Well, Adelaide have pulled away from a beleaguered Melbourne side to all but seal second spot. Its been a fantastic effort given the season they put in last year, but I'd still be very surprised if they didn't bow out this September in straight sets.
On to the Eagles vs Bulldogs clash...
I've been very critical of the Eagles, despite their privileged spot on the table, and I honestly believe they can't win this title. They do have some talented players. Dean Cox is the best ruckman in the land, Wirripunda is fantastic out of a back pocket, Braun runs obtrusively all day and always gives 100%, as does the much maligned Chick out of defence. Cousins will most likely underline a fine career by winning the Brownlow and he always gets strong support out of the centre from the unsung Fletcher. Judd is the media lovechild, mainly because of his withering runs and ability to snap lovely goals. He usually gets good possie stats and is a dangerous player, but his thinking isn't always that flash and its no surprise to regularly see him outside of the key effective possession getting players. Outside of these players, the Eagles are sorely missing the perversely underrated Andrew Embley and exciting young CHF prospect Hansen.
They will have these players back for the finals (I think), but they will surely be underdone for such big matches. More worryingly for the side:
- Phil Matera has dropped away up forward as a dangerous goal kicking small, and it looks very much like his best days are behind him;
- Matera's battle underscores the vulnerability of the Eagles up forward. Lynch tries hard, but his skills are painfully average, and he is as bad a kick for goal as you could ask for from an experienced forward. McDougall struggled today and has struggled badly in the past. Hunter moved up forward also and was found wanting, with his move further exposing the side down back. Staker has some promise, but he is hardly a world beater, and not the sort of player that can be relied upon in the full glare of the finals' spotlight. Frankly, I just don't see how they can get enough goals when the stakes are high in the finals;
- Similar woes face the side down back, where Glass has had a great year and looks quite steady at FB. I've already mentioned Wirrpunda out of a pocket who is a top player, but outside of that there is not a lot to get excited about. Hunter is no better than average when he is down there and while Braun can be a strong presence, he is often needed up forward (ditto for Chick).
- These structural woes are shown-up in the Eagles game plan. Last weekend, the Eagles steadfastly refused to play corridor football, despite playing a struggling and undermanned Hawthorn outfit at home. While they had a lot more scoring shots, it was hardly surprising an inordinate number were behinds as they were routinely pushing speculative shots from way out wide. They played similar football today. If you're a top side, and you're increasingly unwilling to play direct football, then you're asking for defeat in the finals' cauldron.
As for the Hounds, I was very, very impressed. We all know they have some fine young talent, but today was mainly a day for the old guard. Chris Grant, Rohan Smith, Scott West and Brad Johnson were all fantastic this afternoon, and will all leave big holes at the club as they retire over the next two seasons.
From a Hawk perspective, the Norwich eligible player I would most like to see at Hawthorn (in terms of bringing the most for structural improvement) is neither Deledio or Griffen (not that I wouldn't kill for both), but rather it is big Will Minson. Talented young ruckmen are in short supply, and not only does he have sturdy size about him, but he also has a deep-set aggro streak.
There's a lot to like about the Bulldogs, who could be the next big thing from next season on. They still have plenty to play for this year, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them win all of their remaining three games to sneak into the eight.
Here's hoping they get there, because they have the capacity to shake things up a bit.
