GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Sam Flanders during a Gold Coast Suns Training Session at Heritage Bank Stadium on February 19, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Match simulations are underway and without the benefit of quality broadcast coverage and stats, it can be hard to follow, so we’ve done the work for you gathering all the key post-game comments.
Thursday 20 February
Gold Coast v Brisbane v Collingwood, People First Stadium
Lions assistant coach Ben Hudson was full of praise to rookie Levi Ashcroft. He said: “I think he was pretty solid. Levi is a young player who is just coming back from rehab. Did a pretty good job first up.”
On young key forward Ty Gallop, Hudson said: “He’s done well the young Sunshine Coast academy product. He’s just an honest football who competes… I think, along with a few others, he’s certainly putting his hand up.”
Suns stand-in coach Shaun Grigg discussed the form of youngsters Jed Walter and Ethan Read. He said: “I thought they took a step forward. Ethan looked good in the ruck as well, as that chop-out second ruck. Jed looked dynamic at ground level. He got after them and took a couple of clunks. Some really good defensive pressure that we love. That’s why he’s going to be a good player for us.”
He also talked about the half-back partnership of new recruits John Noble and Daniel Rioli, the latter whom missed the game. He said: “The combination of John and Daniel, when he gets back next week, is going to be pretty exciting seeing that run and dash off half-back and that really good ball use.”
Touk Miller and Sam Flanders both missed the game. Grigg added when asked about next game: “Maybe see Touk and Sam Flanders is progressing as well. We’ll make those decisions early in the week.”
Grigg offered an update on Leo Lombard who went off with a shoulder injury. He said: “We don’t know the severity of it just yet … hopefully it’s not too serious. Fingers crossed it’s not too bad and he’s back out there soon.”
Collinwood assistant coach Matthew Boyd was asked about the games of newcomers Harry Perryman, Dan Houston, Tim Membrey, Charlie West and Will Hayes. He said: “I thought each of those players showed why they’re here.
“Showed some great strengths in terms of their transition, some pressure, some of their finishing work with Charlie kicking a couple of goals. Really positive signs for those guys.”
On Reef McInnes’ new role of half-back, Boyd said: “Obviously Reef playing in a bit of a different role rom last year. Really pleasing to see him put a good pre-season together and come out and show his strengths in that position. He was able to make some good reads on the play and show some really good contested work.”
Friday 21 February
Sydney v Greater Western Sydney, Tramway Oval
Sydney assistant coach Ben Mathews provided an update on Callum Mills. He said: “He’s got some mild plantar fasciitis. He’s a test for next week. Trained a little bit this morning. Has done some training this week. Test for next week against gold coast, we’ll just see how his week pans out.
“There’s no risk needed this time of the year either. It’s one of those niggly ones, they can dag around for longer than what you’d like. It’s mild, we’re pretty confident with it. we’ll manage it well. We won’t take any risks.”
Mathews said Tom Papley was managed after a rolled ankle but insisted “he’ll be fine.”
The Swans assistant hailed Braeden Campbell in his half-forward role and Joel Amartey up forward. He also praised Matt Roberts, Angus Sheldrick and Corey Warner. In a role change, Tom McCartin played up forward.
GWS assistant coach Jeremy Laidler was quick to praise youngster Cody Angove, who looms for an Opening Round debut.
Laidler said: “He was really impressive. He’s played predominantly wing, little bit of half-back. We’ve loved his progress over the pre-season. He’s doing everything right to put his name in the ring.
“It was just great to see him against some mature wingman, Gulden and Jordon. He’s ticking a lot of boxes. Definitely (a chance for Round 1), everyone is a chance. He’s trying to make that wing his own.”
Laidler noted Phoenix Gothard’s rolled ankle was “very minor”. He also hinted Max Gruzewski is in the mix to play as their second ruck/key forward, rivalling Jake Riccardi and Aaron Cadman.
Adelaide v Port Adelaide, Mount Barker
Port assistant coach Tyson Goldsack praised newcomers Joe Richards and Joe Berry. He said: “They’re pretty clever users of the ball. Joe’s (Berry) still out there now running around, and he looks a lively type and a likely type going forward.”
Adelaide assistant coach Nathan van Berlo discussed his side’s midfield depth, flagging James Peatling and Sid Draper’s roles.
He said: “James Peatling spent a bit of time in the midfield, we saw Sid spend some time in the middle as well, and a number of other guys. Josh Rachele spent some more time there, Izak Rankine didn’t play today, but he’ll be one who’ll spend some big minutes in the midfield as well.
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