a flag is still achievable, I think we fans know this season is dead. We can still make the 8 (haha), but so what if we do? We've proved over the last 2 seasons that we're an okay team, not elite. We have a small margin of error against the best teams. They have more talent, so they prevail in the big games in Melbourne. We lift at home, so top 2 would give us some chance to win it all. Obviously top 2 died as we layed down and died in Adelaide.
But let's go back to the start shall we. The game began so promisingly. We were dominating all areas, our desire and work rate was there and Port were in disarray. As the behinds starting to pile up in the second quarter I started to develop a bad feeling. But hell, we were 6 goals up at half time and 41 points up halfway through the 3rd. Any team with any sort of fibre would win, despite blowing chance after chance after chance to seal the W.
They weren't difficult chances either. Not for players earning hundreds of thousands of dollars to play this game. JJK kicked 4 straight, but all in the first half. Gaff- 3 points, the shell of Lecras- 3 points (including the abysmal, pathetic attempt to level the scores with minutes left), Sinclair had a couple of horrific attempts and Hill missed a sitter in the 3rd. And those are just the ones I can remember. I don't care 'why' they're kicking so poorly, they're professional athletes and it's simply not good enough.
But that said, we STILL should have won from the position we were in during the 3rd quarter. So what happened? Port came back and we went to pieces. We had no legs at all during the last quarter, as the Power played as if Dr Dank had given them a special tonic during the major break. Again, there is no excuse for being smashed like that in the last quarter. Did anyone else notice how many times Port players skipped past soft attempts at tackles by our guys? We couldn't win a clearance, couldn't take a mark, couldn't show any toughness.
It was simply the worst fold (Wors(t)fold?) I've ever seen from the Eagles. In all honesty, and this is the greatest insult I can give, it was something you'd expect from the Dockers. A club with no history of success and little spirit.
Where to now? There's no premiership window for this club. I never was truly convinced there was. Our midfield of the future is mediocre. Masten played like Masten, Gaff is too slow, Shuey and Selwood are front-runners. Harsh but fair. I remember reading comments after Masten signed a new contract saying how great he was now. He's a complete nowhere man. A list player. Shuey and Selwood were being touted as elite last year. I'm not one who cares about stats. I know what I see and what I see is 2 guys who are game breakers against GWS, but wallflowers (without perks) when needed. Gaff has silky skills but moves like an iceberg and is easily quelled.
It's gets worse too. Glass, Cox and Kerr are probably our 3 best players and their end is nigh. Say what you want about Kerr being tagged out of games, but the midfield without him is completely useless. Naitanui is a spark plug, an X-Factor, a game-changer. But he's shown he's injury prone and flourishes as a tandem with Cox. Glass is the crux of the defence, a brave Captain who never quits. We've got talent down back, but none to his level.
Remember how happy the team looked after beating Melbourne? Makes sense now. Quite an achievement indeed for this team.
We play the Dogs next week at Subi. I'm going to that game. Who knows what will happen. The pressure is building on the players, club and ultimately on a coach in the last year of his contract.
-End Rant.
Worst loss ever? Probably. Most embarrassing loss ever? Certainly. Season over? You betcha.
Because although the coach may be forced to live in a fantasy world where a flag is still achievable, I think we fans know this season is dead. We can still make the 8 (haha), but so what if we do? We've proved over the last 2 seasons that we're an okay team, not elite. We have a small margin of error against the best teams. They have more talent, so they prevail in the big games in Melbourne. We lift at home, so top 2 would give us some chance to win it all. Obviously top 2 died as we layed down and died in Adelaide.
But let's go back to the start shall we. The game began so promisingly. We were dominating all areas, our desire and work rate was there and Port were in disarray. As the behinds starting to pile up in the second quarter I started to develop a bad feeling. But hell, we were 6 goals up at half time and 41 points up halfway through the 3rd. Any team with any sort of fibre would win, despite blowing chance after chance after chance to seal the W.
They weren't difficult chances either. Not for players earning hundreds of thousands of dollars to play this game. JJK kicked 4 straight, but all in the first half. Gaff- 3 points, the shell of Lecras- 3 points (including the abysmal, pathetic attempt to level the scores with minutes left), Sinclair had a couple of horrific attempts and Hill missed a sitter in the 3rd. And those are just the ones I can remember. I don't care 'why' they're kicking so poorly, they're professional athletes and it's simply not good enough.
But that said, we STILL should have won from the position we were in during the 3rd quarter. So what happened? Port came back and we went to pieces. We had no legs at all during the last quarter, as the Power played as if Dr Dank had given them a special tonic during the major break. Again, there is no excuse for being smashed like that in the last quarter. Did anyone else notice how many times Port players skipped past soft attempts at tackles by our guys? We couldn't win a clearance, couldn't take a mark, couldn't show any toughness.
It was simply the worst fold (Wors(t)fold?) I've ever seen from the Eagles. In all honesty, and this is the greatest insult I can give, it was something you'd expect from the Dockers. A club with no history of success and little spirit.
Where to now? There's no premiership window for this club. I never was truly convinced there was. Our midfield of the future is mediocre. Masten played like Masten, Gaff is too slow, Shuey and Selwood are front-runners. Harsh but fair. I remember reading comments after Masten signed a new contract saying how great he was now. He's a complete nowhere man. A list player. Shuey and Selwood were being touted as elite last year. I'm not one who cares about stats. I know what I see and what I see is 2 guys who are game breakers against GWS, but wallflowers (without perks) when needed. Gaff has silky skills but moves like an iceberg and is easily quelled.
It's gets worse too. Glass, Cox and Kerr are probably our 3 best players and their end is nigh. Say what you want about Kerr being tagged out of games, but the midfield without him is completely useless. Naitanui is a spark plug, an X-Factor, a game-changer. But he's shown he's injury prone and flourishes as a tandem with Cox. Glass is the crux of the defence, a brave Captain who never quits. We've got talent down back, but none to his level.
Remember how happy the team looked after beating Melbourne? Makes sense now. Quite an achievement indeed for this team.
We play the Dogs next week at Subi. I'm going to that game. Who knows what will happen. The pressure is building on the players, club and ultimately on a coach in the last year of his contract.
-End Rant.
Saturday 27 April 2013
Round 5 Preview: W-I-N, please.
We are 1-3. Port are 4-0. Something aint right here...That's right: It's not 2002. But, lose this game and it might as well be 2002. We didn't make top 4 then and we won't now if we lose again.
But, let's try to stay positive. There's no reason why we shouldn't win this game. Well, outside of our atrocious form, debilitating injury list and Port's unbeaten streak.
Yet, in my mind, we really can't be as bad as we have demonstrated. Conversely, Port can't be that good. Let's examine their fixture: 4 wins against Melbourne, GWS, GCS and Adelaide. Those teams between them have only 4 wins. Undoubtedly they're better than they have been. That's because they're actually trying now. They have some quality young players in Wine and Neade, resurgent players like Westhoff and a seemingly competent coach in Hinkley. Fans are actually going to their games now. It's madness.
But they're not world beaters. If we play with the intensity we did last year, eradicate our kicking errors and locate the goals we should have too much power for the...erm...power. It's a big 'if' I know. We will lose if we play like we did last week. You have to believe that won't happen. You have to believe that in between writing love letters to milestone players,* the coach has said something, done something to get our team back on track.
Port Adelaide
B: Thomas Jonas, Alipate Carlisle, Campbell Heath
HB: Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove, Dom Cassisi
C: Kane Cornes, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert
HF: Paul Stewart, Justin Westhoff, Matthew Broadbent
F: Robbie Gray, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard
Foll: Brent Renouf, Ollie Wines, Hamish Hartlett
I/C: Matthew Lobbe, Angus Monfries, Jake Neade, Cameron O'Shea
Emerg: Sam Colquhoun, Lewis Stevenson, Matt Thomas
IN: Paul Stewart
OUT: Lewis Stevenson (loves Eagles too much)
West Coast
B: Shannon Hurn, Darren Glass, Jacob Brennan
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Sam Butler
C: Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
F: Callum Sinclair, Jack Darling, Daniel Kerr
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Ashton Hams, Bradd Dalziell, Mitch Brown, Josh Hill
Emerg: Mark Hutchings, Ashley Smith, Will.Schofield
IN: Beau Waters, Mitch Brown
OUT: Adam Selwood (embarrassment) Will Schofield (sacrificial lamb)
Old Selwood is out with a 'sore back'. Old man injury if you ask me. I'm actually surprised he lasted the game after all that chasing he did last week. I thought he may have died of exhaustion after the second quarter. In all seriousness though, I think it's been clear for the last 2-3 seasons that Selwood is very much a player on the decline. I'm not at all convinced he's in our best 22 when we have a full squad available (haha, I know). Schofield has been dropped. It's a little puzzling. He hasn't been good or anything, but who has. I like him because of his ability to rebound and his dash off half-back. But I'm sure the club has its reasons.
I remember when we used to always lose against Port in Adelaide. But we've won the last 2 there. Make it 3 and hope is not lost.
* Not having a go at Worsfold for the letters...I find it quite quaint.
But, let's try to stay positive. There's no reason why we shouldn't win this game. Well, outside of our atrocious form, debilitating injury list and Port's unbeaten streak.
Yet, in my mind, we really can't be as bad as we have demonstrated. Conversely, Port can't be that good. Let's examine their fixture: 4 wins against Melbourne, GWS, GCS and Adelaide. Those teams between them have only 4 wins. Undoubtedly they're better than they have been. That's because they're actually trying now. They have some quality young players in Wine and Neade, resurgent players like Westhoff and a seemingly competent coach in Hinkley. Fans are actually going to their games now. It's madness.
But they're not world beaters. If we play with the intensity we did last year, eradicate our kicking errors and locate the goals we should have too much power for the...erm...power. It's a big 'if' I know. We will lose if we play like we did last week. You have to believe that won't happen. You have to believe that in between writing love letters to milestone players,* the coach has said something, done something to get our team back on track.
Port Adelaide
B: Thomas Jonas, Alipate Carlisle, Campbell Heath
HB: Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove, Dom Cassisi
C: Kane Cornes, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert
HF: Paul Stewart, Justin Westhoff, Matthew Broadbent
F: Robbie Gray, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard
Foll: Brent Renouf, Ollie Wines, Hamish Hartlett
I/C: Matthew Lobbe, Angus Monfries, Jake Neade, Cameron O'Shea
Emerg: Sam Colquhoun, Lewis Stevenson, Matt Thomas
IN: Paul Stewart
OUT: Lewis Stevenson (loves Eagles too much)
West Coast
B: Shannon Hurn, Darren Glass, Jacob Brennan
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Sam Butler
C: Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
F: Callum Sinclair, Jack Darling, Daniel Kerr
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Ashton Hams, Bradd Dalziell, Mitch Brown, Josh Hill
Emerg: Mark Hutchings, Ashley Smith, Will.Schofield
IN: Beau Waters, Mitch Brown
OUT: Adam Selwood (embarrassment) Will Schofield (sacrificial lamb)
Old Selwood is out with a 'sore back'. Old man injury if you ask me. I'm actually surprised he lasted the game after all that chasing he did last week. I thought he may have died of exhaustion after the second quarter. In all seriousness though, I think it's been clear for the last 2-3 seasons that Selwood is very much a player on the decline. I'm not at all convinced he's in our best 22 when we have a full squad available (haha, I know). Schofield has been dropped. It's a little puzzling. He hasn't been good or anything, but who has. I like him because of his ability to rebound and his dash off half-back. But I'm sure the club has its reasons.
I remember when we used to always lose against Port in Adelaide. But we've won the last 2 there. Make it 3 and hope is not lost.
* Not having a go at Worsfold for the letters...I find it quite quaint.
Sunday 21 April 2013
Round 4 Recap: The Doctor Will See You Now.
If this Eagles team went to the doctor, the litany of problems they would report would be endless:
1. Loss of Appetite- No hunger for the ball. The Blues had more desire and desperation. Does this team actually care? Actually, it doesn't matter if they 'care' so much as they realise they're being paid huge amounts of money to play this game. So play it.
2. Short Term Memory Loss- Keep forgetting where the goals are. 7.23. Need I say more. No, but I will. Sinclair missed two easy shots. Dalziell, 15 metres out, slight angle, missed. Besides looking like carrot-top, is there any reason why this guy's on our list?
3. Narcolepsy- Fall asleep for vast periods of time during games. This team has an amazing ability to play in fits and starts. It's as if we're a computer and we keep crashing, fine when we're running but then the 'blue screen' appears and by the time you've rebooted we're 4 goals behind. It was a problem last year, but it's even bigger now. We got away with it against the Demons, but against a legitimate AFL side you're going to lose more than you win.
4. Feeling Insecure in own home- 0-2 at home this year, 0-3 if you count the 'away' derby. As I tweeted on Saturday night, how can there be a premiership 'window' when you don't have a home?
5. Insanity- according to that evil guy on Far Cry 3 (a reputable source) the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Worsfold allows Yarran to burn Old Man Selwood again and again and does nothing. His coaching performance in general was lacking inspiration, flexibility or creativity. It reminded me of the 05-7 years when all he did was throw Hunter forward and hope for the best...luckily for him it generally worked. I don't know what Hunter is up to these days, but I do know one thing: If this team doesn't turn things around and QUICKLY, then Worsfold won't be coaching us next year...maybe. Well he probably will be, but it's a point worth discussing as I think he's out of contract.
What else to say?
- My estimation of Glass has gone up even further. He's an underrated legend. Forget the self-promoting Scarlett, or 300 year old Fletcher, I'll take Glass any day of the week.
- Cripps subbed off. I'm not seeing much to like about this kid. I'm not sure I've been actively aware that he's been playing this year as he's like the invisible man on a football field.
So 1-3. I'm feeling incredibly pessimistic about this side right now. That performance was worse than against the Hawks. We play undefeated (!) Port next week and we've never been good against them in Adelaide. I honestly believe, at this moment, that they should be favourites. I know they've only beaten a troubled Crows team, but they've got spirit.
All we have is a season teetering on the edge of oblivion.
1. Loss of Appetite- No hunger for the ball. The Blues had more desire and desperation. Does this team actually care? Actually, it doesn't matter if they 'care' so much as they realise they're being paid huge amounts of money to play this game. So play it.
2. Short Term Memory Loss- Keep forgetting where the goals are. 7.23. Need I say more. No, but I will. Sinclair missed two easy shots. Dalziell, 15 metres out, slight angle, missed. Besides looking like carrot-top, is there any reason why this guy's on our list?
3. Narcolepsy- Fall asleep for vast periods of time during games. This team has an amazing ability to play in fits and starts. It's as if we're a computer and we keep crashing, fine when we're running but then the 'blue screen' appears and by the time you've rebooted we're 4 goals behind. It was a problem last year, but it's even bigger now. We got away with it against the Demons, but against a legitimate AFL side you're going to lose more than you win.
4. Feeling Insecure in own home- 0-2 at home this year, 0-3 if you count the 'away' derby. As I tweeted on Saturday night, how can there be a premiership 'window' when you don't have a home?
5. Insanity- according to that evil guy on Far Cry 3 (a reputable source) the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Worsfold allows Yarran to burn Old Man Selwood again and again and does nothing. His coaching performance in general was lacking inspiration, flexibility or creativity. It reminded me of the 05-7 years when all he did was throw Hunter forward and hope for the best...luckily for him it generally worked. I don't know what Hunter is up to these days, but I do know one thing: If this team doesn't turn things around and QUICKLY, then Worsfold won't be coaching us next year...maybe. Well he probably will be, but it's a point worth discussing as I think he's out of contract.
What else to say?
- My estimation of Glass has gone up even further. He's an underrated legend. Forget the self-promoting Scarlett, or 300 year old Fletcher, I'll take Glass any day of the week.
- Cripps subbed off. I'm not seeing much to like about this kid. I'm not sure I've been actively aware that he's been playing this year as he's like the invisible man on a football field.
So 1-3. I'm feeling incredibly pessimistic about this side right now. That performance was worse than against the Hawks. We play undefeated (!) Port next week and we've never been good against them in Adelaide. I honestly believe, at this moment, that they should be favourites. I know they've only beaten a troubled Crows team, but they've got spirit.
All we have is a season teetering on the edge of oblivion.
Saturday 20 April 2013
Round 4 Preview: Return of the Kings
I don't know that it's ever happened before. A coach and captain playing against a team with which they won a Premiership (at different times of course). It's an interesting side note, although enough time has passed in both cases to render it rather irrelevant. But it is always an added bonus to beat Judd at least. Malthouse...meh.
We must win this game and it won't be easy. People may point out that Carlton haven't won a game yet. But they've played fairly decently against the undefeated Cats, Tigers and 2-1 Pies. Meanwhile we ourselves have only beaten the hapless Demons. Plus, our injury situation has actually worsened (yes, it's possible) with Embley and Waters now sidelined.
However, we should win. After struggling to beat Judd's Blues from 2008-2010, we have now defeated them the last 3 meetings. Plus, as their record suggests, they're a highly unsettled team, still in transition from one system to another.
WEST COAST
B: W.Schofield 31, D.Glass 23, J.Brennan 14
HB: S.Hurn 25, E.Mackenzie 16, S.Butler 26
C: D.Kerr 4, M.Priddis 11, C.Masten 7
HF: J.Cripps 15, JJ.Kennedy 17, M.LeCras 2
F: A.Hams 43, J.Darling, 27, J.Hill 33
Foll: D.Cox 20, S.Selwood 10, L.Shuey 13
I/C: A.Gaff 3, A.Selwood 37, B.Dalziell 18, C.Sinclair 22
Emg: M.Brown 1, M.Hutchings 34, As.Smith 28
In: E.Mackenzie , B.Dalziell
Out: M.Brown, A.Embley (foot)
CARLTON
B: C.Yarran 13, M.Jamison 40, L.Henderson 23
HB: Z.Tuohy 42, D.Armfield 27, B.Gibbs 4
C: K.Simpson 6, A.Carrazzo 44, M.Robinson 12
HF: C.Judd 5, A.Walker 1, J.Garlett 38
F: E.Curnow 35, S.Hampson 22, S.Rowe 17
Foll: R.Warnock 11, M.Murphy 3, B.McLean 14
I/C: A.Joseph 45, K.Lucas 9, H.Scotland 29, S.White 43
Emerg: D.Buckley 7, D.Ellard 46, N.Duigan 34
In: R.Warnock , E.Curnow , S.White
Out: M.Kreuzer (broken thumb) , M.Davies (hamstring) , D.Buckley
Looking at the lineups, Carlton are still a team that is weak in the key positions. They're littered with talent throughout the midfield, but brittleness up forward and down back are still holding them back. Which to me is hilarious. They really could do with Josh Kennedy right now couldn't they?
For us, Mitch Brown is unceremoniously kicked out after just a couple of games to make way for E-Mac. That's just the way it is. Meanwhile Dalziell gets a game to replace Embley. It's a sign of the extent of our injury list that he's first in. He hasn't demonstrated anything of substance since coming over from Brisbane. But maybe tonight he'll take his chance.
Malthouse may say that 'process' is more important than results. He's either delusional or lying. Go 0-4 and your season is effectively over even if your process is good. So they'll be desperate. We need to be desperate too and I expect that we will be. We were embarrassed in our home opener against the Hawks. It won't happen again.
------
In other news, apparently Naitanui is now only 1 month away. There were reports only a few days ago that he was out 2 months. 1 week before that he was out 'indefinitely'. Time moves very quickly depending on what paper you look at apparently. Anyway, if true it's great news.
We must win this game and it won't be easy. People may point out that Carlton haven't won a game yet. But they've played fairly decently against the undefeated Cats, Tigers and 2-1 Pies. Meanwhile we ourselves have only beaten the hapless Demons. Plus, our injury situation has actually worsened (yes, it's possible) with Embley and Waters now sidelined.
However, we should win. After struggling to beat Judd's Blues from 2008-2010, we have now defeated them the last 3 meetings. Plus, as their record suggests, they're a highly unsettled team, still in transition from one system to another.
WEST COAST
B: W.Schofield 31, D.Glass 23, J.Brennan 14
HB: S.Hurn 25, E.Mackenzie 16, S.Butler 26
C: D.Kerr 4, M.Priddis 11, C.Masten 7
HF: J.Cripps 15, JJ.Kennedy 17, M.LeCras 2
F: A.Hams 43, J.Darling, 27, J.Hill 33
Foll: D.Cox 20, S.Selwood 10, L.Shuey 13
I/C: A.Gaff 3, A.Selwood 37, B.Dalziell 18, C.Sinclair 22
Emg: M.Brown 1, M.Hutchings 34, As.Smith 28
In: E.Mackenzie , B.Dalziell
Out: M.Brown, A.Embley (foot)
CARLTON
B: C.Yarran 13, M.Jamison 40, L.Henderson 23
HB: Z.Tuohy 42, D.Armfield 27, B.Gibbs 4
C: K.Simpson 6, A.Carrazzo 44, M.Robinson 12
HF: C.Judd 5, A.Walker 1, J.Garlett 38
F: E.Curnow 35, S.Hampson 22, S.Rowe 17
Foll: R.Warnock 11, M.Murphy 3, B.McLean 14
I/C: A.Joseph 45, K.Lucas 9, H.Scotland 29, S.White 43
Emerg: D.Buckley 7, D.Ellard 46, N.Duigan 34
In: R.Warnock , E.Curnow , S.White
Out: M.Kreuzer (broken thumb) , M.Davies (hamstring) , D.Buckley
Looking at the lineups, Carlton are still a team that is weak in the key positions. They're littered with talent throughout the midfield, but brittleness up forward and down back are still holding them back. Which to me is hilarious. They really could do with Josh Kennedy right now couldn't they?
For us, Mitch Brown is unceremoniously kicked out after just a couple of games to make way for E-Mac. That's just the way it is. Meanwhile Dalziell gets a game to replace Embley. It's a sign of the extent of our injury list that he's first in. He hasn't demonstrated anything of substance since coming over from Brisbane. But maybe tonight he'll take his chance.
Malthouse may say that 'process' is more important than results. He's either delusional or lying. Go 0-4 and your season is effectively over even if your process is good. So they'll be desperate. We need to be desperate too and I expect that we will be. We were embarrassed in our home opener against the Hawks. It won't happen again.
------
In other news, apparently Naitanui is now only 1 month away. There were reports only a few days ago that he was out 2 months. 1 week before that he was out 'indefinitely'. Time moves very quickly depending on what paper you look at apparently. Anyway, if true it's great news.
Tuesday 16 April 2013
Round 3 Recap: 94 Point Victory but Eagles Still Inconsistent
It would be easy to be misled by the final margin. It doesn't mean a thing. The Demons are a disgraceful excuse for an AFL side. They may have 'tried' in the first half, but quickly went to pieces when we turned up the heat. It must have been so terrible for all those Demons fans there- most of them in the commentary box. From the moment the telecast started- Eddie "Today is all about the Demons", to the ridiculous level of excitement generated when Melbourne hit the front a few times. So not only is Eddie a football commentator, President of Boganwood, host of that terrible Hot-Seat rubbish, but he is also Melbourne's No. 1 cheerleader. Oh, plus he really doesn't like Hams does he? The guy has so many hats but he can't wear any of them because his head is so big.
Anyway, us. Because yes, contrary to Eddie's assertions it wasn't all about Melbourne on Saturday. We played in fits and starts for the first half. They had more hunger, drive and initiative. We continued our sloppy disposal from last week and looked a little surprised by the fact that they actually showed up. But then after half-time we reset and completely obliterated them. Which is nice and all but to me it's just another example of a team that goes through patches where we are soundly beaten. We lack consistency and against any other team than Melbourne we would have been in dire trouble in that first half.
Yet, we won. JJK and Darling played like the tandem we all hope they will be into the future. The midfield gained some confidence and racked up big numbers. Cox was superb, whilst Sinclair locked down the backup ruck spot for another few games with a solid second game. Kerr and Lecras made it out of Melbourne unscathed.
But after 3 games, do we seem like a premiership contender? It's probably too early to really ascertain that. And with news that Naitanui will be out another 2 months and trampoline-extraordinaire Wellingham still a while out, that probably won't become clear until mid-season. That's especially true when you look at the fixture and see that we have an unbelievably soft run until the round 13 clash with the Hawks. That game signifies a run into the finals which is very tough. We probably need to go near undefeated over the next couple of months to set up a top 4 berth.
In other news, Masten has signed on with the club until 2016. He's a solid player now. I'm not buying in to the view that he has somehow now fulfilled his potential. He was a number 3 draft pick so unless he becomes an elite player, he hasn't reached the heights he should have. Still, he's a handy player.
We play an actuall football team next week, well Carlton, but close enough. We'll need a better performance to win.
UPDATE: Apparently Embley and Waters are out for a few weeks....unbelievable.
Anyway, us. Because yes, contrary to Eddie's assertions it wasn't all about Melbourne on Saturday. We played in fits and starts for the first half. They had more hunger, drive and initiative. We continued our sloppy disposal from last week and looked a little surprised by the fact that they actually showed up. But then after half-time we reset and completely obliterated them. Which is nice and all but to me it's just another example of a team that goes through patches where we are soundly beaten. We lack consistency and against any other team than Melbourne we would have been in dire trouble in that first half.
Yet, we won. JJK and Darling played like the tandem we all hope they will be into the future. The midfield gained some confidence and racked up big numbers. Cox was superb, whilst Sinclair locked down the backup ruck spot for another few games with a solid second game. Kerr and Lecras made it out of Melbourne unscathed.
But after 3 games, do we seem like a premiership contender? It's probably too early to really ascertain that. And with news that Naitanui will be out another 2 months and trampoline-extraordinaire Wellingham still a while out, that probably won't become clear until mid-season. That's especially true when you look at the fixture and see that we have an unbelievably soft run until the round 13 clash with the Hawks. That game signifies a run into the finals which is very tough. We probably need to go near undefeated over the next couple of months to set up a top 4 berth.
In other news, Masten has signed on with the club until 2016. He's a solid player now. I'm not buying in to the view that he has somehow now fulfilled his potential. He was a number 3 draft pick so unless he becomes an elite player, he hasn't reached the heights he should have. Still, he's a handy player.
We play an actuall football team next week, well Carlton, but close enough. We'll need a better performance to win.
UPDATE: Apparently Embley and Waters are out for a few weeks....unbelievable.
Saturday 13 April 2013
Round 3 Preview: Time to Win
It's difficult to see what the Eagles can actually get out of today's clash against the forlorn Dees. Besides the 4 points of course. But that's not really in doubt. They are a complete disgrace and I can't envision a scenario in which we don't comfortably win.
But the margin of victory also doesn't mean much, though it could be important come the end of the season. Likewise, even a good performance will be difficult to assess given the invisible opposition we face.
So for me, it's one of those games where I just hope we do well enough, don't suffer any needless injuries nor reports and quickly move onto Carlton next week.
In that sense, I was a little perturbed to see both Kerr and Lecras named to play. Kerr is sort of understandable. He played in the WAFL and it would be good to get some minutes under his belt in an AFL game (though some may argue he'd face a tougher test in the WAFL). Lecras, on the other hand, is straight in after a few weeks out. We simply don't need him for this week. But I'm sure the club knows what they're doing.
Melbourne
B: Neville Jetta – James Frawley – Dean Terlich
HB: Jack Trengove – Tom McDonald – Colin Garland
C: Michael Evans – Jack Grimes – Jack Viney
HF: Matt Jones – Mitch Clark – Jeremy Hower
FF: Aaron Davey – James Sellar – Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Mark Jamar – Colin Sylvia – Nathan Jones
IC: Jimmy Toumpas – Cam Pedersen – Luke Tapscott – Rohan Bail
Emerg: Watts, Rodan, Spencer
In: R.Bail , L.Tapscott , N.Jetta , C.Pedersen , M.Evans
Out: D.Rodan (Omitted) , T.Gillies (Groin) , S.Blease (Omitted) , J.Watts (Omitted) , D.Nicholson (Omitted)
West Coast
B: Will Schofield – Darren Glass – Adam Selwood
HB: Shannon Hurn – Mitch Brown – Beau waters
C: Andrew Gaff – Matthew Priddis – Chris Masten
HF: Andrew Embley – Josh J Kennedy – Ashton Hams
FF: Jack Darling – Josh Hill – Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox – Scott Selwood – Luke Shuey
IC: Sam Butler – Jamie Cripps – Daniel Kerr – Callum Sinclair
Emerg: Brennan , Dalziell, Wilson
In: D.Kerr , M.LeCras
Out: B.Dalziell (Omitted) , B.Sheppard (Shoulder)
There are some interesting points to watch today. Can JJK keep his great start to the season going? How will Sinclair fare in his second outing? Will the midfield bounce back?
I was fortunate enough (unfortunate?) to be at the Dockers game last night. Stunning match. Afterwards I was dragged to a little Essendon function where Steve Alessio and rookie Jackson Merrett made an appearance. I found it amusing that fans refuse to admit that anything at least 'questionable' went on last year at their club, putting it down to a 'media beatup'. But pig's brains aside, Merrett was asked about their match against the Demons, to which he replied "that was just a bit of fun". The more media savvy Alessio didn't look impressed, but the crowd laughed. That pretty much sums up who Melbourne are right now: a complete laughing stock.
Let's continue to make them look like fools and notch a W. #itsabitoffun
But the margin of victory also doesn't mean much, though it could be important come the end of the season. Likewise, even a good performance will be difficult to assess given the invisible opposition we face.
So for me, it's one of those games where I just hope we do well enough, don't suffer any needless injuries nor reports and quickly move onto Carlton next week.
In that sense, I was a little perturbed to see both Kerr and Lecras named to play. Kerr is sort of understandable. He played in the WAFL and it would be good to get some minutes under his belt in an AFL game (though some may argue he'd face a tougher test in the WAFL). Lecras, on the other hand, is straight in after a few weeks out. We simply don't need him for this week. But I'm sure the club knows what they're doing.
Melbourne
B: Neville Jetta – James Frawley – Dean Terlich
HB: Jack Trengove – Tom McDonald – Colin Garland
C: Michael Evans – Jack Grimes – Jack Viney
HF: Matt Jones – Mitch Clark – Jeremy Hower
FF: Aaron Davey – James Sellar – Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Mark Jamar – Colin Sylvia – Nathan Jones
IC: Jimmy Toumpas – Cam Pedersen – Luke Tapscott – Rohan Bail
Emerg: Watts, Rodan, Spencer
In: R.Bail , L.Tapscott , N.Jetta , C.Pedersen , M.Evans
Out: D.Rodan (Omitted) , T.Gillies (Groin) , S.Blease (Omitted) , J.Watts (Omitted) , D.Nicholson (Omitted)
West Coast
B: Will Schofield – Darren Glass – Adam Selwood
HB: Shannon Hurn – Mitch Brown – Beau waters
C: Andrew Gaff – Matthew Priddis – Chris Masten
HF: Andrew Embley – Josh J Kennedy – Ashton Hams
FF: Jack Darling – Josh Hill – Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox – Scott Selwood – Luke Shuey
IC: Sam Butler – Jamie Cripps – Daniel Kerr – Callum Sinclair
Emerg: Brennan , Dalziell, Wilson
In: D.Kerr , M.LeCras
Out: B.Dalziell (Omitted) , B.Sheppard (Shoulder)
There are some interesting points to watch today. Can JJK keep his great start to the season going? How will Sinclair fare in his second outing? Will the midfield bounce back?
I was fortunate enough (unfortunate?) to be at the Dockers game last night. Stunning match. Afterwards I was dragged to a little Essendon function where Steve Alessio and rookie Jackson Merrett made an appearance. I found it amusing that fans refuse to admit that anything at least 'questionable' went on last year at their club, putting it down to a 'media beatup'. But pig's brains aside, Merrett was asked about their match against the Demons, to which he replied "that was just a bit of fun". The more media savvy Alessio didn't look impressed, but the crowd laughed. That pretty much sums up who Melbourne are right now: a complete laughing stock.
Let's continue to make them look like fools and notch a W. #itsabitoffun
Monday 8 April 2013
Round 2 Recap: This is what it sounds like when Eagles cry...again
Quiet. So very quiet as the crowd morosely shuffled out of Subi. Well, half of the crowd. The other half had sheepishly ducked out as time ebbed away and the Hawks slammed on goal after goal. Not that I blame them.
We were in the contest for about 7 minutes in the first quarter. After that we had 2 periods in which we threatened to make a game of it. But when you go 5 goals behind in the first quarter, you're always going to struggle.
You have to give credit to the Hawks. They're the most talented side in the competition and they showed that yesterday. Their kicking skills are sublime and their football was essentially mistake free. Make no mistake though. They're the classic 'April Premiers'. You just know they'll go deep in the finals before choking it all away. So, fist pump whilst you can Buddy. #Hawkssoftasmarshmallows
We're in a bit of trouble. Our midfield has again demonstrated that without the class, experience and influence of Kerr, it struggles to make an impact. They were smashed yesterday. With all due respect to Sinclair, Lycett or however else we throw in there, but NicNat can change a game. His clearance work is essential. Our ruck duo was one of our big strengths. Cox is a champ but can't do it all himself. Our forward line continues to demonstrate that unless they take a mark within the 50 the ball pops out as quick as it comes in. Hams, the small forward meant to apply pressure, was subbed off in the 3rd. Defensively, we were outmatched. Probably most teams are against the Hawks. But again, it was a complete thrashing. The last quarter, in particular, was completely unacceptable.
We're missing some key players. But the players that are there need to be less...crap.
In terms of positives, JJK continued his superb start to the season with 5 goals....that is all.
We play the Demons next week. I'm not going to pretend that I think we're in any danger in that game. We'll win. Apparently Kerr and Lecras are close to playing, but surely we can take care of Melbourne without them.
We were in the contest for about 7 minutes in the first quarter. After that we had 2 periods in which we threatened to make a game of it. But when you go 5 goals behind in the first quarter, you're always going to struggle.
You have to give credit to the Hawks. They're the most talented side in the competition and they showed that yesterday. Their kicking skills are sublime and their football was essentially mistake free. Make no mistake though. They're the classic 'April Premiers'. You just know they'll go deep in the finals before choking it all away. So, fist pump whilst you can Buddy. #Hawkssoftasmarshmallows
We're in a bit of trouble. Our midfield has again demonstrated that without the class, experience and influence of Kerr, it struggles to make an impact. They were smashed yesterday. With all due respect to Sinclair, Lycett or however else we throw in there, but NicNat can change a game. His clearance work is essential. Our ruck duo was one of our big strengths. Cox is a champ but can't do it all himself. Our forward line continues to demonstrate that unless they take a mark within the 50 the ball pops out as quick as it comes in. Hams, the small forward meant to apply pressure, was subbed off in the 3rd. Defensively, we were outmatched. Probably most teams are against the Hawks. But again, it was a complete thrashing. The last quarter, in particular, was completely unacceptable.
We're missing some key players. But the players that are there need to be less...crap.
In terms of positives, JJK continued his superb start to the season with 5 goals....that is all.
We play the Demons next week. I'm not going to pretend that I think we're in any danger in that game. We'll win. Apparently Kerr and Lecras are close to playing, but surely we can take care of Melbourne without them.
It's a terrible start to the season. We can recover as the fixture evens out over the next couple of months. But with Naitanui out indefinitely, the midfield in desperate need of reinforcements and a forward line lacking in pressure, a premiership looks a long way away.
Sunday 7 April 2013
Round 2 Preview: Feathers will fly
So Round 2 is FINALLY here. It has certainly been a long time coming. Over 2 weeks in fact. Unlike the Hawks who have had a mere 5 day break after another dismal display against the Cats.
Will this difference be critical to the outcome? Maybe. It really shouldn't be given how early it is in the season, but we all know how soft Victorian teams are. They travel about 4 times a season (half of those are to the Etihad) and they act and often perform as if they've traversed the globe.
Still, if it's close in the final quarter it may just give us an extra edge. But of more importance to me is the devilish injury situation which has plagued our side. A backline which had before now escaped unscathed, is now hurt by the injury to E-Mac. Brown comes in, not wearing the Saints' colours, to his disappointment. Seriously though, he's a solid replacement. Just play Glass on Buddy. Brennan is omitted and the often-injured but always steady Butler returns from...something. The Lecras loss is well documented and Daziell is his replacement. I remember Dalziell had an amazing debut for the Lions but has since produced nothing of note. Admittedly, he's had few opportunities but he must surely be running of chances. Which might also be true of Lycett aka The Big Lychee, who again was underwhelming. In comes Callum Sinclair for his first game. I don't know the kid...so...scary. Irritatingly, Luke Hodge returns for the Hawks. He'll get injured after 7 minutes, which is why he'll probably start as the sub.
West Coast
B: Adam Selwood, Darren Glass, Mitchell Brown
HB: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Beau Waters
C: Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Ashton Hams
FF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
Foll: Dean Cox, Luke Shuey, Scott Selwood
I/C: Sam Butler,Brad Sheppard, Callum Sinclair, Bradd Dalziell
Emg: Jacob Brennan, Ashley Smith, Blayne Wilson.
Hawthorn
B: Ryan Schoenmakers, Josh Gibson, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Paul Puopolo
FF: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Max Bailey, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
Int: Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, David Hale, Jed Anderson.
These two teams were common picks for a Grand Final playoff. Both lost their first game to hated rivals. We're suffering from heavy injuries, they're suffering from a being well, weak. On paper you'd say they were favourites; full of stars and clearly more talented. But we're at home, they get jelly-legs in big games and we've had a long time to stew after the Derby loss. I'd say that stew is ready for serving.
Massive game, I'm attending (yay!) and I'll think we may just win, by, say 11 points.
Enjoy the game and LET'S GO EAGLES!!!
Will this difference be critical to the outcome? Maybe. It really shouldn't be given how early it is in the season, but we all know how soft Victorian teams are. They travel about 4 times a season (half of those are to the Etihad) and they act and often perform as if they've traversed the globe.
Still, if it's close in the final quarter it may just give us an extra edge. But of more importance to me is the devilish injury situation which has plagued our side. A backline which had before now escaped unscathed, is now hurt by the injury to E-Mac. Brown comes in, not wearing the Saints' colours, to his disappointment. Seriously though, he's a solid replacement. Just play Glass on Buddy. Brennan is omitted and the often-injured but always steady Butler returns from...something. The Lecras loss is well documented and Daziell is his replacement. I remember Dalziell had an amazing debut for the Lions but has since produced nothing of note. Admittedly, he's had few opportunities but he must surely be running of chances. Which might also be true of Lycett aka The Big Lychee, who again was underwhelming. In comes Callum Sinclair for his first game. I don't know the kid...so...scary. Irritatingly, Luke Hodge returns for the Hawks. He'll get injured after 7 minutes, which is why he'll probably start as the sub.
West Coast
B: Adam Selwood, Darren Glass, Mitchell Brown
HB: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Beau Waters
C: Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Ashton Hams
FF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
Foll: Dean Cox, Luke Shuey, Scott Selwood
I/C: Sam Butler,Brad Sheppard, Callum Sinclair, Bradd Dalziell
Emg: Jacob Brennan, Ashley Smith, Blayne Wilson.
Hawthorn
B: Ryan Schoenmakers, Josh Gibson, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Paul Puopolo
FF: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Max Bailey, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
Int: Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, David Hale, Jed Anderson.
These two teams were common picks for a Grand Final playoff. Both lost their first game to hated rivals. We're suffering from heavy injuries, they're suffering from a being well, weak. On paper you'd say they were favourites; full of stars and clearly more talented. But we're at home, they get jelly-legs in big games and we've had a long time to stew after the Derby loss. I'd say that stew is ready for serving.
Massive game, I'm attending (yay!) and I'll think we may just win, by, say 11 points.
Enjoy the game and LET'S GO EAGLES!!!
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