Land of the Giants
Premiership Player
We have our second consecutive Friday night fixture this week, taking on a triumphant St. Kilda, who destroyed Hawthorn in Launceston this afternoon. I saw some of that game and ex-Giant Josh Bruce was having a great old time potting goals against what seems to be a disintegrating team.
This Friday, the Saints are back at their favourite ground and will enter the contest full of confidence after a poor start to the season.
With us, the best thing about last night was the four points. The class of individual players allowed us to win, as there were long periods of play when the Bulldogs dominated, but were unable to exert scoreboard pressure thanks to inaccuracy and bad decisions.
We sustained some worrying injuries, which probably isn't surprising, as we have to play really hard to beat them. It's becoming a real pyschological battle against the Bulldogs, more than just a physical challenge.
Time will tell how serious those injuries are. While Callan and Shane were able to get back on the field, and Shane able to exert tremendous authority, Nick Haynes unexpectedly did the splits late in the game, and was seen limping to the sidelines. He is so important for us in the backline, hopefully it is not serious.
To everyone's dismay, Toby let his temper get the better of him again and was reported for striking in unusual circumstances, in which the field umpire was heard to say that Toby was being monitored in particular for indiscretions. I don't know if it was a wise thing to say, perhaps it can used in some way at the tribunal? But I think the only question will be how many weeks we'll be without him.
We should have some good news this week, with Stephen probably making a welcome return to the team. He will certainly strengthen our midfield, which is being really tested at the moment.
Given our respective ladder positions, we'll be expected to win this match, and for that reason, this is a classic danger game. There were plenty of sore bodies last night, and while easy wins are not the best preparation against a team higher than you on the ladder, the Saints will be probably be a little bit fresher.
I think in the end we'll be too strong for the Saints, but we'll need to be switched on - again.
This Friday, the Saints are back at their favourite ground and will enter the contest full of confidence after a poor start to the season.
With us, the best thing about last night was the four points. The class of individual players allowed us to win, as there were long periods of play when the Bulldogs dominated, but were unable to exert scoreboard pressure thanks to inaccuracy and bad decisions.
We sustained some worrying injuries, which probably isn't surprising, as we have to play really hard to beat them. It's becoming a real pyschological battle against the Bulldogs, more than just a physical challenge.
Time will tell how serious those injuries are. While Callan and Shane were able to get back on the field, and Shane able to exert tremendous authority, Nick Haynes unexpectedly did the splits late in the game, and was seen limping to the sidelines. He is so important for us in the backline, hopefully it is not serious.
To everyone's dismay, Toby let his temper get the better of him again and was reported for striking in unusual circumstances, in which the field umpire was heard to say that Toby was being monitored in particular for indiscretions. I don't know if it was a wise thing to say, perhaps it can used in some way at the tribunal? But I think the only question will be how many weeks we'll be without him.
We should have some good news this week, with Stephen probably making a welcome return to the team. He will certainly strengthen our midfield, which is being really tested at the moment.
Given our respective ladder positions, we'll be expected to win this match, and for that reason, this is a classic danger game. There were plenty of sore bodies last night, and while easy wins are not the best preparation against a team higher than you on the ladder, the Saints will be probably be a little bit fresher.
I think in the end we'll be too strong for the Saints, but we'll need to be switched on - again.
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