2025 AAMI Community Series - Hawthorn V Western Bulldogs Thu 27/2/25 UTAS Stadium, Launceston 5:20PM AEDT

[jazzadogs]

I thought he was poor.

It’s great he’s moving well, but for many on here who have voiced frustrations with his game style, well they’re going to be just as frustrated I feel.

Poor positioning and strength in the ruck contests and wasn’t a strong threat both offensively and defensively in the air.

5 more years to get it right I guess.

I thought he started the match well, initiating contact and trying to take front position - but then had some really poor contests later in the game.

He had a better game than Meek imo.

[JanLorMill]

Not sure he beat Meek as the stats are close but Meek only played 60% and English 89%

[lemmon]

What did we think of English‘s game? Thought he went well. Competed well in the ruck and was moving well. noticed he found his way into the forward line on a couple of occasions when Naughton was high up the ground. He looks super fit.

Not dominant but I thought he beat Meek. He started really strongly and pushed back hard in defence to take a couple of big grabs, then started to go the other way and stretch Meek offensively with his running.

Meek got on top for that stretch in the third but I thought otherwise the contested work didn't get away from English.

It felt closer to Tim in 2023 than Tim in 2024.

I can see how people didn't rate his game, but I think that's the gap between what Tim is versus what supporters want from our ruck - which is a completely fair perspective.

[lemmon]

One thing I noticed with Croft is that he really doesn't look like a second-year beanpole. He's quite narrow across the shoulders but he looks strong through the core and certainly didn't look out of place physically.

The strength and conditioning team look like they've done a great job building him up and I wouldn't be too concerned about him playing seniors this year. We've come a long way from the days of trying to work out how to get Ayce Cordy ready for senior footy.

[doggies ftw]

I think the stand out for me was how well we defended the ground and how organised we were in doing it.

Hawks were number 1 in stretching the ground last year (width per possession chain) and they really struggled to get anything going. The only time you could see they were moving us around was a period in the third where we lost field position and they were able to dictate off intercept for 10 minutes by shaping the ball around with backwards/lateral kicks. That period looked like some of last years games against them.

There was a bit of vision early in Q3 where we had a shocking turnover and they should have been out. When the camera panned out we had a grid set up behind the ball and others surging back. Thought it was a great sign, I’ll try and find the vision.

We were also in front on contested ball all night. Hawks number 1 for ground balls last season.

Yeah well said, Hawks play that ground better than anyone too and we completely stifled their game for 75% of it. Our full ground defence has improved a huge amount in the past 12 months (ie mid last season to now), the way we want to play is really starting to shine through.

Someone posted at half time that it was a big worry they’d scored off 7 of their only 12 inside 50s. Yeah but they only had 12 inside 50s at half time, or 7 scoring shots! That’s what matters, not their scoring %. I think people get hung up on the goals out the back that look really easy against us but that is our style of play. When they get through there is going to be some easy goals out the back but the whole point is we completely dominate forward half possession.

it also means we’re generally kicking into a clogged forward line and we’re going to effectively have to work harder for good scoring shots but hey it works for us I guess looking at our scores for/def profile. It is purely by design in the way we set up.

[doggies ftw]

What did we think of English‘s game? Thought he went well. Competed well in the ruck and was moving well. noticed he found his way into the forward line on a couple of occasions when Naughton was high up the ground. He looks super fit.

He was okay I thought, good first half where he halved the contest with Meek and beat him around the ground which is what we want from him basically.

thought Meek got well on top in the ruck in the 3rd quarter though and started to put their midfield well on top, to be fair to English that was a second string midfield for us but it still started in the ruck, and then Meek was rested for Ramsden which was a lot better for Tim.

Pretty standard Tim game really, I’d love to see him focus on the repeat work at the stoppage after the hitout instead of running forward for a handball. You’re a ruck ffs, on a few occasions Meek followed up the ruck contest with a big block which freed up Newcombe to escape past our mids. I’ve never seen Tim do that once, which is what frustrates me, he’s more interested in getting on the end of the handball chain which is just not his job, yeah it looks flashy when it comes off to have your ruck stream out of the middle but it’s not productive.

He looks back to his best with the way he’s moving though which is a positive, and strong in the air he’s a real asset behind the play

[SonofScray]

Can never write of Tom. He looked as good as ever. Pray he doesn't cop a head knock.

Going to watch and enjoy Libba’s game even more than usual, can’t take him for granted.


Noticed a few things that have me thinking the end is going to be abrupt. Could be my pessimist tendencies but he’ll need to be managed and have a lot go right with injury.

The concussion history is the obvious issue that’ll have us white knuckling every contest with him, that was a feature of last year.

Yesterday I was seeing a veteran, hard nosed, champion out in a very good shift. Repeat efforts, winning the footy plenty, using it well. In good nick physically. Also saw him take an extra second or two to get up after a contest, or shaking off a knock, the efforts looked more conscious. Stuff that is reasonable for a veteran to be doing in preseason! But still a reminder to me that he is closer to the end than not, despite his durability, excellent performances and rock solid role in the team.

[Dogs 24/7]

I think the stand out for me was how well we defended the ground and how organised we were in doing it.

Hawks were number 1 in stretching the ground last year (width per possession chain) and they really struggled to get anything going. The only time you could see they were moving us around was a period in the third where we lost field position and they were able to dictate off intercept for 10 minutes by shaping the ball around with backwards/lateral kicks. That period looked like some of last years games against them.

There was a bit of vision early in Q3 where we had a shocking turnover and they should have been out. When the camera panned out we had a grid set up behind the ball and others surging back. Thought it was a great sign, I’ll try and find the vision.

We were also in front on contested ball all night. Hawks number 1 for ground balls last season.

I wonder if that is down to what Pratt has implemented or just a natural progression or improvement with some of the players.
JJ, Jones and Dale all missing and yet the defenders looked organised and got the balance between attack and defense right.

[Grantysghost]

I really wanted Sam Davidson in the draft and stoked when we picked him. Absolutely justified that love so early on and looks an absolute player. How could so many teams pass him up in the draft, still young but ready made and should play 20 games for us this season. What a steal.

Naughty and Darcy fill my heart with joy. For years and years we were begging for a key forward like these boys and now we have two, plus a super talented #1 pick on Jamarra on the sidelines. Absolutely blessed with tall talent and Rory Lobb is a real chance for an All Australian spot down back.

Cleary was one who impressed me too, I'll put my hand up, I thought he was a waste of a list spot and wasn't up to it, but he looked very comfortable, reads the game well and has nice skills. A fine depth defender who can play a few games this season if needed.

Cleary didn't panic and nailed his kicks. He was impressive.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Cleary didn't panic and nailed his kicks. He was impressive.

He seemed to have a more prominent role as the game wore on. Maybe that's what he's needed to show what he is capable of?

[Smads57]

Im shocked with that half of footy, well bar our kicking for goal. We set up the ground so well, frontal pressure yes please, and our kids putting their hands up.

Davidson, Dolan and Hynes going to be an exciting watch this year and beyond.

Don’t forget Jaques!

[hujsh]

I'm kind of surprised by the Cleary praise. I the outcomes mostly worked out but TBH it felt like he was a step slow or took too many attempts to be clean with the ball etc, the sort of moments where he got away with it being a practice match and the Hawks being a bit flat early. Stuff that would be punished in regular comp against a mid table team. Maybe I'm being harsh.

Garcia plays like he wants to be the main man but sometimes it's better to just hand the ball off. Also no need to seek out contact when you have possession of the ball, you have a decent fend off but you aren't Dustin Martin. He had some nice moments too though to be fair. Maybe like West he irons those out when he feels more secure in the team?

Davidson looks like a great partner for Williams
Was nice to see Naughton moving well in the second half
English looked better but yes still some times feels like he's letting you down in the ruck
McNeil seems set to build on his finish last year
The Matty Boyd 'my kicking is actually good when I play defence' trait doesn't seem to apply to Gallagher. Far as I can tell he wasn't bad apart from 2 kicks though.
Jones 9 touches in a half is something to build on. Working his ass off once he's on.
I thought Sanders moved well and generally made good decisions with ball in hand. Maybe I missed something being less invested in a practice match.

[azabob]

I wonder if that is down to what Pratt has implemented or just a natural progression or improvement with some of the players.
JJ, Jones and Dale all missing and yet the defenders looked organised and got the balance between attack and defense right.

Pratt. I created a thread earlier this year or late last year on how much our team defense has improved and suggested it can only get better with another pre-season.

Just on Pratt further, his after match presser he gave absolutely nothing to the media - senior coach for sure.

[Scragger77]

Did he get Assistant of the year at WCE?

[jeemak]

He was assistant of the year last year. Two of the last five winners have been Beveridge assistants.

[Uninformed]

Good effort that we overpowered their midfield with the guns we had out. Great sign for our depth.

Beating them with our two best backs and two or our best forwards out has to be a good sign.

The method our coaches have been training really stood up yesterday against a well coached side.

[Scorlibo]

I'm kind of surprised by the Cleary praise. I the outcomes mostly worked out but TBH it felt like he was a step slow or took too many attempts to be clean with the ball etc, the sort of moments where he got away with it being a practice match and the Hawks being a bit flat early. Stuff that would be punished in regular comp against a mid table team. Maybe I'm being harsh.

I'm surprised but in the other direction. To my eyes, this is much the same capable Cleary that I've seen in the VFL and in his very limited exposure in the AFL. Excellent decision maker, clean with the ball, neat disposal, evasive. He has some talent, and has been quite unlucky to not get more opportunity in the AFL. He's a victim I think of appearing to have a low ceiling on his ability, and that makes people ignore that he also has a high floor - he's consistently good and rarely exceptional.

[Grantysghost]

I'm surprised but in the other direction. To my eyes, this is much the same capable Cleary that I've seen in the VFL and in his very limited exposure in the AFL. Excellent decision maker, clean with the ball, neat disposal, evasive. He has some talent, and has been quite unlucky to not get more opportunity in the AFL. He's a victim I think of appearing to have a low ceiling on his ability, and that makes people ignore that he also has a high floor - he's consistently good and rarely exceptional.

Such a great observation.

Not everyone needs to be a star.

He seems like a reliable role player and I was very impressed. Can see why he's remained on the list to the chagrin of some fans.