What have we learnt from AFL this week?
April 20th 2008 15:20
So, another round concludes and we are left with a week of analysis and opinion - just enough to see us through to more actual action.
Sever questions were answered this weekend, and while four rounds of footy couldn't prove conclusively any theories about certain teams, it appears five can. Here goes:
The game doesn't actually finish until the siren goes
Tell that to Sydney, Richmond and Port.
The Swans found that out when they turned a respectable 2-goal loss into an insulting 7-goal one. They realised it was over before the siren went, and the Cats went and reminded them that play was actually still going on.
The Tigers, similarly, had it won with four minutes left and a 19 point lead. So what if the Dogs kick a late one? Or another? Or... oh. Woops.
And Port, for the second week in a row, have had massive leads in the final term only to disappear from there. At least they got the four points this week, but really - play the game out!
Hawthorn's the real deal
They have now knocked off away wins in Perth and Brisbane, and three wins outside Victoria in a row (albeit one at home in Tassie). They are quick, skillful and look like scoring any time they go forward. Although they might be turning into the Buddy-centric team they continually try to deny (Franklin had 14 scoring shots this weekend), they are anything but a one-man team with the likes of Osborne, Gilham, Taylor, Ladson and Sewell all doing sterling jobs week in, week out for little glamour. I already have my ticket for when they take on the Cats in round 17.
West Coast are, in fact, rebuilding
Some claim that no matter how poorly the Eagles are travelling, they are still a threat to take seriously. But since 2001, they have been so imposing because of three names - Judd, Cousins and Kerr. Though Dean Cox is arguably the competition's premier ruckman, he now has only Kerr and some juniors to win the ball for. Kerr cannot shoulder the midfield load himself. Previously, he was happy to roam free as taggers did their best on Judd and Cousins (no side would play three taggers in the middle) but now Kerr is the target of every team's primary stopper and he is struggling. Kane Cornes shut him out completely, as novice Kieren Jack did the week before. Injuries have not helped them, but they are not to blame. For proof, see them offer the Bulldogs no resistance this week
Carlton are OK now
For the last few years, Carlton have been able to put anything above 120 on the board - they just haven't been able to defend it. Now, they are starting to look like a team, and years upon years of early draft picks are coming of age. Walker, Gibbs, Murphy, Pfeiffer, Jamison... it's about time they played to their reputations. And I think it comes down to Brett Ratten. He was a smart player, and he is a smart coach, while Pagan was much too simplistic in approach. Ratten is the man to direct a more complex, tactical game that is adaptable and makes the best of each player. For a roughie, back them against the Crows.
Thanks for reading, let me know if you have any thoughts. Sorry about the length, I just get very worked up about these things!
Sever questions were answered this weekend, and while four rounds of footy couldn't prove conclusively any theories about certain teams, it appears five can. Here goes:
The game doesn't actually finish until the siren goes
Tell that to Sydney, Richmond and Port.
The Swans found that out when they turned a respectable 2-goal loss into an insulting 7-goal one. They realised it was over before the siren went, and the Cats went and reminded them that play was actually still going on.
And Port, for the second week in a row, have had massive leads in the final term only to disappear from there. At least they got the four points this week, but really - play the game out!
Hawthorn's the real deal
They have now knocked off away wins in Perth and Brisbane, and three wins outside Victoria in a row (albeit one at home in Tassie). They are quick, skillful and look like scoring any time they go forward. Although they might be turning into the Buddy-centric team they continually try to deny (Franklin had 14 scoring shots this weekend), they are anything but a one-man team with the likes of Osborne, Gilham, Taylor, Ladson and Sewell all doing sterling jobs week in, week out for little glamour. I already have my ticket for when they take on the Cats in round 17.
West Coast are, in fact, rebuilding
Some claim that no matter how poorly the Eagles are travelling, they are still a threat to take seriously. But since 2001, they have been so imposing because of three names - Judd, Cousins and Kerr. Though Dean Cox is arguably the competition's premier ruckman, he now has only Kerr and some juniors to win the ball for. Kerr cannot shoulder the midfield load himself. Previously, he was happy to roam free as taggers did their best on Judd and Cousins (no side would play three taggers in the middle) but now Kerr is the target of every team's primary stopper and he is struggling. Kane Cornes shut him out completely, as novice Kieren Jack did the week before. Injuries have not helped them, but they are not to blame. For proof, see them offer the Bulldogs no resistance this week
Carlton are OK now
For the last few years, Carlton have been able to put anything above 120 on the board - they just haven't been able to defend it. Now, they are starting to look like a team, and years upon years of early draft picks are coming of age. Walker, Gibbs, Murphy, Pfeiffer, Jamison... it's about time they played to their reputations. And I think it comes down to Brett Ratten. He was a smart player, and he is a smart coach, while Pagan was much too simplistic in approach. Ratten is the man to direct a more complex, tactical game that is adaptable and makes the best of each player. For a roughie, back them against the Crows.
Thanks for reading, let me know if you have any thoughts. Sorry about the length, I just get very worked up about these things!
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