Xavier Ellis: Hayden Young injury takes shine of Fremantle Dockers' show of hard-earned maturity
At half-time the Blues to be fair were by far the harder, tougher and more finals like team. The Dockers managed to adapt to the situation and make the needed changes on the run. They were handball happy. Over handballing is anything but finals like football. An adjustment from handballing to kicking quickly became overwhelming for the Blues defence. Amassing 11 second half goals and a finals brand of footy.
What I didn't like …
The balancing act of Hayden Young. Unfortunately, the young star has seen the highs and lows of AFL football within a week. Derby medallist to subbed at quarter-time. Whilst playing at Hawthorn players like Luke Hodge, Sean Burgoyne and Cyril Rioli all spent time in the State league to prepare properly for the rigours of AFL. Young managed 28 per cent game time against Collingwood, 57 per cent against West Coast and was subbed out after just eight per cent on Sunday. Will they get another chance with Young this season? I hope so, but it might be a slow cautious build.
What would I like to see?
Tag Zak Butters, he is a star of the competition when unmarked, with a tag he has been dormant in games. Remove their best player and they'll win the game.
What I liked …
Really scrapping the bottom of the barrel, but the performances of the two mid-season draft selections are certainly holding their own. Maric and McCarthy had handy games. More and more with 19 and 20 teams entering the competition, these mid-season older players will be important as the draft as talent will be very thin.
What I didn't like …
Former captain Shannon Hurn would use the phrase 'swim between the flags'. Simply put, know your limitations and play within them. Some of the Eagles players have a misunderstanding of their abilities and they shoot themselves in the foot most weeks. I love daring football and mistakes happen, but these are uncoachable mistakes the Eagles are making.
What I would like to see …
Players careers are on the line and players like Campbell Chesser are fighting for a list position. Another solid performance will go a long way to an extension. Eagles players have been bizarrely gifted multiple year contracts, 1 year and game incentives is more than enough.
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