I have to begin with the caveat that by attending one training session per week I only see about 5% of the players training so any views I express should be tempered in the light of this narrow observational base.
Strategy
In the previous two years of Hird’s coaching tenancy the players started the season well then faded. Bomber’s strategy was to start more slowly and finish more strongly which they basically did in 2014.
This year the team is probably fitter than ever, certainly the preseason has involved more running, so I’m guessing that the strategy is that this fitness base will allow us to also finish the season more strongly than 2012 and 2013. I will watch how this develops with great interest.
The game plan under Bomber was much the same as under Hird – the biggest difference being Carlisle forward Hurley back. I have seen little change in the basic game plan this preseason which is a good thing because the players have much more familiarity with it than in 2012 & 2013 so it is less a learning experience and more a fine tuning exercise.
Basically like most clubs we are looking for quick precise ball movement getting into the centre corridor whenever possible while applying defensive pressure all over the ground and attempting to outnumber opponents in any situation. Precise kicking to 45 degree leads, play on handball and delivery to one on one contests in the forward line are the basics here.
The Colorado experiment was much debated on this forum. I can’t detect that we are any less fit by having what Hird described as a “meat and potatoes” pre season and the four players who went to Colorado – Watson, Hurley, Hibberd and Hooker don’t seem to be any fitter than their compatriots. My conclusion to this debate is that Colorado was at best an experiment of neutral value or at worst a waste of time and money.
The List
The biggest change has been the loss of Ryder the number 30 on his back signifying the 30 pieces of silver that he took to go to Port. While his skills will be missed looking back over his career he rarely consistently gave of his best and it is now obvious that he secretly didn’t want to be here. The club has chosen to overcome this by playing Giles and Bellchambers in tandem. The prospects for this working are reasonable strengthened by intensive ruck coaching from Alessio.
Following the success of Chapman and Goddard the club has recruited the experienced Gwilt and Cooney which I read as a plus. The preseason form of both has been impressive and both should win a place in round one.
Consensus is that Langford and LaVerde are good acquisitions and I see Langford challenging for Ambrose’s spot. Ambrose will be better with a second preseason and his defensive skills were noted. Against this he didn’t get the ball a lot and spilled quite a few marks. Langford looks more talented but is less experienced and not as strong physically.
The three break out players from last year are Colyer, Daniher and Zerret. Colyer’s kicking has greatly improved and Daniher was a much better player at the end of the year than the start. Like Colyer his kicking has improved and the tutelage of Lloyd over the preseason has been a positive. I would expect 40 goals from him if he doesn’t get injured. Zerret played a lot of games last year and his preseason form is impressive as he is becoming a midfield cog with his precise disposal and football smarts.
I suspect that Fletcher is happier under Hird as Bomber was hinting that he should retire.
Perhaps the player who had the biggest drop off in form last year was Melksham after a good second half to 2013. I’m not sure why this was perhaps he had off field issues but he has trained like a demon and he is the obvious choice to fill in for the injured Hocking in a tagging role.
Modified Group
The club has repeatedly said they have taken a cautious approach this year and consequently a large number of players have missed significant training especially in the area of match practice. This is bound to affect their ability to play – for example a question mark hangs over the ability of Carlisle and Hocking to be able to make repeat efforts when in the senior side.
I don’t say that our club is any worse off than other clubs in regard to injury and rehab but I would be surprised if Pears, Aylett and Kommer will be in a position to push for senior selection. On the plus side it is good to see Hams, Browne and Dalgleish available once again.
This is my take on the team for round one with two caveats:
Firstly I am assuming that we will be cleared in the ASADA investigation.
Secondly I am taking the view that Heath Hocking who would be in my best 22 is not ready for round one and consequently I replaced him with Melksham who has had a fine preseason.
Baguley Hurley Fletcher
Heppel Hooker Hibberd
Cooney Watson Stanton
Zaharakis Carlisle Chapman
Giles Daniher Zerret
Bellchambers Melksham Colyer
Gwilt, Myers, Goddard, Langford (sub)
Emer. Dempsey, Winderlich, Howlett
In sum I think the preseason with a second year at the new facility has gone very well. The coaching staff appear to be working harmoniously and the players are right behind the coach. There is a pleasing pressure for spots in the side in both the long and short term and winning at least one final is a strong possibility in my opinion if injuries and ASADA don’t intervene.