Spot the difference

[GVGjr]

Re: Spot the difference

The first 5 or some minutes of the game, we worked very hard in keeping the ball in our forward 50. We just didn't have any of the class and polish to convert the goals. I thought our defensive pressure was good all night, and I'm very thankful to the Lions who appear to be up and running at nearly 100%.

They pressured the ball carrier well, and really shut down the spaces. This is the thing we need to learn how to beat - run those lines and run through the gaps.

I think the Lions are up and running too early. It's such a long season, especially for a team of kids. They are going to peak way to early.

There was some real positive signs with the defensive pressure we displayed in the forward line on Friday night. McDougall has been a welcome addition in that area and while he game free kick away his endeavor was good. When we can get a lot better at this though.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Spot the difference

Yeah, no doubt there is a lot of work to be done. It's great to see a big bloke chasing that hard. Robbins was fairly quiet in this regard, and Lynch just couldn't impact on the defensive side of things.

I'm actually really looking forward to seeing Cooney out there in the forward line, applying that pressure with the likes of Robbo. I think Faulkner would have helped against the Lions a lot too, and hopefully he can keep up some good form in the B's. His attack on the ball and body was sorely missed.

What did you think of the tactics of dropping men back, sort of, zoning off, along the half back line forming a bit of a wall? I thought it was good to see Rocket doing a few different things, not that they all worked.

[GVGjr]

Re: Spot the difference

What did you think of the tactics of dropping men back, sort of, zoning off, along the half back line forming a bit of a wall? I thought it was good to see Rocket doing a few different things, not that they all worked.

That worked well for a period of time and real confused the Lions. In the end some poor decision making when we had the ball cost us when they rebounded it.
Eade would have a number of little tactics that he will try during these games.

[Dry Rot]

Re: Spot the difference

It will be interesting post game to consider what if anything has changed from last season.

Are we really bigger and stronger?

Has our work at the clearances improved?

Defensive pressure/tackling improved?

Hm, I thought we were in trouble back in February.

Not surprised about yesterday or the week before, or the game vs the Crows or......

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Spot the difference

Well, we spanked them in the clearance and won more contested ball yesterday. We just didn't do the things that we normally do well - run and run hard, then harder, find space, deliver well etc.