Just watched the Brisbane replay and we were far from great in patches. Some really bad disposal and turnovers that will need cleaning up before we beat anyone decent. Brisbane were terrible, hopefully north are too.
Our pressure made the lions look terrible at times. We didnât let them have the game they wanted
If Shiel can get on top of his kicking, and settle into our team a bit more, he will win a Brownlow.
He is that good.
Definitely, but we were pretty bad once we started to tire. A lot of errors under little pressure. Parish disposal in particular. Hopefully we improve that as we get fitter.
Really like the way Shiel & Zerrett are teaming up - can only get better.
The only thing that there is âno doubtâ about is that people are seeing what they want to see, and ignore the rest
Fact is, we were top 3 in scoring in 2017, (just) in top half in 2018 (with neither of our two best forwards firing a shot), and weâre 5th as of now in 2019 (again, with neither of our best two forwards doing much).
Youâre actually suggesting thatâs because the coach wants us not to kick goals, but the players are (sometimes) revolting against him?
And you think that stands up to scrutiny?
Out of interest, any idea who the Eagles used to play? And how that side was structured, and why?
Think we all hoped 2 first rounders wouldnât be needed to get the deal done but is justifying it in spades after a months assessment.
He is dynamic and electrifying to watch when bursting away from the packs like few players currently can do.
Honestly, outside of Dangerfield who has the ability to burst away at pace like Shiel in the league?
LOVING IT.
Itâs been touched on a little by some in here but whatâs surprised me most about Shiel are his reflexes and handball skills. Super super quick! And if you combine that with his smart work around packs and his speed, then it gives you a very damaging player.
We now have a decent group of midfielders with some pretty quick A-grade handball skills - Shiel, Merrett, Parish, McGrath all flicking it around to start fast scoring chains.
I donât think McGrath is as fast as we give him credit for. I know he was a high level hurdler but it doesnât really translate to the footy field. Heâs no slouch but I wouldnât put him in the top bracket of speedsters at Essendon let alone the comp. Shiel has him covered.
Also McKenna has lost a yard in the last year or two, still super quick but there was a stage where no one would ever catch him. I think itâs just him putting on mussel.
We still have an impressive amount of speedy mids thou. Itâs great to watch.
Wasnât McGrath also a 400 metre runner as a junior?
National champ. And hurdles.
Yeah, heâs a shell of the man he used to be.
Pffft⌠how fast could he be?
Initial thoughts on Shiel, based on last years games, was that heâd be business like and get the job done, adding another dynamic to the group on their way to football credibility. BUT, heâs far exceeded my expectations with the added dynamism, aggression and elite contested work. Gee, his speed and burst from packs is something else again. From being 80% excited about the bloke coming to Essendon, Iâm all lid off 110% delirious with what he brings to âmyâ team. Exciting times aheadâŚ
I agree with this and for someone who has only played 4 games I think he will still be finding his feet, donât think Smith and Stringer set the world on fire in their first games. Will keep on improving I think.
Just calling as I see it. Didnât say he wasnât quick over 100meters
Ok I get it. Very good, play on.
My biggest bug with him is how he constantly corals his man
I sea what you did there
My biggest bug with him is how he constantly corals his man
Your biggest bug?
Fact is, we were top 3 in scoring in 2017, (just) in top half in 2018 (with neither of our two best forwards firing a shot), and weâre 5th as of now in 2019 (again, with neither of our best two forwards doing much)
Following established statistical principles, Round 1 can be treated as an outlier and eliminated. If that is the case we are better than 5th