1. Quality over quantity is a risky way to run a forward line – Whilst some business models may work based on quality over quantity, when it comes to inside 50s, there is merit in preferring quantity over quality. As Mitchell observed in the pre-season documentary, post the Cats practice match, 40 inside 50s isn’t going to win many games across the season, so in one respect, the fact that we were able to have quality inside 50’s kicking 11.3 from set shots allowed us to post a defendable score against the Saints who have only scored more than 80 points since Round 5.
2. Midfield lacked cohesion and clean hands – With Worpel’s return, the midfield mix was again re-jigged which meant that the clear benefit of Meek’s dominance wasn’t maximized around the clearances. As per his return earlier in the year, Worpel wasn’t clean around the contest, so it may be a pattern that could indicate if he misses 3+ games, he may not be an automatic return. Similarly, Mackenzie’s desire to seek the “perfect” over the “practical” meant we lost momentum when he didn’t take the first option when he had the ball. From a practical perspective, it was highlighted in the 3rd quarter when Meek punched the ball from the centre bounce clear of the congestion, however it wasn’t clear if the mids were aware of this tactic.
3. Jiath played with fire and was burnt twice – As is his want, Jiath twice played Russian roulette and lost on both occasions. The first was in the 3rd quarter when he went 3rd (or 4th) man up in a marking contest, leaving Owen crumbing the pack and goaling, after he failed to kill the contest. Similarly, in the last quarter, when NWM hit Sharman up 20 metres from goal, Jiath had looked to defend the goal line in case NWM took the shot from the boundary line himself. In both scenarios, a defender is obliged to defend their opponent, unless they are sure they can win or at least halve the contest. In a close game, these decisions are vital.
4. Sometimes can you be too smart for yourself? – In subbing Mitchell for Ramsden, it seemed that the coach was looking to use Mitchell as a defensive forward to limit the offensive work of NWM and/or Sinclair. Not having played this role at Box Hill in recent times or ever, it didn’t have the impact that had been hoped for in making the change. Lyon moved NWM into the middle and Seamus couldn’t provide an option in the forward half. It also meant that Nash had to do the ruck work in the later part of the game; something that Ramsden had been effective in the first half, along with his contested marking. Interesting that it wasn’t Impey moved forward to play this role, which was one he played earlier in his career.
5. The wingers hitting the scoreboard – For possibly the first time, both Morrison and D’Ambrosio (from around 50 metres with the stand rule) kicked goals in the same game and each was important in a low scoring game. When you consider Newcombe’s goal as well, the midfield contribution to the scoreboard was significant.
Observations:
• If Meek could take the marks he gets his hands to, then he would be in the discussion as one of the elite ruck men in the competition.
• Macdonald is having a relatively quiet run over the past month.
• Nash’s clearance work in the last quarter whilst not pretty and possibly measured ineffective, was important to give us territory in these early contests.
• With the return of Hardwick to the back 6, Impey has been released to provide run and carry from the back half.
• Barrass looks to have strengthened his connection with the other backs and his ability to take the big forward has been important.
• Moore looked to become a little goal focused in the last quarter, kicking 1.3 when a couple of his behinds, he could’ve set up a teammate, something Watson did with Nash who then found D’Ambrosio.
• Again, we were caught out in stoppages deep in the back line conceding two goals (Hall x2) – this has been a quiet watch over the season.
• 0 disposals quarters – Jiath (3rd quarter)
• Tackle count by quarter – 10/24; 15/19; 11/22; 13/17
• I50 count by quarter – 10/13; 8/12; 11/12; 13/16
– as per earlier point, it is worth noting 4 midfield roles being in the lowest kicking efficiency doesn’t assist with the ball movement, notwithstanding Meek, Nash & Worpel are predominantly inside the contests.
Starting 4: (CBA/CC)
1st Qrt: Newcombe (24/3) Nash (17/1) Ward (15/0)
2nd Qrt: Newcombe Ward Worpel (15/0)
3rd Qrt: Newcombe Nash Ward
4th Qrt: Newcombe Nash Worpel
Meek 24/1 Mackenzie 8/0 Chol 3/1 Watson 1/0 Moore 1/1
(Morrison 0/1)
The return of Worpel meant Mackenzie lost CBAs down from 17 last week which possibly indicates the pecking order as well as impact on the contest. It is interesting that both Watson and Moore who have the burst of speed from the contest only shared 2 CBAs, given that the mids weren’t generally clean in the clearances as mentioned earlier.
Issue for the week:
To qualify for the finals, this game is one of four (others being Crows, Pies & Lions) that are going determine whether we make the Top 8. Historically, 14 wins with a reasonable percentage would ensure that you are playing in September, however this year, given the gap between the Top 9 and Bottom 9 teams, it is becoming conceivable that 15 games may be needed to ensure your September spot. With Fremantle and Crows being our immediate competitors for a finals’ spot, this game has even more significance. If we were to drop a match outside of this group, then we probably don’t deserve to be there.
(Note: The Swans have done us huge favour, so we need to cement this advantage as Freo has a similar run home to ours in terms of opponents.)
For those playing along at home, no recap pod this week. We think today’s article was more than enough to get your fill from THAT outing (😅). We will do a mini review on our TWTWTW pod which will drop in the next couple of days!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Would say a desperate move to take Ramsden off who was going well and the more game time he gets the better he will come on I would say he wanted Seamus on to curb their main ball winner may have helped a bit but back fired
Ramsden was playing too good to be taken off, and personally I would have tactically subbed off Mackenzie (like for like players) to bring on Mitchell. Ramsden was providing a great relief option down the line, and with 3 contested marks (of 5 marks) to his name, along with his important goal and going at 100% disposal efficiency in limited playing time was disappointing to see him taken off! I’m guessing Sam also needed a reason to be able to omit him from the team next week (I could be wrong) to bring in Calsher who has been tearing it up in the VFL for the last month. You struggle to drop a player who has been playing extremely well don’t you think?
As noted last week, CJ is prone to poor decisions - last week it had a major hand in North's first two goals, and again this week as Mick points out, his poor decision making resulted in goals to StKilda. We just can't be giving up gals due to dumb errors and given that our skipper can now be relied on for a weekly blooper or two that results in an opposition goal, it is questionable whether CJ remains as a permanent member of the back 7. With With Weddle out and the lack of speed on our wings, there is a spot for CJ, but it's not in defence.
The inability to curb NWM was a real concern and the choice of Seamus Mitchell to play this role, as Mick also notes, was odd. Our inability to clamp opposition players that are dominating - Butters, Anderson and Zorko come to mind - is a worry. We need to have options to lock down and this may mean a player sacrificing his own game. Could Connor McDonald, who has been down, play a role on Calrk this week and could Worpel go to Serong for example? While Nash can be sued in a run with role, he's rarely been deployed in that capacity this year. Interestingly Sydney used Braiden Campbell in a lock down on Clark yesterday in a role Campbell has not played previously.
Our midfield was badly beaten all night, yet we didn't see one change to the set up. It remains a mystery why Connor McDonald is never given midfield minutes (especially when he's a bit off as a forward), Moore has been exceptional when used in the centre square and Watson has had some great cameos. Even Amon or Impey could be worth a try in there occasionally. It's not the first time this year that our midfield has been blanketed and we've been reluctant to make changes to the set up. Perhaps the value of Butler, and his point of difference, was evident on Saturday night?
Had we lost, and it was really only StKilda's execution that denied them, this game would not have reflected well on our caching box. We couldn't shut NWM down and he could have almost single handedly won the game for them, the refusal to change a losing midfield mix and the Mitchell / Ramsden substitution would all rightly be on the coaching box and seen as key factors in a loss.
Freo have some real weapons - Clark, Serong / Brayshaw, Bolton, Jackson and Treacy - it will take an across-the-board contribution if we are a chance to beat them over here. Selection will be fascinating - it seems that one of Dear or Lewis will come in for Max, which against Freo with Darcy / Ramsden and no obvious third tall defender, may not be the right way to go. Ramsden's marking, ability to hit the scoreboard and the more effective functioning of our forward line since he's been in the team shouldn't be underestimated. Mackenzie is struggling, does Hustwaite get another chance? Is Seamus Mitchell retained in the 23 or do Scrimshaw or Serong get an opportunity, even if as sub?
I am glad someone has the courage to call out CJ’s decision making and whilst he runs like the wind and definitely brings high energy, he is too slow deciding where to kick it from a standing start.
Another great call by you re Sic. I reckon he gifts the oppo 2 goals per match. Sic is a confidence player, unstoppable when he believes in himself. Hopefully this run was to blow out the cobwebs and the op fixed his issues.
Serong never gets a go. Is it because it has been agreed a trade to Freo.
Hustwaite clearly struggles at AFL level. I didn't rate his BH game on the weekend. Get heaps of it but not always great with decisions/execution . Hitting the scoreboard every now and then wouldn’t hurt his cause either.
Does Worps hinder or help the middle? Are we faster or slower? Ward seams to play better when Worps isn’t there.
Our Lockdown man is Finn, but doesn’t seem to be used in that capacity any more.
I hope the selection makes sense as we need the Freo win and we could all do with some excitement when investing the time into watching a match.
The defenders continue to do their thing with a season low average whereas the forwards are still to find some consistency bearing in mind this is 4 wins-1 loss period. The Tassie games probably balance themselves out - scoring 47 and 150 - being the lowest and highest scores for the season.
My main takeaway from this game is that we picked a marginally serviceable Josh Ward ahead of Messia Nazareth Wanganeen.......and had Max Hall under our noses at Box Hill........Worpel and Mackenzie were simply awful and should justifiably be dropped.
Dear has to play this week. Whilst Ramsden was ok, and we have looked better with him, Dear is class, Ramsden is not. Not like for like, and probably not possible, but I would drop McKenzie and keep Ramsden.
Rama deserves a go, definitely not the worst Hawk the other night. Mitch Lewis and Calsher improved as the BoxHill game went on. Both will be seriously considered but can’t go too tall so interesting selection calls this week. I am still devo re Weddle with only the return of Will Day to help me deal with his loss.
What was learnt:
1. Quality over quantity is a risky way to run a forward line – Whilst some business models may work based on quality over quantity, when it comes to inside 50s, there is merit in preferring quantity over quality. As Mitchell observed in the pre-season documentary, post the Cats practice match, 40 inside 50s isn’t going to win many games across the season, so in one respect, the fact that we were able to have quality inside 50’s kicking 11.3 from set shots allowed us to post a defendable score against the Saints who have only scored more than 80 points since Round 5.
2. Midfield lacked cohesion and clean hands – With Worpel’s return, the midfield mix was again re-jigged which meant that the clear benefit of Meek’s dominance wasn’t maximized around the clearances. As per his return earlier in the year, Worpel wasn’t clean around the contest, so it may be a pattern that could indicate if he misses 3+ games, he may not be an automatic return. Similarly, Mackenzie’s desire to seek the “perfect” over the “practical” meant we lost momentum when he didn’t take the first option when he had the ball. From a practical perspective, it was highlighted in the 3rd quarter when Meek punched the ball from the centre bounce clear of the congestion, however it wasn’t clear if the mids were aware of this tactic.
3. Jiath played with fire and was burnt twice – As is his want, Jiath twice played Russian roulette and lost on both occasions. The first was in the 3rd quarter when he went 3rd (or 4th) man up in a marking contest, leaving Owen crumbing the pack and goaling, after he failed to kill the contest. Similarly, in the last quarter, when NWM hit Sharman up 20 metres from goal, Jiath had looked to defend the goal line in case NWM took the shot from the boundary line himself. In both scenarios, a defender is obliged to defend their opponent, unless they are sure they can win or at least halve the contest. In a close game, these decisions are vital.
4. Sometimes can you be too smart for yourself? – In subbing Mitchell for Ramsden, it seemed that the coach was looking to use Mitchell as a defensive forward to limit the offensive work of NWM and/or Sinclair. Not having played this role at Box Hill in recent times or ever, it didn’t have the impact that had been hoped for in making the change. Lyon moved NWM into the middle and Seamus couldn’t provide an option in the forward half. It also meant that Nash had to do the ruck work in the later part of the game; something that Ramsden had been effective in the first half, along with his contested marking. Interesting that it wasn’t Impey moved forward to play this role, which was one he played earlier in his career.
5. The wingers hitting the scoreboard – For possibly the first time, both Morrison and D’Ambrosio (from around 50 metres with the stand rule) kicked goals in the same game and each was important in a low scoring game. When you consider Newcombe’s goal as well, the midfield contribution to the scoreboard was significant.
Observations:
• If Meek could take the marks he gets his hands to, then he would be in the discussion as one of the elite ruck men in the competition.
• Macdonald is having a relatively quiet run over the past month.
• Nash’s clearance work in the last quarter whilst not pretty and possibly measured ineffective, was important to give us territory in these early contests.
• With the return of Hardwick to the back 6, Impey has been released to provide run and carry from the back half.
• Barrass looks to have strengthened his connection with the other backs and his ability to take the big forward has been important.
• Moore looked to become a little goal focused in the last quarter, kicking 1.3 when a couple of his behinds, he could’ve set up a teammate, something Watson did with Nash who then found D’Ambrosio.
• Again, we were caught out in stoppages deep in the back line conceding two goals (Hall x2) – this has been a quiet watch over the season.
• 0 disposals quarters – Jiath (3rd quarter)
• Tackle count by quarter – 10/24; 15/19; 11/22; 13/17
• I50 count by quarter – 10/13; 8/12; 11/12; 13/16
• TOG % - Bottom 5 (leaving out subs): Mackenzie 59% Watson 67% Worpel 71% Nash 74% Jiath 75%. (Battle Hardwick 92% highest.)
• Kicking efficiency (DE): Battle 100% (91), Morrison 90% (89), Sicily 89% (75), Barrass 88% (92), Jiath 85% (89) Ramsden 88% (83), Jiath 86% (87).
Nash 27% (47), Worpel 28% (43), Chol 50% (43), Mackenzie 57% (64), Meek 57% (65)
– as per earlier point, it is worth noting 4 midfield roles being in the lowest kicking efficiency doesn’t assist with the ball movement, notwithstanding Meek, Nash & Worpel are predominantly inside the contests.
Starting 4: (CBA/CC)
1st Qrt: Newcombe (24/3) Nash (17/1) Ward (15/0)
2nd Qrt: Newcombe Ward Worpel (15/0)
3rd Qrt: Newcombe Nash Ward
4th Qrt: Newcombe Nash Worpel
Meek 24/1 Mackenzie 8/0 Chol 3/1 Watson 1/0 Moore 1/1
(Morrison 0/1)
The return of Worpel meant Mackenzie lost CBAs down from 17 last week which possibly indicates the pecking order as well as impact on the contest. It is interesting that both Watson and Moore who have the burst of speed from the contest only shared 2 CBAs, given that the mids weren’t generally clean in the clearances as mentioned earlier.
Issue for the week:
To qualify for the finals, this game is one of four (others being Crows, Pies & Lions) that are going determine whether we make the Top 8. Historically, 14 wins with a reasonable percentage would ensure that you are playing in September, however this year, given the gap between the Top 9 and Bottom 9 teams, it is becoming conceivable that 15 games may be needed to ensure your September spot. With Fremantle and Crows being our immediate competitors for a finals’ spot, this game has even more significance. If we were to drop a match outside of this group, then we probably don’t deserve to be there.
(Note: The Swans have done us huge favour, so we need to cement this advantage as Freo has a similar run home to ours in terms of opponents.)
How come we didn’t get our usual hour long podcast review of the Saints game this week (yet)?
From HI X
For those playing along at home, no recap pod this week. We think today’s article was more than enough to get your fill from THAT outing (😅). We will do a mini review on our TWTWTW pod which will drop in the next couple of days!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Was it that miserable nobody wanted to relive it again?😂
🎯 The opening line may support this view.
Would say a desperate move to take Ramsden off who was going well and the more game time he gets the better he will come on I would say he wanted Seamus on to curb their main ball winner may have helped a bit but back fired
Ramsden was playing too good to be taken off, and personally I would have tactically subbed off Mackenzie (like for like players) to bring on Mitchell. Ramsden was providing a great relief option down the line, and with 3 contested marks (of 5 marks) to his name, along with his important goal and going at 100% disposal efficiency in limited playing time was disappointing to see him taken off! I’m guessing Sam also needed a reason to be able to omit him from the team next week (I could be wrong) to bring in Calsher who has been tearing it up in the VFL for the last month. You struggle to drop a player who has been playing extremely well don’t you think?
As noted last week, CJ is prone to poor decisions - last week it had a major hand in North's first two goals, and again this week as Mick points out, his poor decision making resulted in goals to StKilda. We just can't be giving up gals due to dumb errors and given that our skipper can now be relied on for a weekly blooper or two that results in an opposition goal, it is questionable whether CJ remains as a permanent member of the back 7. With With Weddle out and the lack of speed on our wings, there is a spot for CJ, but it's not in defence.
The inability to curb NWM was a real concern and the choice of Seamus Mitchell to play this role, as Mick also notes, was odd. Our inability to clamp opposition players that are dominating - Butters, Anderson and Zorko come to mind - is a worry. We need to have options to lock down and this may mean a player sacrificing his own game. Could Connor McDonald, who has been down, play a role on Calrk this week and could Worpel go to Serong for example? While Nash can be sued in a run with role, he's rarely been deployed in that capacity this year. Interestingly Sydney used Braiden Campbell in a lock down on Clark yesterday in a role Campbell has not played previously.
Our midfield was badly beaten all night, yet we didn't see one change to the set up. It remains a mystery why Connor McDonald is never given midfield minutes (especially when he's a bit off as a forward), Moore has been exceptional when used in the centre square and Watson has had some great cameos. Even Amon or Impey could be worth a try in there occasionally. It's not the first time this year that our midfield has been blanketed and we've been reluctant to make changes to the set up. Perhaps the value of Butler, and his point of difference, was evident on Saturday night?
Had we lost, and it was really only StKilda's execution that denied them, this game would not have reflected well on our caching box. We couldn't shut NWM down and he could have almost single handedly won the game for them, the refusal to change a losing midfield mix and the Mitchell / Ramsden substitution would all rightly be on the coaching box and seen as key factors in a loss.
Freo have some real weapons - Clark, Serong / Brayshaw, Bolton, Jackson and Treacy - it will take an across-the-board contribution if we are a chance to beat them over here. Selection will be fascinating - it seems that one of Dear or Lewis will come in for Max, which against Freo with Darcy / Ramsden and no obvious third tall defender, may not be the right way to go. Ramsden's marking, ability to hit the scoreboard and the more effective functioning of our forward line since he's been in the team shouldn't be underestimated. Mackenzie is struggling, does Hustwaite get another chance? Is Seamus Mitchell retained in the 23 or do Scrimshaw or Serong get an opportunity, even if as sub?
I am glad someone has the courage to call out CJ’s decision making and whilst he runs like the wind and definitely brings high energy, he is too slow deciding where to kick it from a standing start.
Another great call by you re Sic. I reckon he gifts the oppo 2 goals per match. Sic is a confidence player, unstoppable when he believes in himself. Hopefully this run was to blow out the cobwebs and the op fixed his issues.
Serong never gets a go. Is it because it has been agreed a trade to Freo.
Hustwaite clearly struggles at AFL level. I didn't rate his BH game on the weekend. Get heaps of it but not always great with decisions/execution . Hitting the scoreboard every now and then wouldn’t hurt his cause either.
Does Worps hinder or help the middle? Are we faster or slower? Ward seams to play better when Worps isn’t there.
Our Lockdown man is Finn, but doesn’t seem to be used in that capacity any more.
I hope the selection makes sense as we need the Freo win and we could all do with some excitement when investing the time into watching a match.
5 week rolling ladder
Rd For Agst %
5 91 81 111.82%
6 87 83 105.05%
7 90 81 111.11%
8 96 78 123.14%
9 99 76 129.66%
10 100 73 137.09%
11 96 74 129.38%
12 82 81 101.98%
13 77 84 91.65%
14 68 81 83.54%
16 79 74 107.07%
17 86 70 122.64%
The defenders continue to do their thing with a season low average whereas the forwards are still to find some consistency bearing in mind this is 4 wins-1 loss period. The Tassie games probably balance themselves out - scoring 47 and 150 - being the lowest and highest scores for the season.
My main takeaway from this game is that we picked a marginally serviceable Josh Ward ahead of Messia Nazareth Wanganeen.......and had Max Hall under our noses at Box Hill........Worpel and Mackenzie were simply awful and should justifiably be dropped.
Hall may well be a true sliding doors moment as we beat the Lions in Rd. 11 that moved us past the Saints on the ladder, giving them the earlier pick.
Would we have taken Hall though in the MSD?
We’re not to know for sure, but we lost the chance.
We have taken Newcombe & Blanck in MSD from BH, so there is some history of taking known players.
Hall was in the discussions about potential draftees.
Is Messiah auto correct instead of Nesiah, because if it is it’s bloody hilarious and so appropriate for St Kilda’s future right now…😂
Coaches’ votes
5. NWM NWM
4. Hall Hall
3. Meek Barrass
2. Battle Gunston
1. Barrass Meek
Dear has to play this week. Whilst Ramsden was ok, and we have looked better with him, Dear is class, Ramsden is not. Not like for like, and probably not possible, but I would drop McKenzie and keep Ramsden.
Rama deserves a go, definitely not the worst Hawk the other night. Mitch Lewis and Calsher improved as the BoxHill game went on. Both will be seriously considered but can’t go too tall so interesting selection calls this week. I am still devo re Weddle with only the return of Will Day to help me deal with his loss.