I was going to go with the 'Eagles exorcise Demons' or some other facile pun, but it wouldn't portray the emphatic way we figuratively 'feasted on the Demons` flesh'. It was by far our easiest win of the season, with a 5 goal to none first quarter setting up our 3rd win of the season. 1 more win and we match the statistical height reached last year.
I expected the win though I thought the Demons would provide a far sterner test. To be frank, the Dees were atrocious. Their inexperience showed as they were blown away by our superior strength and utmost pressure. Their skills were poor.
However, much of their performance can be attributed to our sustained dominance. I awaited with trepidation throughout the game for us to let the foot of the gas for a minute or two. It didn't happen. An excellent 4 quarter performance and a promising win.
In terms of individual performances, there were several stand outs. I love Darling; strong, quick and focused. He kicked 3, but it is his pressure and effort which is most impressive. He also has surprising pace for a player his size. It's early days, but as long as he keeps his nose clean (and shiny) he could be a future star. Kennedy and Lynch were again excellent up forward.
Cox was back to his best, amassing possessions at will and reading the play supremely. Another bonus was the re-emergence of Kerr. He appeared slow his first few games back, but tonight he managed to find some space. Great signs. Embly continues to exhibit vintage form. Finally, another solid game for Nicoski who has revived his fledgling career on the half forward line.
On a semi-sour note, Lecras had a frustrating night. On several occasions he had awful shots at goal instead of passing to teammates. I think we can attribute this to over-eagerness after his injury rather than any selfishness.
Overall, it was a great win. But let's not get too excited. We face a huge test next week at the Dome against the rejuvenated Bombers.
I don't really buy into the hype surrounding the Dons, but they are improved. The ten day break should be beneficial, but Eseendon play GC so they won't exactly have to exert themselves.
Anyway, I'm already looking forward to that one. Win it and we're 4-2.
Finals beckon? Too soon to tell, but I'm surprisingly optimistic.
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Round 6 Preview: Eagles vs Demons; Lecras Returns
Last time we played Melbourne was Round 8 last season at the MCG, where we defeated the Dees by 29 points. I would be lying if I told you I remember that game, but that's probably because my brain has sought to protect me from remembering the embarrassment of the 2010 season. I do, however, recall Lecras kicking 13(?) against the Bombers at the Dome. That was a pleasant night in an otherwise painful year of disappointment. Blogging of Lecras, he's back. I suppose it's appropriate that during the Easter period a messiah...of sorts has underwent a resurrection...of sorts. It's a rather improbable return for Lecras, given it initially appeared he would miss 6-10 weeks. Regardless, his presence is a huge plus. Just in time to kick another bag against the dons in a couple of weeks.
Moving on. The start to this season has promised much and yet delivered only a 2-2 record. Suffice to say, this game against perennial stragglers Melbourne, at home, is a 'must win' match.
Admittedly, they do have much talent. They also have eclectic players like Jurrah, who could cause our rather rigid backline some problems. Yet, they lack experience and they lack experience winning, especially on the road. Drawing with Sydney at home in round 1 is all well and good. Beating GC by 90 points away is fine and dandy. But I doubt they have the mental resolve to come across to our house, in prime time on a Thursday (really?) night and beat us.
Morover, we should have too much for them, if we play like we did before the premature break. I think our greatest enemy is complacency. But given our record, we can't afford it nor do I believe we fans will see it.
I'm looking to see how Cox bounces back from a sub-par game against the Hawks. It will also be interesting to see how Kerr fares in his 4th game back.
Due to our big forwards, delivery is critical. Their backs seem undersized and vulnerable. If the ball hits the deck, however, we are the team disadvantaged. We really do miss a quality crumbing forward. Where's Brandon Matera when you need him? Oh, that's right...on the Gold Coast.
The teams line up as follows:
WEST COAST
Backs: As.Smith, D.Glass, S.Hurn
Half Backs: S.Butler, E.Mackenzie, S.Selwood
Centreline: A.Embley, M.Priddis, M.Rosa
Half Forwards: L.Shuey, JJ.Kennedy, M.Nicoski
Forwards: M.LeCras, Q.Lynch, J.Darling
Followers: D.Cox, D.Kerr, A.Selwood
Interchange, A.Gaff, Bra.Ebert, P.McGinnity, N.Naitanui
Emergencies: W.Schofield, T.Swift, G.Weedon
In: M.LeCras , As.Smith , P.McGinnity
Out: MJ.Brown (Hand) , B.Dalziell (Omitted) , W.Schofield (Omitted)
MELBOURNE
Backs: J.Frawley, J.Rivers, C.Bartram
Half Backs: J.Grimes, C.Garland, L.Tapscott
Centreline: B.Green, N.Jones, R.Bail
Half Forwards: J.Gysberts, C.Sylvia, A.Davey
Forwards: A.Wonaeamirri, L.Jurrah, J.Watts
Followers: M.Jamar, B.Moloney, J.Trengove
Interchange, J.Bennell, C.Morton, L.Dunn, S.Martin
Emergencies, M.Warnock, R.Petterd, A.Maric
Unchanged
I think we will win this game by 4-5 goals. We should win comfortably, but any win will do. If we maintain our forward pressure and don't turn the ball over (just don't let Ebert, E-Mac kick) we should be fine.
Big game. Big TV audience. Carn Eagles!
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
Moving on. The start to this season has promised much and yet delivered only a 2-2 record. Suffice to say, this game against perennial stragglers Melbourne, at home, is a 'must win' match.
Admittedly, they do have much talent. They also have eclectic players like Jurrah, who could cause our rather rigid backline some problems. Yet, they lack experience and they lack experience winning, especially on the road. Drawing with Sydney at home in round 1 is all well and good. Beating GC by 90 points away is fine and dandy. But I doubt they have the mental resolve to come across to our house, in prime time on a Thursday (really?) night and beat us.
Morover, we should have too much for them, if we play like we did before the premature break. I think our greatest enemy is complacency. But given our record, we can't afford it nor do I believe we fans will see it.
I'm looking to see how Cox bounces back from a sub-par game against the Hawks. It will also be interesting to see how Kerr fares in his 4th game back.
Due to our big forwards, delivery is critical. Their backs seem undersized and vulnerable. If the ball hits the deck, however, we are the team disadvantaged. We really do miss a quality crumbing forward. Where's Brandon Matera when you need him? Oh, that's right...on the Gold Coast.
The teams line up as follows:
WEST COAST
Backs: As.Smith, D.Glass, S.Hurn
Half Backs: S.Butler, E.Mackenzie, S.Selwood
Centreline: A.Embley, M.Priddis, M.Rosa
Half Forwards: L.Shuey, JJ.Kennedy, M.Nicoski
Forwards: M.LeCras, Q.Lynch, J.Darling
Followers: D.Cox, D.Kerr, A.Selwood
Interchange, A.Gaff, Bra.Ebert, P.McGinnity, N.Naitanui
Emergencies: W.Schofield, T.Swift, G.Weedon
In: M.LeCras , As.Smith , P.McGinnity
Out: MJ.Brown (Hand) , B.Dalziell (Omitted) , W.Schofield (Omitted)
MELBOURNE
Backs: J.Frawley, J.Rivers, C.Bartram
Half Backs: J.Grimes, C.Garland, L.Tapscott
Centreline: B.Green, N.Jones, R.Bail
Half Forwards: J.Gysberts, C.Sylvia, A.Davey
Forwards: A.Wonaeamirri, L.Jurrah, J.Watts
Followers: M.Jamar, B.Moloney, J.Trengove
Interchange, J.Bennell, C.Morton, L.Dunn, S.Martin
Emergencies, M.Warnock, R.Petterd, A.Maric
Unchanged
I think we will win this game by 4-5 goals. We should win comfortably, but any win will do. If we maintain our forward pressure and don't turn the ball over (just don't let Ebert, E-Mac kick) we should be fine.
Big game. Big TV audience. Carn Eagles!
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Bye Week Ruminations; Brown joins Injured List, AFL Live Review
Bye Week. Great time for injured players to recuperate, niggles to be un-niggled, chocolate eggs to be consumed.
Well, I'm sure the latter will occur. In terms of the health of our squad, however, I have less confidence. Our already depleted back line has suffered another major blow with the loss of Mitch Brown for 8-10 weeks. A fractured thumb is the culprit.
There is even more pressure on the likes of E-Mac and Schofield to step up now. Brett Jones, possible replacement, suffered a hairline fracture in his arm in the WAFL on the weekend.
Key players Lecras, Waters and Brown will now all be on the sideline for extended periods. Less key player Masten is also missing.
It's unfortunate, but a reality. Other teams do and will have injuries. It will be no excuse for any slide in form in the coming weeks.
It's a huge couple of week as well. A must win game against Melbourne followed by an intresting test against Essendon at the Dome.
What to do until then though?
Mitch Brown might not be able to use his thumb, but that doesn't stop us from playing some AFL Live.
AFL Live Review
I've played a few hours now and my thoughts are mixed. It's not a masterpiece nor an exercise in epic-failure. The graphics are fine, although not in any way impressive. Player similarity is adequate. As in, it's possible to tell the difference between Naitanui and Ashton Hams. Commentary, as in most sports sims, is tiresome after 5 minutes. Though to be fair, 'BT' is like that in real life too.
The game itself is frenetic. There's a little too much button-mashing, with the need to constantly tackle, or handball. Maybe realistic, definitely frustrating. Marking contests are difficult to master. In general, the mechanics of kicking are okay though seem a little jerky. One disappointment is the inability to deliver big bumps. I know it's not a big part of the AFL anymore, but it's a game right?
Incredibly, there is no instant replay function.
On the plus side, online play is so smooth you almost forget you're playing over the net.
Do I recommend it? For AFL fans desperate for any sort of sim: definitely. It's no FIFA or Madden, but it's probably the best AFL game to ever be released.
Verdict: 7/10
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
Well, I'm sure the latter will occur. In terms of the health of our squad, however, I have less confidence. Our already depleted back line has suffered another major blow with the loss of Mitch Brown for 8-10 weeks. A fractured thumb is the culprit.
There is even more pressure on the likes of E-Mac and Schofield to step up now. Brett Jones, possible replacement, suffered a hairline fracture in his arm in the WAFL on the weekend.
Key players Lecras, Waters and Brown will now all be on the sideline for extended periods. Less key player Masten is also missing.
It's unfortunate, but a reality. Other teams do and will have injuries. It will be no excuse for any slide in form in the coming weeks.
It's a huge couple of week as well. A must win game against Melbourne followed by an intresting test against Essendon at the Dome.
What to do until then though?
Mitch Brown might not be able to use his thumb, but that doesn't stop us from playing some AFL Live.
AFL Live Review
I've played a few hours now and my thoughts are mixed. It's not a masterpiece nor an exercise in epic-failure. The graphics are fine, although not in any way impressive. Player similarity is adequate. As in, it's possible to tell the difference between Naitanui and Ashton Hams. Commentary, as in most sports sims, is tiresome after 5 minutes. Though to be fair, 'BT' is like that in real life too.
The game itself is frenetic. There's a little too much button-mashing, with the need to constantly tackle, or handball. Maybe realistic, definitely frustrating. Marking contests are difficult to master. In general, the mechanics of kicking are okay though seem a little jerky. One disappointment is the inability to deliver big bumps. I know it's not a big part of the AFL anymore, but it's a game right?
Incredibly, there is no instant replay function.
On the plus side, online play is so smooth you almost forget you're playing over the net.
Do I recommend it? For AFL fans desperate for any sort of sim: definitely. It's no FIFA or Madden, but it's probably the best AFL game to ever be released.
Verdict: 7/10
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
Monday, 18 April 2011
Round 4 Recap: Eagles Comeback stymied by Umpires + Stupidity
Yes, it may be unrealistic to claim the umpires cost us the game on Saturday. But why they didn't blow time on...twice, god only knows. The stupidity was on behalf of Ebert and Cox who felt inclined to spoil Embley's brilliant kick at goal from a difficult angle. It would have been a comeback that rivalled the fightback against Geelong in 2006. I bet Wallsy was crying after that game. I was crying, but they were tears of joy.
The result aside, our performance was fairly promising. Some good signs from Gaff and Shuey. Kennedy and Darling are really establishing themselves as a strong tandem up forward. Darling's tackling pressure is especially impressive. Our forward pressure in general was very good and consistent throughout the game. One thing that did frustrate me was Cox's game. I love cox as much as the next guy (no pun intended), but he kept slipping over. He actually seemed off all game, which will we forgive given his vintage start to the season.
Congrats to Darren Glass on a great 200 games. I remember when he debuted. I thought he was rubbish. Thankfully, he proved me wrong. Maybe Sheppard, Ebert and [insert various names here] will do the same.
So good performance, disappointing result.
2 weeks in a row we were in a position to win the game in the final term, only to be overrun. Granted, these are both quality teams, aren't they? I don't know. They're decent. We could have been satisfied with 1 victory from the 2 games, but alas. Still, in general, we have shown good signs. It's early days though.
There's a rather bouyant article over at the official site, espousing the virtues of our glorious leader, the greatest man in the history of the world, Sir John Worsfold. Not exactly, but this guy is a little optimistic. It's like something written about Stalin in Soviet Russia.
Gross over-exaggerations aside, we now have a bye. Great. Although really it's a semi-bye. We play Melbourne on Thursday week at Subi. Collingwood undoubtedly get a proper bye. Then again, I also heard that Collingwood pick their own fixtures. Must be nice.
Anyway, I'm supremely confident about the Demons game. Melbourne only beat the GC by 90 points. They must really suck, for anything under a 100 point win over the GC is a worrying sign.
Hopefully, we can accomplish a solid, non-cack myself inducing performance. Needless to say, it's a must win for the club.
That's it for now.
Keep Flying High
Misanthropic Eagle
The result aside, our performance was fairly promising. Some good signs from Gaff and Shuey. Kennedy and Darling are really establishing themselves as a strong tandem up forward. Darling's tackling pressure is especially impressive. Our forward pressure in general was very good and consistent throughout the game. One thing that did frustrate me was Cox's game. I love cox as much as the next guy (no pun intended), but he kept slipping over. He actually seemed off all game, which will we forgive given his vintage start to the season.
Congrats to Darren Glass on a great 200 games. I remember when he debuted. I thought he was rubbish. Thankfully, he proved me wrong. Maybe Sheppard, Ebert and [insert various names here] will do the same.
So good performance, disappointing result.
2 weeks in a row we were in a position to win the game in the final term, only to be overrun. Granted, these are both quality teams, aren't they? I don't know. They're decent. We could have been satisfied with 1 victory from the 2 games, but alas. Still, in general, we have shown good signs. It's early days though.
There's a rather bouyant article over at the official site, espousing the virtues of our glorious leader, the greatest man in the history of the world, Sir John Worsfold. Not exactly, but this guy is a little optimistic. It's like something written about Stalin in Soviet Russia.
Gross over-exaggerations aside, we now have a bye. Great. Although really it's a semi-bye. We play Melbourne on Thursday week at Subi. Collingwood undoubtedly get a proper bye. Then again, I also heard that Collingwood pick their own fixtures. Must be nice.
Anyway, I'm supremely confident about the Demons game. Melbourne only beat the GC by 90 points. They must really suck, for anything under a 100 point win over the GC is a worrying sign.
Hopefully, we can accomplish a solid, non-cack myself inducing performance. Needless to say, it's a must win for the club.
That's it for now.
Keep Flying High
Misanthropic Eagle
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Rapid Reaction: Hawks vs Eagles
These are my thoughts following each quarter...
Q1.
A very promising start to the game. The Eagles are holding their own in the midfield. Shuey and Gaff have been very clean with their disposals.As I thought, the Hawks defence is no match for our key bigs. Kennedy is dominant, with two goals. He should have kicked 3 or 4. Naitanui took a couple of marks!
I think we can win this game...though I may change my mind at half time. The Hawks may have been exposed as pretenders.
Q2.
Umpiring grants Franklin another goal. Cox keeps slipping. He really looks off today. I wish Rioli played for us. Darling has been everywhere.
Our forward pressure has been superb...I wonder if I'll be thinking that come the final quarter. We've played more consistent football than Hawthorn, yet trail by a point. I guess that's the talent differential. Yet, we're still in a position to win this game. This is a huge test of our ability to put 4 quarters together. We need more efficiency in front of goal.
Q3.
Great pressure continues. Ebert continues to turn the ball over. Darling continues to rack up the disposals. I really don't think we have made the most of our chances. Given the dominance of our forwards, the delivery has been quite disappointing. Still, we lead by 2 points. This is a huge quarter for our finals prospects. Win, go into the bye 3-1 and we have very good chance. A loss will be psychologically demoralising as well as a statistical blow. We've played better than a 2-2 start. Let's Go Eagles!
Q4.
The Hawks killed us. We couldn't get the ball and when we do we couldn't maintain possession. OK. 6 minutes left it's game over. Franklin just kicked his 6th. For two weeks in a row, we were in it and then well...we lost.
I don't know how to feel about this loss. It was expected. But we had a real chance. I think if we had have been more efficient in front of goal early we may have been closer at the end. There were some fine individual performances; notably Darling. I don't know what happened to Cox today. I just hope he's not injured.
So 2-2 after 4. We seem better than last year, but all that matters is wins. Real progress can only be evidenced by victories.
It should be an interesting year.
....
So I wrote that when there was 5 minutes left. I went a bit early. Great fightback at the end. Inspirational stuff. Two things. Why the hell didn't the umpire stop the clock when Glass got a 50 m penalty, and when Embley was lining up for goal? Ridiculous. Then, Ebert and Cox touched Embley's kick on the line! What were they thinking? It was going to be a goal!
Still, the first part of the last quarter cost us.
Most of the above observations still apply.
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
Q1.
A very promising start to the game. The Eagles are holding their own in the midfield. Shuey and Gaff have been very clean with their disposals.As I thought, the Hawks defence is no match for our key bigs. Kennedy is dominant, with two goals. He should have kicked 3 or 4. Naitanui took a couple of marks!
I think we can win this game...though I may change my mind at half time. The Hawks may have been exposed as pretenders.
Q2.
Umpiring grants Franklin another goal. Cox keeps slipping. He really looks off today. I wish Rioli played for us. Darling has been everywhere.
Our forward pressure has been superb...I wonder if I'll be thinking that come the final quarter. We've played more consistent football than Hawthorn, yet trail by a point. I guess that's the talent differential. Yet, we're still in a position to win this game. This is a huge test of our ability to put 4 quarters together. We need more efficiency in front of goal.
Q3.
Great pressure continues. Ebert continues to turn the ball over. Darling continues to rack up the disposals. I really don't think we have made the most of our chances. Given the dominance of our forwards, the delivery has been quite disappointing. Still, we lead by 2 points. This is a huge quarter for our finals prospects. Win, go into the bye 3-1 and we have very good chance. A loss will be psychologically demoralising as well as a statistical blow. We've played better than a 2-2 start. Let's Go Eagles!
Q4.
The Hawks killed us. We couldn't get the ball and when we do we couldn't maintain possession. OK. 6 minutes left it's game over. Franklin just kicked his 6th. For two weeks in a row, we were in it and then well...we lost.
I don't know how to feel about this loss. It was expected. But we had a real chance. I think if we had have been more efficient in front of goal early we may have been closer at the end. There were some fine individual performances; notably Darling. I don't know what happened to Cox today. I just hope he's not injured.
So 2-2 after 4. We seem better than last year, but all that matters is wins. Real progress can only be evidenced by victories.
It should be an interesting year.
....
So I wrote that when there was 5 minutes left. I went a bit early. Great fightback at the end. Inspirational stuff. Two things. Why the hell didn't the umpire stop the clock when Glass got a 50 m penalty, and when Embley was lining up for goal? Ridiculous. Then, Ebert and Cox touched Embley's kick on the line! What were they thinking? It was going to be a goal!
Still, the first part of the last quarter cost us.
Most of the above observations still apply.
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
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