Cats beat Bombers in last pre-season hit-out

It’s only the No True Scotsman defense if I ignore the preseason games entirely without any attempt to rationalise them. Which I’m not doing. Nice try though. In fact, it’s a bit ironic that you’re focusing on a couple of warm up games in order to say ‘they have shown nothing’, while ignoring the football the Bombers were playing in the back half of 2018 – you know, the stuff that matters. If you can’t see anything in what they did last year (plus the addition of Daniher and Shiel) that suggests they will make the 8, you’re deliberately not looking.

Ah the "No true Scotsman" defence. It doesn't say much when you have to plead special circumstances to maintain your confidence in the Bomber's supposed rise this year. Personally, they have shown nothing to indicate they will make the 8. Adelaide and North are ahead of them on exposed form, and while Sydney might give up a spot, Hawthorn will probably keep theirs. The Melbourne hype train in motion once again.

Only a practise match but it appears Geelong have picked up a few players without losing much from last years list.

(a) the Cats didn’t do it to the same extent and (b) because you can’t judge a coach’s ability based off preseason games where the team deliberately isn’t playing the way they would on match day. I would’ve thought that was pretty self explanatory. It would be like judging Justin Langer’s coaching ability based on a practice game where he opened the batting with Cummins and Lyon.

Selwood was on a modified program, has done less work this year - even though healthy - just because he has a lot of miles in him. Big Sav was also limited because of comeback from that broken leg. Look I guess what I am trying to see is all teams have asterisks next to players at this time of year. It’s why taking anything out of preseason is silly. I was happy Geelong won but if they lost I really wouldn’t have worried either. Just happy no one was injured that I am aware of and players got a chance to find some touch.

Cat, I guess I wasn't clear about what I mean by managing, I wasn't referring to the game itself but the pre-season leading up to it. Daniher is the most obvious case but players like Heppell, McKenna, Bellchambers, Smith and no doubt others have been on modified programs -- they have the fitness base but not the touch just yet. I wasn't trying to knock Geelong, they played well.

Both teams managed their lists in view of their own needs and preparation. Essendon maybe more so. However, the Cats definitely looked sharper, and by the last quarter both teams seemed to be just going through the motions ie like a training exercise without any intensity or interest in the result. I think both teams got what they wanted from the game and both have 17-18 days to get ready for the real thing. Can't wait.

"... deliberately playing guys out of position and weakening his midfield to expose less experienced players makes it virtually impossible to judge." Why? Geelong and pretty much every side in the game has been doing the same thing?

You are aware that Geelong was 'managing' players also right? Both teams had the cue in the rack by the fourth quarter. Tom Stewart only played 41% game time, Ablett 69%, Dangerfield 68% (they all typically average over 80%). Like Essendon Geelong also had players who got time just to see what they could do but won't be playing round 1 barring injuries (Zach Guthrie 45%, Darcy Fort 29%, Gryan Miers 45%, Charlie Constable 50%). Mitch Duncan played most of the game as a half back flank to give some of the kids some time in the middle.

Who cares? Essendon won't play in Geelong for another 25 years. Both teams have bigger fish to fry and not looking to take much from a scratch match.

Yeah I wouldn't be too concerned at losing to Geelong at Kardinya by 5 goals with players being managed. I'd be concerned if this is the output delivered in round 1. The narrow confines of Kardinya doesn't suit Essendon's run and gun play from half-back. Geelong shut down the space and had plenty of numbers back. Fortunately we don't play there in the regular season. I would expect to beat Geelong at the MCG (which we have the last two seasons).

Giants and Swans away and the Demons at the G in the first few rounds is not the easiest start though you do get the bye against the Saints in round 2. Perhaps Woosha has a great tactic with the new rules to unleash and is keeping his cards to his chest for now. The Demons v Bombers game will tell us a lot about both sides.

Freo smashed West Coast in their final 2018 JLT match so I don't put much stock in the result itself. As for Woosha's coaching standard, deliberately playing guys out of position and weakening his midfield to expose less experienced players makes it virtually impossible to judge. I just want to know (and I don't) that the side will be up and about from the first bounce in round 1. We can't afford another mediocre start to the season.

The Cats are more forward in their preparation for the season, important given their difficult early games. Several of the Essendon players have been "managed", players with a number of preseasons behind them already have a fitness base -- they need to develop their touch and there is enough time left for that.

Usually the final preseason game is a chance to get some indication of how a side is travelling. The earlier games are usually worth ignoring. The Bombers looked a bit reactionary I thought which usually means a side was outcoached. Not sure Woosha has enough plan B's in his pocket if things don't go well and that's behind the Bombers poor start last year.

Hard to know what to make of the Bombers' JLT games. On one hand, losing both matches wasn't ideal. On the other, it's pretty clear they weren't going as hard at each game as their opponents were. Their best mids didn't play anywhere near as much game time as they normally would and were often shifted onto the flanks to give other guys more centre square exposure. There was also plenty of experimentation. Rohan's four goals looks good until you realise the Dons had McKenna marking him for much of the night (presumably still trying to work on the defensive aspect of his game). My biggest concern is that the lower intensity will carry over into the first couple of games of the season proper. The pluses are that guys like Ridley and McGrath appear primed to step up this year. Stringer looks really fit and Saad is in good touch.