Round 12 v Gold Coast at the Gabba

This was not a great game from us, an atypical snooze fest. But it was exactly what we’ve come to know and love from Gold Coast – exciting youngsters, a very competitive first half and a tailing away in the latter stages. There was a slow start, and it never got exactly frenetic. This will be the briefest of summaries.

AFL match report says we “owned” the first quarter. OK. Riewoldt was on, and we certainly looked the more potent side up front. Scores were level at the first break.

The Suns may have got a rocket from Stuey Dewey with their oranges; as they were by far the better side in the 2nd Q but sprayed it. Again I am floating my theory that there’s something about our Grimes-led back 6 that causes wayward kicking. Old fashioned “chewy on yer boot” action? Perhaps. I don’t think we rush more than average. They led 3.6 to 2.2 at half time. Yes, our boys kicked two majors in the first half.

Jack starred and this was clearly his best game of the season. Not long after the season restart Marcus and I speculated about his future; but I wouldn’t do that after this game. He’s still got what it takes to take a game by the scruff, especially a moribund off-Broadway affair like this.

We kicked three to none in the 3rd quarter, Pickett put us in front in his usual laid back way. After the last change we just eased away with three more goals to one for as unspectacular win as you’ll get. Just contento with the puntas quatras as they possibly say in Spanish.

Lynch had a good game but was cited for thumping a young Coaster in the guts. This was the main footy story of the week as the commentariat decided it was time to pile on the club. He’s getting caught retaliating, and will miss more important games than this one if he keeps it up.

Benny Votes
This week I’ll man up and call the votes myself.
Riewoldt 5, Grimes 4, Vlastuin 3, Cotchin 2, Short 1
Leaderboard
20: Martin
18: Bolton
13: Short
12: Vlastuin, Grimes
10: Lambert
9: Baker, McIntosh
7: Prestia, Balta, Riewoldt, Cotchin
6: Soldo
5: Higgins, Eggmolesse-Smith, Chol
4: Caddy
3: Houli, Lynch
2: Pickett
1: Castagna, Graham, Aarts