Hoops

Pre-season: Taipans vs Hawks, Sep 26

I think that has a lot to do with it Issac.

The Hawks rise and fall on Davidson's shoulders, can't see Balls having that same impact.

Whilst lack of money would be a factor, Fearne stated he does not like cutting imports because he feels it is too disruptive and he also said the solution to not having to do this is to do the research about who you are getting in the first place.

I think the public response would be it's about loyalty but I'm sure the reality is they can't afford to cut imports because there is no other money to replace them.

Yeah the point I was trying to make is Fearne hasn't cut an import due to oncourt reasons - he mentioned it last year. Whether that's due to money is another question.

I don't think Fearne has cut an import since he's been head coach in the League

Spot on Twinkle.

A couple of comments re: Gliddon and Craig are a bit off the mark.

@MACDUB - Gliddon is already a starter and was last season's team MVP. He and Wilbekin will be the main ball carriers. Whilst Maynard, Bruce and Sobey provide some good back up they will mostly be competing for game time amongst themselves rather than putting a lot of heat on Gliddon for game time.

@Anonymous #495675 - your confidence that Craig won't last the season is somewhat misplaced I feel. Fearne publicly stated after the Blitz that he was very pleased with both his imports and he is not a coach who is inclined to cut imports. Craig looks a good all round player to me and is a good fit for the team.

Geez what is going on with the Hawkies? I'm worried.

Speak of the devil, Craig is 4/6 at half time and is having an excellent game.

Ervin has his cranky pants on too......

lets not forget that this time last year the Gong got smash and Rotnei looked ordinary..... I don't think the absence of Davidson is helping them at all, size and efficency seemed to be their biggest problem last night.

What I've seen since the Blitz and last night looks good as far as Taipans cohesion goes. They seem much more polished than this time last year and a lot more 'natural' - if that makes any sense.

Wilbekin is an outstanding talent and I think Craig just needs a bit more time to get used to the ref style and game flow. Writing him off now is..... premature...... again look at Rotnei last year.

Proof will be in the pudding though - bring on game 1 of the season!

Worried that Craig might not work out? Early days yet and I like his athleticism but 2/11 shooting? Similar to his second game at the Blitz.

My wife went to the game and said Ervin was really good, setting up a lot of plays, everywhere, so maybe the statistics didn't tell the full story, or the statisticians missed a few.

Cam Gliddon talked about how he wanted a starting position and was a little overzealous in his expectations of what the club should do for him IMO.

All of a sudden theres Wilbekin, Sobey (who i really rate!), Maynard all capable guards.

Gliddon is in for a battle this year. Good competition for Fearne.