Toast Practice Match 1: Western Bulldogs vs Essendon, Whitten Oval, Saturday 15/02/2025 @ 2 PM AEDT

[thebigboy]

Everyone bar Edwards who played the 2nd half only in the seniors played a half in the VFL. Only Setterfield and Gerreyn did anything of note in the VFL game from the AFL listed players.

Cheers

Good signs for Edwards’ getting a contract based on that

 

[Vindicater]

No doubt Bryan still has development to come. It just seems everyone’s expectations after this years pre season is that Bryan is ready to commence as Essendons number 1 ruck.

There will be many more stronger/ better rucks to face this season, just wanting other peoples opinions.

Are there opportunities for us to go Draper solo and then run someone else for 10% of the game like plenty of other clubs do. Who could that 10% be? Cox could potentially do it.

I still doubt Draper has the tank to be a solo ruck.

 

[Happyskeret]

I still doubt Draper has the tank to be a solo ruck.

At least he has had a proper preseason this year. You got to remember he was pretty debilitated last year.

Edit: I think you have point. Bryan is very capable in the ruck duties aside from the strength side which is a huge component by the way. Maybe somehow together they get it done?

 

[Happyskeret]

There is no doubt in my mind that at this point in time Drapes is our most superior ruck!

 

[Groundhog Day]

Mathew had relatives around where I lived in Avoca. I ran into him a few times and I don’t think I’ve ever met a more humble man. What position did his brother play?

Ruck. Was a man mountain. A huge part of the Imperials FC dynasty in the Sunraysia Football League. Very well liked family in the area. As you say, humble.

 

[Keystone agony]

I didnt think Bryan was as horrid as people are suggesting, actually didnt mind his 1st half

Bit disappointed in Hobbs and have larger concerns now, hes just not covering the ground well enough

Tsatas, Shiel, Draper, Reid the more positive guys outside of the usual suspects

I think the F7 is: Draper, Caddy, Langford, Perkins, Kako, Gresham, Martin now - With that i dont see a sub of 200cm tall - I was surprised to see HJ wing - Still would love to see him fwd again

Tsatas still lacks confidence in the kick, was instantaneous with the handball at times but is fairly good with them

Caddy looks special

 

[TheUnicorn]

https://www.essendonfc.com.au/video/1716758/match-highlights-pre-season?videoId=1716758&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1739598188001

http://essendonfc.com.au/video/1716776/daniel-giansiracusa-post-game-pre-season?videoId=1716776&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1739607978001

 

[Happyskeret]

Ruck. Was a man mountain. A huge part of the Imperials FC dynasty in the Sunraysia Football League. Very well liked family in the area. As you say, humble.

Mathew looked a god from Olympus so I know what you mean. He looked like Black Adam but with the soul of a saint. That’s fantastic!

 

[ghostdog]

From the oppo’s side I liked the look of Croft I was a big fan of his old man.

Thought Garcia went alright.

 

[Happyskeret]

Thought Garcia went alright.

He was good.

 

[andleanback]

No doubt Bryan still has development to come. It just seems everyone’s expectations after this years pre season is that Bryan is ready to commence as Essendons number 1 ruck.

There will be many more stronger/ better rucks to face this season, just wanting other peoples opinions.

Are there opportunities for us to go Draper solo and then run someone else for 10% of the game like plenty of other clubs do. Who could that 10% be? Cox could potentially do it.

Draper can’t solo ruck, he doesn’t have the tank. And that would mean playing wright who has just been average this preseason

 

[FootyGuru]

Draper can’t solo ruck, he doesn’t have the tank. And that would mean playing wright who has just been average this preseason

Has Draper ever been given opportunity to be solo ruck? Maybe it’s for good reason, but maybe it’s because Scott likes to play two rucks. Today Draper was a better forward than 2mp and a better ruckman than Bryan.

 

[Happyskeret]

I think the other thing to consider is Drapers move to the forward line may not be all about his tank and maybe it’s to circumvent his defensive weaknesses??? Has anyone else entertained this notion?

 

[astrowizzle]

I find it hard to believe the AFL site have video footage of Naughton jumping into Redman and taking him high and say sweet fa about it. 2mp sound be raising the question himself.
I know he didn't get concussion but the incident is pretty bloody similar except it's an Essendon player getting hit which is aok

 

[Happyskeret]

I find it hard to believe the AFL site have video footage of Naughton jumping into Redman and taking him high and say sweet fa about it. 2mp sound be raising the question himself.
I know he didn't get concussion but the incident is pretty bloody similar except it's an Essendon player getting hit which is aok

He’s a very Naughton boy!

 

[FootyGuru]

Gresham only played second half for all stars but had 13 posies. Looks fit and nimble.

 

[Vindicater]

Has Draper ever been given opportunity to be solo ruck? Maybe it’s for good reason, but maybe it’s because Scott likes to play two rucks. Today Draper was a better forward than 2mp and a better ruckman than Bryan.

But he only had to ruck a short time. If he had to ruck full time he would likely not produce as much.

I think him showing he can impact forward is perfect. Keep him forward and let Bryan tire out the opponent's main ruckman. Then have Draper switch in at key moments to overpower a tired ruck.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

I’ve been a Tsatas sceptic but that was quite impressive. Some of the rookies show some poise, Clarke and Unwin. I think Prior will be handy player. Kako very exciting. All in very difficult conditions for both sides. Don’t think Dogs will be too concerned

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Was hoping for a bit more from Tsatas. Footskills improved but still an issue though given the conditions forgivable. Though has probably cracked the best 22, wait and see how Durham comes back though. Likely still another preseason of similar growth in the footskills away from being a very good player.

 

[Happyskeret]

You could see prior is not a top tier player but there was just that backline discipline he has which was at the very least as good as Gleason’s at best. He looks very composed and confident and I like that.

 

[Keystone agony]

I dont know if we would play all Draper, Caddy, Langford and Edwards... thats when the subbing of a tall would become more prominent with Bryan/Edwards if were lucky enough to be unscathed 60% through a game

We need some serious crumbing, ground ball, pressure and speed ability from the other 3 and im not sure we have that with Martin there and then no Davey

But Edwards is a deep forward Fritsch/Gunston type who is miraculous in marking. Id say theyre looking to develop his up field game

 

[Happyskeret]

I dont know if we would play all Draper, Caddy, Langford and Edwards... thats when the subbing of a tall would become more prominent with Bryan/Edwards if were lucky enough to be unscathed 60% through a game

We need some serious crumbing, ground ball, pressure and speed ability from the other 3 and im not sure we have that with Martin there and then no Davey

But Edwards is a deep forward Fritsch/Gunston type who is miraculous in marking. Id say theyre looking to develop his up field game

Crumbs boss

 

[Yoda_]

I find it hard to believe the AFL site have video footage of Naughton jumping into Redman and taking him high and say sweet fa about it. 2mp sound be raising the question himself.
I know he didn't get concussion but the incident is pretty bloody similar except it's an Essendon player getting hit which is aok

did Redman play out the game?

 

[andleanback]

Has Draper ever been given opportunity to be solo ruck? Maybe it’s for good reason, but maybe it’s because Scott likes to play two rucks. Today Draper was a better forward than 2mp and a better ruckman than Bryan.

Draper has solo rucked in previous years and had blown up by the 3rd. He doesn’t have the tank like other rucks and if he’s solo ruck they’d run him around the ground and grind him down

 

[eth-dog]

After watching the replay you'd be tempted by Edwards. His pressure looked good for his size.

Prior is a consummate professional. No fuss. Good kick (apart from one shank). Starts R1 for me.