Really missed Grundy’s presence - his ability to beat his opponent one-on-one while also controlling space and helping his fellow defenders was missed, though they still did well most of the time.
Liked O’Riordan. Keep him in. Did everything right.
A few disappointing players, but honestly, North are a good side on their day (much as we might not like to admit it) and there’s no shame in being beaten by some of their stars.
Would prefer Robinson get the Foote treatment, though to his credit he stood up in the last in a couple of key contests.
Aliir was handy, still struggles one on one but he’s so good at controlling space down back, was extremely important with Grundy out and Rampe preoccupied with Brown. Sealer was icing. Would prefer he only have to play as a true key defender when absolutely necessary.
Ronke... words don’t do him justice. Particularly important with Papley having an up and down year.
I thought Parker lifted in the last after an otherwise poor game. Was much needed, and he delivered. Didn’t keep track of possessions before and after 3/4 time but he won some clutch contests in the final quarter that probably got us over the line. Would still prefer he play well for the full game but he didn’t drop his head and that is very important.
All in all a good win, showed character and grit, to do it without JPK for three quarters is all the more impressive.
Edit: oh and McCartin. Early on thought he might make a good defender, lots of strength but couldn’t quite see him as a target. Glad I didn’t put that in writing too early. Guy has super sticky hands, fantastic. For a skinny kid he is incredible.
Liked O’Riordan. Keep him in. Did everything right.
A few disappointing players, but honestly, North are a good side on their day (much as we might not like to admit it) and there’s no shame in being beaten by some of their stars.
Would prefer Robinson get the Foote treatment, though to his credit he stood up in the last in a couple of key contests.
Aliir was handy, still struggles one on one but he’s so good at controlling space down back, was extremely important with Grundy out and Rampe preoccupied with Brown. Sealer was icing. Would prefer he only have to play as a true key defender when absolutely necessary.
Ronke... words don’t do him justice. Particularly important with Papley having an up and down year.
I thought Parker lifted in the last after an otherwise poor game. Was much needed, and he delivered. Didn’t keep track of possessions before and after 3/4 time but he won some clutch contests in the final quarter that probably got us over the line. Would still prefer he play well for the full game but he didn’t drop his head and that is very important.
All in all a good win, showed character and grit, to do it without JPK for three quarters is all the more impressive.
Edit: oh and McCartin. Early on thought he might make a good defender, lots of strength but couldn’t quite see him as a target. Glad I didn’t put that in writing too early. Guy has super sticky hands, fantastic. For a skinny kid he is incredible.
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