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Solid first half, particularly the 2nd qtr, after that we had to hold on, but in the end, games are played over 4 qtrs and we won 3 of them so would have been a travesty to lose, as it would have been for Swans next week.

Some horrible kicking at goal, and some horrible delivery, unusually the main offender was Marsh with 5 or 6 points, if he's gone 50/50 we win by 7 goals. The boys didn't panic after the 3rd qtr and steadied in the last, Kitch was huge, his contested stuff was awesome, Clark again was terrific, I thought Hickmont was ok and hit the scoreboard a few times, Maxy was useful up forward but after 2 games, I think he should be right to go back into the mids rotation as all the weight is on Kitch's shoulders to do the contested stuff, he took some hard hits as the Perth boys tried to slow him down, no probs with that, but he needs more protection, I'd have Braut in the mids rotations, big mean physical bloke that can create some space, plus we need some new blood, FMD why doesn't Golding get a run?? Young Robbins looks like a player but struggled to pick up the pace was caught several times but it's his first game so deserves another one to see what he can bring. After seeing Matthews in the ruck, I'd go back to Putt, he's young but I think will become a very good WAFL ruckman in the next year or 2.

Forward line is almost disfunctional, always looks confused, need to give Sok more space, play Martin at either FF or CHF and rotate the rucks through the pocket and bench plus 2 or 3 smalls, Senior Matera was ok, but Junior is not up to it imho, Farone should be persevered with, he has class is quick and one of the better kicks in the team.

Eagles next week, so depends which WCER turns up, they pushed Swans to the limit and possibly would have won with straighter kicking, Huchings and Waterman with 3 goals each so we will need to be better than yesterday to make sure we get over them. They also had Vardy and Williams rucking where they combined for 53 hitouts to Swans 17.One thing in our favour is that they wont have Shuey who was so influential the last time we met.

Millsy didn't play ressies yesterday so not sure what's going on there LH. When you look at our form over the last month coupled with young players leaving then it does give the impression all is not well within club's walls. Horsley going was always going to leave a bit of a leadership void but quality young blokes heading to the ammos mid year is a cause for concern. Greg Clark seems to think we're building for the finals and I do hope that is the case but it doesn't appear to be all roses that's for sure.

If Golding leaves due to a lack of opportunities, heads should roll.

Have a feeling matera junior has dropped off since his big brother turned up. Maybe one matera is the ideal number. They can both turn over the ball, especially senior matera. Farone is a great kick, which is important. He's young though and had dropped off the pace a bit recently. 

Matthews looked a bit more at home than a footy field than Putt, but not as imposing. Putt dropped a Mark in the reserves which was costly in last quarter. Probably worth having another look at  Matthews this week against Vardy and Williams.then make a decision. 

Agree with SS that forward line needs some work. I'd  stay with Maxy for now.  Marsh may have to play there as well. 

 

Maybe Dela at chf bring in Atkinson to play Dela's wingman/ruck role, not sure if taking Dela out of the midfield is a good idea though. Atkinson has to come in regardless. And Golding!

I suppose now is the time to try Golding. Atkinson looks an obvious selection- height, size. Team needs to settle though before finals. Powell may still be a chance to return. Robbins bought enthusiasm and maybe more tackling power than Farone. Tough choices. You need a united squad I suppose. Guys that don't spit the dummy. 

I agree with your comments on Robbins JL. He didn't get many touches but laid 5 important tackles in the forward 50. We need a pressure forward like that as the Matera's aren't overly defensive as smalls with 1 tackle each for the game.

BC wrote:

I agree with your comments on Robbins JL. He didn't get many touches but laid 5 important tackles in the forward 50. We need a pressure forward like that as the Matera's aren't overly defensive as smalls with 1 tackle each for the game.

Yep a Chris Deluca would be nice