Make no mistake, it wasn't just a practice game. For a start we had our best possible line up out there. For what it's worth, my observations...

Kouta - can't play midfield anymore. I don't care how many clearances he gets, his defensive play is just not there. Should be played in the forward line or off the bench. Also he is no captain. Whether we like him or not, Whitnall is the captain out there on the field. Was the only one trying to get the players up at when they went off at half time. I thought Kouta was off the field until i checked a photo.

AW - was fantastic I thought. Showed a lot of composure for most of the game. His fitness level is awesome too. If we have an endless thread on his poor disposal then it is only fair that one is started for AB - his was terrible on Sat.

Hartlett was good and should be a walk up start for the first 18.

McLaren looks smaller than Kouta - not sure how is going to go in the ruck.

Skinny was sensational. Stevens played well too.

Our delivery into the forward line is terrible. DP has clearly instructed them to play on at all costs even though there is no system. He then says after the game they were fiddling around with the ball. They looked like they were playing to instuction to me.

I agree with those that think T-Bird needs a break. The guy looks like he has had enough. I saw Livo play for the Ants (second half only) and was playing well up forward so not sure what is planned there.

I thought JR was pretty cool under pressure a couple of times as was Murphy.

And finally ..........

There is something about the sight of DP, BM and TL that gives me no confidence when i see them walk out to the huddle - they look like they should be coaching in the VFL (just an impression i get).

I'm not going to buy into this practice game hysteria because frankly it is a waste of time.

My two cents worth is based on observation over the last year or so and not just a meaningless praccy game.

For mine our work ethic and willingness to follow up is lacking. We appear only willing to make one contest and then think our job is done.

We get excited about guys like Simmo and Murph because they make one contest and then go again or run to a position to be used again. They break lines..very few of our other players are prepared to work that hard.

A further point is that we should go back to a simplistic game plan of hitting the first option wherever it is...even if that means kicking wide to a lead. We seem obsessed with cutting into the corridor and ignoring wider options. Whilst yes the corridor is the quickest way home, when your skills are as poor as ours, it is also the quickest way home for the opposing team when you turn it over.

The first option is often the best option. We seem to have forgotten that. Now we are lucky if they kick to the 5th option. They usually get run down from behind first.

It would be ironic if this game led to the demise of Denis Pagan, when you consider how he got the job at North ie current coach (Wayne Schimmelbush) is sacked after thrashing in pre-season match, although in this case Adelaide rather than Port

And I think this seems to be the problem - that many of the players are not playing from instinct, but have 101 messages going thru their minds when they get to the ball.

Still isn't the purpose of practise matches to figure out and iron out the creases before the season proper.

Get your iron out Denis!

And the final insult

Heard a caller on SEN this morning say the guy doing the jumper presentation intros on stage after the match inntroduced Marc Murhpy as




Wait for it








……JUSTIN MURPHY!!!!!!!

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#DonTheStash

Yeah thats just typical of Ian Coutts to call Marc .. Justin.
He heads up our promotional side.. and is our spokesman...

Out of touch!!!

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Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil....... the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Synbad...it wasn't Couttsy. He wasn't doing the announcements. It was the guy who usually does the presentations at the ground...I don't know his name but he was a disgrace on Saturday. Couldn't read the little kids names out properly (the jumper presenters) either.

Look everyone, there are at least three positives going forward:

1. it sounds like the Bullants may have a good year
2. the World Cup can distract those of us who love the round-ball game in June and July
and
3: it sounds like an excellent draft

for the moment though, i may go and take a snooze

And on that note - I'm going to training.

Stay tuned.

Thank Mrs Cazz.. i stand corrected AGAIN!!!...

ut the point is its amateur hour at the club.

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I like Bower's hair

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#DonTheStash

6ft 4... 6 ft 6 with the afro...

_________________
Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil....... the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.