Sunday, August 28, 2011
Brisbane vs West Coast Review – 2011 AFL Season – Round 23
In slippery conditions at the Gabba, West Coast went in hoping to seal a top 4 position and first Qualifying clash against Collingwood at the MCG in 2 weeks time.
Brisbane weren't about to let West Coast get there easily, dominating the opening passages of the game and kicking the first 2 goals. However, West Coast were able to reply with 4 of the next 5 goals to go into the first change ahead by 4 points.
Brisbane were able to wrestle back control in the second quarter kicking 3 goals and keeping West Coast goalless.
They continued where they left off in the 3rd quarter, kicking the first 2 goals to take them out to a 29 point lead.midway through. West Coast were able to steady the ship with the next 3 goals including a freakish buzzer beating snap goal by Ashton Hams from the pocket to wittle the margin down to only 2 points in Brisbane's favour.
West Coast hit the front after Quinten Lynch kicked the opening goal of the last quarter, but a quick reply from Sam Sheldon saw the margin back in Brisbane's favour. 3 consecutive goals to the Eagles followed and looked to have the game under control, but Aaron Cornelius goal against the run of play gave some hope to the home team. However, West Coast held their composure and were able to finish the job, winners by 8 points.
My Eagles Votes
5 – Chris Masten – kicked 3 valuable goals and worked hard throughout the game in both directions, in particular shining in the second half – 31 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 7 tackles, 3 goals 1 behind.
4 – Luke Shuey – once again very effective around the stoppages, he was the cleanest midfielder on the night – 20 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 8 clearances, 5 I50s, 7 tackle, 5 1%ers, 1 goal, 1 goal assist
3 – Nic Naitanui – his ruckwork was outstanding on occasions, won plenty of contested football and was one of the few players that was clean with his handling and use of the ball – 15 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 23 hitouts, 5 clearances, 7 1%ers
2 – Scott Selwood – an effective clearance winner, his hardness around the ball was valuable – 21 disposals, 5 clearances, 8 tackles, 1 behind
1 – Matt Priddis - wasn’t pretty and at times was sloppy, but worked tirelessly to force the ball forward - 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 5 marks, 6 clearances, 9 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 6 tackles, 1 goal, 2 goal assists
My 'Brownlow' Votes
3 - Tom Rockliff - was the Lion's key midfield player in a hardworking performance - 30 disposals, 17 contested posssesions, 10 clearances, 13 tackles, 7 1%ers, 2 goals 1 behind.
2 - Chris Masten - see above
1 - Luke Shuey - see above
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Brisbane vs West Coast Preview – 2011 AFL Season – Round 23
Link
Brisbane's most highly credentialed midfielder is still going strong at 32, with his disposal numbers even up slightly from last year.He would be the most likely candidate to face a tag from Scott Selwood.
Key Players
Simon Black
Brisbane's most highly credentialed midfielder is still going strong at 32, with his disposal numbers even up slightly from last year.He would be the most likely candidate to face a tag from Scott Selwood.
Luke Power
Brisbane's only other remaining member from their triple premiership years, normally performs well against West Coast. His disposals are down from previous years, but he is hitting the scoreboard more frequently this year, averaging a goal per game He is most likely to go head to head with Andrew Embley, if not tagged, which would be an intriguing match-up.
Brisbane's only other remaining member from their triple premiership years, normally performs well against West Coast. His disposals are down from previous years, but he is hitting the scoreboard more frequently this year, averaging a goal per game He is most likely to go head to head with Andrew Embley, if not tagged, which would be an intriguing match-up.
Tom Rockliff
Finds a prolific amount of the football, his 27.8 disposals per game has him ranked 8th in the league for disposals per game this season, impressive for a 3rd year player - just as importantly he managed to hit the scoreboard well last week with 2 goals and 1 goal assist to add amongst his 30 disposals - likely to go head to head against Luke Shuey, who although doesn't quite get the same disposals numbers, has a large impact with what gets has translating to goals and scoring opportunities for others, Brisbane will need a similar strong performance from him this week if they are to challenge West Coast.
Matt Leuenberger
The lean mobile Leuenberger who models himself on one of his direct opponents this week, has been good this season, particularly the past 2 weeks with strong games against Gold Coast (19 disposals, 8 marks, 42 hitouts, 2 goals, 1 goal assist) and Collignwood (24 disposals, 7 marks 33 hitouts). He faces a ruckman's toughest assignment in footy at the moment going up against Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.
Daniel Rich
The powerful, long kicking midfielder was the substitute last week, but should get a full game in his second game back from injury this week. His left foot is always a threat of busting even the best zone open so he can't be given too latitude. If in the midfield he could find himself opposed to Andrew Gaff who will test his weak aerobic capacity or if played forward he might get some attention from the returning Pat McGinnity.
Finds a prolific amount of the football, his 27.8 disposals per game has him ranked 8th in the league for disposals per game this season, impressive for a 3rd year player - just as importantly he managed to hit the scoreboard well last week with 2 goals and 1 goal assist to add amongst his 30 disposals - likely to go head to head against Luke Shuey, who although doesn't quite get the same disposals numbers, has a large impact with what gets has translating to goals and scoring opportunities for others, Brisbane will need a similar strong performance from him this week if they are to challenge West Coast.
Matt Leuenberger
The lean mobile Leuenberger who models himself on one of his direct opponents this week, has been good this season, particularly the past 2 weeks with strong games against Gold Coast (19 disposals, 8 marks, 42 hitouts, 2 goals, 1 goal assist) and Collignwood (24 disposals, 7 marks 33 hitouts). He faces a ruckman's toughest assignment in footy at the moment going up against Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.
Daniel Rich
The powerful, long kicking midfielder was the substitute last week, but should get a full game in his second game back from injury this week. His left foot is always a threat of busting even the best zone open so he can't be given too latitude. If in the midfield he could find himself opposed to Andrew Gaff who will test his weak aerobic capacity or if played forward he might get some attention from the returning Pat McGinnity.
Prediction
A bottom 4 vs a top 4 team should produce an obvious and clear result regardless of location, but Brisbane have been much improved in the last 3 weeks with a narrow 5 point loss to Adelaide, a 62 point win over local rivals, Gold Coast and an 18 point loss to reigning premiers and current top of the ladder, Collingwood, at the MCG. I think they'll put up a decent fight for part of the game, but in the end I expect West Coast to be too good.
West Coast by 35 points.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
West Coast vs Essendon Review – 2011 AFL Season – Round 22
In fine and sunny conditions West Coast faced an inform Bomber's outfit, but with the confidence that they could run them over given their poor away record.
Essendon started well in the first going goal for goal with West Coast (one thanks to an interchange infringement), but West Coast controlled proceedings for the rest of the term with their forward press, before a late goal to David Zaharakis brought Essendon some hope with the margin only 9 points in West Coast's favour.
In the second quarter, both teams were sloppy with their skills and had difficulty kicking the ball through the big sticks, with the first goal coming 17 minutes in to Dean Cox. However, Essendon replied quickly and had a good run of momentum kicking the next 2 as well as another buzzer beater, this time for Stewart Crameri, which gave the visitors a single point lead at the main break.
West Coast dominated the 3rd quarter early with their forward press at it's best during the game, but 4 consecutive behinds didn't translate well to the scoreboard before Kennedy finally converted accurately and Scott Selwood not to soon afterwards. Essendon replied quickly as they had done throughout the game, with 2 consecutive goals, but a concussion to captain Jobe Watson, who was ruled out of the game, restricted their bench to only 2 (Andrew Welsh was injured earlier in the game where their substitute, Nathan Lovett Murray, was activated) and from there onwards West Coast dominated with 12 of the next 14 goals to run out clear 57 point winners.
My Eagles Votes
5 - Luke Shuey - very good across the entire game with his prolific clearance winning and important involvement in the team's run and spread from congestion - 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behninds 1 goal assist
4 - Daniel Kerr - got the ball early but was a bit down on his usual effectiveness, however that changed in the second half where he was as dynamic and excellent as ever with his inside work at stoppages and also in kicking and setting up important goals - 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 2 goals
3 - Josh Kennedy - worked hard throughout the game in providing the focal point for the midfield with a good scoreboard return - 19 disposals, 9 marks (2 contested, 3 inside 50), 6 inside 50, 7 1%ers, 4 goals, 3 behinds, 2 goal assists
2 - Scott Selwood - tough job of being opposed to Watson for 3 quarters and matched him for impact with his work inside the contest - 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 8 tackles, 1 goal, 1 behind
1 - Nic Naitanui - quite first half, but impacted the contest well in the second half with his ruck/clearance work - 10 disposals, 1 contested mark ,26 hitouts, 5 clearances, 5 1%ers, 1 goal
My Brownlow Votes
3 - Luke Shuey - see above
2 - Daniel Kerr - see above
1 - Josh Kenney - see above
Essendon started well in the first going goal for goal with West Coast (one thanks to an interchange infringement), but West Coast controlled proceedings for the rest of the term with their forward press, before a late goal to David Zaharakis brought Essendon some hope with the margin only 9 points in West Coast's favour.
In the second quarter, both teams were sloppy with their skills and had difficulty kicking the ball through the big sticks, with the first goal coming 17 minutes in to Dean Cox. However, Essendon replied quickly and had a good run of momentum kicking the next 2 as well as another buzzer beater, this time for Stewart Crameri, which gave the visitors a single point lead at the main break.
West Coast dominated the 3rd quarter early with their forward press at it's best during the game, but 4 consecutive behinds didn't translate well to the scoreboard before Kennedy finally converted accurately and Scott Selwood not to soon afterwards. Essendon replied quickly as they had done throughout the game, with 2 consecutive goals, but a concussion to captain Jobe Watson, who was ruled out of the game, restricted their bench to only 2 (Andrew Welsh was injured earlier in the game where their substitute, Nathan Lovett Murray, was activated) and from there onwards West Coast dominated with 12 of the next 14 goals to run out clear 57 point winners.
My Eagles Votes
5 - Luke Shuey - very good across the entire game with his prolific clearance winning and important involvement in the team's run and spread from congestion - 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behninds 1 goal assist
4 - Daniel Kerr - got the ball early but was a bit down on his usual effectiveness, however that changed in the second half where he was as dynamic and excellent as ever with his inside work at stoppages and also in kicking and setting up important goals - 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 2 goals
3 - Josh Kennedy - worked hard throughout the game in providing the focal point for the midfield with a good scoreboard return - 19 disposals, 9 marks (2 contested, 3 inside 50), 6 inside 50, 7 1%ers, 4 goals, 3 behinds, 2 goal assists
2 - Scott Selwood - tough job of being opposed to Watson for 3 quarters and matched him for impact with his work inside the contest - 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 8 tackles, 1 goal, 1 behind
1 - Nic Naitanui - quite first half, but impacted the contest well in the second half with his ruck/clearance work - 10 disposals, 1 contested mark ,26 hitouts, 5 clearances, 5 1%ers, 1 goal
My Brownlow Votes
3 - Luke Shuey - see above
2 - Daniel Kerr - see above
1 - Josh Kenney - see above
Thursday, August 18, 2011
West Coast vs Essendon Preview – 2011 AFL Season – Round 22
Teams
Link
Key Players
Arguably Essendon's most important player given their lack of strong bodied, prolific contested ball and clearance winning players in the midfield, their captain is IMO the most vital cog in their engine. Scott Selwood seems his most likely opponent as he faces one of his most challenging assignments of the year.
After copping some criticism for his efforts mid-season Ryder has turned his form around. He has been in good form the last 2 weeks in particular where he has been Essendon's first ruck with Hille spending most his time forward and it is likely he will play the same role this week with the big task of facing the Cox/Naitanui duo (Naitanui playing his 50th game this week) - it is important for Essendon's chances that he at least breaks even in the ruck knocks and exerts plenty of positive influence around the ground.
The hard running outside midfielder has shown some strong form in the last 3 weeks amassing 94 disposals in the last 3 weeks including 39 disposals, 11 marks and 2 goals 1 behind last week. On the long, narrow Subiaco Oval his run will be important. It is likely he will face a head to head battle with either Andrew Embley or Andrew Gaff.
Link
Key Players
Jobe Watson
Arguably Essendon's most important player given their lack of strong bodied, prolific contested ball and clearance winning players in the midfield, their captain is IMO the most vital cog in their engine. Scott Selwood seems his most likely opponent as he faces one of his most challenging assignments of the year.
Patrick Ryder
After copping some criticism for his efforts mid-season Ryder has turned his form around. He has been in good form the last 2 weeks in particular where he has been Essendon's first ruck with Hille spending most his time forward and it is likely he will play the same role this week with the big task of facing the Cox/Naitanui duo (Naitanui playing his 50th game this week) - it is important for Essendon's chances that he at least breaks even in the ruck knocks and exerts plenty of positive influence around the ground.
Brent Stanton
The hard running outside midfielder has shown some strong form in the last 3 weeks amassing 94 disposals in the last 3 weeks including 39 disposals, 11 marks and 2 goals 1 behind last week. On the long, narrow Subiaco Oval his run will be important. It is likely he will face a head to head battle with either Andrew Embley or Andrew Gaff.
David Zaharakis
A close friend of Luke Shuey's, Zaharakis has been a strong performer since his arrival at AFL. He is very good at finding space out the back of the zone and kicking running goals from around the 50m mark. When Essendon get it through the zone, he is one to watch out for as his finishing skills on the run are typically very good. He will likely go head to head with either Andrew Embley or Andrew Gaff when he plays midfield and perhaps Beau Waters when he plays forward.
Prediction
The Bombers are in the midst of a good run of form in their quest for September action. If this game was in Melbourne they would probably go in favourites, but a poor away record particularly Subiaco has been a weakness for them for many seasons and I expect their lean interstate record to continue in what should be a quite a good contest.
West Coast by 25 points
Sunday, August 14, 2011
West Coast vs Melbourne Review – 2011 AFL Season – Round 21
Fine conditions with an open roof at Etihad Stadium faced the two teams in what was expected to be a one-sided clash.
Looking at all the statistics apart from the score, you would've expected Melbourne to be leading at the first change, but poor disposal was their showstopper as West Coast were able to punish their mistakes and lead by 12 points.
A dominant second quarter by West Coast put Melbourne on the ropes with the lead extending out to 47 points at the main break.
West Coast's cursed 3rd quarter run continued as the Dees were able to close the gap to 32 points and give themselves a sneaky chance going into the last, however some missed opportunities could've narrowed the large half time margin closer.
The last quarter was bereft of goals until Cox's the 15 minute mark and a lack of fight from Melbourne allowed West Coast seal the win by 48 points.
My Eagles Votes
5 - Andrew Gaff - hard running and neat disposal again stood out in a consistent 4 quarter game - 33 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal assist
4 - Andrew Embley - his hard running forward of the ball created many scoring opportunties for West Coast, particularly during the dominant patch in Q2 - 25 disposals, 1 goal 2 behinds, 1 goal assist
3 - Scott Selwood - kept Scully to a lowly game, whilst impact himself at the contest - 15 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 5 clearances, 12 tackles, 1 goal
2 - Will Schofield - was solid in defence and provided good attacking rebound run - 18 disposals
1 - Luke Shuey - shutdown late in the game for precautionary reasons, but impacted well with his clearance work and run early - 16 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 0 goals 2 behinds, 1 goal assist
My Brownlow Votes
3 - Andrew Gaff - see above
2 - Andrew Embley - see above
1 - Jeremy Howe - was the Dees only consistent shining light throughout the game - 18 disposals, 10 marks (5 contested), 3 goals 1 behind.
Looking at all the statistics apart from the score, you would've expected Melbourne to be leading at the first change, but poor disposal was their showstopper as West Coast were able to punish their mistakes and lead by 12 points.
A dominant second quarter by West Coast put Melbourne on the ropes with the lead extending out to 47 points at the main break.
West Coast's cursed 3rd quarter run continued as the Dees were able to close the gap to 32 points and give themselves a sneaky chance going into the last, however some missed opportunities could've narrowed the large half time margin closer.
The last quarter was bereft of goals until Cox's the 15 minute mark and a lack of fight from Melbourne allowed West Coast seal the win by 48 points.
My Eagles Votes
5 - Andrew Gaff - hard running and neat disposal again stood out in a consistent 4 quarter game - 33 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal assist
4 - Andrew Embley - his hard running forward of the ball created many scoring opportunties for West Coast, particularly during the dominant patch in Q2 - 25 disposals, 1 goal 2 behinds, 1 goal assist
3 - Scott Selwood - kept Scully to a lowly game, whilst impact himself at the contest - 15 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 5 clearances, 12 tackles, 1 goal
2 - Will Schofield - was solid in defence and provided good attacking rebound run - 18 disposals
1 - Luke Shuey - shutdown late in the game for precautionary reasons, but impacted well with his clearance work and run early - 16 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 0 goals 2 behinds, 1 goal assist
My Brownlow Votes
3 - Andrew Gaff - see above
2 - Andrew Embley - see above
1 - Jeremy Howe - was the Dees only consistent shining light throughout the game - 18 disposals, 10 marks (5 contested), 3 goals 1 behind.
Monday, August 8, 2011
West Coast vs Richmond Review – 2011 AFL Season – Round 20
Conditions were overcast but dry in a match most thought was a forgone conclusion before the opening bounce.
Richmond challenged the naysayers battling hard in the first quarter with their clean ball movement and quick forward entries from centre square stoppages keeping them in the game, the margin only 7 points in West Coast's favour at quarter time.
A dominant second quarter display by Nic Naitanui helped West Coast extend their lead to 34 by the main break.
West Coast looked as if they'd put their 3rd quarter woes behind them as the margin extended to 45 points with 6 minutes remaining in the 3rd, but Richmond were able to kick the last 3 goals of the term to wittle the margin down to 27 points and with some handy momentum heading into the last.
However a strong last quarter display led by rising star contender, Luke Shuey, saw West Coast home as they kicked 5 unanswered goals - the final margin 57 points.
My Eagles Votes
5 - Luke Shuey - a strong 4 quarter all-round midfield performance including a powerful last quarter effort to stave off a Richmond comeback - 30 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 6 I50s, 7 tackles, 1 goal 2 behinds, 1 goal assist
4 - Daniel Kerr - provided his trademark combo of grunt and class in tight when the game was up for grabs - 34 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 8 clearances
3 - Nic Naitanui - an injury curtailed him in the last quarter, but a dominant 2nd quarter performance which included a massive 4 contested marks and 2 goals 1 behind was much needed after Richmond's solid start to the game and Dean Cox's injury - 14 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 5 marks (5 contested), 16 hitouts, 5 clearances, 5 free kicks for, 2 goals, 1 behind
2 - Brad Ebert - took some strong grabs, won important contests and hit the scoreboard with 4 goals and 1 goal assist...couldn't ask for much more - 21 disposals, 6 marks (2 contested), 4 goals 1 behind, 1 goal assist
1 - Mark Nicoski - good 4 quarter performance as a forward pocket kicking accurately with 6 opportunist goals and providing strong defensive pressure - 14 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 6 tackles, 6 goals
Honourable mentions to Jack Darling, Andrew Gaff, Quinten Lynch and Scott Selwood for their performances.
My 'Brownlow' votes
3 - Luke Shuey - see above
2 - Daniel Kerr - see above
1 - Nic Naitanui - see above
Sunday, April 10, 2011
West Coast vs Sydney Review – 2011 AFL Season – Round 3
Perfect conditions on a Saturday night greeted two close rivals who had endured many a close contest over the past 6 seasons.
Sydney started of fastest with 2 goals before West Coast had even hit the scoreboard, but the quarter ended up finishing on level terms thanks a couple of goals to Quinten Lynch and a goal moments before the quarter time siren from a ruck stoppage by Nic Naitanui.
Sydney again scored the opening two goals of the second quarter before West Coast replied with one of their own - the scores finished 7 points in Sydney’s advantage at the main break.
The early quarter dominance of the Swans continued in the third with another two unanswered goals before West Coast staged a strong fight back kicking the last 4 goals of the term to go into the final quarter with a 1 goal lead.
Luke Shuey’s goal in the opening minute was an ideal start to the last quarter for West Coast, but Sydney stayed in the contest going goal for goal for the next 2, before finishing West Coast off with the last 4 goals of the game consecutively to go home 2 goal winners.
My Eagles Votes
5 – Dean Cox - another strong ruck/midfield performance with good effect when forward. Won the HMAS Medal for BOG – 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 5 marks (2 contested), 2 goals 38 hitouts –
4 – Quentin Lynch – 11 disposals, 6 marks (3 contested), 4 goals, 1
3 – Nic Naitanui – 14 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal
2 – Scott Selwood – performed an effective tagging job on the in-form ROK – 18 disposals, 6 tackles
1 - Jack Darling – 14 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal assist – provided a strong marking target at half forward and once again very good defensive pressure that should of been rewarded on at least one occasion
My 'Brownlow' Votes
3 – Adam Goodes – a strong all-round performance where he featured in the both the forward half as a marking target and midfield in the last quarter, where he produced a vintage display to help Sydney to the win – 21 disposals, 7 marks (4 contested), 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds, 1 goal assist
2 – Dean Cox – see above
1 – Kieran Jack – held Daniel Kerr to very little and was influential around the stoppages – 23 disposals, 12 tackles, 6 clearances, 10 contested possessions, 1 goal assist
Sydney started of fastest with 2 goals before West Coast had even hit the scoreboard, but the quarter ended up finishing on level terms thanks a couple of goals to Quinten Lynch and a goal moments before the quarter time siren from a ruck stoppage by Nic Naitanui.
Sydney again scored the opening two goals of the second quarter before West Coast replied with one of their own - the scores finished 7 points in Sydney’s advantage at the main break.
The early quarter dominance of the Swans continued in the third with another two unanswered goals before West Coast staged a strong fight back kicking the last 4 goals of the term to go into the final quarter with a 1 goal lead.
Luke Shuey’s goal in the opening minute was an ideal start to the last quarter for West Coast, but Sydney stayed in the contest going goal for goal for the next 2, before finishing West Coast off with the last 4 goals of the game consecutively to go home 2 goal winners.
My Eagles Votes
5 – Dean Cox - another strong ruck/midfield performance with good effect when forward. Won the HMAS Medal for BOG – 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 5 marks (2 contested), 2 goals 38 hitouts –
4 – Quentin Lynch – 11 disposals, 6 marks (3 contested), 4 goals, 1
3 – Nic Naitanui – 14 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 1 goal
2 – Scott Selwood – performed an effective tagging job on the in-form ROK – 18 disposals, 6 tackles
1 - Jack Darling – 14 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal assist – provided a strong marking target at half forward and once again very good defensive pressure that should of been rewarded on at least one occasion
My 'Brownlow' Votes
3 – Adam Goodes – a strong all-round performance where he featured in the both the forward half as a marking target and midfield in the last quarter, where he produced a vintage display to help Sydney to the win – 21 disposals, 7 marks (4 contested), 5 tackles, 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals, 2 behinds, 1 goal assist
2 – Dean Cox – see above
1 – Kieran Jack – held Daniel Kerr to very little and was influential around the stoppages – 23 disposals, 12 tackles, 6 clearances, 10 contested possessions, 1 goal assist
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