TOPIC:

I might just wander up to South Geraldton tomorrow and see the boys against some opposition.

It will be interesting to get an idea how the new recruits might fit into the 22 structure. There will be the obvious ones like Graham (ruck/forward), Jones (midfield), White (forward), but I am also keen to see how Cary, Mills, Etto, Wilkins and the comeback kids Irons and Jacobs will also slot in.

It will be interesting to get an idea of the ruck back-up. I hope that we are not going to be pinch-hitting Latch and Johnston - we must maintain a stable backline.

But then we seem to only have Eyres and Biggs to do the job and I am not confident that either can consistently fill the role adequately.

I see that the League scratchie starts at 6pm. I guess when this was scheduled they thought that it would be a 40c day. Only going to be 31c today so wont be too hot for the ressies in the earlier game.

Ressies at 3pm Main game at 6pm. The Colts played last night apparently.

Only saw the last quarter of ressies but was told that Stacky was in very good form. He has slimmed down, looks very fit and has a new hair cut. If he can find some consistent form he will be a great asset.

In the main game all the recruits played except Spencer White. The standout for me was Taran Etto...very quick and silky skills. I can see why GWS wanted to draft him but thankfully Paul Bevan convinced him to come to Perth for a year. No doubt we will only have him for one season, judging from what we saw tonight.

Graham is an imposing size. He claimed the bulk of the hitouts but some were ill directed. It may take time for the midfield to gel with him but he will be a big asset IMO.

Jones was useful but it wasn't his best game tonight. He did make a few skill errors but he did show enough to suggest that he will have a big influence with his experience and leadership around the ground.

I liked the look of Kristian Cary. He missed a couple of goals he should have nailed but he can play and will prove to be a good pickup.

Wilkins did some useful things without being outstanding.

Mills did very little so will have to reserve judgement on his capabilities.

Zac Fisher, a pint size from the Colts who averaged over 20 possessions a game was very lively and shows a lot of promise.

Marshall Jones and Lachie Dennis had good games and Cody Leggett has slimmed down and looks like he will have a great season.

Julian Jacobs has lost nothing from 2 years out of the game and it is good to see him back. He is superbly fit. Tropo and Bluey did everything we expect from them and they look set for another good season.

The game itself was mainly a scrappy affair. West Perth won.. I think by 13 points.
Falcons were a bit more polished when it counted. Our game was based on a lot of hard running but spoilt with overdoing the handball at times and causing too many turnovers. It is too early to get over excited. We still have a problem up forward IMO which hopefully may change for the better with Spencer White as the target. Tonight we bombed the ball forward too often and turned it over too easily.

A good start though. First outing against good opposition and can only get better. May get a better idea next week. Dene White hurt an ankle and Wolfy didn't play due to a back problem.

Some good news. There was a whisper that we did today sign another recruit and another is possible. Could not get any details but I was told that the coach is delighted with the signing and is excited about getting the other.

Thanks Smokester.
No points awarded for winning scratches.
Sounds like Etto and Cary could be handy.
Yes need to take it in context.
Good to hear about the recruits.
Good source Smokester?

Demons Forever wrote: Thanks Smokester.
No points awarded for winning scratches.
Sounds like Etto and Cary could be handy.
Yes need to take it in context.
Good to hear about the recruits.
Good source Smokester?

Yes DF. Someone we know heard the excitement and I have quoted him verbatim. Without directly asking the coach, CEO, or footy manager which there was no way of doing cannot confirm any further but another person we know also confirmed the report. We did ask around a bit but everyone seems to be in the dark but I do believe there is something on the go. Will PM you.

Goodo

Score was 12.8 to 9.12 when I left at the 20 min mark of the last quarter.

Etto looked good. Laid some solid tackles. Leggett was good up forward with 3 goals and Jacobs played well across the middle. Interesting to see Marshall Jones used in the backline. And Joel Leeson running around for WP.

Yes Dazz, Etto looks the goods to me. Doesn't mind getting the hard ball and knows what he is doing with it.
I am a big fan of both Cody Leggett and Marshall Jones and good to see Lachie Dennis doing well also.
I didn't notice Joel Leeson much but good luck at his new club.
I stayed to the end and from memory WP may have kicked another goal.. senior's bloc so I can't be certain. Anyway the scores don't really matter here.

Thanks for the updates people. Spewing to hear that Dean White has hurt his ankle again. Saw him miss 2 or 3 games with the same thing last year. Hope its not the same one and that there is nothing serious about it. Bit late in the year to be getting new recruits - but we will see. 5 minute patch twice a game Lesson won't be missed.