Re: RD 17 : North Melbourne v Carlton (Pre-game Jibber-Jabber)
Reply #24 –
Who would be Watson's best match up this week? To be used to best advantage, we need to utilise his kicking skills on the rebound. That means he'd be best off if we could put him on someone who'll be reasonably static around the goalsquare, allowing him to sag off for the handball receive out of defence. And of course he's most likely to be exposed by a fast leading forward who can double back towards the goalsquare. Petrie's probably too mobile for him. Hansen's out injured now, isn't he? Are they playing a 2nd ruckman as a secondary target at the moment? If so, that could be the go. Majak Daw would be too explosive, but at the moment he's not really a high possession player and I'm guessing he's not good defensively.
This is a really important issue that you've raised, Mav: Watson would not be a good match up on Daw, because Daw has pace and doesn't relate well to physical pressure. I'm not sure we do have anyone who fits that classification,but Watson isn't it.
A year or so ago I would have put Laidler on Daw: Laidler doesn't have the pace, but he is spot on for the body contact, reads the ball well in the air and often plays on bigger with success. That is not a likely match up.
I guess we'll have to watch to see who North is considering as its 2nd or 3rd tall forward.
IMO, they only one who could play on Daw to match his freaky atheltism is Waite.