Why do we lose run and creativity with Young and Weitering playing together?
Yes, we have to lose one of our medium defenders (most likely Kemp as he is playing as the second key defender) but we still have an abundance of run and creativity with those that remain. Weitering is the key to our defensive run and creativity. He may not do much running but his positioning and ball use creates opportunities; his kick across the ground to Hollands in the Melbourne game is a prime example.
I think that a backline of Weitering, Young, McGovern, Newman, Saad, Williams and Kemp/Boyd has more run and creativity than a backline of Young, McGovern, Newman, Saad, Williams, Kemp and Boyd. It would also be a stronger defence with the ability to counter two genuine key forwards.
Any good defence must have aerial stopping power and Weiters and Young are our best available combo to get that imo, especially when we face the bigger/taller opposition forwards. Agree, that leaves plenty of scope to provide the additional run and creativity we need, depending on form and availability.
As I wrote above, Weitering's presence helps all of our defenders and Young will have the added benefit of not standing the opposition's best tall forward for most of the game.
As much as I like Kemp, it's a huge ask for him to stand the likes of Nick Larkey or Coleman-Jones. You need gorilla minders to play on the gorillas and, on this year's form, Young is up to the task.
Young is holding the fort so to speak but I will be very relieved when Weiters returns. I agree that Young will probably play alongside Weiters and they should make a good combination against opposing key forwards.
Yes, Weiters back to get the defence organised and to steady us a bit. We looked shakey a few times down back last night and Larkey could certainly cause some mayhem. Martin would be nice too! Just hoping. I'm not expecting Walshy back just yet.
Agree Surfie...Hollands jr is an excellent prospect and while quiet vs the Lions he is still developing and Id be backing him in and keep playing him. Carroll looked the goods when I last saw him play on the wing in 2022 and while he didnt kick on last season Im glad he is being persisted with as he has some class and we have to develop younger mids while at the same time challenging for finals and he has an opportunity now with Doc on the long term injury list to establish himself as a regular.
Carroll seems to have also gained more confidence and looks to have more awareness and poise. Very promising imho.
I always think Vossy is more of a coach/non -playing captain who is riding the bumps with the boys and responding in real time as to how the game is unfolding. Other coaching staff probably take note of and discuss the more strategic aspects with him later.
As if Weiters losing wasn't bad enough, we lose Walsh (IMO our best mid) and mis-small forwards as well, the first two to four rounds will hard to watch. We cannot cover the losses we have ATM and first up, we are up against a side who is powerful on every line.
Agree. We will struggle imo, but hopefully our steely resolve will be on show.