The 'black' team had a hard night at the office in yesterday's intra-club match in Shepparton and was soundly beaten by the 'grey' team according to assistant coach Gary O'Donnell.
 
O'Donnell coached the 'black' side along with Scott Camporeale and explains how each of their players fared. 
 
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Atkinson: Had a tough day in defence against Davey who played very well but when he had the ball he was attacking and took the game on which is what we want. When he runs something usually happens and he generates play.
 
Bellchambers: Took a few good grabs when he was forward which is a positive and that is the challenge we have set him - he needs to be able to go forward when not in the ruck. Still a young ruckman and has a lot of development to go but heading in the right direction.
 
Colyer: His willingness to attack the game, take space and run with the ball is good. Obviously he is a first year player and this was his first taste of up-tempo footy and it will take time to get used to the pace of the game. Didn't get a lot of ball but did some good things against Melksham.
 
Dyson: Played mainly as a flexible defender and Winderlich had the better of him in that dual. He is fit and going well and this was a good experience for him if he is going to play this type of position during the season.
 
Fletcher: First practice match of his 18th season was ok and he will be sure to time his run for Round 1 of the season. He cut off a few passes with those gadget arms but his opponent Mark Williams was also able to get a few shots at goal. Fit and looks well for the season.
 
Hardingham: Had a tough battle on Monfries and his first real taste of playing on an AFL standard player will be a good learning experience for him. Always ready to take the game on as an attacking half-back and we will keep encouraging him to do that.
 
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Hille: Very encouraging first-up display after knee surgery. Took a couple of strong marks and kicked a goal but is still feeling his way in ruck contests. The run will give him confidence and we were really happy with how he went. 
  
Hocking: Played on a wing and is important in our set-up and structure in that role. Played his role and is ready to play NAB Cup if selected. His training form has been excellent and we are excited about his chances this year.
 
Hooker: Had a tough day with the ball coming in quickly against a dominant grey team. Had his hands full with Ryder. He has increased his size and strength which will help him against opposition power forwards during the season.
 
Houli: Got a lot of the ball which was good and seems to be over the worst of his groin and other injury problems. He is running more freely and could give the side more running power.
 
Jetta: Was given a taste of playing as a midfielder after some encouraging signs at training and will now realise just how fit you have to have to be to play on the ball. A learning experience for him.
 
Neagle: A couple of good second effort defensive plays to win the ball back for us were really good. Needs to have no more interruptions this pre-season so that he can train at a level that will get him up to AFL fitness.
 
Pears: Had a tough day on a hungry Gumbleton, especially with the ball coming down into the forward 50m with relative ease. Has beefed up again and looks well prepared for the 2010 season.
 
Slattery (Henry): Played forward which is a new role we tried for this game and he kicked a goal but it was just to give him experience there. He probably learned that every disposal you get has to count. Worked hard. 
 
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Still: He got a lot of the ball and was a forward that got up the ground to present and then got back again. He was very encouraging and kicked a few goals. Is still only 18-years-old but he impressed the coaching group. Showed he is a very good mark with strong hands.
 
Watson: Did what he had to do in preparation for the season ahead. Displayed his excellent skills by hand a few times and is travelling well. Fit and should be a key player again for us this season.  
 
Welsh: Much the same with Watson. He got through the practice game unlike last year so we are happy with that. He is getting his running power back which is his main advantage and did a few good things without dominating.
 
Zaharakis: Played as a forward and had a run on the ball which was a good experience for him. A couple of times he got the ball and was able to deliver very well by foot. Looks to have added some muscle to his frame and we are happy with his progress heading into the season
 
Marigliani: He has come to us as an on-baller but we played his as a permanent forward so was out of position. It was an experience for him to play against AFL class players and gives him a taste of where he has got to be to progress his career.  
 
Silverlock: Played as crumbing forward and kicked a nice opportunistic goal. Fairly hard to tackle and has played senior footy which will help him.