All good thoughts guys, although the whole Bradshaw things is definitely being overplayed by the media and bigfooty in general.
My thoughts for what they're worth:
* Got smashed in the centre again for most of the first half. I guess we can only hope that Vossy & the staff are seeing it as a HUGE problem like the rest of us are and not just hoping it sorts itself out. Good we were able to break even for the rest of the game.
* The 2 goals to Goodes & Bradshaw (one from a dodgy mark and the other from some dodgy scragging in the centre) really killed any momentum we had.
* Bradshaw had a very good game but can't forget that he got some brutal delivery, kicked half his goals while being marked by what would be our 3rd choice defender (with Merrett out and Maguire off), and was a focal point up forward. I for one am not surprised he is thriving in that environment. Saying that, Fev marked and disposed of it badly, had shocking delivery but still managed 4. Would Braddie have offered us that? Maybe, maybe not.
* Rich needs some guidance, he is constantly chasing his man to the ball. Vossy or someone needs to just tell him to go after the loose ball when he's in best position.
In summary: We are not far off it...our forward line can be deadly (with the addition of Banfield and Polky) and WILL WORK if we just can break even in the middle. The problem is when we lose the midfield battle we don't just lose gracefully, we look lost. I think generally we need a bit more team work in the centre. Sydney players always knew where to run in the congestion and always had 2 or 3 players there to help the run out of the pack and they bloke for their ball winners just like Carlton.
Oh and I like Staker in the backline (if we continue to play him) and Polks up forward.
My thoughts for what they're worth:
* Got smashed in the centre again for most of the first half. I guess we can only hope that Vossy & the staff are seeing it as a HUGE problem like the rest of us are and not just hoping it sorts itself out. Good we were able to break even for the rest of the game.
* The 2 goals to Goodes & Bradshaw (one from a dodgy mark and the other from some dodgy scragging in the centre) really killed any momentum we had.
* Bradshaw had a very good game but can't forget that he got some brutal delivery, kicked half his goals while being marked by what would be our 3rd choice defender (with Merrett out and Maguire off), and was a focal point up forward. I for one am not surprised he is thriving in that environment. Saying that, Fev marked and disposed of it badly, had shocking delivery but still managed 4. Would Braddie have offered us that? Maybe, maybe not.
* Rich needs some guidance, he is constantly chasing his man to the ball. Vossy or someone needs to just tell him to go after the loose ball when he's in best position.
In summary: We are not far off it...our forward line can be deadly (with the addition of Banfield and Polky) and WILL WORK if we just can break even in the middle. The problem is when we lose the midfield battle we don't just lose gracefully, we look lost. I think generally we need a bit more team work in the centre. Sydney players always knew where to run in the congestion and always had 2 or 3 players there to help the run out of the pack and they bloke for their ball winners just like Carlton.
Oh and I like Staker in the backline (if we continue to play him) and Polks up forward.