Round 6 Recap: Rumours of Our Demise have been Greatly Exaggerated

It was gritty. It was ugly. At times we looked quite shaky, but in the end, when it mattered, we ran all over the Roos to remain the only unbeaten team at the conclusion of Round 6.

Mind the Gap.

The day didn't start all that well for us, with NicNat withdrawing after a botched dunk attempt experiencing hamstring tightness and being replaced by Scott Lycett (hereafter the 'Big Lychee'). So no JJK, NicNat, Lecca, Nico., Embles, Ashley Smith, Schofield or Mitch Brown. At times it looked like we were missing some important players, but we showed great resolve to win the game.

Oh...and Adam Selwood split his webbing. I know I shouldn't joke about it, as it looked horrendously painful, but I can't help but think of ducks when I hear the word webbing...haha...ducks. Hams has also been suspended for a high bump on Swallow (which looked like a high bump on Hill).

The Roos played fairly well. Swallow was impressive and some other guys did some other things. I was going to be a bit more complimentary, but it turns out Brad Scott comes from the Clarkson school of losing.
 Maybe teams should learn how to tackle without decapitating our diminutive players. The East Coast media is also obsessed with our free kick tally, but too bad. We're not breaking any rules and consequently it is not our problem. Move on, losers.

Still, even if we didn't draw a lot of frees, I'm sure they would find other excuses as to why they didn't win. Such as we poisoned their food, or something like Mark Harvey's peculiar claims. Wasn't Harvey great though? A little on the 'insane' side but so much less soporific than Wossy Lyon

Anyway, enough about losers, back to the invincibles. Josh Hill was again superb. I may have been a little ambivalent about the acquisition initially, but I did see the promise.(Plus we rid ourselves of Ernie's friend) Then from the start of preseason I have been extremely impressed. I'm not saying we don't miss Lecras, but just look at his scoring;

Goals from the Hill

More than his goals, though huge, he is more than pulling his weight in the forward press. It was interesting today to hear the commentators ask Brad Johnson why Hill didn't put on this sort of pressure playing for the Dogs: "We Tried" said Johnno. I'm not trying to mock the Dogs or anything, but I think  the difference is our team, with its experienced players and strong work ethic, demands 100% effort...versus...well having a team with Brian Lake.

You can watch Hill's one question at the presser above.

Kudos too to Cox. I was beginning to think the big man was in decline, but today's performance suggests otherwise. 32 hitouts, 21 disposals and 5 marks. If anything this game demonstrates that Cox has voluntarily allowed NicNat to assume the Number One rucking role whilst he does whatever he feels like down back or forward.

But today was also a little concerning. For obvious reasons our forward is not as potent. Yes, we could have kicked more goals (18 behinds!) but we still lacked something (see injured players above). Yet, considering everything, this was a great win. I can't really complain.

Next week is a huge test: The Bombers at Docklands on Saturday night. NicNat should be back plus maybe a couple of others. It's going to be our biggest game of the season against Jobe W Bush and his weapons of mass delusion.


In conclusion, please no training injuries during the week...