I really want to beat these thieves.
I really want to beat these thieves.
Not tonight I'm afraid.
No Cripps...No midfield, as soon as Greenwood manned up Cripps that was the end of the game.....
Well that was about as enjoyable as a pineapple in the rectum
Q1 :-[
Q2 ^-^
Q3 :-[
Q4 :-[
:'(
Sigh! And so it goes on........... :(
Fisher was great, we've found a ripper there.
Garlett much better tonight as well.
There are always positives.
I reckon our biggest issue is our small/medium defenders - Simpson, mullet and o'shea - have been putrid. They don't defend, they don't provide any real run and their disposal is so rank and unreliable that we can't build meaningful offence from the back half when these blokes have the pill. We run forwards, they turn it over.... Everyone out of position, easy goal crows.
So get a clue Bolton and drop some of these repeat offenders.
Until we get these aspect of the game sorted we have no hope.
I consider losing by less than 10 goals a win......and that's just plain sad.....
We pick two rucks again for what reason again. For all his hard work Phillips just doesn't give you enough around the ground or up forward. We can pick a smaller running type instead. and be alot more mobile.
Our ability to structure a side for modern footy is hopeless. We need to pick our two key backs when fit, Weitering and Marchbank, our key forward, McKay, Casboult as a forward/ruck, Kreuzer the one main ruck then pick a decent running side around that rather than a side from the land of the jolly green giants.
Why can Fraser use SOS as an inside mid in two games now and Bolton leaves him to rot on our impotent forward line. Give him a run there sometimes. It'll help his confidence like it does Levi when he gets to have a run in the ruck. Levi seems to lose alot of confidence when he's a full time forward. He's not going to be a 50 goal forward, he's a forward/ruck.
I reckon our biggest issue is our small/medium defenders - Simpson, mullet and o'shea - have been putrid. They don't defend, they don't provide any real run and their disposal is so rank and unreliable that we can't build meaningful offence from the back half when these blokes have the pill. We run forwards, they turn it over.... Everyone out of position, easy goal crows.
So get a clue Bolton and drop some of these repeat offenders.
Until we get these aspect of the game sorted we have no hope.
Agree. Love Simmo, my favourite player of all time but he is done. And it wasnt just tonight, been terrible all year. Turns it over more often than not. OShea, just another VFL player who is not upto to AFL level as is Graham. Mullet is the most disappointing one, supposed to be a good kick.
Just showed Levi heading off to hospital. Another one bites the dust.
JSOS couldn't be any less useless on ball than Kennedy or Graham. Those two are giving nothing.
I reckon our biggest issue is our small/medium defenders - Simpson, mullet and o'shea - have been putrid. They don't defend, they don't provide any real run and their disposal is so rank and unreliable that we can't build meaningful offence from the back half when these blokes have the pill. We run forwards, they turn it over.... Everyone out of position, easy goal crows.
So get a clue Bolton and drop some of these repeat offenders.
Until we get these aspect of the game sorted we have no hope.
Certainly a major weakness tonight Prof. Not a lot available to bring in atm unfortunately.
I reckon our biggest issue is our small/medium defenders - Simpson, mullet and o'shea - have been putrid. They don't defend, they don't provide any real run and their disposal is so rank and unreliable that we can't build meaningful offence from the back half when these blokes have the pill. We run forwards, they turn it over.... Everyone out of position, easy goal crows.
So get a clue Bolton and drop some of these repeat offenders.
Until we get these aspect of the game sorted we have no hope.
x2... I'd also add the midfield, we just struggle if Cripps is contained and lack other mature bodies......
Kennedy is either unfit or just finding it too hard without his star GWS mates, just contributing nothing....
x2... I'd also add the midfield, we just struggle if Cripps is contained and lack other mature bodies......
Kennedy is either unfit or just finding it too hard without his star GWS mates, just contributing nothing....
I'm thinking unfit. Looking at the NBs SOS could play his role there right now.
Considering injuries and form.....has our list ever been in worst shape.....EVER???
Not in my lifetime......
I saw enough at the NBs to see that there are replacements for some of the numpties wasting our time in the seniors.... If Levi is out then DeK or Kerr gets a run. Fine.
Similarly Schumacher has upside, Mullet and o'shea don't.
I'm thinking unfit.
Don't give him an excuse.......he's a spud. Simple as that.
JSOS couldn't be any less useless on ball than Kennedy or Graham. Those two are giving nothing.
He looked a different player playing on the ball. 2nd time Fraser has done that with SOS with success. Looks like he'd be very handy in stoppages.
JSOS couldn't be any less useless on ball than Kennedy or Graham. Those two are giving nothing.
Real slow in the NB's. I didnt rate his game, disposal was ordinary and he needs more tricks to play midfield......
Don't give him an excuse.......he's a spud. Simple as that.
We'll see over time. If there is still an issue we have to give him the benefit for now until we really know. Many a player has been called a spud only to egg on the face so I'll give that one time. SOS would be better in that role right now though.
Real slow in the NB's. I didnt rate his game, disposal was ordinary and he needs more tricks to play midfield......
20 touches, 12 contested and 10 tackles. I don't mind that pressure. I certainly rather that effort, and he gave a real effort. In-close would be very handy helping Cripps. It's not like we have a ton of choice.
I saw enough at the NBs to see that there are replacements for some of the numpties wasting our time in the seniors.... If Levi is out then DeK or Kerr gets a run. Fine.
Similarly Schumacher has upside, Mullet and o'shea don't.
Hopefully McKay can do some rucking as I don't want to see two rucks again. Yes, then bring in Kerr.
I saw enough at the NBs to see that there are replacements for some of the numpties wasting our time in the seniors.... If Levi is out then DeK or Kerr gets a run. Fine.
Similarly Schumacher has upside, Mullet and o'shea don't.
You were talking about Mullet, O'Shea and Simmo as our worst tonight. OK change them up but I didn't see anyone in the NBs today who would be significant improvements unfortunately.
I thought Garlett was much improved. He looked a bit short of steam b4.
Aside from the unnecessary and unhelpful dinky kicks, I thought Samo was a bit more involved than previous quiet games.
Obrein had a solid game. He's growing quarter by quarter. Enjoyed some of his decision making, positioning, and his disposal. He's got the goods for AFL.
Congrats to Paddy Wow on his 1st goal. He too is improving.
Fisher was good albeit quieter than previous games.
H was good. He just needs time to build up his ticker and master his tricks.
Ed had his usual hard at it game. As did Crippa and Kruez.
Our backs were outclassed and outworked. We made some errors turning it over in the league's most dangerous forward line, and paid the price.
In all, in a hostile environment on the road, we had a crack. Our deficits were on show. Hopefully that helps the coaches and MC in the review.
Happy birthday to Simo.
You were talking about Mullet, O'Shea and Simmo as our worst tonight. OK change them up but I didn't see anyone in the NBs today who would be signinificant improvements unfortunately.
I reckon Weitering could replace O'Shea ok. I'd be happy to give Schumacher a run at half back. probably not ready but he shows plenty and can use it. I'd even think about Lamb at half back. Have to be better than a backline from the land of the giants. Alot of attacks are started from half back. Having a tall defence will kill that.
We do have to start leaving out bigger defenders.
Yep, Weiters for O'Shea for sure. But Replacing Simmo and Mullet not so easy with who we have available atm. Yes possibly Lamb, but no one who will make any measurable improvement imo. Not averse to trying others but just don't expect too much.
Hopefully McKay can do some rucking as I don't want to see two rucks again. Yes, then bring in Kerr.
Kerr is by miles the best prospect in the NB's...looks like a real footballer......
Play JackS by all means as he does give effort but we are going to look might slow with him Cripps and Ed out there.....
I'd actually bring in Shaw to do some tagging.....we cant compete on a talent level and have to take a look at how North are playing.
Ed gets a bit of the footy but needs more help tagging IMO...
Amazing what a bit of class does. They kicked everything they looked at from snaps out of packs. While we stuffed up 2 on nones in the goal square. Esp when we were on a run in the 2nd - little stuff ups kill momentum
Ps - any danger we get more than 1 incorrect disposal free for the game?
Simo named in our best. I love him but he had a stinker tonight. His turnovers from poor decisions were costly.
Amazing what a bit of class does. They kicked everything they looked at from snaps out of packs. While we stuffed up 2 on nones in the goal square. Esp when we were on a run in the 2nd - little stuff ups kill momentum
Ps - any danger we get more than 1 incorrect disposal free for the game?
Nope. Nor hands in the back, tunnelling, or 360° tackles awarded.
Ffs what were umps looking at when Casboult got injured in the goal square. Hands in his back, knee to ribs, then let the game continue while he lies there injured >:D. Unacceptable every day of the week IMO.
Real slow in the NB's. I didnt rate his game, disposal was ordinary and he needs more tricks to play midfield......
Agree. Jack would need to spend the rest of the year learning the trade in the NBs to have any chance of becoming an AFL MF prospect for us imo. Tries very hard but I don't think he's going to be a regular in the seniors from what we've seen so far.
Anyone see the “outs for Carlton” graphic in the 3rd??. At least now I feel better - apparently Doc, C.curnow, March and Willo aren’t out.
Geez, sometimes I think this media bias stuff is a bit of a beat up, but who at ch7 is trying to play down our injury list??
Kerr is by miles the best prospect in the NB's...looks like a real footballer......
Play JackS by all means as he does give effort but we are going to look might slow with him Cripps and Ed out there.....
I'd actually bring in Shaw to do some tagging.....we cant compete on a talent level and have to take a look at how North are playing.
Ed gets a bit of the footy but needs more help tagging IMO...
I would prefer to carry young Jack or Kerr in the ones giving them experience than carry Simmo, OShea and Mullet who are costing us games at the moment. I expect more from Senior players.
Just watched the replay of Levi' s injury. My guess is he'll have broken ribs. Just pray his lungs are spared.
All the best to the big fella.
We need more injuries like an echidna needs excema :-\
Anyone see the “outs for Carlton” graphic in the 3rd??. At least now I feel better - apparently Doc, C.curnow, March and Willo aren’t out.
Geez, sometimes I think this media bias stuff is a bit of a beat up, but who at ch7 is trying to play down our injury list??
They just make fools of themselves IMO. Any fool can look up our injuries. Geez the afl website showed us on top of the "injury ladder" only last week.
http://www.afl.com.au/video/2018-05-05/casboult-sent-to-hospital-after-side-knock
Anyone see the “outs for Carlton” graphic in the 3rd??. At least now I feel better - apparently Doc, C.curnow, March and Willo aren’t out.
Geez, sometimes I think this media bias stuff is a bit of a beat up, but who at ch7 is trying to play down our injury list??
Docherty and Williamson have been terrible losses as they kick the ball well and give us decent rebound......
I would prefer to carry young Jack or Kerr in the ones giving them experience than carry Simmo, OShea and Mullet who are costing us games at the moment. I expect more from Senior players.
Jack looked like he was going to burst into tears as he came off last week, such was his lack of confidence and impact on the game, have some time in the 2’s JSOS, enjoy and learn, come back a better footballer for the once mighty Blues... ;)
Real slow in the NB's. I didnt rate his game, disposal was ordinary and he needs more tricks to play midfield......
Yep, it would be impossible to play Cripps, Kennedy and SoJ in the one midfield. We'd be run off too easily.
In reality though, SoJ only fleeting played the odd moment in the midfield against Frankston, most of his time was on a flank. There is no way SoJ was 2nd BoG as the club website lists, that is just rubbish, for that matter I wouldn't have Weitering BoG either! It's weird reporting, like it's only the Carlton listed best, here is the Best from the club website and my comments;
Weitering - Mostly the spare, great hands, good ball use, but no real opponent of equal size.
Silvagni - Tries hard, has lost his contested marking mojo, concrete hands, awful by foot but relentless!
Shaw - Lost of uncontested possession, Plowman without the aggression, not a good ball user.
Polson - Did OK, cracks in for his size, broad shoulders, teeny weeny little legs!
Kerr - Struggled for a half, didn't get shorter as everyone tired, benefited late!
Lang - Looked like an out of form HBF pretending to be a midfielder. Without Selwood, Dangerfield and others he's going to struggle.
I thought Fisher was probably the BoG for the NBs, followed by Weitering for sheer numbers of marks and efficient disposal. I'd probably have De Koning somewhere in the best, as well as Polson for shear stubborn effort.
For the people ranting on about our MC and our talls balance!
Adelaide had 10 players over 190cm, Carlton only had 9!
If you think our having too many talls is the cause you missed the point entirely! Our problem is the way our talls want to play, like rovers and get cheap kicks out the back, or jumping from the back of packs.
While their talls take front position, attack the footy, mark it or bring the ball to ground to the advantage of their utilities!
For the people ranting on about our MC and our talls balance!
Adelaide had 10 players over 190cm, Carlton only had 9!
If you think our having too many talls is the cause you missed the point entirely! Our problem is the way our talls want to play, like rovers and get cheap kicks out the back, or jumping from the back of packs.
While their talls take front position, attack the footy, mark it or bring the ball to ground to the advantage of their utilities!
Very true, you rarely see our blokes take front position.
Half an Adelaide side beat half a Carlton side at home
Their depth covered their injuries better than ours.
They're challenging, we're building
They controlled most of the game, but we held our own at times and even had periods where we were on top.
50+ points was about the expected margin
On to next week. ;)
Jones is a better match up for the bumber's great white hope... Weitering to replace Plowman (corkie) or OShea ( NBG).
Kerr to replace Levi.
If we can beat Bellchambers we are a chance, their midfield is soft as shyte.
If Kennedy ain't fit drop him too.
Polson in as a run with.
I'd consider Lamb, because he's expendable, for one job... Get inside Gobhards head and drive him nuts.
For the people ranting on about our MC and our talls balance!
Adelaide had 10 players over 190cm, Carlton only had 9!
If you think our having too many talls is the cause you missed the point entirely! Our problem is the way our talls want to play, like rovers and get cheap kicks out the back, or jumping from the back of packs.
While their talls take front position, attack the footy, mark it or bring the ball to ground to the advantage of their utilities!
And how many did each have over 195cm?
I reckon we had 5 who were 199 or bigger (Casboult, McKay, Phillips, Kreuzer, Jones)
...but having said that, those players are probably all more agile than your standard bloke of that size.
Whereas someone like Weitering, moves like Harry Madden.
Half an Adelaide side beat half a Carlton side at home
Their depth covered their injuries better than ours.
They're challenging, we're building
They controlled most of the game, but we held our own at times and even had periods where we were on top.
50+ points was about the expected margin
On to next week. ;)
Yep, that's about the size of it.
Dale Thomas 26 disposals 10 marks 5 tackles...the old fella is going alright and playing his part ;)
As long as Simpson is our play maker down back we won't win a game.
And how many did each have over 195cm?
I reckon we had 5 who were 199 or bigger (Casboult, McKay, Phillips, Kreuzer, Jones)
...but having said that, those players are probably all more agile than your standard bloke of that size.
Whereas someone like Weitering, moves like Harry Madden.
That's a rubbish statement.
Yesterday I watched NBs at Frankston. Two players Weitering and JGM wanted the last defender role. It was basically a battle between them in the first half who could set themselves up in that role. But in reality, when JGM got his opportunity he was no good at getting to the contests, he was nearly always late, failed to read the play or was beaten. Weitering in the same role was basically dominant, as you would want a player of that calibre to be!
Nobody would make a claim JGM is slower than Weitering, or slower than any of the above. Worrying about speed is way way too simplistic, it's not just about speed, it's about decision making, reading the play and being committed.
Further, most of yesterday Frankston tried it on with a small player to leverage a pace or agility difference, it backfired because Weitering won out comfortably. He looks slow because he is a lopes along Rhys-Jones style, but he was always able to close on the smaller opponent.
The same applies to comparing Kreuzer and Phillips, Phillips is clearly faster than Kreuzer across the ground in a straight line, but Phillips gets to half the contests. Jones is clearly the fastest of the lot, but he's often trapped in no man's land by indecision or being outnumbered due to our utilities stranding him against many.
What we saw yesterday in Adelaide was the problem with a tall team if you only get 1/2 a game of effort out of the utility and small on-ballers.
Other than Daisy and Wright more often than not it was Kreuzer running past blokes like SPS, O'Shea or Mullet to pressure an opponent. When the medium/smalls raised their efforts to AFL standard we looked 300% better. I felt sorry for Fisher and Cripps yesterday, when Kreuzer, Wright or Daisy we not around the ball to help them they got almost zero assistance on the inside. Ed was quite good but being the 3rd or 4th hand on the ball he blanketed Gibbs and some others. Kennedy does not look fit, he's almost certainly carrying an injury.
As long as Simpson is our play maker down back we won't win a game.
He's certainly in a weird situation, he's winning lots of football, but those crucial moments he cooks it really hurts us! This role he is playing doesn't really suit him, not because he can't read the play, but because of his low efficiency he's running himself into the ground going backwards and forwards mostly at his own fault!
Also we need a couple of the younger guys doing the sacrificial stuff, Armfield style, at the moment they run along beside players in photo opportunities.
We need to shrink in defence and drop a ruckman. If we go in lumbering and tall they run us silly on the outside. If we go smaller and can pressure then in-close i'm confident we beat them. Essendon struggles bad when a side pressures them in-close. Let's see how smart/dumb our match committee are.
Our "shrinking defence" will be made up of lightweights, you'll deliver the perfect conditions to run blokes like Stringer, Ambrose, Tipunwuti and Daniher into good form!
O'Shea looks a million dollars at VFL, but at AFL level he is bruise free despite being +190cm.
There was a reason Rowe was getting crapty last night, and it wasn't the opposition or our talls!
Our "shrinking defence" will be made up of lightweights, you'll deliver the perfect conditions to run blokes like Stringer, Ambrose, Tipunwuti and Daniher into good form!
O'Shea looks a million dollars at VFL, but at AFL level he is bruise free despite being +190cm.
There was a reason Rowe was getting crapty last night, and it wasn't the opposition or our talls!
Not so much bruise free from OShea, its his kicking...its terrible, cant hit targets and his decision making on who to kick to is woeful.....
Plowman is a better kick but if I was going to look at bruise free players he would be on my list......add Mullett and Weitering and its slim pickings for genuine hard attack on the footy.
ACOS needs to be back in that team to show the way in that area...
Half an Adelaide side beat half a Carlton side at home
Their depth covered their injuries better than ours.
They're challenging, we're building
They controlled most of the game, but we held our own at times and even had periods where we were on top.
50+ points was about the expected margin
On to next week. ;)
My exact sentiments
You know, a stat attributed to Simpson is a little like a mule with a spinning wheel. No one knows how he got it, and danged if he knows how to use it.
Time to stick him in the NBs for the rest of the year and make him captain, although that would be a bit of an affront to Tom Wilson who seems a decent fellow and gives his all.
SPS continues to take his eye off the ball at the crucial moment. That's a terrible habit that needs to be eradicated pronto.
I wonder if word went out to Liam Jones in the last that he needs to stop spoiling and go for the mark? If so, he was much better for the advice.
Also, memo to skills coach - please teach the players to position their bodies sideways, or stick their bum out, or lift their knee/leg in the style of Toby Greene whenever there is a whiff that someone is approaching for an intercept (Betts). Pretty basic stuff ... from my armchair anyway.
Also, memo to skills coach - please teach the players to position their bodies sideways, or stick their bum out, or lift their knee/leg in the style of Toby Greene whenever there is a whiff that someone is approaching for an intercept (Betts). Pretty basic stuff ... from my armchair anyway.
Actually, I'd just accept blokes approaching the ball and taking it at the highest point instead of standing flat footed waiting for the footy to come to them!
We are inexperienced across the team but jeez our experienced guys don't help much sometimes. Was it Rowe that chipped pass that Betts picked off? Simmo butchered a few pretty simple ones. His shot at goal when he should have passed was poor. O'Shea is too old to be butchering it all over the place.
Add to that the young guys throwing in their occasional stuff ups... not going to win many games like that.
Several of those guys wouldn't be getting a game if not for the lengthy injury list obviously but Simmo isn't one of those. We really rely on him still and his good outweighs the bad by a long long way.
We are inexperienced across the team but jeez our experienced guys don't help much sometimes. Was it Rowe that chipped pass that Betts picked off?
Rowe was involved in two, one as the kicker and one as the receiver, but the problem isn't the kick, the problem is standing flat footed to receive!
When the commentators bang on about bad delivery inside F50 from a long kick you need to ignore them.
You have to ask why the 200cm forwards are looking for cheap out the back goals when they are left one out with a defender inside F50!
If McKay or Casboult take front spot leading at the ball, who the feck is going to jump over them if they hit the ball at the highest point? ;)
It's no use McKay or Casboult waving their arms about screaming "I'm back here!", when they have had 5 seconds to work out where the ball was going!
Same goes for those Betts intercepts, both times the defender had seconds to move towards the ball. FFS, Betts covered about 10 to 15m in the same period of time to effect the spoil!
There was one where Simmo stood their with his arms cupped astounded that the ball didn't fall in them, FFS! ::)
As much as I love Simmo, he's too old to change his ways, he has a lot of bad habits!
Actually, I'd just accept blokes approaching the ball and taking it at the highest point instead of standing flat footed waiting for the footy to come to them!
this...
Foot skills in defence are often the difference and we are struggling this year. Williamson will be important when he returns as can clear with a good kick. Noticed Marchbank kicking out last week but it was mostly Simpson again last night so we were again exposed down back.
It doesn't take much to throw everyone off and then each disposal is rushed and turnovers result.
With casboult out it is a chance to see us with 2 rucks, 2 key forwards, assuming curnow is good to return. Dow got a little more involved and with 14 tackles, end curnow did some heavy work. Well done to Thomas who was probably our best.
That's a rubbish statement.
Yesterday I watched NBs at Frankston. Two players Weitering and JGM wanted the last defender role. It was basically a battle between them in the first half who could set themselves up in that role. But in reality, when JGM got his opportunity he was no good at getting to the contests, he was nearly always late, failed to read the play or was beaten. Weitering in the same role was basically dominant, as you would want a player of that calibre to be!
Nobody would make a claim JGM is slower than Weitering, or slower than any of the above. Worrying about speed is way way too simplistic, it's not just about speed, it's about decision making, reading the play and being committed.
You mentioned speed. I was talking about speed, acceleration, agility as well as quickness in terms of decision making and disposing of the ball.
I know weitering is smart. I know he will dominate at VFL level. Thats part of the reason i wanted him out of the side earlier. He lacked confidence. That combined with some very iffy matchups basically broke him.
So now he's got his mojo back, he's half a chance to get back to the level we need him.
BUT, there is a big difference between VFL and AFL.
Players are bigger, stronger, faster and smarter in the AFL.
On the lead, Weitering suffers.
High ball in the air, he, generally, dominates......although he needs to work on his wrestling.
Loose ball on the ground, Weitering is not ideal.
Peeling off, and helping teammates or getting into space to provide an option, he is good.
Being one to take the game on from the backline with quick, precise ball movement, he is lacking.
We often talk about a 'chain of possessions' or going 'coast to coast'. Well a chain is only as strong as its weakest link....and when trying to move the ball quickly out of defense, Weitering suffers from a touch of the 'T-Birds' in that area. He almost always looks sideways and backwards and lets the opposition regroup. We struggle to move the ball out of defense when he is part of the chain. Nothing that can't be worked on, but when we struggle to move the ball out of defense at the best of times, we don't need to give ourselves a handicap as well.
Some young players are better off getting initial experience at VFL level.
Some benefit from a mix of senior and VFL...a couple of matches to get a taste and then drop back to get a bit of the football.
I reckon both Dow and O'Brien should stay exactly where they are...they're growing with every senior game they play.
Some young players are better off getting initial experience at VFL level.
Some benefit from a mix of senior and VFL...a couple of matches to get a taste and then drop back to get a bit of the football.
I reckon both Dow and O'Brien should stay exactly where they are...they're growing with every senior game they play.
Dead right. They will just get better and better as they get more games into them.
Some young players are better off getting initial experience at VFL level.
Some benefit from a mix of senior and VFL...a couple of matches to get a taste and then drop back to get a bit of the football.
I reckon both Dow and O'Brien should stay exactly where they are...they're growing with every senior game they play.
If you don't grow, thats when you need to go back to the 2's.
You don't have to improve every game, but when there is a clear trend of NOT improving, then you need a spell. Those 2 don't have that problem.
Others, like Weitering and SOJ did.
Time to stick him in the NBs for the rest of the year and make him captain, although that would be a bit of an affront to Tom Wilson who seems a decent fellow and gives his all.
Wont happen in a million years. At 34, when he’s cooked, he’s cooked. He’ll limp to 300 and if he is of no further use in the 1sts, that will be it.
Wont happen in a million years. At 34, when he’s cooked, he’s cooked. He’ll limp to 300 and if he is of no further use in the 1sts, that will be it.
I'd think this would be the most likely scenario. You would have to think this is his final season, surely ?
On the other hand Thomas is having his best season for us.
If we're looking for an NB captain or maybe an assistant coach for 2019 he may be an option...if he doesn't go around again ;)
Our "shrinking defence" will be made up of lightweights, you'll deliver the perfect conditions to run blokes like Stringer, Ambrose, Tipunwuti and Daniher into good form!
O'Shea looks a million dollars at VFL, but at AFL level he is bruise free despite being +190cm.
There was a reason Rowe was getting crapty last night, and it wasn't the opposition or our talls!
Attacks are often started at half back. Hard to happen when you're full of height. Essendon hate it when a side can get them in-close as they are nothing but an outside running side. We pick a side too tall and they'll kill us there.
Attacks are often started at half back. Hard to happen when you're full of height. Essendon hate it when a side can get them in-close as they are nothing but an outside running side. We pick a side too tall and they'll kill us there.
What's your ideal back 6 Jim?..of those likely to be available.
Simpson to retire and Thomas to get another season the way things are panning out...Thomas would be doing well in the B&F IMO and is one of our more robust players which doesnt say much for the rest of the list.
Simpson has been great value down back but with Docherty out is being tagged most weeks and by 3/4 time can barely kick over 30m......if that was the old Thomas he would have been under the pump from this forum but Simmo is Navy Blue Royalty and gets some slack cut but he needs to retire gracefully.
Simpson has been great value down back but with Docherty out is being tagged most weeks and by 3/4 time can barely kick over 30m......if that was the old Thomas he would have been under the pump from this forum but Simmo is Navy Blue Royalty and gets some slack cut but he needs to retire gracefully.
Well that is the reality of the situation, some will never accept Daisy, while others will always forgive Simmo!
Money stops so many players from retiring gracefully, I realise many have nothing other than football, but I'm glad Judd went when he did a match winner until the end.
I don't want to be cursing Simmo like Waite or TBird! :o
Wont happen in a million years. At 34, when he’s cooked, he’s cooked. He’ll limp to 300 and if he is of no further use in the 1sts, that will be it.
He is of no further use. A game played above the shoulders succeeds or fails on chemistry and confidence. How many times did he kill our momentum last night? And every single time it happened, how many of you winced when he had the ball in his hands KNOWING he was going to turn it over?
A favourite player for sure. But an interesting study in talent v. effort. Makes me wonder if his junior coaches turned a blind eye to his skill limitations because of his spirit and the example he set for teammates less willing but more skilled.
And while I'm at it, I totally disagree with the perceived value others have for Thomas. I see him as part of the problem as well. His brain is writing cheques his body can't cash. Haphazard disposal, his attempts to be cute and tricky continually catch the younger players off guard. They need consistency and system, not chaos.
Of course, the problem is who to replace them with. I have no answer for that.
If I've counted correctly, Simpson's 300th will be R15, assuming he plays every game, and allowing for the bye.
We play the Power at the G.
It's a shame that we can't give him a more fitting send off - this season will be a sh1tty one in which to finish.
If I've counted correctly, Simpson's 300th will be R15, assuming he plays every game, and allowing for the bye.
We play the Power at the G.
It's a shame that we can't give him a more fitting send off - this season will be a sh1tty one in which to finish.
A miracle might happen. I'd love to see us pull that off. He's been a champion for us.
Was it Simmo's 250 where we won against the odds?
I remember he was overwhelmed with emotion at the siren. He was getting a big hug from his good mate Gibbs - lying on the ground if I recall correctly.
I'd think this would be the most likely scenario. You would have to think this is his final season, surely ?
You guys must be watching a different Kade Simpson to me.
I'd have him in the top 2 for our B&F right now.
As usual the very little we get out of our youngsters is reducing the effectiveness of our older players.
The snowball effect is massive and I find most criticism of our players a tad unfair on that basis.
We need our senior bodies back asap.
You guys must be watching a different Kade Simpson to me.
I'd have him in the top 2 for our B&F right now.
He was best on ground for Adelaide last night.
You guys must be watching a different Kade Simpson to me.
I'd have him in the top 2 for our B&F right now.
I agree, can't understand the criticism, he's one of our best so far this year, and will continue to give 100% at every contest for the rest of the year. There are some protected species who we are not allowed to criticise on this forum, so some of our best cop it
There isn't a Carlton fan alive or dead that doesn't love Simmo, but the end comes for players, coaches etc. at some point, and when it comes, it comes quickly.
If Clarkson was our coach, Simmo would have been pushed 2 seasons ago.
It has nothing to do with effort or how much we love the guy. He's been ordinary for long enough.
@ jeza an JB
No one, certainly not me, is questioning his effort or commitment. A more loyal and courageous servant there has never been. But his turnovers and errors in key areas of the ground is really hurting us. We highlight what the kids do wrong, its only fair we highlight the errors the experienced blokes make also. NO ONE is immune or off limits in this area. Im sure they are brought up in the game review.
For the record, I am Simmo's biggest fan, I have said on many occasions on this site he is my favourite Carlton player of ALL time. I don't know anyone else who can lay claim to ever stating that.
You guys must be watching a different Kade Simpson to me.
I'd have him in the top 2 for our B&F right now.
Top 2 for effort maybe , but not for execution......
So you're replacing him with who exactly?
So you're replacing him with who exactly?
I presume Docherty will return and Mullett will probably do his role until we draft/trade in someone better.....
Easy to sit back and bag our players, probably makes you feel good I don't know, but if there's noone better to replace them then let's support our guys, goodness knows they need it
If youre suggesting Mullett is better than Simpson then you're kidding yourself
If youre suggesting Mullett is better than Simpson then you're kidding yourself
Not to mention insulting Simpson.
Simpson has been responsible for some horrible turnovers this season but he has a lot of mates and he isn't keeping anyone out of the side.
Unfortunately we remember all the bad kicks but he is running above 70% efficiency which isn't a retire immediately statistic.
It just hurts more because we expect so much better decision making and execution from him. As an experienced leader.
Simpson has been responsible for some horrible turnovers this season but he has a lot of mates and he isn't keeping anyone out of the side.
Unfortunately we remember all the bad kicks but he is running above 70% efficiency which isn't a retire immediately statistic.
It just hurts more because we expect so much better decision making and execution from him. As an experienced leader.
Perspective! Good observations H.
Another impressive media conference from BB. Handled direct, personal and important questions with integrity and aplomb. Glad he uses words like 'hurting' when referring to how he is feeling, how other coaches are feeling and understanding it's how we must be feeling. Very uniting and empathic. I hope our fortunes turn very soon, for him to celebrate wins as much as anyone. You also deserve reward for effort, BB.
On another subject completely and in response to some of the above... not getting the criticisms of Simmo. Yes, I like many have groaned at some of his lame disposals, but they're few and far between - his good far outweighs the c0ckups. The bloke still has terrific judgement re where to put his slight frame and is an overall effective defender. And we sure as hell aint got anyone who can do what he does at present. He and Daisy have been doing a mountain of work down back against, at times, overwhelming odds. You put Docherty, Williamson and Byrne in that backline and suddenly a lot changes... a lot being left to a few at present but that will change.
Unfortunately we remember all the bad kicks but he is running above 70% efficiency which isn't a retire immediately statistic.
Have to be careful because the disposal efficiency(DE) doesn't take account of where the errors are made.
For example Simmo had 19 kicks and 7 handballs, I don't recall a Simmo handball missing a target, so that means to get to the 70% DE almost 45% of his kicks must have missed targets!
Also, another DE smokescreen can be hospital handballs. If you hit a bloke on the chest and he's smashed it counts as an efficient disposal despite being a horrific error in decision making!
Finally, some guys go at low DE but their errors might come from clearing kicks under pressure in the back pocket, they probably deserve some slack in that regard.
If youre suggesting Mullett is better than Simpson then you're kidding yourself
When did I state he was better?....I said he will do the job until we draft or trade in someone better, didnt say I rate him at all. Mullett isnt Simpson's bootlace as a footballer but there is nothing in the NB's to replace him with and SOS doesnt tend to cull his own freshly drafted players so I expect Mullet on the list for a couple of more seasons at least...
Small defenders have been an issue with us for a while...Docherty and Simpson rebound well but are not so big on the defending side especially Simpson , and Mullet is next to useless as a lock down player....
re: Disposal...OShea was at 81% vs the Crows....meaning IMO he probably hit 100% of his kicks that went 10-15m, anything at 30m plus seemed to go to a Crows player. I'd suggest Simpson stats are similarly inflated...
Was it Simpson who had a open shot on the run for goal and couldnt make the distance from about 40m out?
What's your ideal back 6 Jim?..of those likely to be available.
Weitering, Marchbank, Plowman, Lamb (like to see him, tried there rather than another lumbering tall) Thomas, Simmo, Shaw, maybe Garlett to replicate Yarran's old role. That's from what's available right now. I'm assuming Weitering ran himself into form in the NBs. If not Rowe, who may be required to ruck a bit with Casboult out. Even use Schumacher rather than an extra tall. Need some sort of run from half back. Fully fit, Williamson, Byrne, Alex Silvagni would be added in there.
As usual the very little we get out of our youngsters is reducing the effectiveness of our older players.
The snowball effect is massive and I find most criticism of our players a tad unfair on that basis.
We need our senior bodies back asap.
I wrote this on my phone yesterday and feel that perhaps some have glossed over it.
http://www.carltonfc.com.au/footy/player-statistics
If you click on this link, and go to advanced stats, you start seeing a much bigger picture about who is putting in a mountain of work. From round 7 alone, I have excluded every stat apart from time on ground %.
Our players in terms of time on ground percentage:
Liam Jones - 96%
Ed Curnow - 96% (Considering this bloke spends 4 quarters running from contest to contest or with an opponent, this is absolutely amazing).
Sam Rowe - 94%
Kade Simpson - 93% (Spare a thought for a 34 year old bloke, who has been shouldering a big load for our kids to get a bit of an armchair ride)
Patrick Cripps - 91% (another warrior at the coalface and well down on effectiveness for it).
Matthew Wright - 90%Levi Casboult - 88% (Don't forget he went off halfway through the last quarter with broken ribs and a lacerated lung lining).
Cameron O'Shea - 87%Sam Kerridge - 84%
Jarrod Garlett - 83%
Lochie O'Brien - 83%
Dale Thomas - 80%
Lachie Plowman - 78%
Zach Fisher - 78%
Harry Mckay - 76%
Matthew Kreuzer - 76%
Nick Graham - 76%
Aaron Mullet - 75%
Andrew Phillips - 71%
Paddy Dow - 71%
Matt Kennedy - 69%
SPS - 65%The guys at the bottom end are not giving us anywhere near enough in terms of time on ground, and need to be maximising their impact for the amount of time they are spending on the interchange bench.
Unfortunately, we can only state that they are going at half rat power even when on the park. I am extremely dissapointed to see a big bloke like Phillips off for over a quarter particularly when we had Kreuzer and Casboult and Rowe off the park.
I think we need to worry less about the personnel on the park, and more about how effective we can use them because these stats tell an absolutely woeful story about blokes who are on the bench for too long, and other blokes shouldering too much of a load.
Food for thought:
A brain in a tired body, is more likely to make more mistakes, not because of what they want to do, but simply due to fatigue.
We are simply carrying too many non contributers for too long a period during games.
On the flipside, I did the same exercise for the Crows:
http://www.afc.com.au/season/statistics
(Note you have to go to advanced options, and you select what fields you want).
These guys didnt have a bloke over 91% game time (Josh Jenkins at the top end) and Wayne Milera aside who went off with a Hamstring injury, didnt have a player go under 79% game time.
We need to be a bit more level headed about things and appreciate what our blokes are giving us.
On the flipside, I did the same exercise for the Crows:
http://www.afc.com.au/season/statistics
(Note you have to go to advanced options, and you select what fields you want).
These guys didnt have a bloke over 91% game time (Josh Jenkins at the top end) and Wayne Milera aside who went off with a Hamstring injury, didnt have a player go under 79% game time.
We need to be a bit more level headed about things and appreciate what our blokes are giving us.
What amazes me from those Crows stats is that they can afford to have a bloke like Hugh Greenwood operating at, on average, only 74% on-ground time !.......I'd suggest that his input & effectivness for the time he's actually on the ground would be enormous.
And they payed basically nothing for him, still makes my blood boil.
What amazes me from those Crows stats is that they can afford to have a bloke like Hugh Greenwood operating at, on average, only 74% on-ground time !.......I'd suggest that his input & effectivness for the time he's actually on the ground would be enormous.
And they payed basically nothing for him, still makes my blood boil.
Thats the point though malo.
Hes a 26 year old mature recruit, who's been on the list for 2 years, and has a background as an athlete. If he had to play 5% more per game, he probably could.
What I was hoping to highlight is that the blokes in our team who are probably struggling with disposal, are shouldering a much greater load than they should be.
The guys at the bottom end are not giving us anywhere near enough in terms of time on ground, and need to be maximising their impact for the amount of time they are spending on the interchange bench.
Phillips I get given Kreuzer, Bolt, Harry out there...
SPS and Kennedy - both not right perhaps....?
Thats the point though malo.
Hes a 26 year old mature recruit, who's been on the list for 2 years, and has a background as an athlete. If he had to play 5% more per game, he probably could.
What I was hoping to highlight is that the blokes in our team who are probably struggling with disposal, are shouldering a much greater load than they should be.
That's another aspect to those time on ground stats we should consider.
If your impact player plays 80% of a game as opposed to 90% can that be more effective overall?
In his best years for us Judd went at around 80-83% of TOG....usually came off buggered but gave a 100% for the time he was on the ground.
In previous years Cripps has been about the same 80-83%...he's over 88% average this year
That's another aspect to those time on ground stats we should consider.
If your impact player plays 80% of a game as opposed to 90% can that be more effective overall?
In his best years for us Judd went at around 80-83% of TOG....usually came off buggered but gave a 100% for the time he was on the ground.
In previous years Cripps has been about the same 80-83%...he's over 88% average this year
Distance covered would be another factor.
We pick two rucks again for what reason again. For all his hard work Phillips just doesn't give you enough around the ground or up forward. We can pick a smaller running type instead. and be alot more mobile.
Our ability to structure a side for modern footy is hopeless. We need to pick our two key backs when fit, Weitering and Marchbank, our key forward, McKay, Casboult as a forward/ruck, Kreuzer the one main ruck then pick a decent running side around that rather than a side from the land of the jolly green giants.
Why can Fraser use SOS as an inside mid in two games now and Bolton leaves him to rot on our impotent forward line. Give him a run there sometimes. It'll help his confidence like it does Levi when he gets to have a run in the ruck. Levi seems to lose alot of confidence when he's a full time forward. He's not going to be a 50 goal forward, he's a forward/ruck.
There's nobody in form at the Northern Blues that fits that role. Now, LeBois is out for an extended period too.
Real slow in the NB's. I didnt rate his game, disposal was ordinary and he needs more tricks to play midfield......
Agree. Only came good when the pace was off after 3rd quarter.
Agree. Only came good when the pace was off after 3rd quarter.
In fairness to SOJ, this is all new to him; just learning the midfield craft... so when you factor that in, what becomes a positive is his reading of the play which he can do naturally, attack on the aggott/man and ability to take possession... disposal/strength etc will improve in time. His ability to find the ball in tight is a huge plus and worth building on, or at least giving it a crack. Let's cut the kid some slack... anyone remember how ordinary SOS was early on in the Magoos, until he found his niche?
In fairness to SOJ, this is all new to him; just learning the midfield craft... so when you factor that in, what becomes a positive is his reading of the play which he can do naturally, attack on the aggott/man and ability to take possession... disposal/strength etc will improve in time. His ability to find the ball in tight is a huge plus and worth building on, or at least giving it a crack. Let's cut the kid some slack... anyone remember how ordinary SOS was early on in the Magoos, until he found his niche?
Yep, he is a beginner and probably needs two full seasons at NB level to get it sorted.
I'm sure that means we will play him next week as a starting midfielder! ::)
Yep, he is a beginner and probably needs two full seasons at NB level to get it sorted.
I'm sure that means we will play him next week as a starting midfielder! ::)
After which the experiment will be deemed to be a failure ;D
My preference is he stays in the VFL for a bit longer and learns his mid-field trade there.
However if he does play seniors there's probably no harm in him spending a few short bursts in the middle just to give him an idea of the difference at that level.
(I'm not sure we haven't tried that already...I have memories of him starting in the centre... but it may have been a VFL match I was watching)
After which the experiment will be deemed to be a failure ;D
My preference is he stays in the VFL for a bit longer and learns his mid-field trade there.
However if he does play seniors there's probably no harm in him spending a few short bursts in the middle just to give him an idea of the difference at that level.
(I'm not sure we haven't tried that already...I have memories of him starting in the centre... but it may have been a VFL match I was watching)
I've found myself thinking (and saying) he's too slow to make it. Then I think of Jobe Watson. He fashioned himself into a midfielder and he certainly wasn't quick. He had Greg Williams as a mentor too...
Jack's still a bub in some respects.
While his father was never what you would call "heavy set" he was massively strong through the lower body and core.
Give Jack a couple of years to develop that power and he could indeed be a useful mid.
Jack's still a bub in some respects.
While his father was never what you would call "heavy set" he was massively strong through the lower body and core.
Give Jack a couple of years to develop that power and he could indeed be a useful mid.
yep.
Easy to sit back and bag our players, probably makes you feel good I don't know, but if there's noone better to replace them then let's support our guys, goodness knows they need it
Indeed. Now more than ever in our club history.
Well said JB ^-^
Jack's still a bub in some respects.
While his father was never what you would call "heavy set" he was massively strong through the lower body and core.
Give Jack a couple of years to develop that power and he could indeed be a useful mid.
Quite reasonable IMO.
His nous will supplement his limited pace. Like Crippa, he may also develop some running techniques to aid this.
What I'd hope is made clear is the club's planning, expectations, and communication with Jack and relevant others.
Go Blues
Easy to sit back and bag our players, probably makes you feel good I don't know, but if there's noone better to replace them then let's support our guys, goodness knows they need it
Fair Call JB, but I will say this. If we are to support the players through the tuff times, then we need to support the whole club. Cant not critique the experienced players but pot the coach/MC etc. One in all in. #BOUNDBYBLUE.
When did I state he was better?....I said he will do the job until we draft or trade in someone better, didnt say I rate him at all. Mullett isnt Simpson's bootlace as a footballer but there is nothing in the NB's to replace him with and SOS doesnt tend to cull his own freshly drafted players so I expect Mullet on the list for a couple of more seasons at least...
Small defenders have been an issue with us for a while...Docherty and Simpson rebound well but are not so big on the defending side especially Simpson , and Mullet is next to useless as a lock down player....
Your preoccupation with SOS playing favorites does you no service, Sumner and Smedts say hi...
3 drafts, just how many players would you like SOS to have drafted and then delisted in that period...?
A lot depends on contract lengths...many of the players drafted under SOS would still be deep in contract.
We won't know whether he's ruthless with those he's drafted for a year or two.
Jack's still a bub in some respects.
While his father was never what you would call "heavy set" he was massively strong through the lower body and core.
Give Jack a couple of years to develop that power and he could indeed be a useful mid.
I would love Jack to come good in the MF - develop more strongly physically and couple that with his hard at it approach and he could be a formidable inside contested ball winner and tackler a la Kennedy (Swans) - a great shot-gun for Cripps. I think that would be the best course for him to pursue now - both for him and the club.
A lot depends on contract lengths...many of the players drafted under SOS would still be deep in contract.
We won't know whether he's ruthless with those he's drafted for a year or two.
I'm not so sure Lods.
He was happy enough to cut loose Sumner, Palmer, Smedts, rather than tread water with them.
I think sos is pragmatic about things. We topped up with enough recycled types to cover a few angles and have future proofed with kids. We've probably copped heavy injuries to the few positions we can't easily cover making life difficult (Docherty, Pickett, Kennedy, Murphy) and none of the recycled players has done a Stewart dew for us either.
I'm expecting us to make a very unexpected trade come end of season which will certainly prove how ruthless sos can be.
Gaff and Sloane would fix a lot of problems. More run and carry, more ball winning ability.
I've found myself thinking (and saying) he's too slow to make it. Then I think of Jobe Watson. He fashioned himself into a midfielder and he certainly wasn't quick. He had Greg Williams as a mentor too...
Yep exactly, this "too slow" claptrap has been around for years, ....and has been disproven time & time again by natural footballers who know where to go & what to do with the ball.....all the while those speedy players are still chasing the ball movement. Sam Mitchell is another example, he just got the ball & used it so well that it was the ball that was doing the "running & carrying" instead of his feet !
I think back to our 95 side even, it was "too old, too slow" when we crashed out in straight sets in 94....full of slow midfielders like Williams, Fraser Brown, Ratts......hmmmm.
I think the 'too slow' angle depends on who else is in the side.
In the first quarter we looked so slow....
Kreuzer , Phillips , Casboult , Rowe , Kennedy , Cripps , MacKay , Ed Curnow.....
Its over a third of our side with little to no leg speed. Throw in SOJ and today's game style of smaller
forwards with pressure and its all just too slow.
I think a fast mind and good decisions are important but when you can't chase or pressure due to
speed we have a problem. You can carry a couple but not as many as we currently do.
Yep exactly, this "too slow" claptrap has been around for years, ....and has been disproven time & time again by natural footballers who know where to go & what to do with the ball.....all the while those speedy players are still chasing the ball movement. Sam Mitchell is another example, he just got the ball & used it so well that it was the ball that was doing the "running & carrying" instead of his feet !
I think back to our 95 side even, it was "too old, too slow" when we crashed out in straight sets in 94....full of slow midfielders like Williams, Fraser Brown, Ratts......hmmmm.
The slow players that you refer to were elite in other facets, and that offset the slow leg speed.
If you're slow, you need to be brilliant in some other aspects, otherwise you won't make it.
I think the 'too slow' angle depends on who else is in the side.
In the first quarter we looked so slow....
Kreuzer , Phillips , Casboult , Rowe , Kennedy , Cripps , MacKay , Ed Curnow.....
Its over a third of our side with little to no leg speed. Throw in SOJ and today's game style of smaller
forwards with pressure and its all just too slow.
I think a fast mind and good decisions are important but when you can't chase or pressure due to
speed we have a problem. You can carry a couple but not as many as we currently do.
Speed is always comparitive. Some players are genuinely quick, others are not. Id wager that Ed Curnow is a much better runner than anyone else in this list.
Thing is, the ability to sprint comes with time required to rest and get your heart rate back down again. When you combine Ed's running patterns, with his time on ground percentage of 96% you have your answer as to why players can look slow at times.
Lets face the facts a little.
last draft combine results:
Smartspeed 20-metre sprint
Jack Petruccelle - 2.87 seconds
Kane Farrell - 2.90
Aiden Bonar - 2.90
Ben Miller - 2.91
Nick Coffield - 2.91
Ben Paton - 2.95
Brent Daniels - 2.95
Stefan Okunbar - 2.95
Jaidyn Stephenson - 2.95
Nicholas Shipley - 2.97
Have any of these guys been sighted at AFL level as speed demons? I'd argue that they haven't (you might find one) with Stephenson definately not in the category of lightning quick. In fact, I would state that he is one of the few players on this list I can put a face to a name, and thats because he has kicked bags in his early work with Collingwood.
Speed of mind to sum up a situation and make a decision is immeasurably more beneficial to cover the ground quickly.
Shaun Hampson was one of the best sprint testers at the draft combine. He covered the ground well enough, but never looked quick. I seem to recall Tom Bell was an elite runner, but couldnt run for 4 quarters.
Watson spent an off season being mentored by Williams, primarily about his hands (use by, and upskilling his handball) and positioning - using these to offset his lack of speed and poor kicking. I believe that Watson only missed being de-listed by the skin of his teeth.
Watson spent an off season being mentored by Williams, primarily about his hands (use by, and upskilling his handball) and positioning - using these to offset his lack of speed and poor kicking. I believe that Watson only missed being de-listed by the skin of his teeth.
For inside mids and KPPs pace is over-rated, most of the the important stuff is knowing where to be and when, how to position yourself and then what to do with the ball.
Young SoJ might well be useful as a Cripps chop-out, but he needs heaps, and I mean heaps or training and practice at it before they try him out!
If they throw him in the deep end too soon the process will be deemed a failure without him ever really having a chance!
Shaun Hampson was one of the best sprint testers at the draft combine. He covered the ground well enough, but never looked quick. I seem to recall Tom Bell was an elite runner, but couldnt run for 4 quarters.
Most fans judge players by how they look on the TV, it's not relevant.
Think The Hyphen, think Weitering, then think Cripps leaving a stoppage this season, they all appear to lumber but Cripps breakaways show you that when they are clear and decisive they look fine.
Most of being quick is about clear thinking and not hesitating. You can be the fastest player on earth but if you don't know what to do you'll like hesitant and slow crap!
You can be treacle across the ground but appear lightning fast, like Sam Mitchell! Mitchell was not reactive, he is proactive!
The good players by time, because with experience they force nearby opposition to hesitate, those micro-dumby sell that gives them the extra step buys them so much time. But it comes with experience and confidence.
What good would being fast be if you had to compete one out with Diesel, he'd have you charging off in one direction while he disposes in the other!
The greatest ever in my opinion was Leigh Matthews, never fast, but hard to pin down because he'd buy himself time and space like no other player I've ever seen. Couple that with some incredible core strength to deal with the odd tackle Dusty style and you have a Goliath of the game!
Also helps if you're not flat footed when you receive the ball.... that's asking for trouble!
Also helps if you're not flat footed when you receive the ball.... that's asking for trouble!
Yep, fans bake the kicker on the Betts intercepts at the weekend, but the receiver stood flat footed waiting for the pill to arrive!
If I recall correctly, two of those caught flat footed were experienced defenders in Simmo and Rowe!
Yep, fans bake the kicker on the Betts intercepts at the weekend, but the receiver stood flat footed waiting for the pill to arrive!
If I recall correctly, two of those caught flat footed were experienced defenders in Simmo and Rowe!
Both played on the ground for larger percentages than even the highest Adelaide player (Jenkins) and are much older than him.
Effectively, tired minds, means poorer decisions, means reactive thinking, means flat footed because you are spent.
It's amazing what we will achieve by simply resolving our ability to rotate our key performers more frequently will achieve, and one of them will be to eliminate these basic errors.
Contrary to popular belief, the ability to execute difficult skills is not harder when tired. You think harder about them, and are more careful when executing them so they pay off more frequently. It's the basics that are likely to deteriorate when tired minds occur. This is why Judd had variable Disposal efficiency. He was tagged harder, and was often running flat stick when trying to execute the skills and the results varied more.
Speed of mind to sum up a situation and make a decision is immeasurably more beneficial than to cover the ground quickly.
requoting myself to ensure people know what is important. I saw a clip from 1998 this morning. Match highlights of Carlton vs Adelaide at Optus Oval. Lance, and Kouta feature prominently. Obviously, having the athletic ability of Kouta gives you an immense advantage over opponents, but Whitnall was no less effective given his relative size and shape and thats because he had the sort of footy brain that Jack shows at times. We still see it in patches, such as when he baulks, and delivers to Harry to advantage in forward 50. Thats the ability to sum up the situation and know your limitations. Not speed and athleticism. From what I have heard he is no stranger to playing in the clinches, just not against seasoned competitors.
If as a player you are flat footed at AFL level, at any time, you are most likely done like a dinner.
All the "slow AFL players" fans continually rant and rave about can all close gaps faster than 99.99% of the population, even our own!
There is a reason we languish on the bottom of the ladder, and there is a reason Nthmond run over sides late in games and sit near the top pf the ladder, and most of the relevant difference is unrelated to ability or fitness!
Another thing fans miss, is the bloke Betts run off unhindered to get to those contests!
Does anyone think our small forwards would get a free run at the ball while their direct opponent pressed forward looking for a cheap possession?
Another point of difference, go back to the replay and have a look at what Gallucci does to Rowe in the I think it was the Jenkins marking contest late in the game. Then do you best to find any Carlton small/medium forward doing similar!
The lack of sacrifice from Carlton players is astounding, they are all drowning and doing their best to stay afloat by standing on a team-mate!