by Booney » Fri Apr 04, 2014 8:37 am
I was actually expecting more mindless bullshit in here than there actually is this morning. A few posters can hold their head up high though, as usual.
Onto the actual game....:
Norwoods structure taking the ball out of defence and through the midefield along with their attack on the body and ball is exactly what we have seen from them for the last few years, losing 5 games in 2 seasons pays tribute to the work Bassett and co have done from the junior grades to the league side. With only 8 ( I think ) of last years premiership side remaining its almost seems as though it has been beneficial for all Norwood players to play under a similar structure in all grades, making their transition to the top side easier. Revolutionary!
Newton will be a massive inclusion for the 'Legs if he stays fit all year, replacing the coach at FF he is a natural forward who reads the play, knows where to lead ( massive amounts of space helped that! ) and will be a regular contributor to the 'Legs scoreboard ticking over. Dawe and Baulderstone make for an impressive ruck duo and they will give the 'Legs runners first look more often than not.
The Magpies lack tall targets in the forward half, young bodies in the midfield got brushed aside far too easily and the defence had no resistance once the ball came in without any pressure on the ball carrier. The group will be better for the run together against the leagues best team and should improve from that outing. Mason Shaw will be a handy inclusion in the forward half. Summerton and Gray lead the way with attack on the ball and Bruggerman looked promising with some good grabs and smart play at ground level for a big man. *ahem* Kicking might need some work though.....Byrne-Jones looks like a little terrier and I think he's got something about him.
Renouf is seriously frustrating. He played in Hawthorns 2008 premiership side and although crippled by knee injuries for the last 4 years he still gets on the park, wins plenty of hit-outs but just has no effect on the contest around the ground. Norwoods big men had a field day running off him and creating a tall target through the middle of the ground leading to more Norwood attacking options.
Norwood will be the pace setters, again, Port I expect will improve and gel more as a unit as the year goes on.
Now you lads go back to debating what you want to call the Port Adelaide Magpies. I'm sure someone, somewhere is interested in your ramblings....or maybe not.
PAFC. Forever.
LOOK OUT, WE'RE COMING!