by Big Phil » Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:56 pm
Hey Footy Fans,
As some of you may or may not be aware, I'm known to have a bit to say about most things at the best of time so I figured I might as well say how I feel after today's game. Full credit to the Eagles though, they were pretty awesome and proved that they are a good side who have just struggled to get their best side on the park so far this year. They'll get even better with Passador coming back in and I think they might be a bit of a suprise packet come finals time, especially with a couple of AFL qualified players back in the side as well. Meanwhile, my side were just so insipid today and toally dominated by their opposition. That was the worst performance I have seen since the bays touched us up by 95 points at Adelaide Oval a few years ago. We have a long way to go if we wont to play a big part in finals this year. Here I go...
Well what can we say about today's very pathetic performance by the side. Simply outclassed and beaten to the ball by a better side who had a midfield hungry to chase the lose ball, a functioning forward line and a pretty dour defence. The total opposite to what this Centrals had on display at Woodville Oval this afteroon. A very embarrasing performance to let the Eagles beat us by an all time record margin of 84 points and the way we played today, there is a lot of soul searching to be done if we want to make any kind of impact in the finals series. Right now, we will not be playing in October with this kind of form, that much is for sure. it's not all doom and gloom yet but there's a long way to go.
Before I start breaking down the game and give my opinions and thoughts on our shocking effort down at Woodville today, let me just say that I was a little dissapointed to hear a few suppossed Dogs fans on talkback radio after the game saying that Roy Laird should take a look at himself in the way he is preparing the side whithout showing any anger or fire towards our recent terrible performance over the last few weeks. Yes, it's frustrating as a fan but let's not get stuck into the coach first, it's the players who need to be held accountable for their insipid performances. All players out there today were capable of producing the goods for a win but too few came close to a consistant 4 quarter effort.
First thing first, we have to acknowledge that we were beaten by a better team on the day and although it is Roy's job to lead and instruct the players before and during the game, but it's the players during the course of the game that need to have the question asked of them. Of course there will be over reactions to todays performance saying heads must roll and while there are a few players pressing for senior selection, I don't think we need to react like the Power and swing the axe with 7 or 8 changes. But yes, there should be a least a couple which I'll touch on later, but swinging the axe will only unsettle the side. A couple of underperformers need to find form in the 2's and give a couple of kids another go, yes, but to pretty much swap the league with the reserves, which is what some people are kind of suggesting, is a bit silly I think.
Our biggest problem at the moment is a lack of pace through the midfield. Clearly, we have been absolutely smashed in the middle for the last fortnight and while we didn't really have a dominant forward today to give a competitive target, it's hard for forwards to dominate when they simply get very limited supply from down the field. Today, the Eagles midfield wanted the footy more, were harder at the ball and when in posession, used it far better than the limited time we had it. We clearly missed skipper Thomas on the ball today, although i don't think his presence in the side would have seen much difference to the final result. His determination and hinger for the footy was however and the side doesn't play as well when the number 16 is running all over the ground, winning the contested ball and running with it.
Once again too many players looked flat, uninterested and not hungry and passionate for the great jumper that they wear. It was dissapointing to see the lack of discipline from a too many of Dogs players and that third term was embarrasing in the way we tried to rough up opposition players. Yes, it's all well and good to show a bit of fight and agression at the ball and the body but it needs to be in a controlled and disciplined manner. We tried to ruffle the Eagles feathers when the game was pretty much over, with our players look silly more than anything. Very poor discipline shown for the 2nd week in a row which is something that needs to be addressed by all involved otherwise we will continue to be exposed by the sides that want to get to the ball first and are more hungrier than us.
Looks like we might be without both our skippers next week against the Bloods after Matty Slade was reported for head high contact on Adam Grocke that if in the AFL would probably see him get suspended for 3 or 4 weeks. The incident was right in front of me and probably looked worse than what it really was but in saying that, I wouldn't be suprised if he gets at least 1 week, maybe 2. If he does get a game(s) we will have both our skippers out suspended which would mean Buckets takes the rein as well as giving another reserves player an opportunity at the next level, maybe someone like Spurr or Hadden would then be in the mix. Although not intentional from Salde, it did start the 5 or 6 scuffles that like mentioned earlier, led to too mnay undisciplined acts from the visitors.
I think that from today's side, too many players once again just thought they can rock up on the day and rely on their team mates to do the job. I can honestly not remember 1 single 4 quarter performer that showed any sort of consistancy and came even close to beating their opponent on the day. Chad O'Sullivan was okay, Brad Symes got better as the game went on and apart from being mismatched in the last term, letting Salter kick 3 goals in 5 minutes, Trent Goodrem tried hard. He probably should have been moved after Salter kicked a couple but I guess Roy wanted to test Goody and see how he would bounce back. Again though, too many players were down on form once again and it's just not good enough, especially when the club has set such a high standard and expectation from the form of years gone by.
After not having too many good things to say about the sides performance today, I thought that I might do an individual player rating and give my thoughts as to whether the 21 blokes that terribly represented the club today, deserve to be playing in the league side next week. I will also mention some reserves players and others still on the sidelines that I think may be deserving of another go or even a first shot at league level. I think the side will certainly improve from here on in but as shown today, we are a long way off the mark in terms of playing to our full potential.
TODAY'S 21 PLAYERS:
3. HEATH LAWRY - Has struggled for most of the year to find the form of last year. Does get put down back at times and looks out of place in defence. No right foot, too one dimensional and interestingly named in the reserves side in today's Budget. Should be sent back to the ressies to find form, as many would agree he is not doing enough to justify his spot in the side.
5. IAN CALLINAN - As good as Nutta is, we couldn't expect too much of him after missing over 10 weeks of football with mystery hamstring injury. Showed a couple of climpses of brilliance up forward and on the ball today but also looked very much underdone. Will be better for the run this week and will hope for a much improved performance next week against the Bloods.
6. BRAD SYMES - Only 2nd game for the league side in 2008 after starting with the Crows and coming back from an ankle injury. Not our worse player today but, like many team mates out there, let himself down with poor skill excecution. Will probably spend another couple of weeks with us before forcing his way back into the AFL, at least qualifying for SANFL finals.
7. CHAD O'SULLIVAN - Probably been our most consistant performer this year both on the ball and up forward, along with Thommo, but still tries to do a bit too much with the ball at times, turning it over generally when the side are trying to mount a bit of a run. Definatley in the best 3 or 4 for us today and needs to continue the good form. Definate starter in the 21, on the ball.
8. LUKE McCABE - After an injury interrupted pre-season starting season in the 2's, veteran of the side has struggled in the last few weeks and looks a bit out of sorts. Not his usual self out on the field today, not really get much of it and spending time on the bench. Too experienced and quality to be playing reserves but needs to find his early saeson form to ensure his spot in 21.
9. RICHIE COCHRANE - Continues to puts his body on the line and step into gaps but seems to be exposed on quicker opponents and had a below par performance again today. Continues to want to do those dinky little 8 to 10 metre chip kicks, needs to either handball it or kick it long. Is needing to lift his intensity and skill excecution but needs to be in the 21, just has to lift.
11. TRENT GOODREM - Probably close to being dropped in recent weeks but has shown a bit of guts and fight lately, maybe just keeps his spot in the side. Tried in defence, was exposed by Salter in the 4th term having 3 goals kicked on him. Is better suited to play across half forward and spurts on the ball. Okay for 3 quarters today, showed enough to keep spot in the 21.
13. SCOTT DUTSCHKE - After a great start to the season both on the ball and up forward he is another player who has dropped off in form in recent weeks, including today. Seems to come in and out of the game and lost a little bit of that hard edge to him. Generally his disposal is pretty good but that too has fell by the way side lately. Should just keep is spot in the 21.
17. JONATHON GILES - Played 2nd fiddle to Mackenzie and Jon Giles last year, starting in the 2's this season behind recruit Earl Shaw. Did enough to get spot back but has to make more contests around the ground and skill level still suspect. Struggles since back in side and with Shaw in good form in the 2's, Joffa needs to be sent back to ressies, giving Shaw in another chance.
18. JASON MACKENZIE - Honest performer and solid back up ruckman who has been okay so far this year. Probably needs to have a bit more versatility and be able to go up forward and pinch hit on occassions but his footy smarts and senior experience is a must in the side. May have to be captain of the side against West if Slade is suspended, the vice captain a definate for the 21.
22. ANDREW HAYES - The state player from earlier in the year has maybe dropped off a bit in recent weeks but is still a quality player across half back and shows great strength in his ability to take a pck mark and run with the ball. Wasn't too bad today but still makes a few silly choices with the ball at times. Definatley has to keep his spot in the 21, just needs to lift a little.
26. LUKE COWAN - Back in the side this week after a few consistant performances in the reserves. Struggled up forward today but didn't have many opportunities to get the footy with our midfield getting smashed once again. Hasn't been able to recapture the form we know is capable of since coming back from the shoulder reconstruction. Should just stay in the final 21 though.
27. DANIEL SCHELL - Seems to have lost confidence in the last month or so and has really struggled to have his usual impact at CHB. At times, been beaten by his opponent way too easily and doesn't seem to back his own judgement in his skill and marking ability anymore. He could be thrown up forward a bit more, like against the Bays earlier in the year. Stays in the final 21.
28. JAMES GOWANS - Clearly not at his best today but can be excused as he was battling the flu and was almost not going to play. While many say he is not the same without brother Chris in the side, he has still performed farily well, barring a flat performance today due to illness. Yes, he will get better when Chris is back, just needs to keep winning the footy. Clearly in the best 21.
30. JAMES MOSS - The Adelaide Crow's rookie made his league debut after showing plenty of promise in the reserves side throughout the course of the year. Did a few good things today but needs to use the ball better if he wants to play league footy consistantly. Certainly not the worse performer in the side today, may find himself in and out of the side, should keep spot in the 21.
35. RYAN WILLIAMS - Had a very good start to the year, playing on the ball and a bit across half back. Wins plenty of the ball but too often turns it over with poor excecution and basic skill errors. Today, dropped easy chest marks, chased down too often and looked a bit flat. Is a good young player but has plenty to work on. Might find himself dropped from the 21 for next week.
37. YVES SIBENALER - Takes the opposition key forward each week and has struggled with Eagles forwards, mainly Passador, in the past. No Passador today, Ben Schwarze was too good for Evil kicking 7 goals and outclassing Yves on too many occasions. Hasn't been in too bad a form in the opening half of the season but towelled up today. Best defender, stays in the final 21.
40. DANIEL HAVELBERG - Very capable footballer but too often struggles with consistancy. Didn't see much of the ball today and thought he might have got thrown down back as been the case throughout the course of the year. Best suited at full forward but when the midfield doesn't win enough of the ball, he will struggle to play well. Down on confidence but keeps spot in the 21.
43. ADAM SWITALA - Has had his knockers in the past and the usually consistant Adam has been well down on form with his usually reliable skills really letting him down at stages this year and on a few ocassions again today. The veteran may be his own worse enemy in terms of staying in the side but should keep his spot in the 21 this week, just needs to lift his game a fair bit.
50. ELIJAH WARE - Noodles hasn't hit his straps after an interrupted start to the season. Is capable of turning a game on his head but too often ahs flashed in and out of the game this year. Did cop a heavy knock and roll an ankle today so he may be out of the side through injury. On his day, is an exciting talent but struggled for consistancy all year so far, may drop out of the 21.
59. MATTY SLADE - Like many team mates, Bomber has struggled with consistancy both on the ball and resting up forward. Doesn't seem as dangerous around goals and looks a yard or two slower than in recent years. Was reported today for head high contact and may find himself with a week or 2 on the sidelines. Co-captain clearly in the best 21 but might be out against Westies.
OTHER PLAYERS:
2. LOUIS HADDEN - Consistantly been performing in the reserves, including a couple of BOG awards. Has good pace, wins plenty of the ball and generally uses it well. Has been unlucky to not make his way into the 21 but might get another opportunity this week. Can come in for Slade.
4. LEIGH WESTHOFF - After a much improved start to the year, seeing him make the state squad, seems to have fallen out of favour again with the selectors. Didn't play reserves today, due to injury I think, but when fit, his pace and ball carry is a must in the 21, should be in the side.
10. CHARLES SLATTERY - Obviously missed a lot of footy with that knee injury but when he comes back, after a couple of reserves game I would think, Slatts has to be in the 21. He is able to find plenty of the ball and uses it fairly well. Underrated player who has been sorely missed.
15. LEE SPURR - Although a late withdrawal from the reserves side today, has played a few league games now and is potentially a long term midfielder. Finds plenty of the ball, is very poised and uses it on both sides of the body. Should be able to find his way back into the side at times.
16. PAUL THOMAS - Obviously our co-captain out suspended at the moment and was clearly missed today with both his leadership and ball winning ability, especially through the middle. Has 1 more week to serve from his 2 game ban and will miss the West game, then straight back in.
19. EARL SHAW - Played the first few games of the year in the league side then dropped to the reserves due to form. Has since been a consistant performer in the 2's and wins plenty of taps in the middle and around the ground. Deserves another chance this week, Giles out and Earl in.
21. CHRIS GOWANS - Other half to the Gowans twins with Chris missing over 10 weeks of footy due to a knee injury from the Anzac Day game. Has been sorely missed, especially through the midfield and maybe by brother James. Still a few weeks away but straight back into the 21.
24. MATTY WESTHOFF - First game back this week in the reserves after about 6 weeks out with a stress fractures of the foot. Was very impressive this morning kicking 5 goals, including 3 in the last term. After debuting in the league side earlier in the year, deserves another chance.
29. CAMERON FAULKNER - Out of the league side this week due to work comittments up in Roxby Downs I believe but would have been close to being dropped anyway. Hasn't reached his full potential in his 1st year back from AFL, has showed patches but might be in and out of the side.
32. NICK WHITE - Impressive youngster coming through the junior ranks to hold down full back position in reserves side. Regularly beats bigger opponents and has good skills and is a nice mark. Very similar to Yves Sibenaler, may be a chance to get his debut at some stage this year.
34. NATHAN STEINBERNER - Former league captain struggled with soft tissue injuries this year after getting shoulder right. Forgotton man was back in the reserves this week, showed a couple of good signs. String a few good games together, Steiny could force his way into the 21.
38. KEIRAN McSHANE - Impressive Tasmanian recruit winning plenty of the ball in the 2's and kicking goals playing on the ball and up forward. Played a few league trials at the start of the year, has the pace and skill to step into league side. Been in good form in recent weeks as well.
39. DANIEL BOYLE - Made his league debut in Rnd 1 but struggled with hamstring and form issues since then. Simply tries to do too much with the ball and although breaks line with running bounces, get caught with it too often and turns it over. Still a fair bit away from league selection.
44. LUKE BARMBY - Like McShane, played league trial games at start of year but did break his wrist early and played limited games since. Didn't play 2nds today but has lightning pace and likes to run and carry the ball. Can turn it over at times, may not be ready for league just yet.
47. BRAYDEN O'HARA - Super talented youngster who has played a few league games this year already. Booming left footer, kicks goals and uses it well. Probably unlucky to be dropped out of the side recently but should find his way back in, starting this week against West Adelaide.
49. ASHLEY DUNCAN - Super fit, impressive youngster been in pretty good form in the 2's. Best suited as a running defender from half back and is very discipline with the 1%'ers. Is the type who can play on smalls or talls and would be great to see him get a league game but unlikely.
57. SEAN BRADING - Super impressive versatile wingman / forward who has struggled a bit with a knee injury this year. Is capable of kicking 4 or 5 in a term and can turn a game off his own boot. Probably needs to find a bit of consistancy if he is to push for a league debut in season '08.
After today's dissapointing performance there are a few options for the selectors to consider with plenty of players performing in the reserves. I think befor heads start rolling, the question has to be asked of the current side in terms of their endevour and desire to not just wear a Dogs jumper but to perform consistantly to the best of their ability. For far too long so far this season, players are performing well below their ability and to some degree haven't been held accountable for their poor performances. While I'm sure Roy and the coaching staff have told players where they are at, it's up to the individuals to lift otherwise they shouldn't be in the side, simple.
While I think that, yes, we are showing signs of dropping off and our performances for most of the year, bar the Port game at Alberton, are evidence of this, I also think that other sides have started to expose our weaknesses more than in the past. We have a midfield that is too slow so the opposition put pace through there and we have an undersized defence that hasn't been too bad so far this year but coaches throw tall forwards at as and we seem mismatched. Our onballers haven't kicked as many goals as they usually do and too often, our forwards don't give a strong enough contest. Improvement from all over the gound, especially the midfield is required I feel.
The club and players in particular need to take a good hard look at themselves and if they want to go far in this years finals series, there is a heck of a lot of improvement to come. Hopefully, with a more settled side in coming weeks, we will get the mix right, start to string a few consistant performaces together and still hold onto 3rd spot with the double chance. If we have any chance of playing in this years Grand Final, that double chance is so crucial to this and the side would want to improve considerably for this to happen. Let's just focus on getting it right this week against West Adelaide and hope to build a little bit of momentum from there.
Big Phil...
Last edited by
Big Phil on Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:02 am, edited 1 time in total.