Attended South Hobart v Wollongong Wolves yesterday.
The weather was shocking for October! Average max in Hobart is usually 17 degrees. Yesterday was 9-10 degrees, plus rain. I'd been out walking the dog before the game in bright sun and it was a lot warmer, so I was underdressed!
The South H pitch was good. Far better than in July.
The score probably reflected the quality of the two teams. Nick Moreton probably played the best half of football I've seen from him in the first 45 mins for SH.
However, the overall technical disparity between the two teams was exemplified in:
* WW had players all over the pitch, who had better first touch and close ball control in confined spaces under pressure. Often South players received and the touch needed to be closer to the body, and then passed, but WWs were able to close the space down, ensuring the second touch from South players was blocked or rushed, hence causing a turnover. Or SH players needed to one touch pass.
* In general WW shielded and protected the ball better. Thomas James the central striker exemplified this, as did Tate Russell and Nichoas Olsen.
* WW kept the ball better, for longer, sustained periods while building up slowly. South probably had most effect in accelerated attacks. WW were able to play at slower rhythm, and keep the ball.
Can't believe a good AL Western U RB, Tate Russell, is now playing at this level? He was beaten twice by SH players, which surprised me. If I had been coach, Luke Wilkshire, I would have been tempted to play him as a DM. TR had too little ifluence at RB.
He was good on the ball, getting his head up effectively when the had the ball at his feet, simultaneously being able to scan the field of play to evaluate options and was slick in tight spaces.
Executed one superb Jairzinho turn as he received, beating 2 SH players. TR was often unmarked in WW Ball Possession, but his Right sided CB, Danzo, didn't see him to pass to.
Nicholas Olsen - superb player on the ball. For mine he is AL quality based on yesterday. Shorter player, with low centre of gravity.
Lachlan Scott - looked good at times and his name rings a bell as a former AL player. Caused probs for SH defence.
No South Players looked like AL quality.
Loved how Luke Wilkshire kept composure at all times in the dug out. Conversely, Ned Clark shouted all match. He has an indecipherable voice like a foghorn, that has no clarity. Thankfully, he went hoarse! I contacted him through Grazor for info, which he never produced after saying he would!
Loved watching live football at this level!
football360.com.au
