Watching the game for the first time gave me a different perspective on the game to what I had come to believe from journalist reports, fans etc.
Vickery presented well and was a good target on the night but he did miss a large amount of marks (particularly in the first two quarters) and had a couple of ordinary shots for goal. His first two goals were relatively simple (50m penalty to goalsquare + handball to run into goalsquare), his second was a nice grab but wobbly punt, third was a great oppotunist goal (looked very clean particularly for his size) and the last a beautiful lead and take but another wonky kick that drifted left before curving back right (wind perhaps?). Don't get me wrong here, I was still impressed by his efforts and obvious improvement on previous years but I think if Jack had of had the same opportunities he may of kicked goals in the double figures. I hope they leave his there for the next game and see if he can build on his confidence and form.
The real stars of the game were the midfield. They were down right dominate. I think other clubs will struggle against our line up this season at we will have very few losses through the middle.
Cotchin was a star. Just clean, knows where to get the ball and makes great decisions.
Foley was excellent too. Was back to somewhere near his best. Was strong, fast and good by hand and foot.
Dusty took a fair few kickouts which surprized me. I'm not sure if this is a future plan or just to cover Lids & Newman but he executed the role well. He was his normal self through the middle. Just a beautiful kick with plenty of time. Mark of a champion.
Grigg was also excellent. Little was said about this fellow but he was great around the packs and was very accountable. I'm not sure if he was tagging but he stuck to his opponent like glue before a bounce before pushing off to gather the ball and feed it out. Did this all day. We have so many ball winners now it will be hard to stop them all.
Houli was more noticable as he ran into space much more. He was excellent at setting up our goal kickers - something we have lacked to date. Tough too - big loss for the Dons I would suggest.
Nahas also surprized me. I think he is in for a big year. Seems to have gained a bigger engine and was good through the middle and his tackles were sticking.
Edwards also stood out. He made a few errors but created even more goals. Has that elusive unpredictability that creates goals by confusing the opposition.
Whitey used his pace well but may be struggling to keep his spot this year. Gus seemed better in the ruck duels too.
Overall I was impressed by our defence. We clogged up the space and tackled hard. It was few and far between when Port broke through.
I think our biggest problem will be finding goal scorers this year. The midfield will give however is down there plenty of opportunities but if they can't take a grab and kick straight it will be for nought. Miller was servicable and seems a nice kick for goal but may lack the pace and over head marking to get the opportunity to kick many.
Get view all the same. The crowd got right into it in the last. Hope we're in for a big season ahead.
Stripes
Overall I was impressed
