Sorta watched the game, as had to work, but given it was a trial, I'm not going to make a big deal of first impressions, even if I could abuse this trial to drive my agenda of seeing Kodi at fullback and a more classic type of half supporting Milford.
I was more interested in seeing:
- How Gillo would go in his return. Happy he didn't dread the work, be it runs or tackling, and loved his usual chase and harrassment of the opposition kicker). Certainly didn't shame himself in a strange position after a year on the sideline after a pretty big scare!
- How the youngsters would go against tougher opposition. Mixed feelings about what I saw in general, although the worst part was that I think the team entered way too overconfident, believed their own hype and paid the price. Perfect timing for this to happen in a trial, and credit to the fight back.
- See the halves involvement and the first indications of Seibold's structures. Also liked to see the halves playing with each other and having the freedom to venture on both sides of the field whenever they saw fit.
Too early to say much really, but we need more starch in defense, stop the opposition offloading at will, and get in the grind of the game before earning the right to play more adventurous footy.
Glenn deserves a special mention. Didn't let the hype about all the talented youngsters get to him, went out and played his best footy, set a platform and told everyone... now try to take my spot bitches!