Well that wasn't an ideal start
Dissecting two entirely different types of bad losses, plus emptying the notebook from the WAFL pre-season games.
G’day punchers.
I was watching the Freo game on a drive out to Merredin on Saturday afternoon, dropping in and out of reception. I don’t know if that was a blessing or a curse?
Two first-up losses for the WA sides. The Dockers will be scratching their heads. The Eagles will be looking for small wins.
Either way, try not to let it get to you.
In today’s newsletter: We told you about Milan, one Eagle I expected more from, the star Dockers who went missing, one surprisingly good performance, the names of note from the weekend’s WAFL scratch matches and a Kalgoorlie kid who impressed for the WA U18s.
Quickly before we begin, thoughts go out to the family and friends of WA footy great Bill Dempsey. An icon of the sport.
Alright, let’s get stuck in.
WEST COAST
Gold Coast 20.11 (131) def West Coast 10.12 (72)
What were we expecting really? If you take a step back, this was probably better than many predicted after watching Gold Coast last week. The Eagles were overrun early, but rallied to show some fight in the second half. A couple of young guys had some good moments. Box kinda ticked.
I told you Milan Murdock was going to have an impact. The WAFL’s best player didn’t disappoint in his first AFL game. His first moment of impact was a run-down tackle on Mac Andrew that resulted in a goal. That was just the start. He was genuinely as good at AFL level as he is in the WAFL, and that’s a rare quality. Finished with 22 touches, two goals, four clearances and five tackles. Won’t get dropped now.
I know he was up against a very good midfield, and his side was under the pump… but did anyone else expect a bit more from Harley Reid?
FREMANTLE
Geelong 16.14 (110) def Fremantle 14.16 (100)
If somebody can figure out what happened at the half-time break please let me know. The focus from Justin Longmuir’s press conference has been on his stand against inequality relating to Opening Round. But in reality he also put the onus on his team for not defending the Cats well enough once they got going, and making basic errors going back the other way. This is a good summary of it.
We try to stay positive around here, so the positive is I can’t see another game this season where Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young will be going missing for almost a half of football. Brayshaw four touches in the second half, Young six (and none in the final term).
Isaiah Dudley only won a call-up because Michael Frederick was injured, but he ended up playing the best game of his career. He looks fitter and more dangerous in season two.
WAFL PRE-SEASON
Aaron Clarke has had back-to-back 40 goal seasons at Perth off limited preparation. This year he’s fit and firing and was one of their best in a hit-out against Peel. Expect him to challenge for the Bernie Naylor Medal this year.
One name to keep an eye out for in Bassendean is Lucas Impey. A 200cm ruck out of the VFL, he’s only been playing footy for a few years. Agile and skilful and caught the eye at the weekend.
U18 WA squad member Leo Steed also stepped up to the level playing for the seniors at Swan Districts. Could be a chance of an early debut.
Speaking of impressive young ruckmen, Frazer Rickson gets another mention after another impressive game at Subiaco. Taj Schofield was another with a performance of note.
Coen Livingstone, Jonah Brooks and Chad Mulvogue are all new faces at the Falcons that the coaching staff have been very happy with so far this summer.
Ex Geelong and Hawthorn mid Cooper Stephens was a huge signing for East Perth last year before doing his ACL. It looks like he’s ready to go. Steady for the Royals last week, named in the best this week.
Mitchell Geier is a player who South Fremantle could pluck from the ressies this year. Kicked five goals against West Coast and put his hand up.
Zac Mainwaring has been getting some midfield looks at Claremont and he’s been impressive. Grows by the year.
WAFLW PRE-SEASON
This week’s fixtures kicked off with the WA U18s playing Peel. Marley Kelman was the standout for the State program. She’s a bottom-aged player from Kalgoorlie who made her debut for Subiaco last year. Kelman moved up to Perth for footy and has flourished over summer. She’s tough in the contest, rotates between forward and mid, plays like a tall and hits the scoreboard. Write the name down.
Lunay Van Den Heever was strong in defence fresh off being named BOG as a forward for the AFL’s multicultural girls academy a couple of weeks ago. Will feature for West Perth.
West Perth’s GAA recruit Elle McEvoy was excellent in the midfield on the weekend. Veteran Brooke Hongell kicked three in her return after a year away from footy.
Subiaco recruited Caitie Smith out of North Beach in the Perth Footy League and she looks ready to take the step up. Kicked 13 goals in the PFL last season, and had three on Sunday in a pre-season hit-out with Subi.
That’s us all caught up.
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Catch you next week.