For me, the backline wasn't such a concern tonight. Jamison held Lloyd reasonably well.
The issue was Essendon*'s run through the midfield, which is what really killed us. How many goals did their running players kick?
Yes, the game was very reminiscent of the Brisbane game last year. Great to watch, exciting football. Unfortunately, in today's game, that kind of football doesn't win big matches, certainly not finals. We have an oardinary forward line, yet were able to kick 20 goals. Doesn't say much for Essendon*'s defensive game. If either side plays that kind of football against the top teams, whose defeneisve structures are so much stronger, they'll get smashed.
Interesting though how we played the flanks, Essendong went straight through the middle. For me, the jury is out on Ratten's game plan, I will give it some more time before I judge.
There were, however, some significant positives to come out of the game:
- Kreuser's debut was fantastic, he has something special
- Judd
- Gibbs is getting better and better at his inside game
- Betts was a star tonight. If he can keep that up, then that will be a massive step forward for the team. He was quite simply brilliant, before (as others) fading
- Work around the clearances and packs
- Fev
Some concerns:
- Waite simply has to play CHF. Fisher is not the answer there, and was soundly beaten by Fletcher. If they still want to play Waite back, then I think Cloke must play permanent CHF, especially now that Kreuzer can share ruck duties with Hampson (who does need to find some form)
- Scotland, badly out of form, and we're missing his rebound
- Yes, Russell is a worry, shows flashes, then makes bad mistakes. His turn over just before 3/4 time was so costly (of course, he wasn't the only one who turned it over. Which brings me to...)
- Basic skill errors still hurting us
Having said all that, Kreuser, Gibbs, Murphy, Judd, Stevens do form the nucleus of a bloody good midfield in a year or two. It's just a question of whether the second and third tier players can step up. Hopefully Betts is one who did tonight.
_________________ Mens sana in corpore sano.
Bring back the laurel wreath logo!!!
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