IIRC, early last season, Cripps and company dominated centre clearances and we took advantage of the 6/6/6 rule so that we could kick into an uncluttered forward line without being particularly precise.
Subsequently, we have not been as effective in centre clearances and have increasingly tried to move the ball forward without the ability to consistently find a teammate or even kick to advantage when the opposition has already flooded back.
I would like to see if my recollections are supported by statistics so I am wondering if anyone has or has access to statistics that show: - a game-by-game breakdown of scoring from centre clearances compared to other means - a game-by-game breakdown of any other stats connected to centre clearances, e.g. ruckman by ruckman / whether the centre clearances exited towards goal or towards the wing or flank / or anything of that kind
Couldn't make it to the game, which creates a major frustration listening to the overly matey TV commentators.
What do you think Duck? Blah blah blah BT Blah simper blah Lingy - don't you think? Yes Bruce That was a great kick for goal - oh it missed I thought it was good too BT don't you think so Richo? Blah blah Bruce Blah simper blah Duck- isn't it? Yes Bruce - shut up Bruce
Did anyone else think that Cameron Wood strongly resembled Barnaby French in the game against the roos. Similar haircut, size, shape and running action.
And while we are on the subject, he doesn't look like him but the way Blaine Johnson moves reminds me a lot of Simon Beaumont.
Due to other commitments I don't expect to get to more than a handful of Northern Blues' games this season but with luck I will catch up with some others when I do.
Hopefully some other posters will be able to fill the breach and keep everyone in the loop.
I will still try to come on board most weeks but I probably won't post as often.
A leopard can’t change his spots but he might be able to change his shorts (Discworld reference for those who have no idea what I am on about), which can be useful if the shorts have pronounced skid marks from previous lack of endeavour.
Not sure if the players are finally getting it, becoming more courageous with maturity or just more scared of Malthouse but consider the following.
Yarran is super-talented but has continued to be soft and lazy. MM's coaching efforts have been evident since the body language saga. Against the Swans he came on and made a couple of committed efforts before going missing in the final term. Against the Pies he made a couple of committed efforts in the first term (when the team was going well) but clearly didn't like the discomfort of physical contact and went missing thereafter. Against the ‘aints, he was noticeable in the way he tried to deliver the ball to teammates rather than his usual selfish solo efforts. Against the 'roos, he tackled effectively (instead of his usual passive efforts) and showed courage in some marking contests.
Despite having improved his output enough to be a regular senior player this year, Lucas has still shown regular glimpses of timidity but, in recent weeks, he has been winning some contested ball and also tackling with greater intensity.
Watson is still a liability when the ball hits the ground and he still lacks the speed to go with most tall forwards and to get to other contests to provide Jamo with some aerial assistance but he is finally playing with some intensity and, credit where credit’s due, his contested mark on Friday night was as big as Yarran’s in deciding the game and as good as anything I have seen him d in 3 years.
but with luck I will catch up with some others when I do.
