I watched the full game from the UK. Overall, was expecting this type of performance. Some good signs, but missed major basic rules. Backline let in too much space with their opponents. Coupled with the skill level mistakes in the back, this cost us atleast 5 goals.
Thought the midfield looked better as the game went on, but the half forward line looked a mess towards the end of the game. Loads of errors from both sides. I know it was a hot night, but worrying signs of tigers whose fitness levels didnt look good at all.
Positives
Nason, although a little loose in a couple of passages of play, looked like he will be a player.
Martin, got better as the game went on
Roberts, got involved, not bad for a rookie that 4 months ago was playing country footy and as fitness improves throughout the year, so will the bag of tricks he has.
Cotchin. Yep, lacked a yard of pace through the reduced program, but uses the ball so well and reads the play to the teams advantage nearly all the time.
other thoughts
Hislop. Was one of his best games for us, which is saying something, but gee, if this bloke is one of our leading small forwards this year, we are going to struggle to kick a score.
Cousins - poor game by his standards, but very important for a number of passages where we actually looked threatening
Jack and Morton. Poor delivery in, but both missed some gettable shots. Not the worst.
Deledio wasnt brilliant, and maybe we expect too much sometimes, but I thought he should have thrown his weight around a bit more against the carlscum midfield.
Jackson, cant fault his endeavour, but lacks polish and makes some poor decisions
Tambling, just couldnt get into it. I would have thrown him on the ball in the first half to get his confidence up.
Newman, the same . One of his worst games, and made some errors.
Connors, looked good in passages, but made some crucial errors down back, looked lazy marking up on opponents. The same can be said for Farmer. Yarran and Betts got too much of a free run. I saw Leppisch get stuck into them at 3/4 time. Just keep getting stuck into them.
Nahas. Pushed off the ball too easily. Gets enough of it, but doesnt damage with his delivery and play. Will struggle to keep his place.
The back three. I thought Moore was the best, but these three had better get some more bulk on them to be able to make contests.
Edwards. Shocker. Had a bit of the ball but cost us 4 goals in errors. if Hardwick is serious, he will get dropped next week
Vickery. The guy doesnt seem to have any motor. With the absence in the ruck contests in our forward 50, I saw Vickery 50 m behind play, yet the Kruz was running along to make the contest.
Thomson. Why we traded for this bloke I dont know. Played on the ball all night, tried hard, but not a bona fide midfielder. Lacks the class to hurt opposition.
Simmonds. Contested where he could, and had no big man help. saying that, we have little option but testing all our rucks throughout this year with Simmonds.
