One positive for me was I taped the game and watched the scores on the 'puter - so I was able to retain normal bllod pressure levels AND I was able to have a good look at our boys.

To be honest, I didn't see too many negatives.

But for those 3 posters and Stevens' miss from point-blank we were in a definite position to win that game, and it's just a lack of experience and poise that was the difference on the day.

For me, I got a real glimpse of a team in the making, with a midfield to rival that of the current Eagles or dare I say it the Threepeat Lions. They are only young, but our midfield of Murphy, Blackwell, Simpson, Carrazzo, Bentick, Walker - then whoever we get next year - plus the more experienced Stevens, Houlihan etc will be a tight and ferocious unit in 3 years time. After playing together for 2-3 years that younger unit especially will just know each others' games inside out. They all bring something a bit different to the table, and once they get their 50-60 games up they will be a VERY formidable unit.

This is why we need a quality young ruckman to "grow up" among them.

I thought our forward line looked so much more functional today, despite the poor last quarter, and for me the only real question mark is over the ease with which opposition forwards seem to kick goals from 15-20 metres out.

Great games today from Simpson, Carrazzo, Betts, Blackwell, Bentick, and a number of others.

Bannister has been getting better every week IMO and has almost certainly played himself into another year or two at the club.

Betts' two goals were exactly what we have been missing from him this year. That second goal where he simply leaped over the sprawling madss of players and had a bit of a smile to the crowd before kicking it was outstanding. It's the sort of thing that will bring people along to the footy and get kids having their mums sew Eddie's number on their backs...

Loved how hard Kennedy chased the rebounding defenders.

Play of the day for me was after O'Halphin kicked a goal..................He celebrated with his team-mates first, before running of and having a little 'moment' with himself.

Did anybody else see that.................as he was running back to his position? Just gave himself a little fist pump & with a smile, just let out a quiet 'YES'!

Good on ya buddy! 12 Possesions, 5 marks and a goal is a great effort for somebody who was only on the ground for 3 qtrs!

I also think Simpson is showing great leadership skills and could well be a 'Roughie' for Captain next season!

Odds:-

2 - 1
Lance

3 - 1
Fev

5 - 1
Stevens

10 - 1
Waite / Simpson

Blackwell will be unlucky to again miss out on a Rising Star nomination (speaking of which, how long was he Benched for in the last qtr?????)

Kennedy is getting better every week.
Betts is one of the most 'Unlukiest' players Never to be nominated for a RS.

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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit"
- Aristotle

Blackers and Bentick went head to head with West and Cross and I thought held there own.

Stevens 2nd half, esp after his marking effort with Cooney.

Carrazzo and his 1st 30+ posi game.

Josh Kennedy, leads well into space and can really see him growing in confidence each week.

Also to the players who stated to kick the ball to him and see him. EVERY WEEK Kennedy leads well and 9 times outta 10 they dont see him. I dont think the team is used to having a CHF leading into the right spots and so well.

Fish back and getting a kick. Hopefully him and Waite can have a strong pre-season, bulk up and get on the ground for all of next year. It's this time when we really wanna have both of them on the ground and developing with the rest of the young guys.

Simmo having a good 4-6 weeks atm.

I thought Scotland was ok and having a good season, should be in top 5 for the B&F.

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Not so best of TheSexySquad


AWWWWWW STEVENS.

....and Betts, 1 of his best games so far. Hopefully there will be plenty more.

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Not so best of TheSexySquad


AWWWWWW STEVENS.

O'hAilpin has a lot of pace. A Lot!

How is praising both players being negative?? *shakes head*
You're the one being negative ragging on Setanta of all people saying he's been less than impressive. That's crap. He's been steadily improving with each outing.
The priority should be getting as many minutes of quality development into the kids as possible FOR THE FUTURE!!!

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There's so much I could say...