Well that did turn out to be a great Friday, Sorrento was very nice for my walk and swim and the a day at leederville watching three good and at times very good games of football between two teams that I really enjoy watching! Interesting quick read of the comments so far and all it proves is that like RR's holes (oops another ban perhaps) everyone has them!
The futures game was good to watch with a lot of talent out there, I could not find a team list at the game and the WAFL app doesn't have the teams so I can't tell you who played well or not, EP won but Swans never game up and showed the grit they are renowned for but our boys weathered it and finished well.
The scores in the colts game show that EP were able to dominate Swans at times but that was not the case watching the game, it was that we were better able to capitalise on our chances better. It is easy to see why Jedd Busslinger is gettiing a lot of attention he was for much of the game the standout player although he did seem to drop off towwards the end of the game, fitness but that will come as it will for all the boys it was the first game after all. For EP I really liked Mitch Millers game (great name as well), Brooks and Baker also impressed, Brooks plays on a HBF and looks like he could easily move into the mids. For swans Hardeman (who looks like he could step up to the ones quite easily) Jones, Screagh and Durack all did well not just through possessions but just playing well, a good game played hard and fair.
I did not stay for the ressies so no comment other than from the scores it looks like swans ran over us.
The anticipation for the main game was quite high in the Social hall with supporters from both teams confident of a win and as it transpired both teams had their chances and it was a case of who made the most of theirs! The thing that impressed me most from an EP view was that our game plan has been altered to move the ball forward at all costs and it made us a much more direct team, none of that kick backward crap as a first thought in the backline. I know that I champion the back line and also know that others complain abt this played and that one abt height etc but it is not abt possessions even tho' some get good stats but it s abt their cohesiveness and understanding. Msando and Eaton where impressive for me but the standout was Stan Wright whose kick was mostly elite, his ability to kick the ball over distance to a man was great and it was this that at times caught Swans out. The forward line was good, Medhat looks like he can give us a good focal point, his work off the ball was good. Kuek looks ok but like others needs to hold the marks presented to him, flying high is ok if it comes off but the bread and butter marks is what sets good players apart from average players. 6 goals from key forwards will not win us many games and thanks to the 6 from our mids. In talking to my mate we both commented that Jones was not being as dominat as he should have been but this turned around in the second half where it seemed he got over Germs who battled hard and is a good prospect for Swans. For Swans you have to be pleased with Noble, 5 goals is a great return, there were may good players for you and I reckon it should be an ok season but you need someone to step up in the mid field, you seem to have a little dominance there.
Our mid field was impressive and yes like everyone else Brayshaw was a difference between last year and this but it was the work of Greaves, Scott and Ameduri (Swans seemed to put a bit of work into him) that gave us the opportunity to win what was a close game.
One thing I forgot was young Ginbey might not of had a big influence but he is worth watching in his development journey cos I reckon we want much of after seasons end.
As for the umpiring I must be different to many cos frankly I pay little or no attention to it, using a common catch phrase 'it is what it is'.
