I watched the game again yesterday I kept an eye on a few things
1 - Orford
2 - Ballin
3 - The Storm Attack and defence
Orford had a cracking game, the Fox commentators still tried to death ride him a bit but he ran a lot of plays and he positioned himself off the ball a lot which put the Storm defence in two minds. His play off the ball was as good as on the ball. He had one or two bade decisions but in general really stood up.
Lyon complimented him very well
I think Ballin was the unsung hero, he went through a mountain of work, he laid the platform through the first half, himself and Kite really put in. I don't think Ballin received enough praise for the very strong work he did, very impressed
The Storm, as some have suggested, did not play poorly. Manly just put them under way too much pressure, with some better service from Dummy half, they may have gotten across for a few tries but no way would they have won. Manly had them pinned in their own half because of incredible kick chase and defense. Manly were just awesome, the Storm tried some moves but nothing from the halfback would have worked.
Also want to give a huuuuge wrap to B.Stewarts defense. It's rare to see a Fullback defending up in the line so much. Even in our own 20, Stewart was tackling before the forwards and shutting down plays. I had to do a double take a few times, when he made tackles, a fullback really had no right to make.
All in all it was a huuuuuuge game by Manly and a big game by Melbourne, who would have beaten most teams in the comp on Sunday, but Manly would have beaten any team of the last 5 or so years!
1 - Orford
2 - Ballin
3 - The Storm Attack and defence
Orford had a cracking game, the Fox commentators still tried to death ride him a bit but he ran a lot of plays and he positioned himself off the ball a lot which put the Storm defence in two minds. His play off the ball was as good as on the ball. He had one or two bade decisions but in general really stood up.
Lyon complimented him very well
I think Ballin was the unsung hero, he went through a mountain of work, he laid the platform through the first half, himself and Kite really put in. I don't think Ballin received enough praise for the very strong work he did, very impressed
The Storm, as some have suggested, did not play poorly. Manly just put them under way too much pressure, with some better service from Dummy half, they may have gotten across for a few tries but no way would they have won. Manly had them pinned in their own half because of incredible kick chase and defense. Manly were just awesome, the Storm tried some moves but nothing from the halfback would have worked.
Also want to give a huuuuge wrap to B.Stewarts defense. It's rare to see a Fullback defending up in the line so much. Even in our own 20, Stewart was tackling before the forwards and shutting down plays. I had to do a double take a few times, when he made tackles, a fullback really had no right to make.
All in all it was a huuuuuuge game by Manly and a big game by Melbourne, who would have beaten most teams in the comp on Sunday, but Manly would have beaten any team of the last 5 or so years!