So we have some really really positive training reports… a solid if not spectacular outing against the Dogs and a pretty ordinary game against the Saints to look at.
Overall the things I like:
Caldwell seems healthy
Midfield mostly healthy and have trained together
Our backline looks cohesive and our marking options good
Overall a pretty solid run injury wise and most boys fit
We put sustained pressure for long periods in both ‘formal’ outings
Boys look confident and hungry
We signed a couple of good youngsters and our list looks very solid overall
The things I didn’t like so much:
Our forwardline, forward structures and general forward play
Stringer injury
Drapers form (went a little under the radar but looked well off it in both games)
Still giving time to guys like Smith and playing Ham before Hobbs
Having to wait sooooo long for the season to start.
Melbourne weren’t arsed for 3 quarters, then when they decided to play they nearly reeled in a 7-goal deficit in just over a quarter. FC are still ■■■■, make no mistake. Our pre-season hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been a lot better than other clubs. I’m confident we will be ready for Geelong Saturday week. We will have close to a full-strength line-up. No excuses.
The thing with Melbourne is they are the champs and they know they will come good towards the pointy end of the season so they can have the luxury of not really giving a fck.
I’m sure Dees supporters weren’t feeling great heading into Round 1 last season when the Dogs spanked them in a pre-season game. Things turned out OK for them. Not saying we will replicate their success in 2022, but in reality a 10-point loss in a meaningless game shouldn’t be read into too much.
idk after the great training reports over the summer saying how really good we looked I was a little underwhelmed on what we produced during the practice games
Part of me thinks I should not worry about the lack of structure going forward/ midfield defensiveness evidenced in the practice matches as it is just preseason. The other part of me says weve been telling ourselves that for the past decade.
Ill give it a 6/10. Minimal injuries, consolidation of last years drive, good drafting are the main plussess at this point.
Watching the saints game live I saw first hand how much more we need to improve our forward movement….to constantly bomb the ball instead of lowering their eyes…also the stagnant movement was an issue too. Also allowing the ball to get behind them was a problem that needs sorting out asap
