We can learn a lot from win over Central District, says West Adelaide coach Mark Mickan

WEST Adelaide coach Mark Mickan is not going to let a victory over Central District cloud his judgment.

WEST Adelaide coach Mark Mickan is not going to let a victory over Central District cloud his judgment.

There was satisfaction in securing the two premiership points at Richmond on Sunday.

But Mickan was rather subdued after the win and borrowing from the cliche handbook, he was keeping a lid on the 34-point triumph.

The first and final quarters disappointed him while the middle quarters, when the Bloods took control against a Bulldogs performance so far removed from the glory days of the previous decade, earned his praise.

“The way we went about it was really good in the second and third quarters,” Mickan said. “Our start and finish were below par, especially with skills early.

“We did not quite put the polish on the game as we would have liked. We appreciate the win against Central District, it is always a hard game against them.

“We will take the points but we have a lot to learn out of that game.” Both sides were guilty of shoddy skills in an uninspiring first quarter, missing targets with hand and foot and taking poor options going into attack.

They combined for 2.9 on the scoreboard in the first term and 5.1 in the first 10 minutes of the second when the skills and movement lifted a notch.

Rather than spit the chewy after being delisted by Adelaide, Jason Porplyzia has taken on the challenge at the Bloods while William Snelling is headed to the national competition. He is a talent, along with another 17-year old, Aaron Francis.

As the second quarter lengthened so too did the ominous signs for the Bulldogs. Their skills dropped to an unacceptable standard at this level, they fumbled too often, refused to put bodies on the line and lacked awareness and passion.

The bigger bodies of the Bloods, especially around the stoppages, were decisive. Aaron Fielke and Shannon Green had an influence in attack and down back Adam Hartlett marshalled the troops, although it must be noted the Bloods’ defence was aided by a complete lack of potency in the Bulldogs’ forward line.

After the game the Bulldogs remained on the ground for a chat from coach Roy Laird. The Dogs’ coaching staff then had a lengthy meeting behind the grandstand.

They have major concerns. After five rounds the club has won just two games — one in league and one in the under-16s. The reserves and under-18s are winless.