Practice match - Will v Bullants

[Dale61]

On a hot late February afternoon, Williamstown ventured out to McHale Stadium to take on the Carlton aligned Northern Bullants.

With final playing lists for VFL clubs due to be finalised soon, this game gave both clubs the opportunity to assess their fringe players, and also giving most of their AFL rookies a run under match conditions.

As teams lists were not available, it was a case of listening to the players to find out who was who.

Williamstown started the match with a half-back line that read Cole - M. Richardson - Shackleton, with Tristen Walker at full back.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Backline.JPG" border=0> Players from left: unknown, Richo, Walker, Nixon.


Other Collingwood listed players to start were Dane Swan, Brodie Holland, Bo Nixon, David King and Tom Hooker. Not sure if any others had a run, but as the home-and-away season draws near, an official list will soon be available.

Cole was elusive, and managed to find space on a regular basis, providing run out of the backline.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Cole1_03.JPG" border=0> Cole clears from the half-back line.


Shacks already seems to have the build to play senior AFL football, and moves extremely well across the ground. Was one of the better players on the day.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Shackleton1.JPG" border=0>
Luke Shackleton.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Shackleton2.JPG" border=0>

King is a tenacious ball magnet, and has no consideration for his well-being when the ball is his objective.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/King1.JPG" border=0> David King.

Nixon is excellent overhead, but his disposal is not yet quite spot-on, but this will improve as the season progresses. Played well when on the ground.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Nixon1.JPG" border=0> Bo Nixon (left)

<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Nixon2.JPG" border=0> Nixon takes a strong grab.

<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Nixon3.JPG" border=0> Nixon in the clear, kicking forward.

<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Nixon4.JPG" border=0> Nixon kicks long to the square.


Walker uses his body well, but needs to learn to stand his ground better in one-on-one contests. He does back himself, but tended to fumble when the ball was below knee level. Has the turning circle of the Queen Mary, but provides the necessary physical presence to worry his opponent.

Brodes needs to work on his foot disposal if he is to get a senior game, but still has the quick hands for effective handballs to running players. Has bulked up in the upper body which makes him a bit tougher in the clinches.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Holland1_03.JPG" border=0> Dutchy goes back to kick for goal. (He missed.)

Richo is still a tower of strength at VFL level, but has lost a yard or two and could be a liability at the top level.

Swanny was played at both ends, but couldn't find much of the leather, so had little impact. Went missing too often to be effective.

Of the newly signed Williamstown recruits, Scott Taylor took on the Adrian Fletcher role in the centre and racked up numerous possessions, and was my best for The Gulls, whilst Marcus Baldwin took several strong marks alternating between CHF and FF.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Baldwin1.JPG" border=0>
Marcus Baldwin.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Baldwin2.JPG" border=0>

Salesi Uhi looked out of sorts early, but came on strong in the final quarter and looks likely to hold down a key forward position.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Salesi1.JPG" border=0>
Salesi Uhi.

Other match day photos.
<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/RuckDuel.JPG" border=0> King roving this ruck contest.

<IMG SRC="http://www.magpies.net/nick/ubb/image_uploads/Throwin1.JPG" border=0> Dutchy (#6) ready to pounce on the loose ball.

Final score (unofficial)
Williamstown ~ 4.1.25 ~ 5.1.31 ~ 6.4.40 ~ 7.11.53
Bullants ~ 0.1.1 ~ 3.6.24 ~ 4.8.32 ~ 5.10.40

"Racetracks are for racing, roads are for getting there."

[This message has been edited by Dale61 (edited 24 February 2003).]

[foxy]

wow! GREAT report! keep it up!

[AB35]

Great work Dale61, much apprecited.

Must say, the upper photo of the Shak isn't very flaterring. Glad you put the 2nd one in.

[Pies Premiers 2003]

very big boy shakleton....looks like he could lose a kilo or two?

THE PIES GO MARCHING ON

[Ev5Magpies]

I was going to say the same thing about Shak, he looks like a fat little fella in the first photo. But great report on Willi Dale61, keep up the good work...

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CHRIS WAZ ERE '03