Better Loosen Up
Brownlow Medallist
My write up.
I've been to many preseason intras/sim games over the last few years and this by far has been the best. Better intensity, skills and a discernible game plan.
Phillips and Powell dominated and while Phillips missed a few kicks late in the game, its obvious his fitness has improved as he got to most contests and was following up with second possessions. Powell was everywhere and very vocal. Has added muscle and looks primed.
It was great to see Goater play well in the first half. Apart from.his skinny legs, looks like he hasn't lost his speed and he.kicked really well.
Sheezel looked in second gear but did everything so well. Same with LDU. Parker was very good aswas Simpkin playing the high half forward role.
Maley moved to HB at half time and was fantastic. Inthe air, on the ground and his kicking were really good. Has good pace for a big man beating Zurhaar in a loose ball and offloading it to a team-mate.
Dawson was close to best defender today. Controlled half back for the blue team and was well supported by Chom and Hardeman.
The surprises for me were Goad and Harvey. Both played really well. Cooper looks leaner and fitter and was changing on the ball and was in a lot of chain plays. His kicking was also excellent in general play and inside 50. I can't believe the difference in Goad from last year. While Xerri beat him in the first half, he never stopped having a crack and then 8n the 3rd when he was against Teakle he really showed what he can do. He really does move like a cat and some of his clearnace and ground work were ridiculous for a 207 19 year old. Probably won't play this year due to his frame but we may have a player here.
Other special mentions for Curtis and Ford, both worked well with Larkey where they combined for about 8 to 10 goals.
Any questions, hit me up
Nice to hear fringe players stepping up while the overall standard was far better than previous years. Don't mind K. Dawson as a player so good to hear he played well. I think he's one of those serviceable, depth types that every team needs.