The Tackle: Mark Robinson looks at the highlights and lowlights of Round 2
WHAT a weekend of footy, and there’s still one game to go. MARK ROBINSON looks at all the highs and lows, including disappointing Essendon and Bulldogs and victorious Dockers and Suns.
Mark Robinson
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WHAT a weekend of footy, and there’s still one game to go.
Round 2 has seen upsets galore and has been book-ended by an intense Grand Final rematch and a titanic tussle between two top-four hopefuls in Sydney and Port Adelaide.
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Herald Suns chief football writer Mark Robinson looks at all the highs and lows of the weekend.
Joe Daniher and Jack Stringer come under scrutiny as do the Bulldogs (again) while victorious Dockers and Suns earn high praise.
DISLIKES
1. JAKE & JOE
Both Daniher and Stringer are horribly out of touch, as is Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. Stringer has to be disappointed with his first two games and his teammates might feel the same. When you play midfield you are required to hunt the ball. Stringer is a waiter and watcher, which is no way to earn the trust of your new teammates. His negatives outweigh his positives in the midfield, so surely it’s time to put him inside 50m and leave him there. His midfield/forward split this season is 58%-42% for a return of one point and 25 disposals. He looks lost and disinterested.
2. AND WHAT ABOUT JOEY
He could be taking home close to $800,000 a season on his new contract and hopes were high he would take his footy to another level. It’s a small sample size, but he has 2.2 after two rounds. He has to seize the moment. Early in the final quarter on Saturday night he missed a shot for goal from 45m which could have cut the margin to 20 points. A minute later, Fremantle’s first-gamer Adam Cerra kicked a goal from 45m taking the margin out to 33 points. He’ll get it together soon enough, but there is still quite a margin between his best and worst games.
3. BULLDOGS AGAIN
In third quarter, three Eagles were alone in the goal square when a goal was kicked. THREE Eagles. It came from a turnover, among many committed by the Bulldogs, but it highlighted just how far the Dogs have sunk. The Eagles led 75-25 at that time. The Bulldogs’ pressure has lapsed, their skill level arguably is the worst in the league and the loss was worse than last week because the opposition was much weaker and the Dogs were at home. Problems galore for Luke Beveridge with a shaky Essendon and Sydney to come in the next fortnight. Finals look impossible from here.
4. HELLO MALCOLM
If Blighty was coaching the Giants, or commentating on Saturday, we might have had a re-run of one of the most savage sprays a coach has given his player, Twenty-one years ago in Round 2 Blight said of his ruckman David Pittman: “The most pathetic effort from a ruckman I’ve seen in my entire life in footy, he has to live with that”. The language has changed in footy, as has how coaches describe their players publicly. So, we will tone it down. Rory Lobb is the Giant’s No.1 ruckman and had a very disappointing day against Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy. The Magpie is approaching elite status with his performance and found it easy on Saturday against a player who seemed reluctant to engage in fierce body work. Maybe Dawson Simpson is required.
5. LAMENTABLE CARLTON
It was said the Blues lacked intent, but I disagree. They lacked class. Some of the mistakes in the fundamentals of football — kicking and dropping handball – were staggering. Yes there’s pressure, but good teams deal with that. Carlton’s delivery into the forward 50m was laughable. Good players let down the team. Dale Thomas went at 50 per cent by foot, Aaron Mullett 46 per cent, Cam O’Shea 50 per cent, Charlie Curnow 50 per cent, Jarrod Garlett 50 per cent, Marc Murphy 50 per cent, Paddy Dow 50 per cent and Patrick Cripps 60 per cent. It’s hard to compete when you continually give the ball back to the opposition.
6. WHERE’S JACOB?
Weitering, like Stringer, looks lost. Drafted as a defender, he played forward on Saturday, probably because he was average as a defender against Richmond in Round 1. He’s skilled and has footy smarts, but looks lethargic and lacks intensity. Does coach Brendon Bolton make a statement at selection this week and send him to the VFL to help find his groove?
7. LAMENTABLE ST KILDA
Not much left to be said after a horrid Good Friday game. They were soft, defensively lazy, brutal by foot and were embarrassed by a team many thought would win the wooden spoon. The pressure is on the players and the coach to get the best out of themselves and the team. That type of defeat opens up widespread criticism and two weeks into the season. St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is under scrutiny.
If the Saints are 1-5 — they have Adelaide, Geelong, GWS and Hawthorn to come — the scrutiny will be intense, especially after Richardson declared in the pre-season they could win the premiership. St Kilda allowed North Melbourne to score nine times from chains starting in the defensive 50, the second most conceded in a game under Richardson, and turned the ball over 40 times in its defensive half, which was the most under Richardson
8. DOES RICHO MAKE A STATEMENT?
The emergency meeting on Saturday morning would have been honest and forthright and there will be axings. Take your pick of a sluggish midfield, David Armitage, Jack Steele, Jack Sinclair, Jack Stevens and Jack Newnes. Armitage played one game in 2017 because of groin surgery and is struggling to get into the flow of the games. He’s a star who is aggressive and brave at stoppages, but getting back into the flow of the game can be difficult.
9. LAMENTABLE RICHMOND
Ross Lyon said in Round 1 the Dockers couldn’t tackle Port Adelaide because they couldn’t catch them. In Round 2, Richmond couldn’t put pressure on Adelaide because Adelaide didn’t allow them to. It was smart play from Crows coach Don Pyke who devised a plan which denied Richmond their key asset — pressure. The Crows took 61 uncontested marks in the second half and the result was Richmond’s pressure factor for the half was 155. In the finals last season, their average pressure factor was 199 and throw in a record -48 in contested possession. It was amazing the Tigers only lost by six goals.
10. OVERREACTIONS x2
Damien Hardwick should have jogged on when harangued by a Crows supporter on Friday night. The banter “not so funny now you are not at the MCG, hey buddy,’’ it was reported is hardly worth stopping to engage. Hardwick probably told him where to go, which was probably uncalled for. So was the overly officious police who demanded information from the Crows man, who was being nothing more than a smart arse. What are we, Russia? No winners here.
LIKES
1. JESSE HOGAN
Talk of the Melbourne forward spending time in the midfield were scoffed at in the pre-season, but we scoff no more. 3AW’s Jimmy Bartel summed it up when he said Hogan has clean hands which allowed him, despite standing at 195cm, to operate in traffic. Hogan was best afield on Saturday night with five goals, nine marks and a game-high 10 score involvements. After a tumultuous 2017, he looked a player commanding a high-end contract.
2. NEW-AGE DOCKERS
Two years ago Ross Lyon handed the reigns to his assistants but it didn’t work. He has taken the reins back and once again implemented his game style. The pressure has returned, but he’s also added run and youth which means the balance between defence and attack is much better. They kicked more than 100 points just twice last year but already have a 100-point score after two rounds. Will be a dangerous at their new home.
3. INDIGENOUS FLAIR
The indigenous boys are mesmerising and it looks the Eagles have found one in Liam Ryan. The jumpy small forward will be a highlight reel and, hopefully, a consistent one. He and Daniel Venables and Willie Rioli changed the Eagles forward line by joining Jack Darling, Mark LeCras and Jamie Cripps (with Josh Kennedy to come) and it suddenly looks way more potent. Ryan kicked 3.3 from 14 disposals and is dangerous because he can win the ball in the air and on the ground.
4. CAPTAIN FANTASTIC TOM LYNCH
When Jonathan Brown and Dermott Brereton said early in 2017 that Lynch was the No.1 spearhead in the game eyebrows were raised. They were again after Lynch’s average 2017 season. Not so this year. He was superb against the Blues and aided by a dysfunctional backline, which saw opponent Liam Jones lost on several occasions, Lynch was a clear best-on-ground with eight goals. I’d still take Buddy if picking between the two, but let’s ask that question again in 10 week. The beauty is, the key forward seems to have re-established itself in the game.
5. AND THE SUNS
Since day one the Suns have been identified as a fast ball-moving, creative and transition team. They could be exciting, but lacked substance in defensive fundamentals. Under Guy McKenna the Suns averaged 60.6 tackles. Under Rodney Eade it was 65.5. In Stuart Dew’s first two games the Suns have registered 98 tackles and 93 tackles. Tackling isn’t everything, but it shows intent when you haven’t got the ball or when the ball is in dispute. It’s not been said often, but the Suns strangled the opposition with pressure.
6. CAPTAIN FANTASTIC TEX WALKER
Ghosts of Grand Final past, an interrupted pre-season and an interrupted week in the lead-up had the footy world looking at Walker for a response. Josh Jenkins, Bryce Gibbs and Rory Sloane were better but Walker was immense in the moments the Crows needed it. He kicked four goals and shut up the critics. Well played, Tex.
7. LACHIE & JEREMY
We panicked for the Giants when they lost Zac Williams and Nathan Wilson off half-back, but we panicked for no reason. Lachie Whitfield’s first two games as a half-back have been phenomenal. His last quarter against Collingwood was equally so. In a tight game he had 11 disposals and four score involvements. Beside him is Jeremy Finlayson. He’s played three AFL games after being drafted at pick No.85 in the 2014 national draft and looks highly accomplished. He had 20 disposals and took four marks in Round 1, and 23 possessions and six marks in Round 2. His left foot could develop to be the equal of West Coast’s Shannon Hurn’s right foot. Yes, it’s that good.
8. THE YOUNG VETERAN
It’s the Curious Case of Jarrad Waite, who at 35 is playing no differently than when he was 25. He was best afield on Saturday despite Ben Brown’s six goals. What a stat line, team-high 24 disposals, 13 marks, 11 score involvements and 13 inside-50s. Played 14 and 10 games respectively in past two years, so let’s hope he plays close to 20 games this year. If his form stands up, a 17th season would not be out of the question.
9. OLLIE SHINES
The 23-year-old led the Port Adelaide gang against the formidable Sydney midfield and announced himself as an elite midfielder. This was tough footy on a greasy deck where character won you the footy. In fact, Wines might not have played a better game for Port. He finished with 35 disposals, 19 contested, 12 clearances and a goal. He still hasn’t signed the new contract - am confident he will stay - but more games like this one will earn him more money. What’s the next captain of the club worth? Surely, it has to start with a seven.
10. APPRECIATION
One of our wonderful traditions is standing ovations for players carted off on a stretcher. There’s not a person in football not feeling for Collingwood’s Tim Broomhead who busted his leg on Saturday. Pies and Giants clapped him as he left field and deservedly so. It’s the least fans can do for a player who breaks his leg in his endeavours to play the game.
TOP TWEETS
@Nate0809: Robbo; “the fat bit” on the goal post, doesn’t look as “fat” anymore. Can you discuss this on @AFL360 and investigate, and if true, could have yesterday’s ‘freak’ injury been avoided?
@quotethon: Outrage at the @scg with catering (pies, chips, beer) up 10% approx including 20c for tomato sauce. Wonder if the workers are being paid penalty rates for Easter Sunday. Give us a break SCG Trust.
@TheCoachRonnie: how do you explain this? Carl increased ticket prices for game against Gold Coast with an expected crowd of 30k (actual was 28k). I thought under dynamic pricing can increase prices for HIGH DEMAND games? Surely this is wrong?
@steeveeymuir: Saints fans still hurting from Friday’s loss. Cannot identify any recognisable game plan(s). Team played without lack of effort and attitude. Big question mark on Alan Richardson (now into his fifth year) and his ability to get buy-in from his players.
@maples50: Great umpiring in that 4th quarter... if you’re a Port supporter.
@matt_donald22: Dislike: Dogs. No heart. No passion. Wasn’t worth turning up today, and I’ve never, ever said that before.
@JRickard1991: Dislike: Essendon non-ability to win on the road. 5/29 since the start of 2014, with an averaging losing margin of six goals. Has to change if club to be taken seriously.
@sarahjwildy: Dislike: Etihad roof open!!!! Horrible TV viewing...
@Dees_Man: Likes - Oliver standing up in the 2nd half against Brisbane when most Demons were struggling. Carried us over the line and still opposition supporters think he’s overrated!
Dislikes - Eric Hipwood hype. Seriously, what’s the fuss about. Quick but what else has he got??!
@astokes92: The Rioli boys and girls sitting together. Family first. Was a great segment of TV with BT!
@Chardy53102203: Likes LDU Jed Anderson Goldstein Brown & Cunnington for his toughness Dislikes MRP .. Caddy just missed the ball
@BrandonWinch: Lyons for GC. Outrageous game and nearly 900 meters gained! Only getting paid about 250k probably. Way underpaid given his numbers.
@PeteWest_: Like - liam Ryan flying. Dislike - Collingwoods shizenhouse Nothing else matters anthem. Let the fans decide.
@Mohry32: Like Jenkins bearing rance on Thursday. Hopefully can keep going. Dislike no footy til 320 on Sunday. Why play two games at the same time. Can’t they be played one after the other?
@flemtek: Like: Jeffy Garlett getting the Dees out of trouble at the Gabba. Oh, and Hogan as well. Dislike 1: messy ruck contests that go un-policed by the umps. Dislike 2: poor skill errors at the contest across the weekend.
@Samm_Cantwell: Like: Port. Seriously good win. Way to make people take you seriously! Dislike: Bombers. Way to do the exact opposite
@mrcammarshall: Like Jed Anderson’s start to the season, not huge stats, but his intensity, pressure acts, one percenters and tackling is great. Added a new dimension to North’s midfield. Hope he continues on this trajectory.
@alex_paull: Like: Daniel Venables. Top draft pick, pilloried by critics as WC overlooked Powell-Pepper in favour of him. Plagued by injuries - 3 goals a significant effort in 2nd game. Dislike: St Kilda — rapid improvement required or Richo could be under immense pressure
@parkinsonjake1: Going against a big percentage here and saying that I loved being at Etihad yesterday to watch the Suns out play the Blues in the sun the roof open was refreshing and enjoyable in my humble! Suns playing great footy also!
@B00SH21: Dislike ... everything to do with Stkilda Walking into Moorabbin Tuesday and asking for a refund on my membership. #putridfootball
@bammcguinness: Dislike: Marc Murphy looks a shadow of his former self without Bryce Gibbs. Like: access to Tom Lynch’s (Suns) bank account. It’s going to be very full in the next few years
@13_JT: Dislike would be the light show at Optus Stadium. Maybe wait until #foxsports or #channel 7 are on add breaks to commence a light show.
@SeanPeterBudge: Dislike: the Blues match committee. Got a lot of time for Bolton & what he’s doing — and I appreciate the gravity of the task before him — but that was easily his worst week in the job. As poor as we played, it’s looks like we prepared just as badly.
@worbsy88: Like: Finlayson. Reads the play like a 10 year veteran — in his 3rd game. What a ripper he could turn out to be!
@Pete_Hops: Like flyin Liam Ryan having a serious crack at mark of the year. Dislike Toby McLean quack arm lift, there’s been a lot of duckers but his is the worst looking
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