Travis Chokes in front of goal

Some concerns for the flagpies before their date with destiny come September 25, 2010. Travis Cloke, a power forward who celebrates kicking a goal from 25 metres out on a slight angle after missing simple set shots against Geelong is a cause for concern. Travis Clokes set shots for goal within the 50m arc are a worry for the FLAGPIES. He needs to improve his kicking accuracy by watching the ball onto his boot and not staring at the goals as he kicks. Simple and fixed!!! Chris Dawes and Nick Maxwell are clearly carrying injuries with Dawes functioning as nothing more than a decoy and Maxwell there for his defensive leadership in Saturday nights 22 point win. The clear standouts for the Pies in their quest for flag number 15 were McCaffer and Wellingham. Obviously Swan, Pendlebury, Jolly, Shaw and O'Brien played their usual premiership calibre roles. Luke Ball's courage is second to none in the league and his in-and-under proess has helped the Pies secure the ball at stoppages all season. Ball's kicking was down on Saturday and must improve come September. He lacks penetration in his kick but 1990's Norm Smith Medalist one Tony Shaw had the same problem. Ben Johnson as usual lacks a mention but his on the run goal, hard at it approach, and speed are vital to the Pies chances in September. Beams had a quiet first half but due to his goalkicking ability held his own once more against Geelong. Are Geelong gone? Their kicking accuracy and the way they move the ball at speed through the middle of the ground will catch out 14 other teams but Leon Neon Davis who has transformed his role to feature forward defensive pressure (ala Cyril Rioli) helped block some of Geelong's run through the middle. Tarkyn Lockyers and Shane O'Bree's lack of explosive pace compared with newcomers Wellingham and Beams may see them miss out on deserved September glory but they had 2002 and 2003 to claim glory as did one of my sentimental favorites Rogan Josh Fraser. Father time waits for no man and it seems unless injury savages the Pies hopes then this trio will miss out. Bad bad Leroy Brown just has to continue being a presence just like Jarrod Molloy was in years past for the flagpies. He can be used as a second ruck, defender and goal kicking forward and is a huge bonus for coach Michael Malthouse. John Anthony and Paul Medhurst will only play again in 2010 due to injury as they have both been blacklisted by Malthouse like Rupert Betharas before them due to lack of accountability, pressure and courage. Your thoughts are welcome - BOO PIES