by valleys07 » Sun Apr 19, 2015 11:14 pm
Round 3 Review vs. North Melbourne- That Winning Feeling!
PAFC 17.11.113
NMFC 16.9.105
Goals- Schulz 4, Ebert, White 3, Monfries 2, Broadbent, Wingard, Mitchell, Pittard, Young 1.
What a beautiful Sunday evening! The Power are on the board in season 2015, and could Power fans pick a better way to do it? Bogey side at a Bogey stadium (8 from 29 and 5 from 22 respectively), and considering over the last 12 months, Port has a 2-7 win/loss record in games decided by under 10 points, the boys dug deep and pinched the points in arguably the seasons best contest to date. Magnificent!
Last night’s game was a cracking spectacle to watch, although at times my nerves got tested! That first quarter was played at frenetic pace, with some of the contests (Wines/Ziebell and Carlisle/Wright), reminding us that footy is still a contested, tough and sometimes brutal sport as it has ever been. From there it was winning the critical contests, the moments that win football games as well as controlling opposition momentum. Port managed 3 goals in 3 ½ minutes to head into the half time break 20 points up- but that was as one sided as the contest was going to get. The 3rd quarter was free-flowing football, with 10 goals kicked, as exciting a brand of football that has been played all season. North started with 5 of the first 6 goals of the term to take back the lead, with Port rallying to finish with 3 of the last 4 and lead by 9 points at the final change. The last quarter was survival of the fittest- North with Ziebell out of the game was equalised to an extent, with Wines sustaining a suspected dislocated wrist. Linsday Thomas looked to be the match winner with 2 goals in 2 minutes late in the last, on the back of magnificent clearance work throughout the term from North Melbourne (12-7 with 4 to Cunnington alone). Up steps 3 unlikely heroes for the Power. Whilst Boak and Gray were going ballistic in the last quarter- Ah Chee in 15 minutes of footy laid 3 crucial tackles, and his composure running into goal to hand to Young, who ran into open goal had me leaping out of my seat. For Mitchell to kick the sealer was testament to his nights work. 16 modest touches wasn’t the important stat- keeping Gibson to 7 touches in the 2nd half, after he was the game’s leading possession winner with 21 at the half, was. A sign that we had 22 contributors on the park last night, with 4 points in the bank as a result.
3 noticeable areas of improvement for Port post the Sydney game were clearances, contested possessions and tackles. Port won the clearances 44-40, lost contested possession 142-140 and won tackles 72-63, a noticeable improvement on last weeks differentials of 45-36, 135-146 and 76-52, all losses. It’s fair to say the selection changes worked in this area, with Young dominant in the clearances and tackles providing able support to Boak and Gray. The loss of Wines will hurt, Andrew Moore looks a certain replacement, having accumulated 26 touches, 3 tackles, 10 clearances and 7 I50’s for the Magpies yesterday.
Things that went right:
• Our underdone seasoned players began to show signs they are hitting some match fitness, and form that follows. Monfries was lively around the contest, and was getting into great spots as a lead up option and a crumber. Hartlett was very influential on the contest accumulating big numbers, whilst also doing some wonderful things off the ball. Ryder was magnificent in the ruck against Goldstein, not through centre bounce numbers but around the ground work- Goldstein did not take a mark all night. Chad Wingard and to a lesser extent, Jackson Trengove, had their moments. More of a sign they will take a little longer to work into things given their injury layoffs, in comparison with the other 3.
• The performance of our back 6. Sure- we gave up 105 points, but the rebound of the likes of Pittard and Broadbent in retrospect, probably won us the game. A reflection of the game style that both sides like to play, it was destined to be a shootout. Bobby Carlisle was able to work Petrie up the ground (8 marks but only 1 inside 50), and Hombsch did a number on Waite.
Things that went wrong:
• Ollie Wines dislocating his wrist. Enough said.
• Justin Westhoff. I’m a bit unsure as to where Justin is at the minute, but I sure hope he turns it around quickly- as we are 10 times better outfit with him up and running offensively. Averaging 16 disposals and 7 marks this year, compared with his first 3 games of last year being 17 touches and 8 marks- it doesn’t look much different. His output on the scoreboard has diminished (7 goals to start the year last year, just the 1 this year), but it is where he is collecting the footy that is the issue for mine. Seems to be collecting a lot of marks and disposals in the back half of the ground. We need him as a presence up forward next week, as a backline consisting of Gibson/Lake/Stratton will monster Schulz and Ryder. Lobbes, if he is back in the side will be incredibly important for the movement of Westy- it’s a matter of when for that to happen…
Player Reviews:
TOP 5:
Matthew Broadbent- The COBRA! Magnificent game from Brogs, probably the best I have seen him play at AFL level. Had a magnificent first term, and whilst he couldn’t maintain that level of performance, was largely influential across the night- with his goal from outside 50 a massive momentum shifter against the tide. 24 touches (inc. 21 kicks), 8 marks, 3 R50’s and 5 bounces (a game high)- was influential in starting many attacking rebounds. Must continue in this vein, as he is critical to our ability to transition the ball from R50 to F50, with his long and accurate kick.
Brad Ebert- Sensational game tonight from Brad in his 150th. Constantly lauded for his elite workrate, last night was no exception. His 22 possessions (at a team high 86% DE), 5 tackles and 3 goals was another well rounded performance. Not only has he started this season averaging 28 touches and a goal a game (2nd only to Gray for total disposals this year), he is hitting the scoreboard, providing another avenue which the good sides seem to have multiple of.
Jasper Pittard- Simply couldn’t understand the fans wanting Pittard dropped after Round 1, and Power fans need only look to last night to understand why Ken rates him so highly. Simply dynamite offensively, and when he did make a mistake, he was able to fix it with outstanding workrate and 2nd efforts. 23 touches, 6 marks and 7 1% acts, and a ripping goal. Seriously Power fans- get off this blokes back! One of few willing to tuck the footy under the arm and take the contest on, he will make mistakes- but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Paddy Ryder- This was the critical matchup that would decide the outcome for mine, and wow did Paddy bring it to the table! Goldstein has been the form ruckman of the competition over the opening 2 rounds, and Paddy’s aim was to nullify his influence at centre bounces and stoppages (aided by his midfield), and compete and beat him around the ground. 49 hitouts to 35 saw a ripping contest at stoppages, but it was his work around the ground that won it for mine. As mentioned, Goldstein did not take a mark all night, and whilst Paddy only finished with 3 himself, being able to force a contest that enabled our smalls to influence the contest and work the ball to open space proved catalyst in transition forward from 50/50 balls. Really brought Young, Gray and Boak into the game in that last half with some fantastic tapwork to advantage.
Jay Schulz- Got a couple of favourable calls in one on one battles with Thompson, but his workrate stood out for mine, and he finally brought his kicking boots with him! Finished with 16 touches, 4 marks and 4 goals- but how is this stat: 6 tackles in the last quarter! Port playing a 5 man forward line played into his hands from the opening bounce, to which it gave him plenty of space to lead into. Terrific return to form- now he needs to back it up.
The Rest:
Hamish Hartlett- Probably unlucky not to make my top 5, but crikey Hammer was important. Got his hands to the footy, and his customary long kick was back in action, delivering a team high 28 possessions and 8 I50’s. For me though his game was exemplified by his work in close- the lovely little gives to release runners, the blocks. Can I have a top 6? Brilliant stuff.
Travis Boak- Ryan Bastinac did a number on him early, but found his way into the contest after half time, only to explode in the last quarter- a true captains performance when the team needed him most. 24 touches and 6 clearances rounds out a night where he and his team gained valuable confidence- hopefully a kick start to his, and the teams seasons.
Robbie Gray- Much the same as Boak, an unassuming first half before he went bang with the final quarter. He and Boak winning clearance after clearance was where the game was won. 23 touches, 9 clearances and 5 I50’s. Big games call for big names to will teams over the line- Gray was instrumental tonight, without being outstanding. Still a little away from his best.
Jared Polec- Bit of a nothing game from Jared. 19 touches and 3 I50’s, just wasn’t given the space to influence the game.
Chad Wingard- Had his moments, finishing with 19 touches, 3 tackles and a goal. Had a very good first term which included a goal and a great chase down tackle- after that, whilst his numbers mightn’t show, I thought he had an impact on the contest- always dangerous around the contest and providing pressure on the ball carrier.
Aaron Young- Thought it was a really good game from Youngy. Provided a hard body around the contest that we have lacked over the first 2 rounds, and was serviceable offensively aswell, finishing with a late goal putting the Power in front. Realistically shouldn’t play SANFL for the rest of the season. Finished with 18 touches, 8 clearances, and 7 tackles- a catalyst for our improvement inside.
Alipate Carlisle- That bump on Wright was huge! Aside from that I thought his game on Petrie was very good. Petrie had an influence on the contest, but as aforementioned- he was only able to take 1 of his 8 marks I50’s, critical to the outcome as North went in with a 3 tall forward line, aimed at stretching us deep when Westhoff relieved in the ruck. His 18 touches also included 2 I50’s, which is great to see Bobby working hard up the ground and delivering to our forwards.
Nathan Krakouer- Was pretty pleased with his return game. People will sit back and take pot shots at Krak, but what a remarkable turnaround from a lad that decided at 105kgs that he wanted another “krak” at the big time. A massive amount of work went into getting himself to Etihad Stadium, and whilst he made a few skill blunders, he didn’t look out of place. 17 touches, 5 R50’s and 3 I50’s- a great story!
Angus Monfries- In answer to the question “do Port fans rate Monfries?”, well yes I do, when he plays like he did last night. Thought his defensive pressure was first rate, and should have got more reward on the scoreboard, if not for that blunder in the square. 17 touches, 2 tackles, 2.3 and a goal assist- maintains that level and he is incredibly important to our forward setup.
Kane Mitchell- As mentioned, 16 touches is a modest night, but his defensive effort on Gibson in that 2nd half was fantastic. After he missed the game clincher against Essendon last year, it was fitting he was able to reverse the trend and kick the sealer. Will probably only ever be in that 22-26 bracket, but every squad has the player who’s endeavour cannot be questioned, and Kane certainly won’t be one to leave stones unturned.
Tom Jonas- Manned up on Thomas for most of the night and I thought he had his colours lowered. Thomas got a hold of Tommy a couple of times, and threatened to win the game for North with 2 in 2 minutes in the final term. 15 touches and 5 1%’s for Tommy, not often a small gets the better of him.
Ollie Wines- Was at his bullocking best until his wrist injury subbed him from the match. 15 touches, 3 clearances and a team high 9 tackles! Will be a big loss to our midfield.
Jackson Trengove- Taking a while to build into this season, and Ben Brown lead him a merry dance in the 2nd half. 14 touches and 5 1% efforts, one I hope who will burst into form for 2015 next week.
Justin Westhoff- As mentioned, a modest game from Westy. Gets a bit of ball behind centre, but really need to see some offensive influence. Come back Lobbes!
Matt White- This is the Matt White I know and love! Took the game on, ran hard into open space and battled courageously after he appeared to injure an ankle to continue to exert influence on the contest. 9 touches, 4 I50’s and 3 goals- cracking impact game, exactly what we need from a small forward.
Jack Hombsch- Thought he was brilliant on Waite. Didn’t win a heap of ball, but didn’t need to. Waite kept to 10 touches and 0.1, whilst Hombsch collected 7 and 4 marks, as well as 6 1% acts. Brilliant game.
Brandon Ah Chee- As influential a 20 minutes of footy as you are likely to see on debut. Came on when the game was in the balance and laid 3 crucial tackles, and 3 touches including a handball to Young for the match turning goal. Will only become a better player for the experience.
Onto the toughest matchup of the competition, Hawthorn. Cornes will come back into the side, most likely at the expense of Ah Chee, and Moore my tip to replace Wines. I hope to dear god Lobbe can get up for this one, as if Hawthorn lack anything, its height in their back 6. Our skills were sharper moving forward this week, but Hawthorn bring new meaning to the phrase “disposal efficiency”. With Hodge collecting a lazy 44 today, and Lewis and Smith collecting 39 and 36 respectively, our mids are going to have their work cut out, not to mention the ever difficult matchup for Roughead. 1-2 brings about no rest- the season only gets tougher!
See you at the footy- Carn the Pear!!
Valleys.
“Think of me like Yoda, but instead of being little and green I wear suits and I'm awesome. I'm your bro—I'm Broda!”
HOGG Shield 2015 Division I Premiers.
HOGG Shield 2017 Premier League Premiers.
and the crowd is buzzing in there pre-game and at half time ( $5 Pale pints! ).
