I liked what I saw of Simpkins & Stefano in the forwards. Jake S surprised me I think he will make the step up at some stage, also was interesting that him and Liddle were on there together ala when Harry was with us. Laurie looked threatening Fitzgibbon did some nice grunt work out of D. But out of all of them the one that jumped out of the pack was Seyfarth he had some extra leg drive that I didn’t think he had in him, he sort of loped anytime I’ve seen him play could be a smokey. I don’t however see the hype some give for Madden but hasn’t played in a year could be just rusty. You could see a few we’re playing for contracts Roberts Davis didn’t do himself any favours there could be one for reggies.
THis is pretty juvenile I guess, but Im kind of worried about team harmony now the rubber is hitting the road.
A lot of this years off season has had a very indigenous flavour to it, which I applaud. Startinging with the signing of JTJ, partnerships with indigenous groups and imprtantly increasing numbers of koori players in the squad. I know Roberts Davis is a cousin of JTJ and Fitzgibbon is obviously close to them all, but for mine Roberts Davis does not get a top 30 spot and Fitzgibbon is very borderline.
No way Roberts-Davis will get a top 30 gig a CC contract maybe, I do think however if Fitzgibbon keeps his head down and bum up he could. Having a few indigenous players for the sake of looking good isn’t what we’re going for IMO. Giving guys an opportunity hell yeah creating a pathway doing those little things like you mentioned is all part of it. If we put it all in place a few years down the road it could pay dividends, instead of every kid coming through wanting to go to South’s or whoever they might think hey JTJ, Laurie, Fitzgibbon ect ect got a shot why can’t I. You’re opinion isn’t juvenile it’s valid harmony could become an issue, I guess we’re all hoping it’s a harmonious season ahead.
I thought Robert-Davis really struggled tonight, I thought he would step up when he was playing with the less experience players towards the end of the game but that was actually the worst period of his game with him over playing his hand and making critical mistakes.
He was solid early and had no trouble barking orders at the defensive line.