Demon Juke wrote:Pag wrote:The Big Shrek wrote:Wandered out to my first APFL GF in years yesterday. Was fun to see some old familiar faces in the Hummocks B grade. I must say Dustin Guthberg must lead a tough life as he looks much older than his 33 years! They put up a spirited effort to come back and almost pinch a victory. I thought they had most of the play but Virginia were more efficient going forward. Some of the off the ball behaviour from the Rams was pretty average.
In the A grade Virginia couldn't hit a target. Big Nicko seemed to do a calf or something which didn't help them. Was pretty disappointed by the atmosphere it didn't seem that there was much of a crowd there. Maybe it's Virginia's set up that makes it seem that way but there was less cheering in the As than there was in the B grade. On the upside I didn't have to line up for a beer.
I hear Jamie Thomas will be coaching the Rams next year.
Thought the exact same thing. The last three APFL GFs I've been to (at Balak, Long Plains and Two Wells) seemed to have a much bigger and better atmosphere than the game yesterday. Wasn't a lot left at the canteen/BBQ when I went to grab something just before half time either.
On the game itself, always felt Mallala were in control and had enough to win (only their poor kicking stopped it from being a whitewash). Wasn't the best game to watch to be honest, seemed very scrappy, at least compared to the standard of the Mallala/Hamley GF a couple of years ago. Congrats to the Mallala lads though, always happy to see them win.
Maybe the atmosphere was flat as Mallala should have won by a lot more with 20 odd more scoring shots, only Big Nick kept them in it in the first quarter with his Goal kicking. I was bit surprised Pollock Rucked and sat behind the ball for the most of the day as they needed to kick a score to win. They seamed to fall down at Centre Half Forward and I agree with Pag the game was a bit scrappy. I know it is hard to compare but i think the div 4 standard was up with what I saw on Saturday. In the "B" Grade Virginia nearly threw it away with a lot of silly stuff on the field when they seamed to have the game in the bag. Did number 23 for Virginia get reported as he chested the umpire on the bench in the last quarter after was arguing with him about something after he received his yellow from on field umpire, Also was told Jamie Thomas to coach Virginia next year and Thommo to coach Angle Vale.
Interesting analysis with the Virginia structure etc. It was a strange one but I liked the idea of trying something different after getting whacked in the second semi.
Niklaus' ankle/calf issue flared up in the second quarter, he couldn't jump and running was limited. Not sure if he carried that into the game but it has a problem all year.
Where was the leading goal kicker? Ross really struggled against Mallala, kicking five goals in five games. Cocks shut him down.
Sam Angus was excellent on Benny Russell, who busted his arse. Great player and still found some touches but you'd give points to Sammy there.
Liked Panagiotou's game but if he was head to head with Osborn, he lost that contest. If he was head to head with Montgomerie, he lost that contest.
Still, liked what I saw from Pana.
Parish at centre half back, head to head with Galic, really a nil-all around the ground but to Parish's credit, he went back into oncoming traffic several times despite all that stuff from the second semi etc.
Thought Nik Seccafien had a dip but never really settled in any given position. Good player but didn't have a lot of helpers.
Mallala never looked threatened after half time. Best side all year, would have won it by 15 goals (probably both grades) had they not copped the injuries.