Well a pretty underwhelming performance for 3 qtrs. Very low standard game, lots of fumbling and slipping given the ground was very wet, but no actual rain during the league game. WP played well in patches and brought the ball well out of their backline but they fell in a heap when it got to half forward. A bit the same way for us but we did take our opportunities better as the score to 3/4 time shows. The last quarter opened with what could well be Liam Ryans best mark of the season and for those who watch him each week, that's saying something. That seemed to spark the boys into action and an 8.5 to 2.1 last qtr. Great to see Halligan return to league ranks, struggled a bit early but finished off well with 4 goals, Sokol was terrific with 6, Dela kicked 3 but must have missed 4 or 5 shots, could have had a real day out if he had his kicking boots on. Ryan did some good things bagged a couple but flashed in and out a bit, some of his chase and tackle/intercept stuff was very good.
Parry had his best game for us, quite an imposing bloke who takes the game on, Powell could be anything as a footballer, had a good game with 25 disposals but can be inconsistent and gave up a number of clangers, if he can reduce that aspect he will be a real asset. Dela was BOG for mine 27 disposals has a massive tank that allowed him to compete hard all day, Kitch took a while to get going but finished with 29, the Cock was less influential but still good with 23 and 6 crunching tackles, Adamsom played a bit in the mids which is where I see in the future and Twomey was classy off halfback, reads the game like a book and his disposal is always good. Stevo looks badly out of form at the moment and could struggle to hold his spot unless he pulls a big effort out next week. but in saying that he's a proven finals performer. Spoke to Clang after the game and he said the medico's say he'll be available to play in the 2nd semi, same for Horse. Interesting to see Schoey's tactic of starting the small forward off the back of the centre square, Ryan and Halligan alternated in that role in the last qtr, very attacking move with these boys charging forward at the bounce to give an extra option if we won the clearance, 5 man forward line with either Halligan or Ryan in the goal square and all other forwards bunched up across half forward.
So now it's the Ferals next week, no certainty given they will absolutely be busting a gut to win and secure 5th spot, if we show up and play like we did in the first 3 qtrs. then we could be in trouble, but given the intense competition for spots in the finals team you would expect the boys will be switched on. I just hope we can do our part to keep the East eagles out of the finals and allow either the Tiges or munchers to sneak in ..... did I just say I hope the munchers can make the finals??
How the alignment has changed our thinking!!