So we came up 4 points short of last season's Grand Finalists. Not bad for the team that finished in a certain position. The one major difference I have seen since Sticky took over, is us being resolute in defence. Ok, we leaked 20 points, but we kept them scoreless for 50 minutes. Our line speed was good and we looked to shut-down Ennis and Reynolds. When we had the early tries put on us we didn't drop our heads and we kept trying. There are, as always, areas we need to improve and players who deserve a pat on the back.
1. We missed Kelly: Although he's a young half we missed a play maker who could take control and direct the team when we lost our way. We had too many players trying to just throw the ball around and dance through the line when all we needed was some simple football that targeted the Dogs' defensive weakness. Roberts and Sandow both had decent games but when a player needed to take control on the Dogs' line there was no one to be found.
2. Matt Keating: He's not exactly everyone's favourite player but he did play well last night. He had a number of good runs out of dummy-half as well as quick service. He was willing to run the ball and he brought his forwards onto the ball quickly.
3. Long kicking game: It has truly been one of our best assets so far this season. Both Sandow and Roberts have shown that they're not afraid to kick long and early with it finally paying for Sandow last night with his 40/20. This has been area of particular concern for some years now and I believe that with Ricky Stuart this part of our game can only keep improving.
4. Jacob Loko: This kid just continues to impress me. He doesn't care about reputations and is prepared to do the hard work. Very few players can pick up Tony Williams and drive him backwards. Loko made it look easy. If he continues this and stays fit he will be a future Blue. On a somewhat similar note Kelepi Tanginoa also has enormous potential he just needs some time to settle into the team.
5. It will take time: Stuart said to give him 10 weeks to get this team right. I'm prepared to give him the time. From what I've seen so far we have the makings of a competitive team if they continue to develop the way they are. Given the inexperience of our squad it will take a little time for them to completely gel and be able to peel of different plays at will. I also believe that our squad has the potential to become the new Baby Eels. But that blog is for another day.
Replies
Very promising signs for the rest of this year and for years to come. To compete with last years grand finalists with pretty much the same team as last year shows the improvement. Getting into that situation and having more experience in those kind of situations can only help us improve. Thought we missed luke Kelly big time, Paulo and Roberts played a bit too much ad lib footy. Good game of footy and bring on the Tigers next week!
i agree we need to get rid of keating
he's too predictable and slow
i think since we're starting to become the "baby eels" why not give nathan smith a go at 9?