Hooper still playing all those little layoffs and flick ons to set up shots that Davila connects with, half of the time. Other times we just seem a yard or two away from anticipating what's coming. And sometimes from being over eager and not just waiting for the setup. I think that was the case at the far post for the flick on for Waine and McCowatt was caught flat footed with Hooper nudging it in front of him, for McCowatt to run onto and lace it from close. Seemed Hooper played for both of those and the two young guys just weren't quite there? Just combination and anticipation, stuff that will come with a bit more time? They'd be class goals if we start finishing them. I think that's what I'm seeing. Hope so.
And I think Hooper's not coming off. Ever. Lols. I think the coach is saying you need to be fit and you need to be contributing what I've paid for you. And you're staying on till you deliver, ready for playoffs. He looks over any injury probs, so hopefully it's just getting the legs with game time now, you'd think, and getting used to Aussie conditions. And getting the combinations working around him as he comes up to speed. I hope so.
The league is close and we aren't winning by a lot. Playing well, but close games have to go against you sometime. And we're not playing that much better than the opposition, over 90, that if we don't take chances we might see the same result next week.
They need to find a bit of another gear to stay top 4 I reckon. But I think they have it in them. Ball looked good again when he came on. And Piscopo is back when? Because I think those two may be enough to make the difference. Just a bit more pace and control up front, and bench depth with them in the playing squad. Plus just more time and fitness from Hooper and more of the players reading him.
Good season with some good football. Hope they can find another 10 or 15%.
Just my musings. But what a fun season. After four years of drudgery.