Sydney vrs Bulleen 16/10

[Andy K]

Bulleen have been in great form but I expect Sydney to fire in this home game. Cambage Vrs Suzi will be Awesome, I need to stay of the computer tonight and not watch any sports news so i can watch the game tomorrow without the result being spoiled.
I tip the Flames by 9.

[Jive Turkey]

I don't think Sydney in its current form can hang with the Boomers tonight, Bulleen to win for me

[Keegan]

I don't think Sydney in its current form can hang with the Boomers tonight, Bulleen to win for me

Correct. The Flames have the talent, but they're not really *there* as a team yet.

Observations:

#1 Batkovic-Brown and Porter need to sharpen up their attitudes quick smart. Less sulking, more concentrated effort please. I can understand why Suzy was frustrated with the refs tonight, but that doesn't mean she can half-heartedly tap at rebounds and not chase after them. Nat Porter just needs to look like she actually cares about what happens on the court.

#2 Offensive structure is quite strange - I'm not sure whether the forcing the ball into Batkovic-Brown or Porter 10-12 feet away from the hoop is an effective strategy, especially when it results in a forced shot or a pass-off into a poor position. The Flames have to run more plays for the shooters - Smith, Dombkins and Butler. Even Batkovic-Brown, who can somehow hit outside shots with that wonky shooting form.

#3 Eva Afeaki is the ultimate trooper. Too bad most of her team-mates didn't see fit to follow her example.

#4 I don't think running Dee Butler for 38-39 mins a game is really a viable long term strategy. Either Karen gives the young'uns a chance or she signs a PG who can at least run an offence for 10 mins a game when Butler needs a rest.

Unless something changes in the next week or so, it's going to be another painful home loss next Friday night for the Flames.

[MAIN_MAN]

Does anything else think that Milner is underrated? She is a hard to contain with her speed and nifty handles, and a pesk on defense.

One of the top 4 or 5 point guards in the WNBL for a number of seasons, IMO.

[rondo]

Correct. The Flames have the talent, but they're not really *there* as a team yet.

Observations:

#1 Batkovic-Brown and Porter need to sharpen up their attitudes quick smart. Less sulking, more concentrated effort please. I can understand why Suzy was frustrated with the refs tonight, but that doesn't mean she can half-heartedly tap at rebounds and not chase after them. Nat Porter just needs to look like she actually cares about what happens on the court.

#2 Offensive structure is quite strange - I'm not sure whether the forcing the ball into Batkovic-Brown or Porter 10-12 feet away from the hoop is an effective strategy, especially when it results in a forced shot or a pass-off into a poor position. The Flames have to run more plays for the shooters - Smith, Dombkins and Butler. Even Batkovic-Brown, who can somehow hit outside shots with that wonky shooting form.

#3 Eva Afeaki is the ultimate trooper. Too bad most of her team-mates didn't see fit to follow her example.

#4 I don't think running Dee Butler for 38-39 mins a game is really a viable long term strategy. Either Karen gives the young'uns a chance or she signs a PG who can at least run an offence for 10 mins a game when Butler needs a rest.

Unless something changes in the next week or so, it's going to be another painful home loss next Friday night for the Flames.

After watching Friday nights game I was disgusted with the body language displayed by some of the Flames girls and I will not be attending any other games as I was appalled that they were allowed to get away with that Sh*t. Any other coach would have dragged their *sses from the court. But I did think that Bullen fought hard for the win, well done to the boomers I would say they are clear favourites to take the title.

[Keegan]

Does anything else think that Milner is underrated? She is a hard to contain with her speed and nifty handles, and a pesk on defense.

One of the top 4 or 5 point guards in the WNBL for a number of seasons, IMO.

I don't know that shes "underrated" - I think a lot of people rate her. She has good skills and decision making and I would love to have her on my team. Her lack of size makes it hard for her at the next level though.

[MAIN_MAN]

..and she was never going to beat out Kristi or Tully for the point guard spots on the Opals.

[Andy K]

Does anything else think that Milner is underrated? She is a hard to contain with her speed and nifty handles, and a pesk on defense.

One of the top 4 or 5 point guards in the WNBL for a number of seasons, IMO.

Yeah she is a very good team player and the reason why Bulleen did so well last season, she reminds me of Marino who is also underrated and a great point guard despite what others think, (numbers don't lie)

[MAIN_MAN]

Yeah she is a very good team player and the reason why Bulleen did so well last season, she reminds me of Marino who is also underrated and a great point guard despite what others think, (numbers don't lie)

I'm a big fan of Marino...she put up big numbers on a weak Canberra team afew years back, and that was her coming out party. She also has abit of swagger in her game, and plays with emotion which is good to see. She is becoming a true point guard with improved penetration and passing to go along with that shot of hers.

I thought she matched up well against Harrower when they played a couple of weeks back.

[JB]

Milner is awesome, but Eva Afeaki is way over rated and is a thug. Go Boomers!!

[Andy K]

I'm a big fan of Marino...she put up big numbers on a weak Canberra team afew years back, and that was her coming out party. She also has abit of swagger in her game, and plays with emotion which is good to see. She is becoming a true point guard with improved penetration and passing to go along with that shot of hers.

I thought she matched up well against Harrower when they played a couple of weeks back.

I totally agree, Her weekend numbers were not to bad either with 32pts, 5 assists, 6 rebounds and a steal. I wish i could have watched the game.