Match Sim Report

Just want to absolutely caveat this with the fact that it's not my training report, full credit goes to the poster Keys on Bigfooty who is awesome about heading down to training and giving detailed updates - know it's great for all fans to hear about it. (Also other posters reckoned Harleys leg was a minor issue if that, not anything serious). He got down to their session yesterday (Friday 31st) and posted these notes:

Warmups and skill drills were basically done by the time I arrived around 9.45 - they did the same ball movement drill in small groups across the ground that focused on a short pass then running past for a handball receive before splitting into teams for match sim

As stated previously they played 3x20 minute periods with the third period split into two 10 minute halves. Players were given only a 5 minute or so break between periods

The session culminated in some block running from goal line to goal line before McQualter addressed the players as a group after the session ended. A handful of players did an extra lap or two around the boundary as well. By 11.30 they were done and dusted for the day

Main focus, obviously, was the match sim.

All but 6 players (Waterman, Graham, Baker, Bazzo, Jamieson and Yeo) had game minutes so numbers were quite good all things considered. Graham has gone home for personal reasons but whilst he was at training no reason for Waterman’s non- participation has been given

In a sign of the pecking order for selection this was a clear best v the rest split with the blue team having a far stronger line up. The gold team included both train ons (Brock and Van Es) plus a number of WAFL team players who I didn’t recognise. A couple of assistant coaches also made up the numbers

The first period was surprisingly competitive, albeit a bit scrappy, with Blue scoring two goals to one. After that talent took over and Blue kicked ten unanswered goals over the final two stanzas with their superior ball movement taking over

It wasn’t always clean but there was a genuine desire to get the ball on, mainly by foot, and to take territory if no short option presented. There was very little going back to take a kick over the man on the mark.

Tackling wasn’t a big feature but a couple of strong tackles were laid. Pleasingly there wasn’t a lot of corralling

I was watching from around half forward at the northern end on the opposite side to where the interchange benches were - so couldn’t pick up players going on/off and eyesight was an issue when play was at the club rooms end.

Based on what I could see/pick up then :

Blue Team

Backs • McGovern - commanded the backline without being a standout. Turned the ball over a couple of times by foot, including a turnover from a kickout that should’ve cost his team a goal but Reid missed the set shot from ~35m out 15m in from the boundary • Edwards - started the game at fullback on Livingstone. Wasn’t required to do much and didn’t play the final period. Will be happy just to be back amongst it after missing a chunk of preseason with a foot issue • Ginbey - played off half back and was in everything. Rebounded from D50 and pushed high up the ground to keep the ball inside blue’s front half. Even snuck forward to snap a goal in the final period. Laid one crunching tackle • Cole - lock down defender mainly on Petruccelle. Didn’t get a huge amount of ball but wasn’t at his end a lot. Solid game • Hough - had a really strong 2nd period where his run and carry out of D50 was really good • Allan - probably got his start with the best due to Baker missing but took the opportunity. Backs himself in traffic and very willing to take the game on. Started a chain of possession from D50 in the final period and followed through to finish the passage with a goal on his left. Strong chance for an early debut • Maric - started on the bench but was a strong performer when he did join in. Shared kick in duties with McGovern (there was only 4 or 5) and used the ball well for the most part. My question will be how he defends as a permanent back - not answered today due to the imbalance between the two teams

Rucks • Flynn/BWilliams - Flynn started for blue in the ruck but they both switched between sides throughout the day. Neither had a big influence on the game but on balance I thought Flynn won their battle

Mids • Reid - started the first bounce in the middle but as reported left early with a leg complaint. I didn’t see him leave so not sure exactly how early but he had no impact so I’m guessing it was very early • Kelly - started in the centre and was a driving force throughout. Very good signs from him • Duggan - the third amigo in the opening CBD. Won plenty of ball although most kicks were seeking territory rather than pin point passes. Had a strong game nonetheless • Hunt - started on the bench but played wing when he did come on. Wasn’t prolific. Kicked a nice goal in the second period • Hutchinson- started on a wing but also attended a couple of CBDs. Really good outing. Ran to position well and ball use was good. Looks fit and strong. Has a firm grip on a R1 spot imo - was the best wingman on the ground • Owies, Long and Cripps all rotated between wing and half forward with Long attending at least one CBD - Cripps was the best of them kicking two goals and one other poster from long range. Was one of the best performers overall and showed he won’t be giving up his spot easily. Owies was busy early and kicked the opening goal but faded thereafter. Long played well and pushed back into defence the most of this trio. Ball use was good and creative • Hewett - started on the bench but had an impact when he came on. Strong performance that will encourage the coaching staff. Capped off his game with a goal late

Forwards • Allen - presented well enough in a good tussle primarily with Brock. Kicked two goals and should’ve had a third but dropped a regulation chest mark in space after Brock had to leave him to get to a contest further afield. Moved well and showed no issues with his knee • Reid - with Waterman absent, Reid was given a starting spot in the Blue team although he did alternate between Blue and Gold. Had his moments and even did some CBD ruck work at stages. • JWilliams - quiet game from him up forward and did less ruck work than I thought he would. Did put a ball down Hewett’s throat from a ruck tap in the goal square that Hewett blasted into the post. (Previously credited Flynn with the tap but think it was JWilliams upon reflection) • Ryan - one of the best players on the ground. Pushed up into midfield and his creativity showed through. Was very impactful in a good sign of what might lie ahead • Brockman - was surprised to see him line up in the A team but showed why with a strong performance. Worked well in tandem with Ryan and was dangerous throughout

Gold Team

• Gross - BOG for Gold and close to best overall on the day. His hands are very good and he’s not afraid to put his head over the ball. Sat Ryan on his arse with a Harleyesque fend off and was quick to challenge an opponent who took him high in a tackle by pushing him in the chest once he got to his feet. Narrowly missed the long range shot at goal. Was awfully impressive • Sheed - haven’t seen him named in any other training reports but I’m certain he started in the centre - that finger point is unmistakable. Didn’t have a big impact but like Edwards it’s just good to see him back out there • Chesser - played wing on managed minutes across the first two periods before sitting out the last. Relatively quiet but again, the main thing is he’s back playing • Petruccelle - struggled with a lack of supply and had little influence. Helped set up a goal scoring opportunity for Reid. Is a fair way back in the pecking order right now • Johnston - played HB and was one of Gold’s better players especially in the second period with some good rebound work • Hall - was fighting against the tide in the middle. Did win a couple of centre clearances and battled hard but weight of numbers worked against him • Barnett - played on JWilliams as a KPD and acquitted himself well. Probably won their individual battle and took a couple of strong intercept marks. Shared kick ins with Grego • Grego - genuine fighter and is very willing to have a crack. Narrowly missed a long range shot at goal. Encouraging signs but has work to do • Shanahan - was often at the other end of the ground to where I was as he switched between teams. Predominantly played back and took one really good pack mark in defence when playing for the blue team • Rawlinson- was vibrant early up forward but faded partly due to lack of supply • Champion - had his moments but like his other Gold teammates up forward had minimal chances • Davis - played wing and chased tail for much of the day • Livingstone- Had Edwards for company and took some CBDs. Struggled to have an impact • Dewar - played wing initially and kicked Gold’s only goal. Switched teams for the last period and was lively throughout • Brock - stood Allen and acquitted himself quite well. Didn’t find much of the ball though in a mainly negating role • Van Es - often found himself matched against Ryan in a bit of a mismatch for agility. Didn’t have much influence

Overall, you can see what they’re working towards but there’s still plenty to do before it becomes second nature. Not having Yeo, Waterman, Baker, Graham and, effectively, Reid out there I think detracted from what might have been and we’ll need that group back sooner rather than later to ensure competitiveness when the real thing starts