Unfortunately Tauri Zimmer copped one and suffered a recurrence of a ruptured spleen. Latest word last night was the spleen was being removed and it is hoped that Tauri will pull up OK. He was shattered after a collision from which he felt the same pains as last year 12 months almost to the day. He had put in a big pre-season and was prominent in the early stages of yesterday's game. A huge 'get well' and we are certain that you will come back with a vengeance.
Other than that lowlight it was all highlights. Pretty warm as the game got underway watched by GC17 list players munching on their dietician ordered lunches (at we are told, reasonable prices?) and a good turn up of cat supporters. A bit like Christmas and not knowing what was in the carefully wrapped boxes under the tree, but soon smiles adorned all but the grumpiest faces.
First off, there were two full teams on the deck with plenty taking up spots on the pine. Throw in about 8 injured who sat out, of which Ablett, Harris, Dickson, Walters, Lyons and Zorko would be walk-up starts in any game (apologies if we have missed any), and we are looking good for depth. The difficulty might be hanging on to all.
Secondly there were a few older stagers looking trim, reasonably taut, and potentially terrific - David Round in the square taking a couple of one grabbers, Korey Fulton showing he still knows where the vertical poles are and handballing on the half forward flank, Trewy being typically shrewd and getting physical despite the balding pate, and Warwick Fenner looking for a visa on the boundary.
The field was awash with 30+ as AFLQ umpires started proceedings. Clearly the adjudicators need practice as well, although one wag and it wasn't Spackers who was abnormally quiet in his abuse of the men in charge, suggested that by the time the season gets underway the players will be better but the umps won't!
Clever Dick got an early posession resulting in a one grab mark by Roundy who snaffled his first for the day. Hope to report that in season proper. From there on in it was "Which of the Ashs' was that? ...What's the name of the little bloke from Tassie? ...Who was wearing blue boots? ...Fair dinkum Fifey is a bloods supporter. ...Is he still under 18? ...Gees, he's improved from last year. ...Where will Smithy play Jesse this year? ...Looks like Quicky has bulked up? ...He's studying law and wants to be closer to the uni than Tweed Heads. ...Can we get that bloke a job? ...Will our paid footballers receive a $950 stimulus?
Thing is there was no punch up a la Carlton, (struth that Cloke needs a tablet), there were positives galore and the coaches enjoyed themselves. No signs of a recession at the Cattery! Photos available on the drop down menu on "Caught in the Act'
Last Modified on 28/11/2009 10:27