But none are more topical as of right now than that apparent incontrovertible rule that no matter how many even numbers you add together, or even which combination you choose, you cannot possibly end up with an odd result. I remained somewhat sceptical of said premise, but it certainly wasn’t worth arguing about. “Dammit Hannigan, try it out, it’s true. See, an even number is the result. Not odd. It adds up to 104, that’s not bloody odd is it!?” I’m not sure sir, but looking back the whole thing seems pretty bloody odd to me!
Right, and so, if anyone has bothered to read this dithering diatribe thus far, you’ll most likely be wondering what in hell any of this has got to do with a football match played between two teams who, incidentally, come from a long way away from Shepparton in, bizarrely of all places, Shepparton. It’s a darn good question. Well done. And in answer I can offer only the following.
Should someone have questioned me about the aforementioned game – and they most surely did- and I replied that Bendigo gave Coburg an almighty trouncing of 76 point proportions- as I, and they, (if you follow me) also did-, they would almost certainly have followed up with an enquiry as to who were the best players. Unfortunately, they did. Odd, huh? “Well, obviously Bendigo’s” I would have replied in jest, but only to gain a brief moment of respite in which to contemplate a definitive answer. And that’s where it gets murky, much like the great majority of mathematical equations I was expected to nut out in my youth.
Was it Matt Little, the star Bendigo forward who kicked 6 goals and could have kicked 10? He would most certainly deserve such acclaim. But so too would Mark Buguley, who is putting together a formline of excellent performances at half back that will soon make the Pyramids of Giza look short-lived by comparison. Or perhaps Brendan Lee, who seems to operate on the principle of death by a thousand cuts, accumulating vast numbers of inside possessions whilst still remaining relatively unassuming.
Then there’s Kyle Reimers, most assuredly not unassuming, but recently specialising in a unique brand of hard and tough football that demands smothers and tackles early, before branching out into some wonderfully artistic and creative field kicking. He kicked two goals, set up several others, laid tackles, won contested ball and used the footy to advantage.
Maybe Alex Browne, now ten quarters into a return from 6 months of injuries and seemingly determined to make up lost time. Dominating? No. But he appeared in the play at some crucial moments, usually around half back to allow the defence an option to clear the ball, competed in the tough stuff and linked up on the outside too. Fitness is growing, and so is his form, in a steep parabolic curve.
One should also consider Elliot Kavanagh, who played wing and midfield and attempted, in a way that would have had ol’ Ronnie panting in exasperation, to defy the mathematical equations of mass and momentum against far more solid opponents. He too is growing nicely into VFL football, has a natural understanding of positioning at stoppages and an instinct to win them. Thoughts that he was fading in the 3rd term were put to bed by a resurgent 4th. He ran out the game strongly despite undertaking a physical task via tackling and contested scrimmages that appears to not yet be his “go”.
Ariel Steinberg, in the absence of Trent Shinners who certainly fell victim to Mr Corbett’s laws of momentum last week, played his best game in the defensive half by a fair margin. He is linking up well at ground level, and has a leap that puts him in the contest with the ball well off the deck. Bendigo-listed Brad Collins joined him in an undersized struggle and was also admirable – and not for the first time- as a not-so-key-defender, whilst Josh Freezer impressed with a return to some of his early season form.
At the other end, Corey Dell’olio looked extremely dangerous and lively, but threw in just enough inexplicable errors to ensure I couldn’t quite determine him best player. But look out if he has a perfect day, it will be quite awesome to watch with excellent vision, elusive footwork and an understanding of where the goals are. Travis Colyer started slowly, but finished quickly, as befits a man of his pace. His second half was very good, and a full game in like manner next week will open the door to the senior side.
Fellow small man, Steven Stroobants, impressed yet again, and quite frankly should never be one of the first dropped when the Bendigo listed players are too numerous for available spots. Justin Maddern, perchance? Well, the tall and rangy key forward kicked three goals, showed excellent mobility and marking, roamed around and generally made a nuisance of himself. To the Coburg defenders, that is.
And finally, of course, barely a week goes by where the praises aren’t sung of the captain, Ben Duscher. With clearances, running play, tackling pressure and general intent, rest assured, had I not been in possession of a singing voice that verges on a weapon of terror, I too would be warbling again.
Dean Putt rucked well, Jackson Merrett and Laughlin Dalgleish played their roles well, Scott Gumbleton roamed up the ground and opened up room for the other forwards, Rick Ladson battled on against an early knee injury and Michael Hibberd made a good return from injury.
Coach Skipworth was of little help in clarifying best player honours. His three-quarter time rev-up stressed the importance of unselfish football. “We haven’t been selfish all day, let’s not start now. Push up, present, help your teammates, do it together”. Indeed, and unlike a certain former maths student, they followed the instructions closely.
And so, then, what of the original question? Who indeed were the best players? Truth be told, I really don’t know, virtually everyone was good; somehow no-one was best. I couldn’t name one particular player, but I could name 9 or 10. The standout feature of the day – so many evens added together- was that there simply wasn’t a standout feature! And here, dear reader, is where I try to tie all this rambling back together again. I knew I’d get there. Err, eventually. Because I’m sorry Mr Corbett, but that’s definitely just odd.
