AFL Premiership Round 1
Brisbane Lions V West Coast
--------- V ---------
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Saturday Mar 27
The Gabba 7:10 PM (Local Time) 8:10 PM (EST Time)
Brisbane Forecast Brisbane Radar
TV
All States (Live).
Qld (1/2 Hour Delay), WA (Live)
RADIO
Vic: SEN.
Qld: MMM, BIMA, ABC.
SA: NIL.
WA: BIMA, 6PR, ABC, MMM.
NSW: NIL.
ACT: NIL.
Tas: NIL.
NT: BIMA.
Brisbane Lions V West Coast
________________________________________________________
Saturday Mar 27
The Gabba 7:10 PM (Local Time) 8:10 PM (EST Time)
Brisbane Forecast Brisbane Radar
TV
RADIO
Vic: SEN.
Qld: MMM, BIMA, ABC.
SA: NIL.
WA: BIMA, 6PR, ABC, MMM.
NSW: NIL.
ACT: NIL.
Tas: NIL.
NT: BIMA.
The Brisbane Lions Perspective:
Originally Posted by [NAME]blynd_freddie[/NAME]
“Coaches know the roles, the assignments and can judge the value of each player's game with much greater authority than spectators or media commentators” - Leigh Matthews. With that in mind, the opinions in this post are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs, the AFL or for that matter any deluded ‘armchair-expert’. [freddie winks as he pokes out tongue]
2009
In this game last year Brisbane had a non-eventful first quarter, allowed the opposition to build up a catch us if you can challenge of 38 points. The Lions kicked nine goals in the third quarter to just about guarantee the result, Voss made a lot of good changes at half time; swinging McGrath back, pushing Brown forward and Drummond to centre half forward, they paid dividends to the Lions who shut out the match and concluded with an emotional come from behind win that at the time benumbed the memory of our teams inability to score a goal during a quarter. [we actually went one and a half games (had 6 goalless quarters) without scoring a goal last year]
On reflection the realities of 2009 was almost a season of round 1 ‘Groundhog Days’.
At the conclusion of the 2009 season the Worsfold anti-tanking philosophy enabled his Eagles to win four of their last five games in rounds 22 by 80pts, 20 by 38pts, 19 by 5pts and 18 by 27pts… with two of these wins against eventual finalists in Essendon and the Western Bulldogs and without the services of Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr.
By comparison in our last five games we also only lost to one team, the Doggies, albeit twice.
2010
The AFL as per usual are anticipating a RECORD year… As for the L10NS… I’m sure Some “Guys” wouldn’t be surprised if Michael Voss had the idiom: a ROLLING STONE gathers no moss in mind after the dust settled at the conclusion of last years trade period.
Of the 6 players picked up during trade week, just how much of their available experience will actually be utilised on the field during 2010 is hard to put a figure on although from what is being suggested around the traps much has already been gained across the board, from the training track through to off-field meetings… attitude, focus and expectation from what I’ve read/heard all seem higher which are certainly desirable preseason factors that can enhance development and performance by allowing the coach to go about setting 2010 foundations for player and team motivation and confidence building.
Given the way footy is now played with most teams running a rotating midfield of 10 - 12 players approximately 50% of all AFL players are virtually midfielders, rotating on and off the ground. Midfield coach Adrian Fletcher was said to be working with a group of 15 players during this pre-season. "We believe you ideally need 10 players with the ability to take a turn in the midfield in matches, the average player can go at the speed required for about seven minutes in the midfield and then be rotated. With a Rolls Royce like Blacky you might get around 12 minutes."
When you look at the 27 additions to the Lions squad over the last two draft periods it is interesting to note over 78% of these newly listed players have ‘utility qualities’ centred around the ability to be used through the middle in one form or another.
Interesting to again reflect on last years Round 1 clash against the Eagles where the Lions kicked nine goals in the third quarter to just about guarantee the result, Voss made a lot of good changes at half time; swinging McGrath back, pushing Brown forward and Drummond to centre half forward, all paid dividends allowing the Lions to virtually shut down the match.
Possible line-ups:
B: A.McGrath, D.Merrett, T.Johnstone
HB: J.Drummond, M.Maguire, J.Patfull
C: J.Brennan, D.Rich, J.Adcock
HF: J.Sherman, J.Brown, B.Staker
F: L.Power, B.Fevola, A.Buchanan
Foll: M.Clark, S.Black, J.Redden
Interchange from: M.Leuenberger, M.Rischitell, A.Raines, T.Rockliff, T.Banfield,
J.Hawksley, A.Proud, J.Polkinghorne, M.Austin??
B: Jones, Glass, Schofield
HB: Hurn, Brown, Butler
C: Embley, A Selwood, Masten
HF: Nicoski, Kennedy, Ebert
F: Lecras, Lynch, McKinley
R- D.Cox , D.Kerr, M.Priddis
Interchange from: Niknat, Swift, Shuey, Rosa, S.Selwood,
McGinnity, Waters, Dalziell, Mackenzie??
Round One really takes a fair bit of guess-work regarding team selection let alone match-ups but I’ll list a few hypothetical possibilities and let posters respond suggesting why they fell off their seat whilst knee slapping with disbelieving jocularity with a finer surmised conjecture.
Things I’ll be looking for:
Black v Kerr – With Simon only days away from his 31st. birthday and being just over 4 years I think he will still be in the middle when the intensity of a quarter is at its greatest, the opening bounce. Although I would not be surprised to see some sort of ‘longevity management’ come into play during the course of the 2010 season.
Clark/Leuenberger v Cox/NicNat - Two players returning from 09 injuries, all four must be considered ‘the next generation’ ruckmen when comparing their roles to yesterdays ‘dinosaurs’. The eyes of an entire football public even one Grant Thomas must now be eagerly anticipating the not so ludicrous possibility of ALL FOUR starting in the middle at some stage of the game at a centre bounce.
Fev v Glass, Brown v Brown? Maguire v Kennedy even Merrett v Lynch – Who said the game has now totally become a running game? These key position match ups should also be critical to the outcome of the game. I wonder how many carltank supports will be having a sly bet on the Fev for first goal scorer?
Who is the better kick… Rich v Hurn? – Low lengthy bullets v long bombs… there should be plenty of ballistic banter in Perth, Melb and of course at the Gabba during and indeed after the game at one or three bars I’d be thinking.
The Kids – How many debutants/ 2nd year players look like getting a run? Banfield, Rockliff, Redden, Polks, Austin – Swift, Shuey and perhaps even Koby Stevens?
The not so New, New – Staker, Dalziell, Raines, Buchanan, Maguire and of course The Fev. History shows many players are selected to play against their previous club. I think Staker on form would be a certainty for the Lions but I’m a less confident regarding the possible selection of Double D who was not selected to play in the final NAB Challenge by the Eagles. It will be interesting to see how the newbies settle in. No doubt there will be some teething problems if numerous new players are selected for round one but if the Lions are to have a serious dip at the premiership in 2010 the sooner these players learn to jell together the better the teams chances. This is why I believe all of the five mentioned above will play.
And the Winner Is….. I think this will be a close high scoring game. The Eagles are always a tough game first up and this match should be no different. I feel the Eagles are up there with the Hawks as the most likely of last year’s non-finalists to reach September in 2010. I’m glad this is being played up at Gabba as I feel we will again require the support of the crowd to get us over the line by 6–12pts. Remember to bring your voice Guys + Gals…
Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-O-nnnsssssssss!!!!
Game Preview: Round 1 - West Coast v Brisbane
The West Coast Perspective: [name]Obeanie1[/name]
Pre Season Guide: Brisbane
Coach: Michael Voss
Captain:Jonathan Brown
Finished 2009: sixth (14 wins, nine losses, one draw)
Best and fairest:Jonathan Brown
Leading goalkicker: Jonathan Brown (85 goals)Leading possession winner: Luke Power (615)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field:Amon Buchanan (traded from Sydney Swans), Xavier Clarke (traded from St Kilda), Brendan Fevola (traded from Carlton), Andrew Raines (traded from Richmond), Brent Staker (traded from West Coast), Callum Bartlett, Ryan Harwood, Jesse O'Brien, Bryce Retzlaff, Matt Maguire (NAB AFL Draft), Mitch Golby, Josh Dyson, Niall McKeever, Sean Yoshiura, Claye Beams, Broc McCauley (NAB AFL Rookie Draft)
Changes to the main list - 10
Changes to the rookie list - 6
Best 22
B:Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Andrew Raines\
HB:Josh Drummond, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock
C:Travis Johnstone, Daniel Rich, Jared Brennan
HF:Justin Sherman, Jonathan Brown, Michael Rischitelli
F:James Polkinghorne, Brendan Fevola, Amon Buchanan
Foll: Mitch Clark, Simon Black, Luke Power
I/C: Matthew Leuenberger, Jack Redden, Brent Staker, Sam Sheldon
Michael Voss in his first trade and draft period made a bold statement that he and the Lion's brains trust believes they can win another premiership in the next 2-3 years. With key players Jonathan Brown, Simon Black and Luke Power still playing good football the club has added to its 'foreign legion' by signing boom recruit Brendon Fevola plus Brent Staker, Andrew Raines, Amon Buchanan, Xaviar Clarke and Matt McGuire. The Lions have gone for broke in bolstering its list with experience and goal kicking power in an effort to gain a top four finish and a serious tilt at this year's premiership. By doing so it has along the way lost serving premiership full forward Daniel Bradshaw to the Swans and ball magnet Brad Dazille to West Coast. Livewire small forward Ryan Hooper was dumped seemingly due to lack of committment.
2010 Pre Season Guide: West Coast
Coach: John Worsfold
Captain: Darren Glass
Finished 2009:11th (eight wins, 14 losses)
Best and fairestarren Glass\
Leading goalkicker: Mark LeCras (58 goals)
Leading possession winner:Adam Selwood (515)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field:Bradd Dalziell (exchange period), Brad Sheppard, Koby Stevens, Gerrick Weedon (NAB AFL Draft), Ryan Neates (NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft), Lewis Broome, Andrew Strijk, Ashton Hams, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls (NAB AFL Rookie Draft)
Changes to the main list - 5
Changes to the rookie list - 4
Best 22
B: Eric Mackenzie, Darren Glass, Brett Jones
HB:Sam Butler, Mitch Brown, Shannon Hurn
C:Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF:Brad Ebert, Josh Kennedy, Andrew Embley
F:Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras\line\b Follean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood
I/C: Nic Naitanui, Tom Swift, Scott Selwood, Beau Waters
The Eagles were active in trade week in basically swapping Brent Staker for Brad Dalzille from the Lions and Mark Seaby moved to the Swans for a pick upgrade. The Eagles continued replenishing its list with quality youngsters planning more for the mid to long term than for the now. The Eagles list of youngsters is gathering experience and injured senior players in Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr have benefited greatly from an early end to the 2009 season. Josh Kennedy's emergence as quality CHF and Nicolas Naitanui continues to impress in every outing, but it is players such as Luke Shuey, Chris Masten, Brad Ebert, Scott Selwood, Tom Swift and hard nut Patrick McGinnity that are beginning to consistently contribute on field and share the workload with the more experienced Eagles.
The Last Time They Met
Brisbane Lions: 2.1 5.3 14.6 14.11 (95)
West Coast: 6.2 9.4 11.8 13.8 (86)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Hooper 4, Bradshaw 3, Brown 3, Johnstone 2, Rischitelli, McGrath
West Coast: LeCras 6, Hansen 3, Cox, Kerr, Hurn, Lynch
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Johnstone, Hooper, Power, Patfull, Dalziell, Macdonald
West Coast: LeCras, Hurn, Cox, Wirrpanda, Masten, Hansen
The Eagles came to the Gabba full of run and confidence taking advantage of several Lions' sloppy turnovers early and led by as much as 38 points during the second quarter. But a Michael Voss fired up Lions outfit kicked 11 of the next 13 either side of the major break to secure the victory.
An amazing nine-goal third quarter set up victory, as the home team overcame a plucky West Coast by nine points at the Gabba. They Eagles never went away but the Lions took full advantage of a poor quarter from the Eagles and hung on in a tense final quarter to win 14.11 (95) to 13.8 (86).
Small forward Ryan Hooper (four goals) was the spark that ignited the Lions and after a quiet first half power forwards Daniel Bradshaw (three goals) and Jonathan Brown (three) also became prominent as the Lions back half ran and carried with more flair.
Lions number one draftee Daniel Rich was influencial on debut, getting plenty of ball in the midfield and delivering accurately with his penetrating left boot. In the absence of late withdrawal Simon Black, Travis Johnstone (37 disposals), Luke Power (35) and Brad Dalziell (28) provided the midfield drive for the victors.
For the Eagles Mark LeCras was outstanding, booting five goals in the first half and six for the match. and Dean Cox was a tower of strength in the ruck, while Matt Priddis dominated the clearances and David Wirrpanda was prolific as the loose man in defence.
2010 Round 1
When: Saturday Night, 27th March
Venue: GABBA
Weather Forecast: Shower or two Min 19 Max 29\
Likely Round 1 Team
B: Eric Mackenzie, Darren Glass, Patrick McGinnity
HB: Sam Butler, Mitch Brown, Shannon Hurn
C: Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Brad Ebert, Josh Kennedy, Andrew Embley
F: Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood
I/C: Nic Naitanui, Brad Dalziell, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
B:Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Andrew Raines
HB: Josh Drummond, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock
C: Travis Johnstone, Daniel Rich, Jared Brennan
HF: Justin Sherman, Jonathan Brown, Michael Rischitelli
F: James Polkinghorne, Brendan Fevola, Amon Buchanan
Foll: Mitch Clark, Simon Black, Luke Power
I/C: Matthew Leuenberger, Jack Redden, Brent Staker, Sam Sheldon
Key Players:
West Coast
Shannon Hurn and Sam Butler - the half back lines in modern football have become as important as winning the midfield battle. Helping out Darren Glass and Mitch Brown cutting off Fevola and Brown's leads plus providing quality ball movement out of defence will go a long way to winning this game.
Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr - 'Batman and Robin' are the two best Eagle players and both are coming back from long injury rehab, if they can provide the drive out of the midfield they will have plenty of help from the emerging midfield talents in Masten, Shuey, S Selwood and Tom Swift if he is
Josh Kennedy - The 22 yr old CHF is now in the Eagles leadership group and made a big impact in his last game sheparding Colin Sylvia who was about to tackle Chris Masten. Kennedy has had the best preseason to date and is a big key in the Eagles rising up the ladder, didn't play in last season's game versus the Lions and will provide the Eagles with a big target up forward.
Brad Dalziell - OK, it's not as big as Barry Hall v the Swans, or Judd v the Eagles but Dalzille did hurt the Eagles last year playing for the Lions and now he is wearing an Eagles guernsey. Dalziell will have a big point to prove and if he can beat Travis Johnston on the wing he could be a game winner.
Nicolas Naitanui - You guessed it, I couldn't resist mentioning the big Fijian and who could blame me. One interesting question would be to the Brisbane crowd who will turn up on Saturday night. Are you here to see Fevola or Naitaniu play? Either way the AFL marketing department will expect a bumper crowd. As to Naitanui's influence on the game expectations are high and the X factor he brings to the contest is already indisputable.
Brisbane
Mitch Clarke and Matt Leuenburger - The Eagles need to stop Fevola and Brown but the Lions rucks need to stop Cox and Naitanui. If the Lions get smashed in the ruck and their midfield don't get supply the Lions forwards will spend much of the evening watching the ball down the wrong end of the ground.
Amon Buchanan - Many of you will raise an eyebrow with highlighting the Lions small forward. Its not so much as who he is but who he has replaced, Ryan Hooper. Hooper destroyed the Eagles last year kicking four goals and the Eagles recently have had problems containing quality small forwards. Buchanan has had a big preseason at the Lions and in preseason games has elevated himself into their best 22 with several impressive performances.
Joel Patfull - Has the job of minding Josh Kennedy in a pivotal duel that will go a long way to determine the outcome of the game. If Kennedy succeeds in providing a big goal kicking target the Eagles are on their way.
Jarred Brennan - The high leaping tall midfielder is a very damaging player when he gets up and going. The Lions will need help in the ruck so expect Brennan to come in as a third person at stoppages and attempt to counter the dominance of Cox and Naitanui. The Eagles need to ensure he doesn't get a free run at stoppages.
Brendan Fevola - So will the 'good Brendan' or 'bad Brendan' turn up on Saturday night? That is the $1,000,000 question. If Fevola kicks three or more goals the Lions will be in the hunt, if Fevola and Brown have problems working together in this first game then the Lions will fall short. They did it easily in the Vics v All Stars game but this isn't an exhibition game.
.
How will the game play out?
The Lion's have made big changes to it's playing list and has lost two players who figured the the best players from the last meeting versus the Eagles in Hooper and Dalzille. It may take time for the new Lion's to gel, especially Fevola up forward.
The Eagles midfield zone tactics are well suited to defend against big key forwards and the Eagles backline is well equiped to manage big forwards with Darren Glass, Eric MacKenzie and Mitch Brown.
The Eagles have the option of Naitanui taking the ruck load in the forward third of the ground leaving Dean Cox to defend the space infront of Brown or Fevola and marshall his midfield with the help of experienced teammates in Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood, Matt Pridis and Andrew Embely.
And the winner is?
West Coast by 9 points, the difference being Kennedy and Natanui and the absence of Hooper and Dalzille
