SANFL Report - Week 2 Trials
Heals reviews the Port Adelaide players who ran out for SANFL sides last weekend.
The Magpies played some strong footy at Elizabeth to defeat the Bulldogs in their second trial match for the year, with some wayward kicking holding Port Adelaide back from a bigger win. Norwood were convincing against the Panthers whilst West kicked away strongly against the Eagles. The Roosters also scraped home against Sturt.
Mitch Banner (for Port Adelaide v Bulldogs)
"Mitch Banner was solid for the Maggies, had 20-odd touches, had a number of tackles but this is still the area we need to continue to work on with him - but for sure it was a solid hit out for him playing on a wing and half-forward."
Brendon Ah Chee (for Port Adelaide v Bulldogs)
"Brendan was a little disappointing in his debut game for the Maggies. He was a bit overawed by the occasion and obviously didn't know many of his teammates but he'll be better off for the occasion and he's looking forward to playing for them again. Brendon went back out to train with the league side this week, and it's just about him getting to know the team and its structures."
Daniel Webb (for Bloods v Eagles)
"Webby played for the seniors in the ruck and up forward, one thing he is really working on is his competitiveness and he really showed some instances on the weekend where it's starting to shine through. So without dominating the game he certainly is improving that area of competing aggressively more often."
Ben Newton (for Bloods v Eagles)
"Played his first league trial and it's great to see him back running around. Unfortunately he was pretty quiet but will certainly be better for the run, he's got to know the group and he'll probably go back and play for the reserves this week and get a full run on-ball. The pleasing thing about Benny is that he pulled up well and is feeling good about his body which is all we're really focussed on at this stage."
Jarrad Irons (for Eagles v Bloods)
"A quiet first half but then a stronger second half - laid a few tackles which was good and something we're working on with him. He also had four shots on goal, kicking 2.2, which was a pleasing result on the scoreboard playing in a losing side so a solid performance from him."
Matt Thomas (for Redlegs v Panthers)
"Matt only played a half, but in that he collected 17 possessions and 6 clearances so that was a very pleasing hit out for him and showed that he's been conditioned well over the break and is certainly good to go."
Tom Jonas (for Redlegs v Panthers)
"Tom was very solid as he always is and was one of the better players for Norwood - picking up a heap of touches on-ball and across half-back - he played very well."
Mitch Curnow (for Double Blues reserves v Roosters)
"Played in the twos for Sturt - rucking for them and he was very pleasing. Again, he's another player who's focussing on competing all the time and he certainly did that! They (Sturt) were happy with his work."
Danny Butcher (for Roosters reserves v Double Blues)
"Pulled up a bit sore in his groin and will miss this week. He played two and a half quarters with the North Reserves - kicked a goal and was active enough - but by late in the game his groin was pulling up sore which is a bit of a red flag for us."
Aaron Young (for Roosters v Double Blues)
"Was probably the pick of our guys in the North Adelaide side. He kicked 2.3 up forward and had a number of touches - showed really good chase and tackles which we know Youngy can do, so that was pleasing for him."
Andrew Moore (for Roosters v Double Blues)
"Moorey probably played his best game for North at half back and a little bit on the ball - again racking up the touches and moving freely. He looked right at home and was again a class above - which is what we need him to do. He'll look to play a good few weeks there (at North) to try and push back into our side."
Nathan Blee (for Roosters v Double Blues)
"Bleezy played at his new club down back, North were very pleased with his defensive work and his ability to find the ball and help with their back transition which is pleasing at a new club!"