Mcphee, Monfries

[andrewb]

Great to see some of the perennial whipping boys around here get great games under their belts.

McPhee was superb and has shown us what he's capable of with a 3rd best defender.

Gus did everything that he has been doing for the last three weeks but improved his disposal dramatically - confidence is a funny thing.

I'm looking forward to seeing how our forward line operates when we've got left and right footed lead-up half forwards (McPhee, Lucas) and left and right footed stay at home forwards (Lloyd, Neagle).

Adelaide were far better tactically and structurally last night (we couldn't beat their zone for love or money) but we smashed them in the middle of the ground - great signs from a young midfield.

[KaaN10]

Really impressed with McPhee's game.

[hop]

They were both terrific last night.

It's amazing what a changed structure and a bit of confidence can do.

Now if we can only get Neagle and Gumby (remember him?) on the paddock semi-regularly, then we will have enough talls to provide real options going forward.

[jimmyc1985]

Ironic that arguably Monfries' best game for the season thus far came when he got his second lowest possession count for the year. McPhee was very important last night especially as Lloyd or Lucas were never in the game, and i thought he was our best.

I thought we were OK against Adelaide's zone last night, at least coming out of defence. We were able to string a few uncontested possessions together after a kick-out following a behind quite a few times last night, and Fletcher's kicking out was good in this regard. We looked very hesitant though when we got the ball at about half back and hesitated because there wasn't much going on at CHF, and Adelaide probably got time to put a few players back.

[Boyler_Room]

Thought Monfries did a very good job keeping McLeod relatively quiet. Still like him in the forward line. Looks at his best when he's providing an option. He can play taller than he is and has a strong body in those contests, whereas he doesn't appear to be all that strong in the middle.

McPhee was a standout across half forward for us. With Lucas being back in the side, it meant Bassett went to McPhee and McPhee was able to exploit that battle a lot of the time, taking a game high 12 marks. Had his kicking boots on too, which was good to see.

[Rossoneri]

I'd like to see Gus used as a rotation in the middle. Start up forward but go into the middle for a few minutes a quarter, freshen up some of the other midfielders such as Watson, McVeigh etc.

[rockhole]

I was rapt to see the returns from our much maligned players, esp. McPhee and Gus. Given that our key forwards produced one goal betweem them, the effort speaks volumes for the guys further up the ground.

An once of the luck we enjoyed last year with th close ones and we would have pinched this one, although I am feeling much better that after the last few debacles.

I recall Myers giving the ball a huge thump off one step in a NAB cup game which caught my eye. This kid already looks like a footballer and has the frame already well developed. I reckon we will get some great value from him over the years.

[BenDoolan]

Monfries is far better suited to a negative role than on offensive one. I still thought McLeod had the better of him up until half time, but he certainly won the battle after it. It's easily his best game in ages. But it's only one game. Needs to be more consistent, and hopefully it starts as of last night.

McPhee was resfreshlingly good. He hasn't been all that bad all year, but not that great either. He is leading the "marks" at the club this season, but his unusual habit of taking too long to move the ball on, can be frustrating. Had a really good game last night. The most effective forward.

[MH_Bomber]

I agree with everything you said BD. I actually thought Monfries was quite good after 1/2 time last week and he continued on that form into the Adelaide game.

McPhee was excellent. My only complaint is that its better he doesnt think too much about what to do with it. Its like he's trying to remember where he should put it not what the best option is. He's a player that needs to play instinctively.

[swoodley]

Both played important roles last night and should take additional confidence into next week.

I thought Gus played an excellent game from start to finish. McLeod was not a very damaging player at all for most of the night.

McPhee clearly benefited from being the third tall and having Bassett on him rather than Ruttan or Bock.

[andrewb]

Both very good again. McPhee's first quarter was sensational and Monfries provided a spark all game. Loved that little play on the half forward flank where he arched the back and ran around two defenders.

[robbie67]

Both very good again. McPhee's first quarter was sensational and Monfries provided a spark all game. Loved that little play on the half forward flank where he arched the back and ran around two defenders.

Neither of these blokes could hold a candle to Kepler though ay Andrew?

[Sismis]

Monfries was supurb on Friday, Eyes only for the ball.

[jimmyc1985]

Groan. Monfries back to his old tricks with those f****** faggot chip/stab kicks. Exactly the same shit where he turned the ball over three hundred times against Sydney four or five weeks ago.

Stop this faggot chip kick rubbish.

[bombercol]

Gus earned his pay today and so did McPhee.

[billyduckworth]

I was impressed with McPhee today when he was forced to go down back following the injury to Fletcher.
Ran hard, threw himself at contests and didn't have too many brain explosions.

[The Fly]

I thought they both did prett well. Especially Gus. Provided a good target up around the wing area.

[swoodley]

Both kept presenting all day long. It was great being at the game and being able to see all the off the ball stuff that doesn't get shown on the TV. McPhee ran his guts out today and several Freo supporters near me said that they wished they had never traded him.

Gus also played his heart out and wracked up the K's throughout the game.

[Rossoneri]

Groan. Monfries back to his old tricks with those f****** faggot chip/stab kicks. Exactly the same shit where he turned the ball over three hundred times against Sydney four or five weeks ago.

Stop this faggot chip kick rubbish.

I'l put this down to posting while waching the game, its very frustrating I know. Thought Gus was great today, but yes, a couple of his kicks were too cute.

[BenDoolan]

McPhee's form has been outstanding in the past month. Since Lucas has been back, McPhee has grown wings. He is striding in full flight, taking solid marks, presenting himself everywhere and contributing goals and setting them up. He is moving freely and confidently, and seems relieved to be free from the expectation to perform as a KPP. He has always been best suited as an attacking flanker / utility type player. IMO, he's playing like he did in 2004. And at 26, he is vital to our list.

As for Monfries, he's had one outstanding game and the rest have been average to poor. Kicking efficiency at 55% is very ordinary and must improve. His game against Carlton was superb. Just needs to extract more of those efforts during a season and become more consistent instead of a flash in the pan. But overall, he has been on the gradual improve this season.