I thought the attacking intent was much better last night but execution failed (clearly) on too many occasions to call it a success.
Again we were treated with a display of Tippa brilliance, Parish looking like a 10 year veteran star and Raz putting some dazzle into the forward line.
My biggest concern is the turnovers coming out of the back half, no doubt this hopefully improves next year when we have Hurley and Hibberd kicking instead of Gwilt and Goddard. On that note, Goddard was epic in terms of work load last night but his disposal looks dodgy at best. Has torched the team on multiple fast breaks for the last few weeks and it is a worrying sign. Not writing him off just yet but the signs of a fast approaching cliff are starting to appear.
Some notes-
Edwards - Was ok in the first half up around the ball, was then moved to the forward pocket of death and did nothing. Really not sure why we continue to use him out of position. Deserves another 2-3 weeks through the middle.
Gleeson - Left field selection by Bomber that seemingly unearthed a ‘star’… might have been a bit quick on the trigger. Looks mediocre, still is light framed, has disposal and decision making issues. Struggles to slip tackles and looks a little lost off half back. I’d like to see him given plenty of midfield minutes in the VFL as I feel that might be more his go.
Tippa- Needs the tank to play midfield, is an awesome talent and best disposal on the list. Worth the price of admission and hopefully just keeps improving at the level.
Parish - Another week that just confirms, reconfirms and triple confirms that the kid is going to be an out and out superstar. Clean hands, great vision, hit the scoreboard and looked dangerous resting up forward. Very very special talent.
JD - Got to play the high CHF and did it well again this week. Nailed 2 goals and took some really nice grab. Has benefitted from playing minutes in the ruck which get him into the game. Dropped 2 sitters and still needs to work on that area of his game. Is developing nicely imho.
Zaka - Has slowed down a little the last few weeks after a blistering start to the season but that could be about workload as he carries the burden of being the ‘main man’ in the middle each week. If he keeps this effort and attitude next year when he is 4-5th in the pecking order behind Watson, Heppell, Parish and Zerrett… then we could see him regularly rip games apart.
Zerrett - Needs to work on his effeciency by foot but you couldn’t ask for more from a young midfielder. Hard as nails, good vision, exceptional attitude and work ethic. The combo of Heppell/Parish/Zerrett is going to be very very special for the next 10 years.