2. Adam Simpson has preached since his arrival at the club about the need to play multi-faceted roles. Defenders need to be able to push through the midfield and also rotate into attack, while forwards need to play midfield and, if required, play in the back half. We saw that against GWS with Jack Darling, Elliot Yeo and substitute Xavier Ellis all spending time through the midfield, which gave the team a different look and eased the burden on the regular on-ballers. Darling, of course, has built his reputation as a forward, while Yeo and Ellis, in their first seasons at the club, have played mainly at half-back.
3. The relationship between Mark LeCras and Josh Kennedy is an important facet of team cohesion. They have developed a terrific understanding over time and work well together. LeCras contributed four goals and seemed intent, when Kennedy was heading towards a double-figure tally, to ensure his forward line ally hit that rare landmark. Of course, LeCras knows what’s it’s like to bag a double-figure haul, kicking a dozen against Essendon in round 16, 2010.
4. The work rate of indefatigable midfielder Matt Priddis is exceptional. He’s a bit like the energiser bunny and just keeps going and going when most of his opponents – and teammates – can go no more. It’s hard to remember anyone who is better at winning the ball on the inside, with 19 of his 26 possessions being contested. He also capped off his work with a fine snap from a stoppage in the first term.
5. Matt Rosa is enjoying perhaps his most consistent season in senior football. Another of the midfield players with a remarkable ‘tank’, his work rate ensures he gets to as many contests as possible, but also uses his running ability on the spread. He pushes himself to work to space so that he is an option for the open hit-up kick from teammates and would be high in the voting for the John Worsfold Medal despite missing the game against Geelong in round four because of a bout of gastro.
