Summer Loving - Jan 2007

What a difference a few days make. On Saturday at the East meets West day there was persistent light drizzle and slightly slippery condition yet two days later the Western Oval was bathed in brilliant sunlight and the surface was a real treat.

Training consisted on plenty of running drills and a little skill work before breaking into a scratch match and it was quite a match.
Sam Power was one of the first to impress. He got the ball at will early on and ran hard and was precise with his kicks. He moved everywhere from half back to half forward and appear to have done everything right during the pre-season.

Jason Akermanis was also all class. His kicking and pace really stood out but his real strength is his decisive decision making. Aker is very much an inspiration to the younger group and once again he seemed to be doing a little bit of work with young Higgins.

Shaun Higgins has really made a lot of progress since last season. Physically he has made significant progress but his poise, decision making, vision and kicking have been impressive. I'd expect big things from him this year which is surprising given he was the youngest player in the AFL in the 2006 season.

Andrew McDougall really stepped up in this session. He held a couple of contested marks and was never beaten in the air. His effort on the ground was also evident. These two areas are where the Eagle felt he didn't offer them much so I hope he has turned the corner with the terrific opportunity Eade has given him.

Two of the Rookies again impressed today.
Harbrow was just electrifying. He held a number of marks and even when he missed one his effort to pick the ball up in a contested situation was very classy. His kicking for goal did not disappoint and seems to have the ability to slot them through from 45 if required.
Hughes as also very good today and played mainly in the midfield. He kicked a long and impressive goal but really his work in the middle showed that he would not be out of place as a senior footballer if needed. Needs a bit of work on the defensive side of his game but the signs are good that he can become a senior footballer.

Street had a very good session. He ran down Aker which all the supporters acknowledged and he was very good around the ground.
Harris was solid without being exceptional.
McMahon provided a few brilliant runs.
Griffen was a bit quiet and sprayed the odd kick.
Boyd provided a typical Boyd type effort and was efficient.
Morris was rock steady and provided plenty of run.
Darcy did a fair bit and played with the knee brace on and seemed to be well pleased to get through the session.
Faulkner did some very nice things but his kicking let himself down big time.

Heaps of injured guys going through their specialised training routines.

Harbrow appears to one of those guys who make time stand still. That contest where he was beaten for the mark but turned back to gather and kick he was just a beat or two faster than any other player and made them look like plodders.

I've also read good reports about Lynch.

Where do you think he and Harbrow will play? FP? Wing?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dry Rot

I've also read good reports about Lynch.

Where do you think he and Harbrow will play? FP? Wing?

---

harbrow looks to me to be the Bobby Murphy type HFF. Very good hands, panther like recovery if he loses the marking contest and pinpoint disposal by hand and foot.

Lynch I'll have a good long look at in the next few days.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Twodogs

harbrow looks to me to be the Bobby Murphy type HFF. Very good hands, panther like recovery if he loses the marking contest and pinpoint disposal by hand and foot.

Lynch I'll have a good long look at in the next few days.

---

I think there is a bit of a difference between Murphy and Harbrow. Murphy is more laconic, composed and makes things look easy where Harbrow is a bit more dynamic and intense and perhaps a bit like more like Aker than Murphy.
Harbrow has a long, long way to go to be as good as those two but it was his 2nd very good display within a few days and I can't wait to see how he performs on Friday.