A hard fought victory over a tough opposition
A good grinding win against a motivated enthusiastic side. We maintained our lead at the head of the table and even though still had quite a few outs the team responded and did the jobs required of them.
We started well out the blocks but let them back in the mid to late stages of the quarter which was a trend all day. We maintained our lead and got out to 21 points at one stage but didn’t kill the contest off and to their credit West kept coming
Statistically it was a mixed bag. Jacob again led the 1%ers along with Campbell at 11. On the down side our tackle count was far too low and must be addressed to be consistent. We were beaten in the clearances for the first time all year with 20/31 overall. There seemed to be some mixed messages and people blocking but not for anyone to run on to. Burf was playing a more defensive game in the 2nd half and we didn’t mix in that well on our offensive (their defensive side of the ball-ups around the ground. We had far more inside 50’s at 50 to 37 but they scored a goal over 32% of the time they went in, helped by a full forward giant who caught everything that came his way for 6 goals in the first half.
I suppose with so many runners in Waters, Casey, Hall and Watson some midfield loss is understandable first up but still not what we want. Whilst we didn’t have anyone play a shocker I also believe nobody played their season’s best game in an even performance.
Positives that came from the game
• Good win, lost to them last time so that now makes the full set and 5 on the trot.
• Stuck at a grinding arm wrestle against quality opposition. Didn’t give up lead after 5 min mark 2nd qtr.
• There was a danger after the break of being flat and drop one- we avoided that.
• Won the inside 50’s 50/37 and scoring shots 22/16 despite losing the clearances. We set up well and move the ball ok
• Zone stood up well but their good foot skills didn’t get too many turnovers
• Accuracy was better (not as good as theirs!)
Points we need to improve on
• Must not drop our intensity when we get to a couple up- We must push again and break sides
• Clearances around ground and in middle- nominate go-to’s and keep voice up
•Tackle count must improve
• Their rotations caught us chasing players too far down the ground into our forward line.
Looking forward
Back to Lions. They have had no luck and seem to be likely to be weakened again with injury this week. They will however win games again before the end of the season and the team that takes them likely could suffer. Don’t let it be us. We will be without key players this week so everybody must be ready again to step up.
We must continue to watch their better players, George is super fit and firing, Steele has class, Harmer is back, O’Connor is fast on the wing and Horsnell is due. Everybody plays everybody twice more for the rest of the year- some big games coming.
Love beating Lions, let’s take it to em!!