Re: Season 2024 trial games

by Headfan Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:15 pm

Very comprehensive wimpy. Loved ur comments about Bucky. Seems to be developing along Poolies’ lines. Very handy if that eventuates.
Did Herbert play up to expectations? What was Zane Williams contribution?

by wimpy Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:37 pm

Headfan wrote:Very comprehensive wimpy. Loved ur comments about Bucky. Seems to be developing along Poolies’ lines. Very handy if that eventuates.
Did Herbert play up to expectations? What was Zane Williams contribution?

Both I thought were below par.

I don't think Williams knows where his best position is and I don't think the selectors know also.
Herbert was down on what we have previously seen, still only 17, has finished year 12 and concentrating on football this year.
Will look at doing Uni next year. Helps out in the Henley High football program.

by 35Eagles Sun Mar 03, 2024 1:07 pm

wimpy wrote:
Headfan wrote:Very comprehensive wimpy. Loved ur comments about Bucky. Seems to be developing along Poolies’ lines. Very handy if that eventuates.
Did Herbert play up to expectations? What was Zane Williams contribution?

Both I thought were below par.

I don't think Williams knows where his best position is and I don't think the selectors know also.
Herbert was down on what we have previously seen, still only 17, has finished year 12 and concentrating on football this year.
Will look at doing Uni next year. Helps out in the Henley High football program.

He's 18 on the 3rd of April.

by Headfan Sun Mar 03, 2024 2:35 pm

I like Herbert, he’s young. But I can’t see Williams as being in our starting 22. He’s too easily brushed aside.

by Titan2 Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:06 pm

Yes thank you to all who who have posted summaries of the trial match.

I have previously said quite a few times that D'Aloia could well have an exceptional season. Only 1 trial game so far but it seems like he has taken a huge step forward. This kid just has a major upwards trajectory each year right from the U18s (as a bottom ager). If he can tidy up his kicking he could well be on the radar of AFL clubs for a mid-season selection.

Not surprised that Buck played well. I was hugely critical of him playing as a backpocket but when Sheedy moved him up forward towards the end of last year I think that was a noticeable turning point I thought. True, he can only kick 40m at a stretch but he has a lot of other qualities such as tenacity, effort, reads the play well and is an accurate kick for goal. Plus at his size he tends to draw a lot of free kicks for 'head high tackles' !! I definitely think he's a better prospect of up there compared to Williams.

by wimpy Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:21 pm

[quote="Titan2"]Yes thank you to all who who have posted summaries of the trial match.

I have previously said quite a few times that D'Aloia could well have an exceptional season. Only 1 trial game so far but it seems like he has taken a huge step forward. This kid just has a major upwards trajectory each year right from the U18s (as a bottom ager). If he can tidy up his kicking he could well be on the radar of AFL clubs for a mid-season selection.

Not surprised that Buck played well. I was hugely critical of him playing as a backpocket but when Sheedy moved him up forward towards the end of last year I think that was a noticeable turning point I thought. True, he can only kick 40m at a stretch but he has a lot of other qualities such as tenacity, effort, reads the play well and is an accurate kick for goal. Plus at his size he tends to draw a lot of free kicks for 'head high tackles' !! I definitely think he's a better prospect of up there compared to Williams.

Yes "Titan2" you just reminded me that Zac got two head high frees yesterday. When I saw him play in the U18 premiership he was outstanding, didn't know how his game would translate to SANFL league. Guts, determination and persistence can take a player a long way.

by Premiers Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:30 pm

IMHO, we need wingmen who can quickly attack the goalsquare or leading FF with pace and penetrating kicking. Williams hasn't got these assets but he has others - the one that attracted the Geelong recruiters was his opportunistic snapshots, reading the ball offhands resulting in 2-3 goals in a State game playing as a forward pocket. As an example of the players with the required kicking skills although they may be needed elsewhere are Beattie and McKay (wouldn't want to take Luke Beecken away from HB. So Ballenden, Weckert and Menzel would have a special interest in who plays wing, their supply line.

by BloodEagle_Ragnar Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:03 pm

Just food for thought…..
It’s difficult to tell how team performance will be for season 24 through trials. The lads are learning the new system, coaching approach, new players and not to mention a few retirements of key players, all having impact.
The urgency in which they are currently adapting to by pushing ball forward is great but need the composure on the last kick in for the forward 50 entries.
Experience of Redden gives an opportunity to mids that we have lacked but missing an effective link in clearances many times.
Our backline needs to hold shape a lot better, stop the confusion of the constant swap and a need to minimise the creep in to forward line to allow forwards to undertake their craft. Limited peripheral vision in some needs improvement. Quality players on wings had limited opportunity to impact early until game settled but respectfully disagree with the comments. Both Roland and Williams (and Herbert) fought hard and took opportunities when they presented. Difficult for players of this calibre as they can be placed anywhere the team requires (unlike many who can only play 1 line) which in turn is detrimental to their opportunity to be settled in to a position. There were a few key names who had a quieter day but again it’s what trials are all about!!!

by 35Eagles Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:12 pm

I'd love the club to put up.a injury list like they do per week before the actual season starts

by Goddsy11 Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:44 pm

wimpy wrote:
Titan2 wrote:Yes thank you to all who who have posted summaries of the trial match.

I have previously said quite a few times that D'Aloia could well have an exceptional season. Only 1 trial game so far but it seems like he has taken a huge step forward. This kid just has a major upwards trajectory each year right from the U18s (as a bottom ager). If he can tidy up his kicking he could well be on the radar of AFL clubs for a mid-season selection.

Not surprised that Buck played well. I was hugely critical of him playing as a backpocket but when Sheedy moved him up forward towards the end of last year I think that was a noticeable turning point I thought. True, he can only kick 40m at a stretch but he has a lot of other qualities such as tenacity, effort, reads the play well and is an accurate kick for goal. Plus at his size he tends to draw a lot of free kicks for 'head high tackles' !! I definitely think he's a better prospect of up there compared to Williams.

Yes "Titan2" you just reminded me that Zac got two head high frees yesterday. When I saw him play in the U18 premiership he was outstanding, didn't know how his game would translate to SANFL league. Guts, determination and persistence can take a player a long way.

I rate D'Aloia highly. Our midfield if it can remain injury free is looking a weapon.

by Columbo Sun Mar 03, 2024 7:46 pm

D'Aloia was outstanding, only a trial but would have turned some recruiters heads yesterday had they been there, seemed like he was given very little respect by his opponents.

Bucky was great, thought Ballenden did some good things around the ground also.
Reddo's tap that McKay grabbed and stormed out of the middle and goaled from 50 was a highlight.
Like the look of Josh Morris too.

Last quarter was interesting, South had a habit of making huge comebacks in the last quarter last year but yesterday was certainly aided by the breeze, it seemed to die off a bit during the 2nd and 3rd quarter but at one point in the last quarter think it was Connor who kicked from half back flank the ball went about 30m reached it's highest point and literally dropped straight down

by Aerie Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:38 pm

I like the sound of Firns doing well at CHB in the Reserves. Thought he could’ve moved to that position a year or so ago. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him have a strong influence at league level again at some stage.

by wimpy Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:36 am

From Columbo "Ballenden did some good things around the ground also."

Ballenden is my biggest problem player. He gets his 10, 11 or 12 touches and kicks 1 or 2 goals a game. His game appears to stagnate at this level. He never seems to be able to elevate his game. Three or four, 16, 17, or 18 touch games with 3, 4 or 5 goals could be match winning for the Eagles. He must BE BETTER, for us to improve.

by Columbo Mon Mar 04, 2024 4:33 pm

wimpy wrote:From Columbo "Ballenden did some good things around the ground also."

Ballenden is my biggest problem player. He gets his 10, 11 or 12 touches and kicks 1 or 2 goals a game. His game appears to stagnate at this level. He never seems to be able to elevate his game. Three or four, 16, 17, or 18 touch games with 3, 4 or 5 goals could be match winning for the Eagles. He must BE BETTER, for us to improve.

He seemed to bob up all over the ground Saturday, maybe a different role this year?

by 35Eagles Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:57 pm

Isaac McGrath goes to Aquinas College and isn't the person she was thinking of. If u look up the Aquinas college website in one of the photos is Isaac the person said and I've since looked at the photo of him on that website.

by 35Eagles Thu Mar 07, 2024 5:49 pm

I wonder when the league trial squad will be announced. It was before now last week that the trial teams were announced for league and reserves

by Goddsy11 Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:08 pm

35Eagles wrote:I wonder when the league trial squad will be announced. It was before now last week that the trial teams were announced for league and reserves

Internal trial only.

by 35Eagles Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:14 pm

Goddsy11 wrote:
35Eagles wrote:I wonder when the league trial squad will be announced. It was before now last week that the trial teams were announced for league and reserves

Internal trial only.
Ok. Didn't see that it was a internal thought t was a normal trial till i double checked it.

by Premiers Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:55 pm

Jacob Wehr selected in GWS opening AFL round. A positive start to looking to extend his contract beyond this season.

by Mickyj Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:38 pm

Any news from our internal trial

by 35Eagles Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:52 pm

Mickyj wrote:Any news from our internal trial

I'm wondering the same but being a hot night and a Friday night some other people might have not attended it. I maybe would've if i was in the city tonight though probably no shade etc

by Mickyj Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:02 pm

35Eagles wrote:
Mickyj wrote:Any news from our internal trial
I'm wondering the same but being a hot night and a Friday night some other people might have not attended it. I maybe would've if i was in the city tonight though probably no shade etc

True I know west v centrals is going on

by 35Eagles Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:07 pm

Mickyj wrote:
35Eagles wrote:
Mickyj wrote:Any news from our internal trial
I'm wondering the same but being a hot night and a Friday night some other people might have not attended it. I maybe would've if i was in the city tonight though probably no shade etc
True I know west v centrals is going on

True that league game was 7:05, and internal trial was 5:45 so that wearies vs centrals would be pretty much all over by now and internal trial was 6 x 25 minutes quarters

by wimpy Sat Mar 09, 2024 5:45 am

Last night there was a short warm up training period at Footy Park and then there was a shortened trial match of three 15 min periods.
The teams were very much compromised because quite a few senior players were at Riley Knights wedding. Numbers were made up by players from the U18s.
It was a fast, free flowing game. Again D'Aloia stood out and Will Pearce kicked some nice early goals.
One distressing note was that Max Beattie was in a moon boot after last weeks match against the Panthers. By 7.00 pm the players were on their way home. Troy Menzel was on the sidelines but I believe his hammy is very minor.

by 35Eagles Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:15 am

wimpy wrote:Last night there was a short warm up training period at Footy Park and then there was a shortened trial match of three 15 min periods.
The teams were very much compromised because quite a few senior players were at Riley Knights wedding. Numbers were made up by players from the U18s.
It was a fast, free flowing game. Again D'Aloia stood out and Will Pearce kicked some nice early goals.
One distressing note was that Max Beattie was in a moon boot after last weeks match against the Panthers. By 7.00 pm the players were on their way home. Troy Menzel was on the sidelines but I believe his hammy is very minor.

Probably the shortened quarters was because of the heat?? And yes players would've been happy to head home a bit earlier I'm guessing especially for the long weekend unless they train on Monday.

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