Re: Rd 23: Post Game Party? Blues come home in the last!
Reply #124 –
Yes, Murph took a big step forward in the leadership stakes tonight.
No doubt...both he and Gibbs were challenged by the coach and delivered. Murphy looked better down forward and his finishing was important.
Credit also to Yarran who played very well and his work was very classy at times....
Credit must go to Malthouse who really put the onus on the leaders and even Duigan I thought was a valuable player...
Big question is can this same group of players who won the game for us tonight led by Murphy deliver again next week....
Come on EB, I don't expect sycophantic comments from you.
Hopefully Malthouse now realises that playing Yarran off halfback is critical to our success, as is having Duigan put his big frame into the contest.
If Malthouse is as good a coach as some would have us believe, he will throw his pre-conceived ideas about structures and favourites out the window and build on what worked in previous seasons.
We're still a way off a genuine finals contender but there is huge potential if we can retain Betts, play Yarran and Walker in their best positions, pick up a genuine KPP and get at least one of our rucks to win the ball around the ground. Encouraging risk taking football as Hawthorn plays wouldn't go astray but that may be a 'bridge too far' or our rather conservative coach.
Finally, I'm leading my former workplace's footy tipping by 3 coming in to this round . . . and I tipped Port Adelaide
It could cost me dollars but I don't mind 
DJ...not flattering anyone to buy any favours or changing my opinions over one game just giving credit where its due to the individuals who won the game.... a win is a win and someone must have done something good to achieve the result.
As I said the challenge is there for the players I mentioned to do it again....am I sold on Murphy as captain ..No...Gibbs as a A grade matchwinner...No... Duigan to keep his place on the list..No
and while I will give Malthouse another 12 months there is nothing to suggest he has improved this team as yet or is just another Pagan collecting his super.
The three amigo's forward line wont win us a flag, we need decent KP forwards....prefer Yarran on the wing...
If your assessment is correct EB, why has it taken Malthouse an entire season to "challenge" Murphy, Gibbs, Duigan and other leaders?
I don't believe Malthouse did anything different, other than perhaps swallowing a little pride and accepting that the previous coach had worked out the best positions for a few players. My take is that some of the players - particularly Murphy, Gibbs, Yarran, Betts, Duigan, Garlett and Walker - took it upon themselves to show that it hasn't been a wasted season.
I agree with you that the three amigos shouldn't all be on the forward line; Yarran should be running off half back and Betts and Garlett have to provide a greater midfield contribution. A KPP is a must have for next season and I'd love to see a Stevie J type forward/midfielder in navy blue. I'm not convinced that Menzel has a place in our best 22 and I don't think that Kreuzer and Warnock can form an effective ruck partnership.
If you had to pick one out the 2 for next weeks game (Warnock or Kruiz) who would you go with?