Swans defence

[SWANSBEST]

Story in SMH today.

Paul Roos has been discussing the playing ability of Craig Bolton with old Brisbane mates Lynch and Craig Lambert Apparently the Lions are keen for Craig to do well wih the Swans. A look at other sites shows that he was well liked and regarded in Brisbane.
It seems that Roos would like Bolton to play a key role in defence . This may work out but I have reservations as I do not think he has the physical strength. From my observations mid field or half back are the best positions for Bolton. However it might be a case of not having any one suitable to take over from Dunks. I still think Schauble is the best option.

[Dpw]

Interesting, I know nothing about this guy but i guess now is the time to give Roos's idea's ago before the season proper.

[Guest]

I'd think Roosy would probably play him as a BP/Flanker type player. Have him running off the slower types like Schaubs receiving handpasses and crumbs. Kinda like a Schwatter role but more specific.

[CureTheSane]

Perhaps some of the rest of our backline have bulked up a bit to fill a more specific FB role and Bolton will replace them as a someone to run the ball from defence.

[bricon]

For those that don't get the SMH here's a link to the article that was oiginally mentioned by SWANSBEST.

[desredandwhite]

I don't know if CB has the bulk to play a specialist FB role, but definitely could be used to strengthen the backline in general. Just as most sides don't rely on a specialist full-forward, we may have to be a bit more flexible in defence for most matches (we'll still need someone big and preferably ugly to stick on Wayne Carey, Whitnall, Sav Rocca etc.)

[Ajn]

Watched Bolton's game against Collingwood (where Tarrant went off against him) and it was not as bad as many have said. He is a good tackler and spoiler and I can see him taking over from Crouch to take on the small, quick forwards. This would release Crouch to play a key midfield role.

[Cheer Cheer]

This is what the preseason and practice matches are for guys, to trial out different things, and C.Bolton will be trialled around more than probably any other player IMO.
Most of us dont know to much about the guy, but we will have a much clearer picture on the guy come round 1.
But one thing can be gathered at the moment, he is a definate starter in our defence, more than likely back pocket or half back flanker, probably the later i would think at this stage.

[Ajn]

At 188cm he is only 4 cms shorter than Dunks, but will take a couple of years to get a similar frame size. Lock him in the gym till round 18, that may work!

[Guest]

Originally posted by CureTheSane
Perhaps some of the rest of our backline have bulked up a bit to fill a more specific FB role and Bolton will replace them as a someone to run the ball from defence.

my sentiments exactly!

[Ajn]

Still think thatthe best call for FB is Saddington!

[robbieando]

Saddington is a better CHB than FB. He is the right height but isn't the right body size to play at FB. I see him as either a BP or a CHB.

[swan_song]

Saddo, to me at least, is a HB, not a key position player. I'd like to see him as a tall wingman...that's why I'm looking forward to the North Sydney match and the preseason, to see just waht roosie comes up with, especially at FB and in the centre...it's a shame so many are still in rehab...we won't get to pick our best side until late april or early may...

[Ajn]

There is no size requirement for FB, and we are unikely to produce a Dunkley clone quick enough. Think about the league's FB's, there is not too many big FB's left except M.Martyn (who is past it anyway.

I still say "Give him a shot, he'll bloom into a top FB!"