Eagles v Port review

Reserves:
Eagles 12.14.86
Port 10.9.69

League:
Eagles 10.6.66
Port 18.13.121

Attendance: 4566

Good to see so called upsets in Round 1

Maybee it isn't a upset

port were relentless, ran in numbers & were outstanding in every aspect of footy, they had a decent yet simple gameplan, once during the second term, wwt got 3 goals in a row & i'll be honest i thought port may panic a bit & let wwt gain momentum & run over them, however they responded like a good side went down kicked a goal & ran away with it & from that moment they were never ever going to lose, i'll give my better players (almost all port) later as i left the budget in the car & can't think of all the names atm

Do you have a list of scorers to Bayman ?

Pretty good start for PAM. But someone suggested WWT are slow starters?

Will post individual winners tomorrow but some telling stats from tonight's game, courtesy of Champion Data...

Total Disposals: Port = 303 (203 kicks, 100 handballs) - Eagles = 245 (154 kicks, 91 handballs)

Total Marks: Port = 92 - Eagles = 76

Total Tackles: Port = 45 - Eagles = 27

Total Hitouts: Port = 42 (Meiklejohn 30, Cockshell 12) - Eagles = 39 (Parry 30, Bock 3)

Clearances: Port = 48 - Eagles = 33

Free Kicks: Port = 28 - Eagles = 21

Inside 50's: Port = 54 - Eagles = 26

Rebound 50's: Port = 37 - Port = 17

Thanks for the stats Big Phil. Port having double inside 50's stands out as a significant stat.

A very impressive performance by Port all over the ground. From the opening bounce, their body pressure was relentless and they applied heavy pressure on the Eagles ball carriers at all times to force them into turnovers at crucial times. The way Port ran in numbers was notable at all contests.

The Eagles hierachy would not be too disappointed with much of the game. They looked flat and behind in their mental preparation most of the night, but the worrying part was some incredibly ill disciplined moments from Crows listed players. Chris Knights' giving away of two 25 metre penalties in front of the stands was unforgivable, and Luke Thompson bordered on disinterested for much of the night. One Eagle can count themselves lucky not to be in the book for a side incident from the Knights moment also for a head high contact on a Magpie opponent. Their usual run from defence was stifled very effectively by a Port attack that chased hard all night to shut down their space to rebound. Callum Wilson, for example, only kicked one goal but his defensive pressure was excellent all night.

Jeremy Clayton wound the clock back with a clear best afield performance (25 disposals), but I'll put them on the line right now and say that Ryan McKenzie will go awfully close to the 2012 Magarey if he maintains his first up performance last night. Eye catching, wins the contested footy and that left foot kick penetration will be hard to miss. The pleasing thing for Port fans was how many of the younger players stood up all night. Hoskin, Beard, Rose and Madden all had very good moments and the Magpie faithful ought to be looking forward to a promising season.

bayman wrote:port were relentless, ran in numbers & were outstanding in every aspect of footy, they had a decent yet simple gameplan

Amazing how effective this is in SANFL footy, Central have been so successful with it over the past decade, and yet some coaches persist with over-complicated game plans. Sounds like Port will be the team to watch in 2012. If they are playing good footy, more power to them.

How did Cockshell go?

Great write-up, CK. I saw Port in their first trial against West and wondered if it was just a trial game bubble, but they look very strong and might make one less spot in the 5 to fight for.

*** Pedantic grammar alert***

'disinterested' should be 'uninterested'. I think disinterested refers to someone who has no connection, uninterested is someone who has a connection, but isn't interested (in performing).

I'll now go back into my cave and hide.

Sorry

redandblack wrote:Great write-up, CK. I saw Port in their first trial against West and wondered if it was just a trial game bubble, but they look very strong and might make one less spot in the 5 to fight for.

*** Pedantic grammar alert***

'disinterested' should be 'uninterested'. I think disinterested refers to someone who has no connection, uninterested is someone who has a connection, but isn't interested (in performing).

I'll now go back into my cave and hide.

Sorry

Thank you Mr Cornes.

Eagles were very poor, Port very good (I did actually tip Port).
The result is not unexpected - Sturt @ Adelaide last year.
Port were first to the ball - hence the free kicks.
Was a little frustrated with the Eagles Supporters whinging & bagging our players - considering the timing of the season.

I thought Thommo was outstanding until he went off with a knee complaint in last 1/4... we had too many passengers, the Ressies played well - hopeful that a few changes will be made for the next game after the bye.

Ratings:
PAFC - 8/10 (last 1/4 wasn't great but understandable considering the scoreline @ 3/4 time).
WWTFC - 2/10 (very disappointing effort but not getting too concerned @ this stage)[b]

u bloody beauty good first up signs for the Maggies but im not getting too excited just yet..:...but im lovin what im seeing so far..

Just remember the season is a Marathon not a sprint and it's just the first official game of the year.

MightyEagles wrote:Just remember the season is a Marathon not a sprint and it's just the first official game of the year.

Exactly port have a long way to go, but at least the signs are good, if they can keep fit, stick to their game plan they'll do ok...

A good crowd. How were the lights and what was the atmosphere like? Should the Eagles play more games at Thebarton?

Oracle wrote:A good crowd. How were the lights and what was the atmosphere like? Should the Eagles play more games at Thebarton?

Lights were very dark in the pockets - difficult to see the Score, the 'green' time clock was very bright & hard to read.

Thebarton has passed us by - should forget it.
If the club wants to play night games in future - play @ Adelaide Oval or not @ all.

Those that know me, know I am ex-Torrens but continuing to return to Thebby is 'counter-productive' to the idea of "one club" IMHO.
Woodville Oval is our home - better off spending money to improve the facilities there, rather than continuing to to 'flog a dead horse' by playing @ Thebby.

Just my thoughts

Given your loyalties, it can't be easy to say all that 'LEH'. Congratulations on your candour.
I'm happy to accept your opinion on the Eagles situation, but in truth I'd be sorry to see Thebarton Oval fall by the wayside. All the names, history and epic battles between Norwood and everyone else against West Torrens at Thebby deserves to be remembered, as do all matches against Woodville at Woodville. For what it’s worth, I miss your club being 2 separate entities. If only we could turn back the clock and deal appropriately with those who are the real cause of it all eh ?

Oh well, que sera, sera huh? Good luck wherever the combined Eagles play mate.
But not too much !!!

rover wrote:

redandblack wrote:Great write-up, CK. I saw Port in their first trial against West and wondered if it was just a trial game bubble, but they look very strong and might make one less spot in the 5 to fight for.

*** Pedantic grammar alert***

'disinterested' should be 'uninterested'. I think disinterested refers to someone who has no connection, uninterested is someone who has a connection, but isn't interested (in performing).

I'll now go back into my cave and hide.

Sorry

Thank you Mr Cornes.

Ouch!!!

Harsh,

....but fair

I was reasonably confident going in that we would win, but I didn't think it would be by that much. The Eagles looked like they mentally weren't there, and were undisciplined throughout the game, giving away stupid free kicks and 25m penalties.

redandblack wrote:

rover wrote:

redandblack wrote:Great write-up, CK. I saw Port in their first trial against West and wondered if it was just a trial game bubble, but they look very strong and might make one less spot in the 5 to fight for.

*** Pedantic grammar alert***

'disinterested' should be 'uninterested'. I think disinterested refers to someone who has no connection, uninterested is someone who has a connection, but isn't interested (in performing).

I'll now go back into my cave and hide.

Sorry

Thank you Mr Cornes.

Ouch!!!

Harsh,

....but fair

Disinterested vs. Uninterested
Disinterested: impartial.
Example: Let a disinterested person judge our dispute. (an impartial person)
Uninterested: not interested in.
Example: This man is uninterested in our dispute. (couldn't care les

Exactly.

Thank you, Mr Cornes Senior

Oh look, I miss my club dearly - I too would love to go back & change the past (err, not just in footy ) but what's done is done.
My biggest fear is the onset of "AFLSA" - if it happens, & quite frankly & sadly, I think it is very much 'on the cards', then more clubs may be forced to merge in order to save the 'brand name clubs' (Cows & PAPs) - & that would upset me greatly, as I am against merger (somewhat ironic that I support a merged club), I voted against the proposed North/Sturt Merger in the 90's & actually contributed financially to Sturt, in support of it not going ahead.

The question here is the suitability of Thebby as a venue, over Woodville - for WWTFC to play at.

I think there is merit in 'exploring the option' of a permanent move by the SANFL to develop a 'precinct' similar to Vissy Pk in Melbourne, @ Thebarton. To make it the 'home' of the SANFL perhaps.

But for my club to make a move there or to play 'token' night games there, I think is a mistake.
The club could've got a heap move revenue last week, playing @ Woodville.
I would hazard a guess that 4000 would've turned up Saturday & would've spent some of their time & money in the club rooms.

I remember going to Thebby to watch MY heros; 'Scruff' Hanna, Bruce Lindsey, David Foote, Lee Robson, Kevin Hill, 'Hotdog' Hodson, 'Rocky' Roberts (before he defected to your mob), etc.
I remember fondly, riding my bike to training through Torrens CAE from Grange on a Thursday Night & Sunday Morning.
I recall the 'Pie Nights' for the Zone Squad, @ the back of the 'old stand' with the rain pelting down...

I won't go on, they are wonderful memories but they are just that, memories.

To quote the sequel to "The Outsiders"... "That was Then, This is Now"
One of the problems OUR Club faces, despite 3 Premierships & 22 years together, is there are STILL supporters who are separated by their former loyalties. We need to 'get over it' if we are to truly progress IMHO.

Continuing to return for 'token' games @ Thebby, as I said, is counter productive IMO.
Different as a 'neutral venue' - e.g. a Norwood Home Game, although there is no need because Norwood Oval is IMO a fantastic Night Venue, always has been - the closeness of the crowd & atmosphere is 2nd to none @ night IMHO.

So although, I understand the sentiment, I believe it is NOT in the Club's best interest.

There, rant over...

That's not a rant, LEH, it's a great, heartfelt post.

Thanks.