A predictable loss, yes. But the manner of the loss was unacceptable. It's one thing to be beaten on the night by a team with a nigh full squad and in decent form. But to be beaten by 61 points, including a goal-less 3rd quarter, is something that can't happen when you want to win a premiership.
We were too slow. We lacked energy. We lacked poise. We were embarrassed by a bunch of stripey strumpets. (they're not really strumpets, I just enjoy alliteration in bad times). It's all well and good to point to the injuries as the major source of the performance. However, the effort just didn't seem good enough. Our midfield was destroyed. Essendon had 63 inside 50s to our 41. They have always been a quick team (and we have always been not fast) but they tore us apart with ease.
Our replacements didn't perform well. Neates had a negligible impact. The Good Sheppard and The Big Lychee showed little to justify my honouring of them with clever nicknames. Our backline was undermanned. I think our last 2 weeks, but
especially this game, showed just how underrated guys like Ash Smith and
Will Schofield really are. In terms of our depleted forward line, it is was ineffectual.
On a positive note, Cox held down the fort like the champion that he is. However, we miss Naitanui. He allows Cox to free-roam around the ground. The Big Lychee isn't really a viable option as a second ruckman. We also missed Naitanui's energy and explosiveness in clearance situations. The man can tear a game apart. He's dynamic. We looked decidedly one paced.
I want to make it clear. We may have lost the game because of injuries. It was fairly foreseeable as we were missing 6 or 7 bona-fide starters. 3 of these are in our top 5 players. Yet, the performance and the margin seemed more a product of a sluggish, lethargic effort.
Still, credit where credit is due. Essendon played well. I mean we all know they still wouldn't have beaten us at Subi, or if we had a full team, but here's to you Bombers! I look forward to playing you in the finals (if you make it).
We need players back. Naitanui, Selwood and Smith could return. Schofield's suspension ends. Hopefully Priddis will be okay. But we also need a better effort a.s.a.p. Play like we did against the Dons and we will lose to the Saints next week, something which can't happen.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Round 7 Preview: Bombers vs Eagles
It's hard to over-emphasise just how big a game this is. 1st vs 4th. Saturday night. Prime Time. National TV. Eagles (yay!) Bombers (yuck).
However, the Bombers are expected to win this game. They are the favourites. They are at home. They have far more of their squad available. Although overall our team is still fairly strong, we have essentially no real depth on the bench (Mitch Brown, McG, The Good Sheppard, Ryan Neates). Naitanui is still missing with hamstring soreness. Selwood is out with his 'webbing issues'. Ashton Hams has been suspended. Schofield is still suspended. I don't have to go through the litany of big names out to underscore how injury-ravaged we are.
Essendon
B: Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Dustin Fletcher
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
HF: Jake Melksham, Stewart Crameri, Angus Monfries
F: Alwyn Davey, Patrick Ryder, Leroy Jetta
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett
I/C: Ricky Dyson, Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Travis Colyer
Emg: Mark McVeigh, Henry Slattery, Cory Dell’Olio
West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Jacob Brennan
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill
F: Luke Shuey, Jack Darling, Scott Lycett
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Mitch Brown, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Ryan Neates
Emg: Thomas Swift, Koby Stevens, Murray Newman
In: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates
Out: Adam Selwood (Hand), Ashton Hams (Suspension)
New: Ryan Neates (Claremont (WA))
Milestones: Beau Waters – 100 games
On the other hand, Essendon are really only missing Hille and Hurley (who will now be roaming the streets to the fear of cab drivers in Melbourne). Essendon should win this game. The pressure is all on them. Will they wilt? We know they can beat up on teams like Brisbane. But besides a lucky win over the Kangas in Round 1, they haven't proved they can beat teams of any real substance. They have to win this game to prove their top 4 credentials. If they don't they lose all credibility (as much credibility that a team that has Kyle Reimers on their list can have).
I think they will win. Although this may appear to be rather defeatist, I'm not saying we can't win. But really, all the factors; all our injuries, the importance of the game for Jobe W. Bush and co., it's under the dome point to a win for Hird's men.
Despite this, it should be a great game! Congrats to Beau Waters who finally hits the 100 mark. He has been such a strong player in the backline for years now and his courage is inspiring. Here's to 100 more.
It's a big game for some young guys too. Neates makes his debut. He might not draw 12 free kicks a game like Hams, but it will be interesting to see how he does after injury ruined his 2011 season (I think...). Jacob Brennan also gets another game after a fairly impressive debut last week. The Big Lychee also stays in the side, to my delight as I get to use his awesome nickname again. One positive aspect about all our injuries is that it does provide these guys with games. Though I would prefer them to get opportunities against GWS and the GCS, they are trying to make a career. They won't have a deficit of desire and could add some real energy and enthusiasm to the team.
In terms of the free kick issue, which has blown up as big as Brett Ebert's head (well nothing is that big), it's essentially a beat up. I think Hams may be 'playing' for them, but so what? Ballantyne, Milne and countless other vertically challenged individuals do the exact same thing. I thought Woosha's press conference was rather classic.
Reporter: Are you happy with the way your players go about it?
Woosha:...Yep.
He then went on to say that perhaps our players go in harder than opposition jerks.
In a nutshell, screw the sore losers in the East and LETS GO EAGLES!!!
However, the Bombers are expected to win this game. They are the favourites. They are at home. They have far more of their squad available. Although overall our team is still fairly strong, we have essentially no real depth on the bench (Mitch Brown, McG, The Good Sheppard, Ryan Neates). Naitanui is still missing with hamstring soreness. Selwood is out with his 'webbing issues'. Ashton Hams has been suspended. Schofield is still suspended. I don't have to go through the litany of big names out to underscore how injury-ravaged we are.
Essendon
B: Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Dustin Fletcher
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
HF: Jake Melksham, Stewart Crameri, Angus Monfries
F: Alwyn Davey, Patrick Ryder, Leroy Jetta
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett
I/C: Ricky Dyson, Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Travis Colyer
Emg: Mark McVeigh, Henry Slattery, Cory Dell’Olio
West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Jacob Brennan
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill
F: Luke Shuey, Jack Darling, Scott Lycett
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Mitch Brown, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Ryan Neates
Emg: Thomas Swift, Koby Stevens, Murray Newman
In: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates
Out: Adam Selwood (Hand), Ashton Hams (Suspension)
New: Ryan Neates (Claremont (WA))
Milestones: Beau Waters – 100 games
On the other hand, Essendon are really only missing Hille and Hurley (who will now be roaming the streets to the fear of cab drivers in Melbourne). Essendon should win this game. The pressure is all on them. Will they wilt? We know they can beat up on teams like Brisbane. But besides a lucky win over the Kangas in Round 1, they haven't proved they can beat teams of any real substance. They have to win this game to prove their top 4 credentials. If they don't they lose all credibility (as much credibility that a team that has Kyle Reimers on their list can have).
I think they will win. Although this may appear to be rather defeatist, I'm not saying we can't win. But really, all the factors; all our injuries, the importance of the game for Jobe W. Bush and co., it's under the dome point to a win for Hird's men.
Despite this, it should be a great game! Congrats to Beau Waters who finally hits the 100 mark. He has been such a strong player in the backline for years now and his courage is inspiring. Here's to 100 more.
It's a big game for some young guys too. Neates makes his debut. He might not draw 12 free kicks a game like Hams, but it will be interesting to see how he does after injury ruined his 2011 season (I think...). Jacob Brennan also gets another game after a fairly impressive debut last week. The Big Lychee also stays in the side, to my delight as I get to use his awesome nickname again. One positive aspect about all our injuries is that it does provide these guys with games. Though I would prefer them to get opportunities against GWS and the GCS, they are trying to make a career. They won't have a deficit of desire and could add some real energy and enthusiasm to the team.
In terms of the free kick issue, which has blown up as big as Brett Ebert's head (well nothing is that big), it's essentially a beat up. I think Hams may be 'playing' for them, but so what? Ballantyne, Milne and countless other vertically challenged individuals do the exact same thing. I thought Woosha's press conference was rather classic.
Reporter: Are you happy with the way your players go about it?
Woosha:...Yep.
He then went on to say that perhaps our players go in harder than opposition jerks.
In a nutshell, screw the sore losers in the East and LETS GO EAGLES!!!
Monday, 7 May 2012
Round 6 Recap: Rumours of Our Demise have been Greatly Exaggerated
It was gritty. It was ugly. At times we looked quite shaky, but in the end, when it mattered, we ran all over the Roos to remain the only unbeaten team at the conclusion of Round 6.
The day didn't start all that well for us, with NicNat withdrawing after a botched dunk attempt experiencing hamstring tightness and being replaced by Scott Lycett (hereafter the 'Big Lychee'). So no JJK, NicNat, Lecca, Nico., Embles, Ashley Smith, Schofield or Mitch Brown. At times it looked like we were missing some important players, but we showed great resolve to win the game.
Oh...and Adam Selwood split his webbing. I know I shouldn't joke about it, as it looked horrendously painful, but I can't help but think of ducks when I hear the word webbing...haha...ducks. Hams has also been suspended for a high bump on Swallow (which looked like a high bump on Hill).
The Roos played fairly well. Swallow was impressive and some other guys did some other things. I was going to be a bit more complimentary, but it turns out Brad Scott comes from the Clarkson school of losing.
Maybe teams should learn how to tackle without decapitating our diminutive players. The East Coast media is also obsessed with our free kick tally, but too bad. We're not breaking any rules and consequently it is not our problem. Move on, losers.
Still, even if we didn't draw a lot of frees, I'm sure they would find other excuses as to why they didn't win. Such as we poisoned their food, or something like Mark Harvey's peculiar claims. Wasn't Harvey great though? A little on the 'insane' side but so much less soporific than Wossy Lyon
Anyway, enough about losers, back to the invincibles. Josh Hill was again superb. I may have been a little ambivalent about the acquisition initially, but I did see the promise.(Plus we rid ourselves of Ernie's friend) Then from the start of preseason I have been extremely impressed. I'm not saying we don't miss Lecras, but just look at his scoring;
More than his goals, though huge, he is more than pulling his weight in the forward press. It was interesting today to hear the commentators ask Brad Johnson why Hill didn't put on this sort of pressure playing for the Dogs: "We Tried" said Johnno. I'm not trying to mock the Dogs or anything, but I think the difference is our team, with its experienced players and strong work ethic, demands 100% effort...versus...well having a team with Brian Lake.
You can watch Hill's one question at the presser above.
Kudos too to Cox. I was beginning to think the big man was in decline, but today's performance suggests otherwise. 32 hitouts, 21 disposals and 5 marks. If anything this game demonstrates that Cox has voluntarily allowed NicNat to assume the Number One rucking role whilst he does whatever he feels like down back or forward.
But today was also a little concerning. For obvious reasons our forward is not as potent. Yes, we could have kicked more goals (18 behinds!) but we still lacked something (see injured players above). Yet, considering everything, this was a great win. I can't really complain.
Next week is a huge test: The Bombers at Docklands on Saturday night. NicNat should be back plus maybe a couple of others. It's going to be our biggest game of the season against Jobe W Bush and his weapons of mass delusion.
In conclusion, please no training injuries during the week...
 |
| Mind the Gap. |
Oh...and Adam Selwood split his webbing. I know I shouldn't joke about it, as it looked horrendously painful, but I can't help but think of ducks when I hear the word webbing...haha...ducks. Hams has also been suspended for a high bump on Swallow (which looked like a high bump on Hill).
The Roos played fairly well. Swallow was impressive and some other guys did some other things. I was going to be a bit more complimentary, but it turns out Brad Scott comes from the Clarkson school of losing.
Maybe teams should learn how to tackle without decapitating our diminutive players. The East Coast media is also obsessed with our free kick tally, but too bad. We're not breaking any rules and consequently it is not our problem. Move on, losers.
Still, even if we didn't draw a lot of frees, I'm sure they would find other excuses as to why they didn't win. Such as we poisoned their food, or something like Mark Harvey's peculiar claims. Wasn't Harvey great though? A little on the 'insane' side but so much less soporific than Wossy Lyon
Anyway, enough about losers, back to the invincibles. Josh Hill was again superb. I may have been a little ambivalent about the acquisition initially, but I did see the promise.(Plus we rid ourselves of Ernie's friend) Then from the start of preseason I have been extremely impressed. I'm not saying we don't miss Lecras, but just look at his scoring;
 |
| Goals from the Hill |
More than his goals, though huge, he is more than pulling his weight in the forward press. It was interesting today to hear the commentators ask Brad Johnson why Hill didn't put on this sort of pressure playing for the Dogs: "We Tried" said Johnno. I'm not trying to mock the Dogs or anything, but I think the difference is our team, with its experienced players and strong work ethic, demands 100% effort...versus...well having a team with Brian Lake.
You can watch Hill's one question at the presser above.
Kudos too to Cox. I was beginning to think the big man was in decline, but today's performance suggests otherwise. 32 hitouts, 21 disposals and 5 marks. If anything this game demonstrates that Cox has voluntarily allowed NicNat to assume the Number One rucking role whilst he does whatever he feels like down back or forward.
But today was also a little concerning. For obvious reasons our forward is not as potent. Yes, we could have kicked more goals (18 behinds!) but we still lacked something (see injured players above). Yet, considering everything, this was a great win. I can't really complain.
Next week is a huge test: The Bombers at Docklands on Saturday night. NicNat should be back plus maybe a couple of others. It's going to be our biggest game of the season against Jobe W Bush and his weapons of mass delusion.
In conclusion, please no training injuries during the week...
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Round 6 Preview: Eagles vs Roos
I really think the club needs to go elsewhere for scans. It's quite clear that the machine we have been using lately is a complete, for want of a better word, jerk. Every time one of our players gets a knock, a twist or a strain the machine takes the opportunity to give us the rude finger. Stupid machine.
Yet, as I wrote when Lecras went down...and Nicoski went down....and Embley went down...and now that JJK is down, the success of this team doesn't depend on one, two or three great players. (Though seriously please stop!) It's built on the system. However, saying that, we need competent players for the system to function as it should. I think we may be on the verge of lacking the pieces for us to play to our capacity. Yet our midfield is essentially unaffected. Our backline is strong. Our rucks are dominant. The question is increasingly about whether our forward line will be able to kick a winning score and maintain the press. Q and Darling (coming off his best game last week) are now our two key forwards. I'm not sure whether the Q can play that role any more, but we will see. Hill and Hams have and must continue to kick goals.
It looked as if Scott Lycett was going to be the replacement for Kennedy. However, he hasn't been included in the final team for Sunday's game. Mitch Brown is out with the eye, not due to Dean Cox throwing a tennis ball at him, plus Schofield has been suspended (apparently) for 2 weeks. Shouldn't there be an asterisk in the rules saying you can do what you want to J. Riewoldt? Anyway, our backline actually looks a bit thin with Sheppard returning. He's an interesting case. He seems to be from the 'Chris Masten School' of first round draft picks. Yet, there must be a reason he was selected so high, such as we can't draft properly.
West Coast Eagles
B: , Darren Glass, Sam Butler
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Andrew Gaff, Matthew Priddis, Matthew Rosa
HF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
F: Nic Naitanui, Quinten Lynch, Ashton Hams
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Luke Shuey, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Scott Lycett, Jacob Brennan, Murray Newman
In: Eric Mackenzie, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan,
Out: Mitch Brown (eye), Will Schofield (Suspension), Josh Kennedy (Ankle), Ashley Smith
New: Jacob Brennan (East Fremantle), Murray Newman (Swan Districts)
North Melbourne
B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Shaun Atley
HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Luke Delaney
C: Leigh Adams, Andrew Swallow, Samuel Wright
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robert Tarrant, Brent Harvey
F: Kieran Harper, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac
I/C: Aaron Edwards, Todd Goldstein, Cruize Garlett, Liam Anthony, Cameron Pedersen, Aaron Mullett, Brad McKenzie
In: Cameron Pedersen
Out: Levi Greenwood
New: Brad McKenzie (Sturt)
As for our opponents, well I think they will provide a stern if not total test of where we now stand. They seem to be improved from years past, but aren't elite. All things being equal, you would expect us to win by 5 to 6 goals. But things aren't equal and consequently this should be a real litmus test.
Yet, as I wrote when Lecras went down...and Nicoski went down....and Embley went down...and now that JJK is down, the success of this team doesn't depend on one, two or three great players. (Though seriously please stop!) It's built on the system. However, saying that, we need competent players for the system to function as it should. I think we may be on the verge of lacking the pieces for us to play to our capacity. Yet our midfield is essentially unaffected. Our backline is strong. Our rucks are dominant. The question is increasingly about whether our forward line will be able to kick a winning score and maintain the press. Q and Darling (coming off his best game last week) are now our two key forwards. I'm not sure whether the Q can play that role any more, but we will see. Hill and Hams have and must continue to kick goals.
It looked as if Scott Lycett was going to be the replacement for Kennedy. However, he hasn't been included in the final team for Sunday's game. Mitch Brown is out with the eye, not due to Dean Cox throwing a tennis ball at him, plus Schofield has been suspended (apparently) for 2 weeks. Shouldn't there be an asterisk in the rules saying you can do what you want to J. Riewoldt? Anyway, our backline actually looks a bit thin with Sheppard returning. He's an interesting case. He seems to be from the 'Chris Masten School' of first round draft picks. Yet, there must be a reason he was selected so high, such as we can't draft properly.
West Coast Eagles
B: , Darren Glass, Sam Butler
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Andrew Gaff, Matthew Priddis, Matthew Rosa
HF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
F: Nic Naitanui, Quinten Lynch, Ashton Hams
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Luke Shuey, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Scott Lycett, Jacob Brennan, Murray Newman
In: Eric Mackenzie, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan,
Out: Mitch Brown (eye), Will Schofield (Suspension), Josh Kennedy (Ankle), Ashley Smith
New: Jacob Brennan (East Fremantle), Murray Newman (Swan Districts)
North Melbourne
B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Shaun Atley
HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Luke Delaney
C: Leigh Adams, Andrew Swallow, Samuel Wright
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robert Tarrant, Brent Harvey
F: Kieran Harper, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac
I/C: Aaron Edwards, Todd Goldstein, Cruize Garlett, Liam Anthony, Cameron Pedersen, Aaron Mullett, Brad McKenzie
In: Cameron Pedersen
Out: Levi Greenwood
New: Brad McKenzie (Sturt)
As for our opponents, well I think they will provide a stern if not total test of where we now stand. They seem to be improved from years past, but aren't elite. All things being equal, you would expect us to win by 5 to 6 goals. But things aren't equal and consequently this should be a real litmus test.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Kennedy out for 3 months...It's Time to Start Panicking
In news that has hit this blogger like a rickshaw being driven by Q, Josh Kennedy will miss the next 3 months as he waits to undergo surgery on his injured ankle.
Needless to say, this is very frightening. For the majority of the season our forward line will be without its two stars- Lecras and JJK. Nicoski is also out, as is Andrew Embley. The phrase the 'straw that broke the camel's back' comes to mind, but I'm trying to remain calm.
We're 5-0. We have a fairly easy next few weeks. We still have Darling and Lynch in our forward line, along with in form duo Hams and Hill. We can still win the premiership if the majority of those injured return for the finals.
On the other hand, we may also be cursed
....
I'm scared...and demoralised.
go eagles...
Needless to say, this is very frightening. For the majority of the season our forward line will be without its two stars- Lecras and JJK. Nicoski is also out, as is Andrew Embley. The phrase the 'straw that broke the camel's back' comes to mind, but I'm trying to remain calm.
We're 5-0. We have a fairly easy next few weeks. We still have Darling and Lynch in our forward line, along with in form duo Hams and Hill. We can still win the premiership if the majority of those injured return for the finals.
On the other hand, we may also be cursed
....
I'm scared...and demoralised.
go eagles...
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