TOPIC:

We were in danger of being blown away I thought but to the boys credit they listened to the coaches instructions (which all of us understood, how refreshing), and they tightened up on the free wheeling cheats and got into the game.

So many new faces, Wolfenden is going to be a very good pick up for us. Hasn't changed a bit apart from the long dreadlocks disappearing. Liked Liam McKenna from Peel and Jarred Bell from colts I believe and we should be alright down back with Latch, Johnston and Billings. Chance Bateman is in a lot better nick than this time last year and probably our best player.

Dene White underdone but worked into the game. Finding an avenue to goal is going to be our achilles heel I suspect. Nothing much in the magoos to enthuse about.

Like the Duke though and his approach. Puts full stops in between sentences and isn't in a rush to cram in a thousand words every time he addresses the players. Yes we are going to have to be patient but FFS, if we had the budget to throw at recruits for the last bloke, lets get the players the Duke needs.

Apparently got within a goal in the last quarter after kicking the last two goals of the third quarter and the first four of the last.

We certainly did. Stack worked himself into the game in the midfield and kicked a set shot bomb from outside 50 that cleared the fence followed by another from similar range from Mitch Morton and two goals on the run from the pocket from Wolfy who will no doubt be a pig pen favourite instead of a pig pen villain. Smart move by the Duke to throw Stack into the midfield. He dropped marks and was woeful prior to that but showed what he can do on the ball and that's would I would do with him.

Having a look at recent training and the scratch matches so far, Stack does look to have a more impressive physique this year. Hopefully he is able to get back to his 2013 form and have a good year.

Good summary DD. There were some good signs but still a hard road ahead. Perhaps we reserve judgment on suggestions of a winless season. I liked how Snake spoke to the players and how they responded to him. Very refreshing.
I agree that Stacky responded well when he was asked to get into the game. No sense leaving him to stagnate in a forward position. He is a very skillfull player and seems to revel in the freedom to come down field where the play is and he can get hold of the ball and use it to advantage. He could be anything at WAFL level and it looks like Snake is on to it.

Several young players caught my eye yesterday. Jared Bell

Several young players caught my eye yesterday. Jared Bell did not look out of place and Hadyn Tanner & Cody Leggett are both good size and look like they can play. In the ressies I liked the look of young Ironmonger.
The development of these guys will be interesting to watch.

Interesting to see who will play as the tall in the forward line next week and in the ruck. Will Power play as the tall forward with Eyres and Ironmonger in the ruck and one of these resting forward?

With Nathan Blakely out could Tallan Ames spend some time in the ruck or will this be left up to Tony Notte.

Either way excited to have Football back.

Mr AFL wrote: Interesting to see who will play as the tall in the forward line next week and in the ruck. Will Power play as the tall forward with Eyres and Ironmonger in the ruck and one of these resting forward?

With Nathan Blakely out could Tallan Ames spend some time in the ruck or will this be left up to Tony Notte.

Either way excited to have Football back.

Not a hope in hell of Ames being thrown in the ruck! Possibly Notte but that is a long shot too. I think our ruckmen are likely to be Jake Nuich supported by Joel Houghton.

Well maybe that's one area that we might be able to expose Swans in. Either way I think this will be a pretty close game. Anytime these sides have met over the last two years it has been lively.