When it comes to our forward line over the last five weeks, we probably expected a little bit more in terms of goals. I think a few of our key forwards and some of our goal kickers from last year haven’t quite hit the scoreboard yet, but I think that can be a good thing in that we know those players can still fire, and we look forward to them stepping up in the coming weeks.

Last year we had nine players kick 20 goals or more, so if we can get that spread again this year, it can be very difficult for opposition teams to account for all of our goalkicking options up forward.

One forward who has been discussed quite a bit lately is Sam Reid. We know Reidy’s attacking side of the game isn’t where he’d like it to be and that’s still an area of improvement for him. Even at the end of last year he identified that as an area he’d like to work on, so it’s still a work in progress. I still think he has improved in some areas, but it just hasn’t quite come out in the results yet, but if he continues to work the way he has, then I’m confident the results will follow.

As John Longmire mentioned during the week, Reidy’s defensive work has been really pleasing and I think he’s in the top 15 for tackles inside the forward 50, so we certainly value that side of his game and that’s what makes him a really important member of our forward line regardless of whether he’s kicking goals or not.

We certainly hope to see some improvement in his marking because he just hasn’t been sticking some of those marks, but I think his body work has improved and he’s getting his hands on the ball, but just not sticking them. Often that just takes a couple of marks early in a game to get him going and then he’ll be away.

On the flip side, one player who is showing terrific signs early this season is Benny McGlynn. I think he’s been fantastic, particularly after missing a little bit of pre-season, but the way he’s come back has been really good. He’s certainly been a really important member of the forward line with his pressure and the way he sets up. His aggressive attack on the ball is also a very important part of his game as it sets the tone, not only for the forward line, but for the rest of the team.

Looking at this weekend’s match against the Brisbane Lions, there is no doubt we’ve got a task on our hands. They have a great spread of talent and showed what they are capable of in the NAB Cup series and last weekend against Melbourne.

If they can make the chances they are creating count on the scoreboard, they are a very dangerous side and we’re expecting a tough contest.