Brownlow Medal Player Review

Brisbane v Sydney Round 3

What a game- again, particularly after 3/4 quarter time. Brisbane had it by the neck and had squeezed the life out of Sydney. Sydney seemed to be content to play their usual "down-the-flanks" in short passes game but it was getting them nowhere. Akermanis was doing the job of the fabulous five on his own, as Luke Power had been shut down and Voss and Lappin were still suffering or recovering from injury.
The Roos had a big spray and Sydney were transformed. Straight down the middle, effective use of handball in the centre, then long kicks to full forward and they had cut a 30+ margin to nothing. Big Barry Hall capped off a victory after the siren - probably one they did not deserve.
Akermanis must win the three votes for a consistent effort all game. However, not far behind him should be a new shining light from Sydney - Luke Ablett. Relatively obscure last year (despite his famous surname) he played strongly for 8 marks and 11 contested possessions. However, it was his poise and skill that stood out and in my mind should earn him two points. Daniel Bradshaw did his job but never strikes me as outstanding - certainly he is no Lynch. Probably the one vote should go to Jude Bolton - who was also involved all night without stamping his authority.

posted by Gerry @ 11:09 am