The most annoying part of pre-season
We know what they're trying to do, but have no idea if they'll actually be able to execute it.
Happy Monday punchers!
Look, honestly, this is the frustrating part of pre-season where we’ve seen what most teams are trying to do but can’t tell if it’s going to work yet because they haven’t played anybody.
It’s easier to get a kick, or move the ball a certain way, when you know exactly what your opponent is trying to do as well.
Just be patient, practice matches are not far away.
Oh and before we get into it, if you’re a listener you’ll be happy to hear The Hard Ball Gets AFL Show returns today - episode should drop mid-afternoon. If you’re not across it, do yourself a favour.
In today’s letter: Defence takes a hit at the Eagles, Harley hype rolls on, Jacko steps back from the ruck again, the young Dockers defender to watch plus a few young pre-season standouts in the WAFL.
Alright let’s get stuck in.
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WEST COAST
Fingers crossed for Brady Hough. The youngster landed awkwardly on his ankle at training and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks. There were reports around earlier that it was more serious. One to keep an eye on. Hough has been one of their better kids the past two years both in defence and in the middle when needed. I’m really sold on him as a heart-and-soul 150-200 gamer. Just does the jobs that need doing.
With Brandon Starcevich also on ice with an ACL strain, it doesn’t leave them a hell of a lot of wiggle room down back.
In more positive news, Elliot Yeo played a half of match sim on Saturday as a mid and forward. He won’t be a match-winner, but he’ll certainly raise the floor if his body doesn’t break down.
Shocking, I know, but there have also been glowing reports of Harley Reid’s performance in the same match sim. He’s fit, hungry and he has some help. Anything is possible.
FREMANTLE
The Dockers are moving the ball faster in match simulation this pre-season. But I also feel like that sentence was written last pre-season as well. By all reports they’re trying to take things on more, which is a positive, but I’m keeping my powder dry until we see it in anger.
After increasing his ruck training minutes last week, Luke Jackson has now gone back to more of a mid-forward split in match simulation. With Sean Darcy suffering a minor calf issue (watch this space) that may change, but it genuinely seems like Freo would rather not use Jackson as a ruck if they didn’t have to.
Hayden Young has consistently been spending long breaks in the forward line this pre-season. He’s shown great ability there, but are you robbing the side of its best (or second maybe behind Murphy Reid) kick inside 50?
Heath Chapman is getting a bit of buzz as well. Have loved this kid since his first game and have been waiting for the season where he goes from reliable to really, really good. This could be it.
STATE OF ORIGIN
All-Australian Eagle Jake Waterman has been included in the WA squad according to The West. It’s a stacked forward line, provided they can get it to them. I’m tipping WA btw - seen too many ‘ordinary’ Queensland sides smack the Blues in the NRL to believe the best team on paper always wins.
Big shout-out to the lads at Raise Creative who put together this concept for a new WA jersey. Elite work, take a look when you get a sec. The collar is 🤌
WAFL
One of West Coast’s big WAFL recruits has left before the season has even started. Former Collingwood forward Ash Johnson has headed to South Australia to play for Sturt. It’s a loss but the influx of players at both levels this season means we can still expect a far more competitive season from the Eagles.
Lucas Cattalini was one colts player who really impressed me last year, so it’s no surprise South Fremantle are already loving his work in the senior program. It’s a hard side to crack, but I’d expect to see the young key back play league sooner rather than later.
That’s the lot for today. Thanks again for reading.
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