VFL Rd 1 Sandy vs Bombers

[Junior]

I was at the game and Paddy was good without being outstanding.

He worked hard, looked good pushing further up the ground. Caused a couple of goals by getting a hand to balls as Essendon switched play.

I was hoping and believe also that he should dominate at VFL level, was opposed to Michael Harrley most of the game.

There wre a couple of contributing factors as to why he did not dominate, firstly the continually bombing in high to both him and Marshall and secondly he was tripled team most of the day. Bellchambers and McKernan both dropped back , there was no room. When the ball was moved quickly he looked good.

He is capable of taking a pack mark but not consistently and thus was how the game was played.

At the end of the day he has kicked two the equal most of anyone else on the ground and had a hand in at least three to four others. Was the best forward on the ground Marshall struggled for the same reasons and Battle was behind these two.

Shame we could not get it in two one on ones as both Marshall and McCartin looked like they would dominate.

My views on the others were as follows

Freeman moved okay and hot a bit off it, hit a couple of nice passes, can see what he has but needs game time. Did not look restricted in anyway but did not appear to go into over drive from the stoppages.

Longer took some great marks, probably the best I have seen him around the ground, but Bellchambers smashed him in the middle in the second half. His kicking for goal is terrible.

Stevens is a hard bugger always seems to get a kick away when being tackled. Started so well and he tackles for keeps felt he aged out as far as influence on the game late.

Battle struggled missed a couple of goals he should of kicked, like the other forwards it was fairly congested which I don't think is his go.

Phillips has impressed me every time I have seen him , is composed and gets into space with his running ability. Not quick but great endurance.

White was good so strong in the air and a nice kick thought he played a hood game.

Mccartin refer above.

O'Kearney was everywhere good overhead and hard at it and won a heap of the footy. Not a penetrating kick likes to shirt pass to safe options, tried yo take the game on a few times but each time I noted he ended up on his left side not sure he he's much pace.

Wright kicks a couple went in hard and as per usual had moments where he did not think things through.

Sinclair is a class above this level but needs to win more of it, is a midfielder rthe Ethan a small forward. Such a great ball user.

McKenzie had is usual game a concussion check smashed a couple of other times. In between took some great marks and kicked long. Not his best game but serviceable.

Rice wa good other than one terrible turnover, is another who is tough. A nice kick and strong overhead, did not get a heap of the ball but looked fitter than last season.

Joyce was impressive given his lack of experience, thought McKernan was doing to rip him part early. Really courageous in the year and is quick and aggressive.

Connellan boy oh boy raw as you would expect but is explosive. Seriously quick he was really impressive, not a bad kick but the contests he got yo through sheer pace even just to spoil . One great intercept mark that he then kept running side stepped and kicked to the top of the square was fantastic.

Minchington is simply too good for this level, need a sustained go in the midfield at AFL level to see if he is up to it. 4 goals and plenty of the ball, best on ground by a fair way.

Pierce did not do a lot but played down back for some of the game which I have never seen before. Not a big game but did quell their key forwards of McKernan and Stewart,

Marshall was imoressive in trying circumstances, if he gets a run at the ball is difficult to beat and moves well and is good at ground level. Does jot appear to be a consistent pack mark but like McCartin was triple teamed when playing deep. Think we have found our forward/ruck

[Enrico_Misso]

That play by play website gives Paddy 3 goals, but I think the third one was actually Lewis Pierce.

[Con Gorozidis]

Great report Junior. Thanks.
I'm very excited by Connellan. Could be a Gilbo replacement imo.

I think meatball should have got a trade to a club where he might get a game every week. E.g Carlton or North.

I think pack marks are a myth. They are very rare in today's game. Franklin has never taken a pack mark in his life and has 800 goals.
Pack mark specialists like Butcher and Casboult are useless at AFL level.
Paddy just needs to get a kick and not worry about 'crashing packs'. I remain unconvinced he has the athletic or physical attributes to make it.
For a pick one he should be doing more at VFL level against guys his own age.

[To the top]

Without wishing to "high jack" this subject or the Forum, where opinions of players, the trajectory of their performances and where that trajectory may lead to and the balance of team selections are debated - and commentary is given such as on this VFL game where knowledge is exclusively the published commentary, we unfortunately have the persona of "Big Mart".

Recently, when he gave opinion on players, paying no heed to trajectory and the future (noting the age and experience of these young players we trust will be the future leaders of our side and that side then being consistently in contention) and I simply responded that he had "NFI".

Simply, I did not wish to waste my time responding to his assessment of every player he "bagged"

His complaint was that I responded as I did, did not engage in alternate views and I copped a warning for "baiting".

The "interaction" between "Big Mart" and other contributors continues as evidenced across this thread.

Particularly his responses, which remind of P66, now, thankfully gone and quite probably the reason there appear to be more contributors to this Forum, are significantly resulting in the responses we see.

No doubt everyone has their "favorite" player and "rose colored glasses" accordingly.

Others have a broader concept of team and the requirements of team to set a trajectory to sustained success.

[Junior]

I agree that Paddy should be tearing the VFL apart but he had no chance yesterday. Was up against Hadtley with Bellchambedrs and Dea assisting.

Also agree re pack marks but unfortunately that it was what the game was yesterday, looked really good when the ball is put out in front of him rather than on top of him.

He also needs to become more selfish around goals.

[Bluthy]

Great write-ups everyone - mucho appreciato. Exciting to hear of so much talent in the two's. They'll probably stay there because the last thing Richo wants is good kicking, talented players. But if you can go well in the 3k time trial - hey you got a position for life!

[Saint_J]

Top report Junior tnx a lot!

I really hope Ritcho was watching and gives Darren a few games in the middle. guy have something will make it.

[bigcarl]

I was at the game and Paddy was good without being outstanding.

He worked hard, looked good pushing further up the ground. Caused a couple of goals by getting a hand to balls as Essendon switched play.

I was hoping and believe also that he should dominate at VFL level, was opposed to Michael Harrley most of the game.

There wre a couple of contributing factors as to why he did not dominate, firstly the continually bombing in high to both him and Marshall and secondly he was tripled team most of the day. Bellchambers and McKernan both dropped back , there was no room. When the ball was moved quickly he looked good.

He is capable of taking a pack mark but not consistently and thus was how the game was played.

At the end of the day he has kicked two the equal most of anyone else on the ground and had a hand in at least three to four others. Was the best forward on the ground Marshall struggled for the same reasons and Battle was behind these two.

Shame we could not get it in two one on ones as both Marshall and McCartin looked like they would dominate.

My views on the others were as follows

Freeman moved okay and hot a bit off it, hit a couple of nice passes, can see what he has but needs game time. Did not look restricted in anyway but did not appear to go into over drive from the stoppages.

Longer took some great marks, probably the best I have seen him around the ground, but Bellchambers smashed him in the middle in the second half. His kicking for goal is terrible.

Stevens is a hard bugger always seems to get a kick away when being tackled. Started so well and he tackles for keeps felt he aged out as far as influence on the game late.

Battle struggled missed a couple of goals he should of kicked, like the other forwards it was fairly congested which I don't think is his go.

Phillips has impressed me every time I have seen him , is composed and gets into space with his running ability. Not quick but great endurance.

White was good so strong in the air and a nice kick thought he played a hood game.

Mccartin refer above.

O'Kearney was everywhere good overhead and hard at it and won a heap of the footy. Not a penetrating kick likes to shirt pass to safe options, tried yo take the game on a few times but each time I noted he ended up on his left side not sure he he's much pace.

Wright kicks a couple went in hard and as per usual had moments where he did not think things through.

Sinclair is a class above this level but needs to win more of it, is a midfielder rthe Ethan a small forward. Such a great ball user.

McKenzie had is usual game a concussion check smashed a couple of other times. In between took some great marks and kicked long. Not his best game but serviceable.

Rice wa good other than one terrible turnover, is another who is tough. A nice kick and strong overhead, did not get a heap of the ball but looked fitter than last season.

Joyce was impressive given his lack of experience, thought McKernan was doing to rip him part early. Really courageous in the year and is quick and aggressive.

Connellan boy oh boy raw as you would expect but is explosive. Seriously quick he was really impressive, not a bad kick but the contests he got yo through sheer pace even just to spoil . One great intercept mark that he then kept running side stepped and kicked to the top of the square was fantastic.

Minchington is simply too good for this level, need a sustained go in the midfield at AFL level to see if he is up to it. 4 goals and plenty of the ball, best on ground by a fair way.

Pierce did not do a lot but played down back for some of the game which I have never seen before. Not a big game but did quell their key forwards of McKernan and Stewart,

Marshall was imoressive in trying circumstances, if he gets a run at the ball is difficult to beat and moves well and is good at ground level. Does jot appear to be a consistent pack mark but like McCartin was triple teamed when playing deep. Think we have found our forward/ruck

Thanks for the comprehensive report Junior.

It's good to see that we are developing quite a bit of depth.

What is the go with Brandon White? He was quite impressive in his only appearance last season and I wonder why he hasn't been discussed much for so far this year.

[Bluthy]

I agree that Paddy should be tearing the VFL apart but he had no chance yesterday. Was up against Hadtley with Bellchambedrs and Dea assisting.

Also agree re pack marks but unfortunately that it was what the game was yesterday, looked really good when the ball is put out in front of him rather than on top of him.

He also needs to become more selfish around goals.

I strongly disagree. Paddy is brilliant at bringing other players into the game with his great, clever field kicking actually able to hit up targets the way few others in our team can. We have to share it around and have as many people able to hit the scoreboard as possible.

Obviously another reason Paddy is dropped - Richo hates guys who can use the footy and move the ball around. Stops his pressuring game plan going into effect - you can't pressure if you have the ball and your pressure index drops. Richo would weep over his pressure index sheet at night if it went below a certain figure.

[saintspremiers]

Meatball is Joey's replacement next season remember

[Junior]

I agree that Paddy should be tearing the VFL apart but he had no chance yesterday. Was up against Hadtley with Bellchambedrs and Dea assisting.

Also agree re pack marks but unfortunately that it was what the game was yesterday, looked really good when the ball is put out in front of him rather than on top of him.

He also needs to become more selfish around goals.

I strongly disagree. Paddy is brilliant at bringing other players into the game with his great, clever field kicking actually able to hit up targets the way few others in our team can. We have to share it around and have as many people able to hit the scoreboard as possible.

Obviously another reason Paddy is dropped - Richo hates guys who can use the footy and move the ball around. Stops his pressuring game plan going into effect - you can't pressure if you have the ball and your pressure index drops. Richo would weep over his pressure index sheet at night if it went below a certain figure.

Love his field kicking and ability to hit targets. But if you have a kickable goal take the shot. so t see Josh Kennedy pass it off to often.

[Sainter_Dad]

Love his field kicking and ability to hit targets.

Just a question - we are talking about how few goals Paddy has kicked - but is he playing more as a high CHF? It appears that the comments have mentioned his strength outside the 50 (how many marks and possessions did he get yesterday) - and I have seen him take plenty roaming between the 50's as a 'get out' kick. Is the boy playing as a true FF? If not should we just be noting his goal kicking, or should we be talking score involvements. If he is setting them up for others, does that not assist us more than long bombing it in to him. From what I have seen, he is a strong mark, and accurate field kicker - maybe that is what he is being groomed for?

Alternatively, if he is taking 3 defenders, as it appears he did at VFL level yesterday, is he not achieving what we need, if the other two players can capitalise on this.

He is a member of the St Kilda TEAM - if he kicks 100 goals in a season - great - if he sets up 300 goals in a season - even better. If he has no affect on the scoreboard, but Members and Bruce tear it up - he is still a positive in the team.

There is a diminished role for a 'Plugger' type player now than Plugger's era.

[Junior]

Love his field kicking and ability to hit targets.

Just a question - we are talking about how few goals Paddy has kicked - but is he playing more as a high CHF? It appears that the comments have mentioned his strength outside the 50 (how many marks and possessions did he get yesterday) - and I have seen him take plenty roaming between the 50's as a 'get out' kick. Is the boy playing as a true FF? If not should we just be noting his goal kicking, or should we be talking score involvements. If he is setting them up for others, does that not assist us more than long bombing it in to him. From what I have seen, he is a strong mark, and accurate field kicker - maybe that is what he is being groomed for?

Alternatively, if he is taking 3 defenders, as it appears he did at VFL level yesterday, is he not achieving what we need, if the other two players can capitalise on this.

He is a member of the St Kilda TEAM - if he kicks 100 goals in a season - great - if he sets up 300 goals in a season - even better. If he has no affect on the scoreboard, but Members and Bruce tear it up - he is still a positive in the team.

There is a diminished role for a 'Plugger' type player now than Plugger's era.

You are spot on, all I care about is impact upon the game. Personally I think if he is playing deep then he should take the shots.

I actually prefer him up the ground think he is much better when he has a run at the ball, than being planted deep.

On the three defender thing it was the same for Marshall when he played deep, Paddy and him alternated throughout the game.

I any believe that there are people who simply look up the result see he only kicked two and pot jim, he influenced at least four other goals did his job yesterday but was not dominant.

[saintbrat]

http://www.saints.com.au/news/2017-04-1 ... ng-bombers

VFL: Zebras hold off fast finishing Bombers

Who stood out?

With 17 St Kilda listed players in Sandringham colours, the AFL flavour was on show and none more than Darren Minchington who stole best afield honours with his four goals and seven tackles.

Nick O’Kearney was instrumental across half-back with his 31 disposal effort in arguably the best game he’s produced at VFL level.

With the late withdrawal of skipper Tom Curren, it was up to the likes of Koby Stevens (28 disposals, seven tackles) and Jack Sinclair (25 disposals, ten tackles, one goal) to lead the way in the middle and that’s exactly what they did.

Paddy McCartin played like a man pushing for AFL selection with his two goal and nine mark performance, while AFL rookie Rowan Marshall impressed with two goals from limited disposal numbers.

Play of the day

No surprise that the play of the day goes to four goal specialist Darren Minchington and his ability to remain composed under pressure in the second quarter of the Zebras’ win over the Bombers.

An Essendon defensive error to switch across the fullback line that missed its target by centimetres, only for the man known as ‘Meatball’ to gather the loose ball, use some nimble footwork and snap a clever goal in-between two opponents highlighting his importance throughout the afternoon.

This was early in the second term where the Zebras’ fifth goal put them 26-points up, with alarm bells ringing for opposition coach Mark Corrigan.

Spending time in the centre square before sprinting forward on numerous occasions, Minchington’s 28 disposals were hard earnt and his seven tackles highlight his pressure acts across the four quarters.

[saintly]

That play by play website gives Paddy 3 goals, but I think the third one was actually Lewis Pierce.

Marshall i believe not paddy.

[saintbrat]

from bayside leader