Our first official fixture for 2011 was an AFLQ sanctioned practice match versus Logan Cobras at Collingwood Park. On a very warm day Logan prevailed 8.11 (59) to the Eagles 7.6 (48), but the positives from our side of the fence far outweighed any percieved result on the scoreboard.
From a coaching perspective our fitness seems to be on track, Logan running 30+ players through the bench to our 23, their legs eventually told in the end, but to our guys credit they fought the game right out and seemed to have a good fitness base underneath them. Logan also employed some tactics which on the day we did not try to counter, rather we tried to play our style of game, which at times worked very well, and at others fell down due to an error or bad decision, but it was stressed right throughout the day it was a practice match set up, and risks, choices were to be made, and learnt from.
Also during the game we experimented with different guys in positions that may be unfamiliar with them, with some positive results for the structure and flexibility of the side, which bodes well for the future structures we can employ within the group. From the day the really big positive was the performance of our younger players. Players such as Bullard, Pilsbury, McHardy, Cummings, Collihole and Clark really stood up and showed what it is going to take to be a regular Eagles senior players this year.
Our midfielders were ably led by Wiltshire, Pullen, Leamer and Philpott doing enough to show that our core group will be strong and flexible. Big men in Nairn, Borthwick and Morris also are right on track to big seasons with those guys building towards round 1, very encouraging signs from them. Our backline was superb with Macklin, Matty G, Goons and Timmy P being very solid and forming a solid partnership, and with Skidders coming into the fray, the solidity of that group looks very sure.
Moving into next week competition is very much alive for spots, especially with guys of the calibre of Rocky, Trav G, Wells and Seany competing for spots, all players with Senior aspirations need to perform, week in, week out. Add to this Luke, Link, Tommy, Wally, Rodders, Poulton, Podolak and Brennan as others to be considered, you can see the depth we have.
The Reserves also had a strong hitout against Yeronga, who we thank for playing at short notice. Great signs from the young fellows once again, along with good signs that the message and improvement is getting through the whole group. Whilst only seeing a half of this game, it was not a good sign when we only had barely a side at kick off, but filled it out with later arrivals. To stress this is not acceptable and will not be tolerated is paramount in planning for the year. As with the Seniors attendance at training and adherence with our principles will go a long way to deciding who plays on a regular basis, as unlike previous years we have numbers to choose from and unless you are proactive in training or contacting Humie, Hymie or Ossie when work or family prevents you attendance.
All in all a very successful day, from the Coaching Teams perspective it is nothing but a headache moving into Round 1. Lets get our heads down and arse up and work towards the common goal of getting better each week and hit the ground running in Round 1.
Last Modified on 22/03/2011 12:50
