5 Things We LEARNED from Round 3: Essendon v St Kilda | AFL 2024

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[@mikaham681]

#1 - The Saints set shot kicking skills have not improved this year. I don't know where we are compared to others, but for years, maybe decades, the Saints have been woeful with set shots for goal. We work hard to get ball to scoring position and then miss too often. This has the effect of killing the enthusiam in the Saints team, and lifting the ethusiam of the opposition. This played out with Essendon. Do we have a goal kicking coach? does every player have a routine? do we monitor their improvement week on week, year on year ? I suspect the answer is NO to all of these questions. Its simply unprofessional to kick poorly in front of goal. Just improving by a small percentage is the difference between winning and losing. #2 - I agree Seb Ross is still a great player. 6-7 years ago, he was carrying the Saints, and he has maintained a quite consistent high level for a long long time. Well done Seb! #3 - We need a better strategy on how to handle a "high press". Essendon got us yesterday on repeat entries when we failed to get the ball past the high press. Clearly Liam Henry would have helped, with his run, but we have other runners. Maybe just kick a long ball into our empty half forward line, and let Higgins, Hill, Sincs, Jones, Butler, Wilson etc to run onto it. Do this a few times and their high press will no come so high. #4 - I still love the saints even when they lose.

[@davidknight3826]

6) The injuries to Wood and Henry have been heavily understated. The pace, class and flexibility was devasting to our team especially our forward structure and rotation through the wings. You summed it up well our kids are still kids which further emphasises how crucial both players are to our squad. 7) Caminiti and King should both be playing together, history shows your best chance to win a premiership is to have two key forwards together playing for a long period of time together. 8) Owens as back up ruck needs to stop. I was very surprised to see Owens in the ruck in the last quarter instead of in the midfield for a spark and Caminiti back up ruck to compete body wise against Draper and Goldstein 9) We need to target a classy midfielder at season end, there are a few options available and I personally hope we go after Max Holmes from Geelong 10) Patience. Hard to have at times as a Saints fan but we all see the young talent and the direction. Good things are coming, yesterday was a good learning experience for the kids 11) Reading the comments about Bonner is laughable! He's having more of a crack and is giving more than just about anyone on the list. Leave the bloke alone

[@brettmoyle1195]

Totally agree camanit king good combo ..drop membrey he doesn't give us enough

[@mr.hamborger9602]

In a few years Caminiti and King will share the same FF/CHB dynamic Membrey and King have currently, he just needs a couple more pre-seasons to really build his tank and his upper body size. For the moment though Hammer and King don't play great together, Caminiti just seems to get in King's way. As for Owens in the ruck, while it's definitely not ideal in the slightest, it's sadly probably the best option until Hayes comes back or one of the other emerging ruck talents come in. While Owens might not get hitouts, it means that once the ball hits the ground he's able to play as an extra inside-midfielder at the clearance, the role he's going to be playing in a few years. Again, it's like taking a brand new Porsche down a dirty country road, but at least it's allowing him to play up the ground. Caminiti in the ruck is something they'll look at later on once he's built his size and tank as I mentioned earlier, at the moment he just doesn't have the physicality or groundwork to compete in the ruck, as we saw in the practice matches. Ross has said we'll be attacking the draft pretty intensely again like last year, and then the years after (2025 and onwards) once our window begins to open, we'll look at free agency. He wants to find more diamonds in the rough like we've done previous years to build a list with enough depth to win a flag. Who knows though, they might be able to strike a good deal for Holmes, he'd be a good inclusion.

[@Erennn-mq5cx]

Play King and Caminniti together as FF and CHF. You need two BIG forwards like roo and kosi. play Membrey 3rd tall, drop Sharman. Caminiti can pinch hit in the ruck too.

[@mr.hamborger9602]

@@Erennn-mq5cx That will probably be the dynamic in a few years once Caminiti develops, he can’t really Rick just yet but eventually he’ll be great. And by then if Membrey has retired Sharman will hopefully have also naturally improved and assumed the role as the 3rd tall forward.

[@macherie1275]

Point 6✅️✅️✅️✅️ Even when Wood doesn't get it, he knows the game, he has experienced, he has respect of the boys and gives feedback clearly, in a timely way and cares so obviously everyone listens. Henry, the X factor we need. Point 7: King + reliable talls, be it Caminiti, Sharman, Membrey, just any combo of these is great. But Max is vital. Point 8:✅️✅️✅️ Point 9: No argument. So, what's our Philipou development plan? Point 10: 🙏🙏🙏 Might have to play Guns and Roses "Patience" a few times to drill it in. Thanks for the reminder. Point 11: " Leave Bonner alone!!!"- agreed! Point 9:✅️✅️✅️

[@lennieshore5390]

I don’t reckon King’s absence had anything to do with the second half fade out. Felt pretty clear that we got flogged in the midfield and ran out of run so losing Wood and Henry along with not having access to Crouch, Clark or Dow seems like the bigger issue to me.

[@clivenobbs2848]

I have followed the Saints for 60 years. In that time we have ,unfortunately, been buried far more times than we have buried other teams. I may have forgotten but i cant remember the last time we really did bury another team. Maybe the win over Richmond a few years back was close.

[@kennedysan1045]

Hawthorn two years ago, was the most recent. Sadly, that Richmond game was in 2017. Fond memory, flew over to Melbourne with a few mates.

[@paultizzard2864]

The worst part about this loss was that it felt so inevitable. Every behind every Essendon goal and it all felt so damn inevitable

[@barrytalks3531]

We need another 200+cm key forward. With no king we suck. I know it is bad to rely on one player but he is getting better. Bring Campbell in.

[@mr.hamborger9602]

If the solution was that simple we would be playing Campbell every week, but the truth is he's just not up to it. Campbell is our VFL ruck who comes in if (god forbid) Marshall ever gets injured. I'm hoping that Isaac Keeler (198) or Max Heath (204) is able to develop enough where they can come in and have that Marshall/Ryder dynamic we had a couple years ago. Caminiti might also be able to pinch it in the ruck at 196 if he develops his tank over the next couple pre-seasons.

[@barrytalks3531]

@@mr.hamborger9602 We would not have signed him for another year if he is not afl ready. He is a short term solution problem. We need to go to the draft or trade period and get another 200+ forward because king is good but without him our forward line does not function. Campbell will also give ro a chop out and we can put him forward or on the bench.

[@TNT_12]

​@@barrytalks3531 we signed Campbell for another year so he can be a backup if anything happens to Ro. Ross definitely doesn't intend to play Campbell alongside Ro, and ideally, Ross wouldn't play Campbell in the first team at all. And we did draft a 200cm+ key forward - Isaac Keeler. But we have to wait a couple of years before he and Max Heath are ready for consistent AFL footy

[@mr.hamborger9602]

@@barrytalks3531 Did you read what I said? We didn’t resign Campbell because he is a top-tier ruckman who can dominate at AFL level, it’s because if we didn’t and Marshall got injured we literally don’t have a ruckman. Campbell is old, slow, and really at best just a tap ruckman. As I said, one of the emerging ruck prospects in Keeler or Heath will be the solution to our forward and ruck issues.

[@Sleapea]

1) We need a second ruck option. Rowan was off for a fair bit at the end and it showed we could not win set plays. A ruck option who can play key defence would be great. And we're putting a lot on Rowan when an injury to him could end the saints season. 2) Our injury list is the worst after freo so hopefully as boys come back we finish the season strong. Glad no one (to my knowledge) got suspended or injured this week. gl to hayes, henry, crouch, dow, clark, howard, paton and wood. 3) Bonner chokes a lot under pressure. His long kick was useful early but his kicks in the second half were not to saints advantage, lots of turnovers. His defence also needs work didn't block guys jumping across the pack, didn't pick up the loose man, etc etc. 4) Several players choked at the end. If there's ten minutes to get a goal just play standard footy no need to rush! 5) For the most part still positive. Looked dominant mostly just didn't convert. Hopefully luck goes the saints way in the next close one.

[@TNT_12]

Until Heath and Keeler become ready for consistent AFL footy (which might be 2-3 years away), we won't have a true 2nd ruck option. Potentially Hayes for the time being, but he's got his work cut out staying fit and finding his way back into the team. Maybe we go after someone like Ned Moyle or Lobb in the off-season, but idk

[@Sleapea]

@@TNT_12 yeah I'm hoping for Hayes but seems injury prone :

[@simontrencher8245]

Have to agree . Marshall was great when Ryder was playing...

[@mr.hamborger9602]

Keeler has been training and playing in a key defender position for the last few months. A fair way off locking down that role, but he's definitely raw talent that could eventually play that Billy Frampton-esque CHB/Ruck position.

[@TNT_12]

@@mr.hamborger9602 nah, Keeler's future will be a key forward/ruck that will partner King. I refuse to believe that we're converting him to CHB, he's way too talented to be wasted in defense. Makes no sense whatsoever. I think atm, we're just teaching him defensive patterns/sensibilities which he'll use to improve his forward craft when he returns to key forward later in the season

[@edmundkcoleman]

Jake this is genuinely such great stuff, thanks brother

[@gerardmcconnell6718]

Giving away goals late in quarters is another frustration

[@yeleeksacul9681]

Seb also kicked his set shot whilst everyone else was 💩

[@anthonyoliver3051]

Like being in a Freddie Kruger movie -nightmare on Linton Street

[@paulmellor2605]

Hey Jake, I think you nailed the 5 things this week. We definetly struggled to take marks especially in the last qtr. Still I’m a glass half full supporter so let’s go again with King and maybe Hayes next week 💪

[@paulmellor2605]

Also, thanks for your advice on seating etc in the junk mail. This was my first and potentially only live game and whilst the result was gutting the experience has been something else this week. I sadly can’t get to any more games before heading to home to the UK on the 13th but it was something I’ll never forget - As we say at OAFC - Keep The Faith and keep making great content ❤️🤍🖤👍

[@susanhill4441]

I think we missed Mason terribly yesterday!

[@SkySurferG]

And Henry.

[@frankdicosmo9319]

I agree with all 5. Spot on.

[@kevintopliff4995]

Cooper Sharman was subbed off the last quarter - Caminitti was pushed under the ball, will be better in another year - worth investing in

[@danpikel90]

1. When teams squashing us into our D50 we too often blaze 70m out straight to their big men, yesterday goldy and macay must have got 6 marks between them in the last qtr. would rather see us get caught holding the ball 50m trying to run it out.

[@garrymoss2079]

Injuries and suspensions are gifting players games that shouldn’t be played. Jack Hayes is a critical return when ready.

[@darylsice2155]

Some of our forwards are not team players take a good mark then turn your back to someone in a better position happened numerous times.

[@SkySurferG]

I wouldn't underestimate the impact of all the injuries. Butler and Sinclair are nowhere near fit enough so we were 2 men down in rhe dying stages. Having said all that had we kicked straight the game could have been over at half time. I really want Hayes back assuming hes ready. He would be able to support Marshall in the ruck plus he's a strong mark and great kick. Fingers crossed he can get back to full fitness. Untll then play Caminiti and try him in the ruck. He's strong.

[@w924]

Not Bonners best game and why did we keep kicking towards Draper when it clearly wasn't working for us?

[@whiteshadow59]

i had a rough sleep

[@SkySurferG]

Me too!

[@johndrury2028]

No. 1 = Change "need" to "missed"................No. 2 = Agreed, keep playing them............ No. 3 = Not a Seb Ross fan... no right side (often see him running to the wrong side to get a handball, then has to double back and often gets caught (was hoping he would leave with Coffield and Billings)........... No. 4 = Sounds good, but we still need to have a plan. If the plan works, we should win.................No. 5 = 1000% CORRECT. We're lazy...... or not fit enough. Essendon over-ran us............................................................................................................... ..... Was watching the game with an Ess. mate..... I said I won't be happy if we win....I'll be relieved. Yes to Camma.....No to Max Holmes. Richmond have speed..... I'll be watching again.

[@adamtyson1463]

Essendon have the wood on us currently!

[@rohitsubramaniam7402]

We beat them last year.

[@darrylway4910]

Next 3 games a big worry for me after watching the Tigers today 😮

[@perpetualgrin5804]

To be honest who is really surprised, we are used to it ?

[@walkingslug]

1) bonner is a turnover merchant 2) membrey might very well be cooked 3) goal kicking is still very poor. we have no one who can kick clutch goals like stringer 4) mitchito wasted up forward, see point 3 5) can't keep letting half backs like nic martin rack up as much of the ball as they please

[@mr.hamborger9602]

Membrey was excellent in Round 1 and 2, why would he be cooked? Alright, he had one below average game, Kings absence was a part of that, Membrey plays much better when he has the dynamic with Kingy.

[@mcsq5899]

If we had Webster and Paton available, Bonner shouldn't get a game. Sharman is too slow. He chases but never catches anybody. Almost the same for Camanitti. Poo doesn't do enough.All the young boys are really good , but need game time.

[@mr.hamborger9602]

@@mcsq5899 Webster yes, Paton I honestly wouldn't be putting ahead of Bonner, he'll probably be delisted this year. I see a lot of upside in Sharman, might not be a rocket but I reckon if he goes at it hard enough he could develop a bit more pace in the next couple years. Pou is still incredibly young, and probably a bit much being asked of him still. Once we get more players back (Henry, Clark, Dow, Wood) they'll probably drop him and give him a few games at Sandringham, where he'll be able to learn to dominate.

[@SkySurferG]

​@@mcsq5899Absolutely right about Sharman.

[@NA_GA09]

Schoenmaker in..Bonner out for next week

[@Larzra]

I learned that I'd forgotten how awful Essendon fans can be. Comparing 16 flags to 1, how embarrassing it must be to go for the Saints etc. They're that pathetic that they actually think the Bombers' premierships are their own personal achievements. The players and coaches win the premierships, not the fans. We get to celebrate if we barrack for the team that's won, but we are bystanders at the end of the day. It doesn't make them better than us because some blokes won a football round robin in 1897. Sorry, I'm going on and on 😂

[@Ron-s3n]

Same old same old saints

[@cools6560]

1. we need another ruckman and big key back. hopefully Van Es solves one of those problems 2. We have the best youngsters in the comp. Stay strong we will win a flag by 2030. 100%. 3. Essendon could hardly beat sandringham. They going nowhere. Let em enjoy their little win. 4. Swapping Gresham for Henry was a masterstroke 5. Marvel suks. If only we were a MCG team. Marvel seems to be this air con/sweat pool making the glazed leather ball slippery as ****. If we were an MCG team we win flags with this group.

[@poppables7140]

Why are you being like that? Essendon is also a developing team and acknowledge that they aren't the finished product.

[@macherie1275]

Schoey might be a good option as big back. Van Es too would be great. Point 2: YES! YES! YES! Retain our young kids! Point 3 😂🤗😉 Happy Easter tidings Sainters! Point 4: Fair.

[@SkySurferG]

Agree with points 2-5. Hopefully Schoenmaker becomes our solution at fullback. Was interesting how slippery the ball was. Neither Membrey nor Wilke could hold an overhead mark.

[@macherie1275]

@skysurferg1952 good point. Two VERY reliable players looked a bit shakey, so thank you. Might have just helped me feel more at peace.

[@brendonrusso328]

the last point is not new we know they can't do that shit

[@mrchr1sto]

Percentage passes then bang it in to top of the square..simple fast effective back to basics.

[@brettmoyle1195]

Drop membrey bring in CAMANITI drop phillipou bring in any one ffs he's had more then enough chances