I didn't get a chance to jump on last night after coming home from the game or today but I left the game feeling pretty peed off...by the dirty f%#$ Carlskum supporters behind me that wouldn't stop screaming all game. I haven't been to a game in years where a group of dirty drunken dicks and skanks have been so downright annoying.
Anyway to the game itself....
Astbury showed enough for mine to say he will become our CHB for many years to come. Great poise, skills and strength for a second year player. Very, very impressed!
Derickx was surprizingly good in the second game when he was given the first ruck dutues. His marking and skills were terrific and I felt much superior to Browne in the game earlier. I think he should be played in the 3rd forward/support ruck role this year over Vickery until Vickery outperforms him.
Batchelor was impressive across half back and has a beautiful penetrating left boot. Interesting how this then allowed Connors up on the wing too.
McDonald only popped up a couple of times but looks good. Tough, fast but does need more endurance. His shot for goal was blown from him trying to suck in enough air to steady himself. Great prospect though.
Conca is too small currently as you would expect at this stage of his career but is everything people have been saying about him. Still a couple of seasons away from breaking into our midfield constently imho
Moron was good, Connors not bad, Contin showed enough. Morre and Thursty were solid. Taylor took some nice grabs. Captain Kingy was barely noticable.
Rance reads the play well and knows where to run, take a grab and defend...but he still looks frantic with the pill in his mits. He is still doing the old 360 degree malarky when he runs into an opponent and makes some terrible decisions. Keep the ball out of his hands, he's fine but otherwise another year in Coburg awaits.
Nahas was reported to have had a great preseason....reportedly
Nancy was smashed but at least he still went in hard despite his size.
Edwards made some woeful mistakes but I'll give him some latitude after the credit he built up last year. At least for now.
For a player, Miller makes a great emergency/depth forward and coach because tonight he did nothing to say he should get a game over Griffiths or even Post.
Overall, I was pleased that some of our young fellows showed glimpses and happy that we may have added to our depth. I'm desperately looking forward to bringing our more senior players back in and giving Carlton a touch up. Just can't stand the club, players and particularly their supporters!
Stripes
