Bolton made a comment about the players having to learn not to rely on Murphy, Gibbs and Kreuzer. I wouldn't put it past him to have changed their roles in order to challenge other players, particularly as it is a long term process for Bolton and wins and losses are not all that important this season - although there's no doubt he'll take a win if it's on offer.
It's clear that Kreuzer's role has changed and I'll be watching the other two more closely today.
As discussed in an earlier thread, there's a lot of absorbing footy being played by the Bluebaggers even if it's not getting us the four points.
Fair enough, but is it worth putting so much on poor Crippa's shoulders so early in his career?
That's the way I see it as well. Will take a miracle for us not to get pumped. They are a tough, hard tackling accountable side. Everything we are not.
Another thing with SOS which I noticed during his TAC Cup games is he is very quick to read the ball off the pack which he also displayed in those highlights. Has all the tools, just needs the body and fitness.
I've been saying this for a while. It's simply not possible for coaches and others at the club to not notice the things that are discussed on here. They are either playing to instruction, or else they have some serious dirt on various club power brokers. It's simply not possible for them to hoodwink everyone, season after season after season.
Well maybe Bolton is doing the smart thing and refraining from publicly criticising his senior players until season's end when he can trade them. We have no idea what is said behind closed doors now that Mick isn't in charge.
Just on that, is it possible that they are doing this by instruction? God forbid but you have to ask the question. Why isn't Bolton ripping into Gibbs and Murphy telling them to win their own ball? He called Murph a tough in and under player just two days ago but if he was that, surely he'd have a few more clearances? Just doesn't make sense.
Can anyone be forked pulling out both Murphy and Jibbs clearance averages in comparison to last year's?
You would be saying wrong if you did. Graham is averaging 1.2 clearances and Gibbs is on 2.2. Ed Curnow is our second ranked player with 3.2.
Okay so replace Graham with Curnow, still reads the same, pathetic from our two faux leaders. They are looking to sit back whilst others do the grunt work, as those stats would suggest.
I made mention of this in the first two rounds.....the amount of time that Jibbs and Furphy get their hands on the ball in the centre bounces but the opposition come away with it because they fumble or in Furphy's case just drop the ball and throw themselves on the ground looking for the free rather than cop the tackle and dish it off. Just disgraceful. I repeat, we cannot progress with these two out there running the show. The remoras will look to latch on to Cripps back for a free ride, it's what they've done their whole careers bar one season each.
I know it's only the highlights but young SOS looks ready to me, how was that smother just like dad! Also a couple of assists and held his ground in that marking contest where he won the free.
Have to say Jaksch looked big and strong.
Was that Vojo-Rainbow dashing down the wing? Looks like a player!
Yep was there today. 1 KJ goal was Joe the goose, the other 2 from marks. Once the contest was over, so was he. Jammo struggled. Was out positioned and out marked by VFL players. Those who want to promote Silvagni need to go and watch a game. He's going to be very good but at the moment he gives 100% chases, tackles and smothers with intent, but struggles in the contest to win the ball and match it with the big bodies. He just needs time.
Any danger some of our senior blokes can pull their finger out at all? I know we lost one of the best to ever play the game in Judd, and Carrazzo is a B+F winner who also leaves a hole, but Murphy is a former AFL MVP winner and Gibbs has more than enough talent to make a difference if we could get the application out of him.
Time for the senior blokes to step up!
In a nutshell. That is a disgraceful stat for Furphy and Jibbs. I would say Nick Graham has a few clearances as well.