Okay... Here is my unbiased report
Conditions: It was damn hot!! approx 37 Degrees.
As you all know we fielded a very young side but I must say that several of our young guys played superbly with two notable standouts..Jake King and Angus Graham.
King play Back pocket for most of the match and showed composure in all situations. He gave us drive from the last line of defence and often seemed to get out of impossible situations with aplomb. He always seemed to take the correct option. He played pretty loose but very effective.
Angus was also fantastic. He looks and plays a bit like simmo and IMO (unlike that Age idiot) he had the points over his more fancied opponents jolly & everitt. He also booted 2 very good goals from set shots 40 out. For mine..I think he's ready or at least thereabouts. We need to remember that this was a full strength swans side and apart from Goodes and O'Loughlin, we pretty much had their measure. Sure Philips kicked 3. 1 was a speccy over clingan but the other two were from very suspect free kicks. The umpires were disgraceful in the first half but improved in the second.
The heat did play a role but we seemed to have more run than the swans.
Howat ran all day and apart from a stupid holding the ball error he really looked the goods.
Kane Johnson played superbly and never slowed down. I've been a noted knocker of him but he made me eat my words today.
Krak was everwhere and he really caused the swans plenty of bother. No sign of any leg injury.
Foley was ever reliable but didn't have a massive impact.
McGuane really surprised me. He played at both ends and performed well in both roles.
Schulz was also great. Considering the heat he really moved well and almost took an over the pack screamer but he some how got a free and booted a goal.
Edwards got plenty of gametime but had limited opportunities as he seemed to be outsized by most of his opponents. You could tell though that he has the makings of a very good player.
Connors...very quiet. not a lot of gametime
JON looked a little under done and had little gametime. on one occasion he got out muscled in a marking duel with O'loughlin but this has happend to many a good player. He does need some upper body muscle if he is going to compete with the likes of O'loughlin. With his current frame I'd prefer to see him on the wing.
Jack Riewoldt got stuff all opportunities and on one occasion I could have booted him up the rear end as he had his head down looking away from a swans player who played on into the 50 and goaled. All day our midfied was serving up worm burners to him which he wasn't handling too well. If only they had played to his over head strength.
Our midfield somehow think that stab passes 1 foot off the ground into the forward 50 are the way to go. They need to STOP IT NOW!!! We could have had at least another 10 set shots on goal if only they passed truly and at a reasonable height.
Hartigan could have booted 4 but only got one. Really needs to practice his kicking at goal and in General play.
Tambo showed flashes of sheer brilliance but stuffed it all up with poor disposal and decision making.
Lids was servicable but not brilliant.
Collins did a couple of good things but makes Tom Roach look like Hulk Hogan.
Our Tackling improved 100%.
most of the swans goals were cheap and easy via free kicks and some early loose marking.
We really could have won this but for stupid turnovers moving into the forward 50. (worm burners)
Jackson improved on last week and spent most of the time in defence.
thirsty did very well early on but had limited gametime in the second half.
I'll put up some pics from the day and if anyone wants to ask questions please do.
