The game is in Brisbane and does not appear to be on free to air TV again. The game is at the 'Gabba at 1345.
Brisbane were woeful. So bad it makes me wonder how they beat Essendon a few weeks back.
On the other hand, we were close to our worst at St Kilda. We seem to have stored up our worst performances for the 'Aints this year.
That does not bode well for a skillful and entertaining game.
Maybe I am lucky if it isn't on TV.....
Don't know what our problem was on Sun but I'm very hopeful of a bounce back this week and will definitely be tipping us. :)
Don't know what our problem was on Sun but I'm very hopeful of a bounce back this week and will definitely be tipping us. :)
We failed miserably on Sunday, but I can see Bolton doing something about that. We have usually responded well to poor performances the next week.
That said, we have also played Brisbane a number of times lately when we were expected to win big. It hasn't happened. Last year we got pounded by an ordinary Brisbane side, though we were at a pretty low ebb at the time. That we responded well afterwards when the cupboard was bare (talent wise due to injury) is a positive we must cling to as best we can. It is the only flotsam in the neighbourhood.
One thing that also gives me hope is the way we responded to St Kilda this time. Granted that a lot of our players were down or made mistakes by the bucket load, but we responded VERY WELL to some of the issues from last time.
[1] Rucks: our rucks won more taps outs in general and more taps to advantage. We did MUCH better in the centre square, where we got more clearances and better clearances. We didn't do as well around the ground, and Hickey did take some marks and kick a goal, but we were not embarrassed, like we were last time.
[2] Midfield Structures: this was also very much better than last time. We stopped Jack Steven cold: I don't think he has a single centre clearance. Cripps did well in the centre, as did Gibbs. Nor were their clearances as ineffective as last time: they were the only times we actually gave our forwards a chance. That the ball came straight back over their heads with no pressure is another issue.
[3] Tactically we matched up better. That things did not work out well was due to our relative lack of intensity and our lack of skill.
This week that should not be as much of a problem as Brisbane have shown less intensity and less skill than us. Hopefully having Murphy back will help our midfield as well. he has been sorely missed.
The game is in Brisbane and does not appear to be on free to air TV again. The game is at the 'Gabba at 1345.
Brisbane were woeful. So bad it makes me wonder how they beat Essendon a few weeks back.
On the other hand, we were close to our worst at St Kilda. We seem to have stored up our worst performances for the 'Aints this year.
That does not bode well for a skillful and entertaining game.
Maybe I am lucky if it isn't on TV.....
If it's at 1.45pm Saturday then it's on TV.
We failed miserably on Sunday, but I can see Bolton doing something about that. We have usually responded well to poor performances the next week.
That said, we have also played Brisbane a number of times lately when we were expected to win big. It hasn't happened. Last year we got pounded by an ordinary Brisbane side, though we were at a pretty low ebb at the time. That we responded well afterwards when the cupboard was bare (talent wise due to injury) is a positive we must cling to as best we can. It is the only flotsam in the neighbourhood.
One thing that also gives me hope is the way we responded to St Kilda this time. Granted that a lot of our players were down or made mistakes by the bucket load, but we responded VERY WELL to some of the issues from last time.
[1] Rucks: our rucks won more taps outs in general and more taps to advantage. We did MUCH better in the centre square, where we got more clearances and better clearances. We didn't do as well around the ground, and Hickey did take some marks and kick a goal, but we were not embarrassed, like we were last time.
[2] Midfield Structures: this was also very much better than last time. We stopped Jack Steven cold: I don't think he has a single centre clearance. Cripps did well in the centre, as did Gibbs. Nor were their clearances as ineffective as last time: they were the only times we actually gave our forwards a chance. That the ball came straight back over their heads with no pressure is another issue.
[3] Tactically we matched up better. That things did not work out well was due to our relative lack of intensity and our lack of skill.
This week that should not be as much of a problem as Brisbane have shown less intensity and less skill than us. Hopefully having Murphy back will help our midfield as well. he has been sorely missed.
First thing Bolts can do is drop a ruck and add a key forward. If he hasn't worked out that's out best structure then i'll be scratching my head.
If it's at 1.45pm Saturday then it's on TV.
God I hope so! I am so tired of us being exiled to pay TV.
First thing Bolts can do is drop a ruck and add a key forward. If he hasn't worked out that's out best structure then i'll be scratching my head.
Alas we probably need both ruckmen: it was one spot where Brisbane did well against us last time and is still one of their real strengths. However, they do not have to be on the field at the same time. Having some forward options wouldn't hurt us at all. Even more of they can play.
Alas we probably need both ruckmen: it was one spot where Brisbane did well against us last time and is still one of their real strengths. However, they do not have to be on the field at the same time. Having some forward options wouldn't hurt us at all. Even more of they can play.
We don''t need both ruckman. Never do. Play like crap when we play both. Fails us time and again when we play both. Results show that. They are both useless when off the ball. We know Kreuzer is a way better player when he's on his own and Casboult improves alot when he gets a run on the ball. That way we can play another key forward. I'd rather loss a few taps outs, which I actually couldn't care about in the slightest, if necessary to improve other aspects of our game out of sight. Still win clearances even if down in the tapout count, as had happened a trillion times. Go back to the structure that won us games. Carlton played BY FAR their best footy this year with just one ruckman.
Two ruckmen and one key forward is 0-12. 6-2 when we have two key forwards and improved alot further again with just one ruck. Still want to go that way? As crap as we were last year that was one of the few things that did work, and we were very good in the clearances. And Casbooult was the 2nd ruck for 14 of the 16 games he played and averaged 1.5 goals a game on top of that.
Might sound a broken record on this one but why can't people see that.
Agree two ruckmen takes a rotation away from the midfield where we can rest Cripps and Gibbs in the forward line.
If it's at 1.45pm Saturday then it's on TV.
On ch 7 at 3pm
We don''t need both ruckman. Never do. Play like crap when we play both. Fails us time and again when we play both. Results show that. They are both useless when off the ball. We know Kreuzer is a way better player when he's on his own and Casboult improves alot when he gets a run on the ball. That way we can play another key forward. I'd rather loss a few taps outs, which I actually couldn't care about in the slightest, if necessary to improve other aspects of our game out of sight. Still win clearances even if down in the tapout count, as had happened a trillion times. Go back to the structure that won us games. Carlton played BY FAR their best footy this year with just one ruckman.
Two ruckmen and one key forward is 0-12. 6-2 when we have two key forwards and improved alot further again with just one ruck. Still want to go that way? As crap as we were last year that was one of the few things that did work, and we were very good in the clearances. And Casbooult was the 2nd ruck for 14 of the 16 games he played and averaged 1.5 goals a game on top of that.
Might sound a broken record on this one but why can't people see that.
I am familiar with the argument, but playing 1 ruckman is a win big or lose big option. When our ruck plays well, we do well. But when he doesn't, it is a point source error. Our coaching staff take a conservative tone with that. They want options, especially if there are injuries.
Then there is our ruckmen. Phillips is a work in progress whose tap work is pretty good. He can take a mark and kick straight, but he doesn't read the game well yet.
We keep playing him because we see potential in him. He will have to muscle up somewhat, as he doesn't do well against guys like Mumford who depend on strength.
Kreuzer is important to the team, but even though he is 200 cm he is now one of the smaller ruckmen and he does NOT have the body make that work as much as we wish. I don't know if he is going to develop the body either, but he does NOT have the leap to handle a NicNat.
Then, he has lost his ability to take marks. If he gets one in the game, that is about it. That hurts us a lot.
But when he is on, he is a huge motivating factor and he can really lift to the occasion. His ability to get clearances and be a part of the play is very useful.
Neither is a great forward, but both could be better if we had more idea HOW to go forward.
Kreuzer can lead quite well, but he can't lead into the mess that is our forwards line very often. When going for pack marks he gets bodied out or he drops the mark. For a guy with his mobility, he appears to lose it when playing forward. If (and it is a Huge IF) we could make space like St Kilda did at the weekend, then Kreuzer could be a serious danger. But as a serial pack marker, he has no idea.
Phillips is similar in that respect. He has a turn of pace and a decent lead, and he can kick a goal from decent distances, but he does not make space well. He needs space to move into. Like Kreuzer, if we could open things out a bit, he could be much more dangerous. However, he is not hugely strong and gets out-bodied. He can take a HUGE screamer, but he needs a run at the ball. He rarely gets it. He doesn't judge the ball as well as some either, which is a surprise considering he judges the ball at the centre bounce very well.
Either of them could be more effective if we had small forwards who could crumb. We just don't get crumbing goals.
Then there are the alternatives; Jones, Jaksch and so on. I am not sure why Jones does not get more of a try. We played reasonably well when he was playing. Unlike last year he is working hard enough to warrant a game, breaking packs and not getting out-marked all that often. He even can kick a snap goal. I wonder why he is on the outer. He got games last year he did not deserve and now cannot get in when he deserves to.
I would also try Jaksch more. He has issues, but he has done enough to get a go.
Any of the above could be more effective if we moved the ball better, especially if we stopped bombing the ball to packs and started lowering the eyes. We move the ball well enough until it comes time to kick it into the forward line. Then we have no idea, turn the ball over, get the kick smothered, etc. Having someone LEAD and provide a decent target would be almost miraculous.
When Casboult does it, he often takes the grab. He looks unbeatable then. But then he takes so long that there are no options when he kicks it. Or we are so slow that he cannot run onto the ball when it goes over the back. That was painfully clear against Adelaide: time and again the ball would go over the back (well, missing the target but we worry about that), where our forwards would fumble the ball and get caught, the bounce would go over our heads, or the forwards would be too slow and get run down. Then, of course, there is missing the target so badly the defenders get it and can run it back with no pressure.
Alas we probably need both ruckmen: it was one spot where Brisbane did well against us last time and is still one of their real strengths. However, they do not have to be on the field at the same time. Having some forward options wouldn't hurt us at all. Even more of they can play.
Exactly! And Bolton gets that better than some supporters apparently.
BTW, Phillips, who is allegedly the better mark of our two, took no marks against the Saints while Kreuzer took 3. They should be nullifying the opposition ruck(s) at a minimum and that means clunking more and spoiling more.
I know that their VFL form warranted it, but the season has gone and we are playing a young side in Brisbane so bring in Cunningham, McKay and Glass-McCasker, give them a taste of what pace AFL goes at, they can't go worse than Graham, Thomas and Walker last week.
I would really prefer to snag a couple of wins to round out the year. It would be good for team morale and would end the year on a positive note. Play our strongest possible squad IMO and hopefully they will have recovered from last Sun's trough.
Exactly! And Bolton gets that better than some supporters apparently.
BTW, Phillips, who is allegedly the better mark of our two, took no marks against the Saints while Kreuzer took 3. They should be nullifying the opposition ruck(s) at a minimum and that means clunking more and spoiling more.
Just on that, you are right, Kreuzer took 2 more than his average marks last game. Phillips took less than his average and did nothing around the ground. That was a big loss for us. :(
When our rucks play like that I can understand why Iaj wants only one ruckman in the side. It is a source of frustration for everyone.
One person who did the job you mention, DJC, was Robert Warnock, before his injuries basically immobilized him. He new he was not fast, but he did stay with his man and usually spoilt, as he was also not the strongest mark. He was actually good at making his opposition ruckman not get many marks, especially around 2010 - 2011.
What hurt him was that he didn't take marks going the other way. As a result he was always on the defensive and thinking defensively. His opponents knew that he would not try to get the ball himself. That wasn't so bad as his motor was much better than was generally expected. But later on, in the last year or 2 of his career, he lost that. The results were not good.
About the only mark I can remember him taking in the forward line was against Geelong. He was knocked out in the process and missed the kick as a result. Hence we lost a game we should have won.
We could use our rucks better and use them as a more mobile target, especially Kreuzer, who is better below his knees than most of his opponents. Unfortunately our rucks go to the pack and don't get the ball. :(
I know that their VFL form warranted it, but the season has gone and we are playing a young side in Brisbane so bring in Cunningham, McKay and Glass-McCasker, give them a taste of what pace AFL goes at, they can't go worse than Graham, Thomas and Walker last week.
Although there was nothing mentioned in the club's injury report, McKay was gone by qtr time with an injury in the NBs last Saturday so it's unlikely he'll get a senior gig. But you never know with our club, MK and Meat certainly made miraculous recoveries! Cuningham looks spooked in the two, wouldn't want to completely freak him out. Not sure if McCasker can play being a rookie. Gowers would be the one I'd like to see given a go.
But the most likely scenario is Everitt for Walker and that might be just about it seeing as Murphy is still a week away (with an 'ankle'!).
But the most likely scenario is Everitt for Walker and that might be just about it seeing as Murphy is still a week away (with an 'ankle'!).
We are already sending blokes off for surgery, Murphy might not be back, I'm sure Curnow won't return.
Bugger Everritt, play DVR as a flanker and see if he has what it takes. Give meat a rest and try Jones. Try Gowers instead of Graham. There's only a few games left to see if a few of these blokes have a bit more in them than apparent at VFL level.
What's wrong with Everritt?
After all he kicked 5 and laid a tackle or was it 2... Yes Everritt tackled :))
His offence is solid, perhaps he's now showing the defensive side he's been hiding.
First thing Bolts can do is drop a ruck and add a key forward. If he hasn't worked out that's out best structure then i'll be scratching my head.
Kreuzer and Phillips are not great key forwards, but they are certainly better forwards than Jaksch and arguably better than / or as good as Jones.
Having said that, I still think Jones is worth another chance.
As DJC has already said, we need 2 ruckmen against Brisbane.
I thought Gorringe did alright up forward. A few more games to grow into the role. I wonder what happened there?
I thought Gorringe did alright up forward. A few more games to grow into the role. I wonder what happened there?
He's out for the season with a hip complaint that he has carried/managed for most of the year.
Whiley again got very good wraps from the coach and must be due for a call up. Out Graham.
Whiley again got very good wraps from the coach and must be due for a call up. Out Graham.
Rockcliff or Robbo would be players I would consider Whiley for.....the former loves playing us and racks up the possies and I'd be throwing the challenge down to Whiley to show something and maybe save his spot on the list...
Kreuzer and Phillips are not great key forwards, but they are certainly better forwards than Jaksch and arguably better than / or as good as Jones.
Having said that, I still think Jones is worth another chance.
As DJC has already said, we need 2 ruckmen against Brisbane.
We NEVER need two ruckman. We are useless with 2 rucks. It's like having 17 men on the ground as they do nothing when they are off the ball. they are useless up forward. What are they going to do, win a few extra taps and do nothing else. Can't believe people think we need two. Clubs often win clearances to losing rucks. I'd much rather lose a few extra taps and let Casboult run around taking marks around the ground as he does when he's on the ball. He's a great get out when coming out of defence. It's his one big strength, which no-one could deny. Surely supporters have seen 2 rucks fail us time and time and time again. Unless a ruckman is a star at landing the ball consistently to their mids, which not many can do, and kill it around the ground, then they are totally overrated commodity. Hitouts to advantages not often go past 20%. Freo at their best, despite Sandilands dominance, lost the clearances most weeks. Rather one ruck and a bloke that can take a marks around the ground. Like, who wouldn't. Not only that Kreuzer is much better around the ground when we don't have a 2nd ruck. After all these years people have not seen that. When did we play our best footy this year, with one ruck. It's when Krezuer played his best footy. Two ruckman and one key forward kills 3 or 4 player's games. Like having only 14-15 players on the ground One ruck two key forwards on the other hand, Kreuzer comes good, Casboult plays alot better and the 2nd key forward contributes as the defence is more spread. Then what happens too Everitt can kick goals too as he gets the 3rd or 4th tall. see how we went when we had two key forwards as compared to one. Structure is everything. Problem is supporters would prefer to win 4-5 extra tap outs even if everything else turns to crap.
I'm thinking Jaksch will be much better forward that Kreuzer and Phillips will ever be, given the latter two are useless in the role, and that might not be saying much. To play forward i'd pick Jaskch any day over Phillips, especially if he's a 2nd key forward where he'd have much more room to move than he got the last time he got a go. He had no hope as a one out key forward. Anyone with a brain would've anticipated that he was going to stuggle under those circumstances. He's been good in the VFL. You be more likely to pick Jones anyway who is way better than our rucks up forward and we know Jones isn't great. Scoreboard tells all this year. Two rucks, one key forward, zero from 12, with an inablilty to kick score. One ruck, two forwards, we were much better and looked liked scoring most times we went into the 50. That's when we won games.
Anyone who think we need two rucks, to me, simply has not been following football. Lets face it, what are they actually going to do, win 5 extra taps? They'll still do nothing else after that. Get someone out that can do something around the ground.
@Laj
What we need Jim is two GOOD forwards. 8)
I'd much rather lose a few extra taps and let Casboult run around taking marks around the ground as he does when he's on the ball.
That is not the reality.
Casboult takes almost zero D50 marks, he is a great lead-up target but Phillips and Kreuzer easily eclipse him in terms of defensive marking, they both get in the right position to stand under the long ball and force opposition around the boundary.
Further, in terms of ruck work, losing the tap is just a small part of it, Kreuzer is infinitely better than Phillips or Casboult once the ball hits the deck. There is no comparison. Stupidly we tend to have Cripps and Kreuzer working together, yet they often just get in each others way! Cripps tends to works far better in combination with Phillips because Phillips' follow up work is so much weaker than Kreuzer's, there is no hesitation Cripps juts gets the ball.
Bolton knows the value of Kreuzer playing well, what we need is a genuine marking target besides Casboult inside F50. McKay is the best long term option besides Curnow and Cripps. If we go and recruit another one or two forwards what happens to McKay and Curnow, will we then have a list with too many forwards, it sounds like that too many rucks argument from a couple of years ago!
I'd argue our best results this season occur when we have Casboult in tandem with Jones inside F50 with Kreuzer and Phillips staying out of the F50 zone.
Our best 2016 football between Rnd 5 and Rnd 9 we had two marking forwards and two rucks playing, on one occasion we had two rucks and three marking forwards when C.Curnow played!
Mitch Robinson very gracious towards his old club and has even been following us...the interviewer was doing his best to get some agro from Robbo towards us
but he wouldnt bite...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8r2OREQ1U8
Bris Lions v Carlton
Jones, Cunningham in for Walker, Graham.
Finally Cunningham gets taste and Jones's persistence and hard work pays off. The outs were obvious. Thomas can consider himself lucky IMO.
That is not the reality.
Casboult takes almost zero D50 marks, he is a great lead-up target but Phillips and Kreuzer easily eclipse him in terms of defensive marking, they both get in the right position to stand under the long ball and force opposition around the boundary.
Further, in terms of ruck work, losing the tap is just a small part of it, Kreuzer is infinitely better than Phillips or Casboult once the ball hits the deck. There is no comparison. Stupidly we tend to have Cripps and Kreuzer working together, yet they often just get in each others way! Cripps tends to works far better in combination with Phillips because Phillips' follow up work is so much weaker than Kreuzer's, there is no hesitation Cripps juts gets the ball.
Bolton knows the value of Kreuzer playing well, what we need is a genuine marking target besides Casboult inside F50. McKay is the best long term option besides Curnow and Cripps. If we go and recruit another one or two forwards what happens to McKay and Curnow, will we then have a list with too many forwards, it sounds like that too many rucks argument from a couple of years ago!
I'd argue our best results this season occur when we have Casboult in tandem with Jones inside F50 with Kreuzer and Phillips staying out of the F50 zone.
Our best 2016 football between Rnd 5 and Rnd 9 we had two marking forwards and two rucks playing, on one occasion we had two rucks and three marking forwards when C.Curnow played!
We play our best football with 2 key forwards and one ruck. Full stop. There is no argument. Casboult, in that role, takes alot of marks around the wing as a get out in defence as well as taking a few in defence too. It was one of the few things that worked last year. Casboult was good around the ground and averaged 1.5 goals a game playing only half a season in the key position/ruck role, the first half as permanent 2nd ruck while Jones and Henderson held the key positions, while doing a good job around the ground and even at least decent in the ruck, and Everitt kicked 31 goals. Like I said, one of the few things that worked last year.
We had 2 rucks and 2 key forwards in rounds 5 and 6 only against Freo and Essendon. Get that right, Rucks were crap in round 5, Phillips did probably played his best game in round 6, Krezuer was crap. We were better, but very scrappy, looked like we could score though. Then Phillips did a hammy. Next round we used Kreuzer and Casboult. We know how brilliantly that worked. Kreuzer was good, Casboult 11 marks, 7 contested and kicked 3 goals, Round after that we used Kreuzer and Rowe after Casboult went down early. Kreuzer was hero playing terrifically with a knee injury with required minor surgery, and kicked the winner. Rowe was good and kicked an important goal. Then we brought in Gorringe, a forward/ruck and has spent time in the VFL even playing elsewhere, the wing even the last time he played. He's no great player but played a few good games and suited the structure. He had a great game against Geelong, Krezuer was brilliant, we won. Same against Brisbane the next week. Those weeks we looked we could score anytime we went forward. Allowed Everitt play well those weeks. Then went crap against St.Kilda, Brought Phillips back to join Kreuzer and the whole thing has turned to crap like it was the first 4 rounds. Rucks were crap, Casboult, one out key forward couldn't get a kick (the no-nothings blamed him, not the structure), Everitt struggled, got dropped, and we've lost 8 games in a row.
I think that covers it for you. If you want to sacrifice that for a few extra tap outs then good luck to you. Scoreboard tells the story. Unless rucks are they at least half decent directing the ball in the ruck AND good around the ground then they are just filling space that someone else could use.
Anyway, I see we have picked Jones this week to partner Casboult.
Wrapped to see Jones get the nod ahead of Everitt, a win for attitude.
Last look at Jones, or Everitt done & dusted , ? Next few weeks will be nervous weeks for a few of them . Jones deserves his chance , hope he can create some opportunities
Anyway, I see we have picked Jones this week to partner Casboult.
This will be the biggest test rather than Casboult rucking. I don't doubt your theory, but I like Casboult as the leading CHF, target up on the wing and then gets back into the F50, where I agree he plays his best footy as a mobile player.
I don't think he necessarily has to RUCK to do that, but our best footy was played with Jones in the forward 50.
I agree also, 2 rucks don't work. We have been smashed by Goldstein, Hickey, Grundy, Lycett, Sinclair/Tippet and Mcevoy/Ceglar.
Not sure Cuningham deserves a gig, would be interested to hear what VFL watchers think.
About bloody time.
Not sure Cuningham deserves a gig, would be interested to hear what VFL watchers think.
Ridiculous negative attitude - no matter how rational you believe you are as a supporter
Of course he deserves he a gig and will be best on ground.
Carlton
B: Zach Tuohy, Simon White, Kade Simpson.
HB: Sam Docherty, Jacob Weitering, Lachie Plowman.
C: Dennis Armfield, Patrick Cripps, Blaine Boekhorst.
HF: Jack Silvagni, Liam Jones, Ed Curnow.
F: David Cuningham, Levi Casboult, Dylan Buckley.
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs, Sam Kerridge.
Int: Andrew Phillips, Matthew Wright, Dale Thomas, Sam Rowe.
Emg: Nick Graham, Andrejs Everitt, Kristian Jaksch.
In: Liam Jones, David Cuningham.
Out: Nick Graham (Omitted), Andrew Walker (Retired).
New: David Cuningham
I guess we are the favourites. Don't know if I like that, but I really do want to win it. Nice to see Jones in: he has deserved a go. Everitt can't be too far away: he is the emergency. But he will not be able to impress this weekend: the NBs have a bye.
A taste for Cuningham: not sure he is ready, but he has done better than Skittles.
Unfortunately the NBs have not been consistent enough. Too many guys who are not going to make it and are playing that way.
Brisbane Lions
B: Tom Cutler, Daniel Merrett, Darcy Gardiner.
HB: Michael Close, Harris Andrews, Sam Mayes.
C: Tom Rockliff, Ben Keays, Lewis Taylor.
HF: Pearce Hanley, Archie Smith, Eric Hipwood.
F: Ryan Lester, Josh Walker, Dayne Zorko.
Foll: Stefan Martin, Daniel Rich, Mitch Robinson.
Int: Ryan Bastinac, Jarrad Jansen, Rhys Mathieson, Matthew Hammelmann.
Emg: Josh Clayton, Liam Dawson, Jackson Paine.
In: Tom Cutler, Michael Close, Stefan Martin, Jarrad Jansen.
Out: Josh Schache (General Soreness), Liam Dawson (Omitted), Josh Green (Foot), Nick Robertson (Knee)
Mitch Robinson has been really good against us. Interesting to see how we handle him this time. I do NOT expect us to allow him to pick up someone like Gibbs. I expect us to hunt him.
Rockliff got 40+ possessions last time, even if they didn't hurt that much. Got to keep him down.
Stefan Martin usually plays well against us, but last time we had injuries and not much opposition after half time. Interesting to see how our rucks handle him.
Not sure Cuningham deserves a gig, would be interested to hear what VFL watchers think.
I guess it's a balancing act between 'deserve' and 'give him a taste/see what he's got at senior level'. I hope he does well.
@Laj
What we need Jim is two GOOD forwards. 8)
I'll settle for one and go from there.
I guess it's a balancing act between 'deserve' and 'give him a taste/see what he's got at senior level'. I hope he does well.
Change is good. Anything would be an upgrade on Nick "The Iceberg" Graham.
I too am glad to see Jones in .
He's shown enough to get another go and will be with us in 2017.
Cuningham . . .Yep, give him some idea of what it's all about.
Pretty good selections I reckon.
.
Jones and Cunningham are two good ins IMO...the latter may not deserve a game based on NB's from but its about development and learning in the deep end can often be the best way for some..
Anyway, I see we have picked Jones this week to partner Casboult.
And we have two rucks! ;)
PS; Kreuzer out rated Phillips in every game, even the ones you think Kreuzer was crap in.
In Casboult's great ruck game, Gibbs had as many hitouts!
Your logic is just bizarre!
Your barrow is broken, find some other object to push pointlessly!
And we have two rucks! ;)
Bloody Hell. >:( >:( >:(
Jim will have a fit. ;)
Cunningham: Rising Star Nomination for this week!!!
Cunningham: Rising Star Nomination for this week!!!
Now that'd be special.
Wishing the young fella a sweet taste of the big stuff. Oh and a RSN too ^-^
Go Blues - please get one back from the Lions.
Jim will have a fit. ;)
All that typing for naught..
Be good to have another look at Sam Mayes, rumour is he is open for a move. Whether it be back to home in Adelaide or to Melb.
SOS better be on to it, I rate him as a good player.
To me, this is the preseason and having a look at the youngsters is what it's all about. Getting a look at Cunningham is brilliant. Any chance Harry Mackay will get a game in the next couple of weeks?
To me, this is the preseason and having a look at the youngsters is what it's all about. Getting a look at Cunningham is brilliant. Any chance Harry Mackay will get a game in the next couple of weeks?
Gee Mav, a game I watched vs Norf reserves on TV a few weeks ago, he was way off the mark. His brother showed him up big time at the other end.
Gee Mav, a game I watched vs Norf reserves on TV a few weeks ago, he was way off the mark. His brother showed him up big time at the other end.
His brother had the luxury of an uninterrupted season, but H ain't even close. He'll be part of the 2017 campaign.
Can't unwrap all the pressies before Xmas it seems >:(
Cunningham: Rising Star Nomination for this week!!!
The way he's been going I'd take 8 possessions.
Cunningham will do OK, better than people think.
Good ball user.
Good mover.
Strong core.
Good speed.
Great awareness.
Only issue I see is fitness and game plan familiarity.
Reminds me a bit of Murphy / Bradley / Scotland, just needs to improve his non-preferred side.
Having a useful kick with the non-preferred is most useful for inside players but fast outside types will have time to get onto their good side. Bending the ball back by dropping the ball on the outside of the foot reduces reliance on the wrong foot. If he has the makings of a good non-preferred kick, then the monumental effort needed to refine it might be worthwhile. But if it is miles away atm, the time and effort would be better applied to other areas. Does he have a functional non-preferred atm?
Cunningham will do OK, better than people think.
Good ball user.
Good mover.
Strong core.
Good speed.
Great awareness.
Only issue I see is fitness and game plan familiarity.
Reminds me a bit of Murphy / Bradley / Scotland, just needs to improve his non-preferred side.
Going by the NB reports especially baggers he seems to have to have had trouble winning contested footy,think the coaches notes also suggested same....we cant afford another player who wont put his body in when required and while I know he was recruited as an outside runner you still have to contest in the proper manner.
One of the things I like about SOSOS is the way he puts his body on the line and even though he is underdeveloped physically you know he will always have his eyes on the footy...I expect similar commitment from Cunningham...
Reminds me a bit of Murphy / Bradley / Scotland, just needs to improve his non-preferred side.
He reminds you of all 3 combined? Crikey!
Cunningham will do OK, better than people think.
Good ball user.
Good mover.
Strong core.
Good speed.
Great awareness.
Only issue I see is fitness and game plan familiarity.
Reminds me a bit of Murphy / Bradley / Scotland, just needs to improve his non-preferred side.
There's no doubting the kid's talent but for me the question remains, can he do it in fair-dinkum AFL heat? Yes, he needs time to get his fitness up, understand the game plan, but if there's something coming through loud and clear in terms of BBs expectations it's you'd better have a strong defensive game. And you'd better be ready to put your body on the line when it's your turn. And your tackles better be hard and effective.
Everitt has a terrific offensive game, but... similarly it's one of my chief knocks on Jaksch, just not hard/defensive enough.
Just look at how much Gibbs has improved his defensive game this year... a much, much better all-round player now.
Early days for 'Cunna' and I really hope he makes it.
Going by the NB reports especially baggers he seems to have to have had trouble winning contested footy,think the coaches notes also suggested same....we cant afford another player who wont put his body in when required and while I know he was recruited as an outside runner you still have to contest in the proper manner.
One of the things I like about SOSOS is the way he puts his body on the line and even though he is underdeveloped physically you know he will always have his eyes on the footy...I expect similar commitment from Cunningham...
That has struck me about Jack too - very hard at it and persistent. Very pleasing and those qualities can inspire others. He will be a very handy player when he reaches full physical maturity.
I only watched one NB's game on TV, and Cunningham didnt dominate, but i liked what he did. Something about him.
Maybe im being hopeful, but he will be one of those players who lifts with better players around him, where he can get into space, and use the footy. Slogging away on VFL sized mud pits is not conducive to a skinny 18 year old kid with pace.
Be good to have another look at Sam Mayes, rumour is he is open for a move. Whether it be back to home in Adelaide or to Melb.
SOS better be on to it, I rate him as a good player.
Re-signed with Brisbane last month, so off the market now. I reckon we should have pushed for him when we traded Tommy Bell last year.
I only watched one NB's game on TV, and Cunningham didnt dominate, but i liked what he did. Something about him.
Maybe im being hopeful, but he will be one of those players who lifts with better players around him, where he can get into space, and use the footy. Slogging away on VFL sized mud pits is not conducive to a skinny 18 year old kid with pace.
The NB's don't have many players with the skills to provide clean service to an outside player - I'm not saying that our AFL team excels either but there is probably more chance that someone will feed him and if he can use the ball when its given to him a few of the others might catch on.
Kreuzer and Phillips are not great key forwards, but they are certainly better forwards than Jaksch and arguably better than / or as good as Jones.
Kreuzer and Phillips are not even passable AFL forwards as yet.
The NB's don't have many players with the skills to provide clean service to an outside player - I'm not saying that our AFL team excels either but there is probably more chance that someone will feed him and if he can use the ball when its given to him a few of the others might catch on.
Theory is sound, but watching 15 metre kick miss their mark by 10 metres, does not fill me with confidence.
I have tipped us to win this and will be watching on tv, but I just have this nagging and nasty doubt! Let's hope it's completely unfounded.
I have tipped us to win this and will be watching on tv, but I just have this nagging and nasty doubt! Let's hope it's completely unfounded.
I honestly thought we'd win last week as we have made some in roads into righting some wrongs. I thought having been beaten not long ago by the Aints, we would have done things differently and made a fist of it. I know fatigue might have played a part after some tough games agaisnt some good sides but I expected a better showing than what we dished up. After having witnessed us last week live, my confidence has dropped quite a few notches compare to where it was earlier in the year. So now I also have this nagging feeling we will hand Brisbane a little win.
Just back in town after 10 days in the bush and I've probably missed the discussion about team selection.
LAJ will be pleased to see two key forwards and those who had written Jones off will have to reconsider.
It's good to see Cuningham get a run but I'm a little surprised that Graham was omitted. I didn't see last week's game but Graham's stats suggest that his effort was superior to Sumner's. I know that some folk think that Sumner will be a player next season but, if he can't get the ball this season, he should probably be honing his skills in the NBs.
Just back in town after 10 days in the bush and I've probably missed the discussion about team selection.
LAJ will be pleased to see two key forwards and those who had written Jones off will have to reconsider.
It's good to see Cuningham get a run but I'm a little surprised that Graham was omitted. I didn't see last week's game but Graham's stats suggest that his effort was superior to Sumner's. I know that some folk think that Sumner will be a player next season but, if he can't get the ball this season, he should probably be honing his skills in the NBs.
DJC - Re Graham's ommission, if you saw his game you'd know why.
Re Sumner - This will be his second week in the 2s, his form up to being dropped was ordinary.
Tough game this one....never feel that confident when we play at Brisbane and while they were woeful when I saw them play at Etihad earlier on in the year I reckon they might think they can win this one given we have not won a game for a while.
re: Graham....totally inept last week IMO and doesnt impact games when he does get the footy....be in my out tray at seasons end...
DJC - Re Graham's ommission, if you saw his game you'd know why.
Re Sumner - This will be his second week in the 2s, his form up to being dropped was ordinary.
Thanks GIC - I probably should restrict my comments to what I've seen :)
It will be interesting to see how the Jones and Casboult go today.
Thanks GIC - I probably should restrict my comments to what I've seen :)
It will be interesting to see how the Jones and Casboult go today.
All good DJC, understand you are out and about and cant see games so thought i'd be your eyes ;)
DJC - Re Graham's ommission, if you saw his game you'd know why.
Re Sumner - This will be his second week in the 2s, his form up to being dropped was ordinary.
I think Graham is certainly going to struggle to survive at CFC. I didn't think much of him at first when he arrived but then he seemed to lift and hopes were raised. Unfortunately he's tapered away again, in the games I've seen him play at least. An NB depth player only IMO.
As far as Sumner goes, he's just running out of gas now and needs to recuperate. I'm hopeful he'll be OK next year as he does show some dash at times.
Our big problem today will be Stefan Martin, he's been in almost AA form over the last four weeks.
They score more heavily than us, they leaks more points but as we are a weak attacking side it makes for a close game.
DJC - Re Graham's ommission, if you saw his game you'd know why.
Re Sumner - This will be his second week in the 2s, his form up to being dropped was ordinary.
Sumner didn't play in the 2s last week - probably kept out as an emergency? And won't 'this week as both NB teams have the bye. His recent form has been ordinary save that his defensive work has been valuable. And he has pace which we sorely need and which is Graham's biggest problem.
Sumner is coming off a serious foot injury and no pre season, I'm sure he's hitting the wall. He doesn't get involved enough and that could be due to his lack of miles in the legs. If he can stay healthy and get a few pre seasons under his belt, he will be an asset. He has pace, has a case of mongrel, and good skills by foot. It is injury that has hurt his career so far, Liam just needs a bit of luck.
Sumner is coming off a serious foot injury and no pre season, I'm sure he's hitting the wall. He doesn't get involved enough and that could be due to his lack of miles in the legs. If he can stay healthy and get a few pre seasons under his belt, he will be an asset. He has pace, has a case of mongrel, and good skills by foot. It is injury that has hurt his career so far, Liam just needs a bit of luck.
x2...Was 50/50 on Sumner when we recruited him but he has plenty of pro's and not many cons...attacks the footy well, takes a good mark for a small man and has some pace..
He needs an injury free preseason and I am sure he will be a handy player for us...