Midfield

[Mike_B]

Originally posted by Red
Charlie -- I take your point. Obviously Goodes is brilliant in the ruck -- he wouldn't All-Australian otherwise. And I'd say we agree that playing forward is not the best use of him.

But we <i>need</i> a tall, strong, intelligent player in defence -- today is just another example of that. Goodes only played in ruck originally because of a lack of ruck options -- now we have a real lack of defensive options.

If not him, then who else?

Does this not just show how much we really need Schauble back?

[monopoly19]

Originally posted by Red
But we <i>need</i> a tall, strong, intelligent player in defence -- today is just another example of that. Goodes only played in ruck originally because of a lack of ruck options -- now we have a real lack of defensive options.

I reckon Goodesy has all the ability in the world, but I sometimes wonder about his (football) intelligence. He just seems to make wrong decision after wrong decision, and is relying on the spectacular when he needs to rely on hard work and good options.

[Red]

Originally posted by Mike_B
Does this not just show how much we really need Schauble back?

Oh yes! And Schniedes, not to mention Magic.

But really, we should've been able to beat Richmond with what we had out there today.

[Plugger46]

Midfield is struggling. J.Bolton and Fosdike are just footballers. Time to make Bevan and Buchanan into midfielders. Need someone with a bit of ticker. Maxfield can no longer do it. He had 8 possessions today, just not good enough.

[Red]

Originally posted by hammo
I'd like to know what Ross Lyon is getting paid for??

If he is getting paid based on results then he will be singing for his supper.

Was never confident with that appointment. Is he making suggestions on game day or is he sitting mute??

Our midfielders have really gone backwards this year. How have our skills become so bad?

I'm starting to seriously doubt Lyon's ability right now. His track record wasn't great before coming to us, and it ain't looking much better since.

[Mike_B]

Originally posted by Red
But really, we should've been able to beat Richmond with what we had out there today.

No doubt about that. There is no excuse for today's loss. We played crap and deserved to lose on the basis of our performance.

The frustrating thing is that against Melb we played 2 poor quarters, 2 1/2 poor ones against Essendon, and about 3 1/2 today.

Maybe playing in Perth next week is what we need - get away from most of the attention of a Sydney or Melbourne game, an extra day as a team because of the travelling time, and an opportunity to really focus and get the season back on track.

[timthefish]

Originally posted by monopoly19
I reckon Goodesy has all the ability in the world, but I sometimes wonder about his (football) intelligence. He just seems to make wrong decision after wrong decision, and is relying on the spectacular when he needs to rely on hard work and good options.

what's with the marking style? he makes the high leap, opens his mouth, shuts his eyes and tries to take it in his lap?
i totally agree with him being on the ball, especially while he's struggling with form.
i wondered at the start of the season that while i believe he will always be a class player just how long will he be the type of player he is (should be) now? how long will the spring and agility remain? the aerobic capacity?
is there any chance his extra kilos is causing him problems in the middle?

[Red]

Originally posted by Plugger46
Midfield is struggling. J.Bolton and Fosdike are just footballers. Time to make Bevan and Buchanan into midfielders. Need someone with a bit of ticker. Maxfield can no longer do it. He had 8 possessions today, just not good enough.

Bevan -- definitely.

Bucky -- tries hard, did a couple of nice things today, has pace, but disposal (hand & foot) is very questionable.

[Red]

Originally posted by Mike_B
Maybe playing in Perth next week is what we need - get away from most of the attention of a Sydney or Melbourne game, an extra day as a team because of the travelling time, and an opportunity to really focus and get the season back on track.

That's a <i>very</i> optimistic thought right now Mike! I very much hope you're right

[Mike_B]

Originally posted by Red
That's a <i>very</i> optimistic thought right now Mike! I very much hope you're right

Me too!!!!

[sharpie]

I actually think that Ball and Doyle seemed to get their hands to the ball for many taps. They are not our problem. Get some practice reading these taps, especially from Doyle, and we'd be a lot better.

(Just checked the stats from this game, and the hitout stats look real bad, so dont even bother to correct this post! ) But really, I think we need to build our midfield around the likes of Doyle as ruckman.

[dimelb]

Goodes at ruck rover. He got AA ruck mainly because of his effort against Port last year in the QF, but he's a part time ruckman.
Yes, the midfield is in trouble, but one of the reasons is that B1 and Fosdike are down on form and the other is that we are playing the kids more. This is a rebuilding year, as last year was supposed to be. I agree that Bevan is a real prospect; I think the jury is still out on Buchanan; I'd like to see Fixter back (not to mention all our other walking wounded).
And stop fiddling and farting around on the sidelines!

[Rob-bloods]

Originally posted by sharpie
I actually think that Ball and Doyle seemed to get their hands to the ball for many taps. They are not our problem. Get some practice reading these taps, especially from Doyle, and we'd be a lot better.

(Just checked the stats from this game, and the hitout stats look real bad, so dont even bother to correct this post! ) But really, I think we need to build our midfield around the likes of Doyle as ruckman.

Agreed Sharpie, Doyle seems to be taking Sadd's mantle as the boo-boy, he is probably underdone like all 6'10" guys coming off longish injury problems. He needs to stay fit and play 20 games in a row before we can judge him. IMO he was a long way from our worst today. And I thought Ball'y went OK too.

[stellation]

Originally posted by Charlie
Would prefer Schneider (yeah, I know) or O'Keefe to go into the middle before Davis.

He's just so deadly from a set shot, it seemed a waste last year when he was in the midfield. Sure, he was setting them up, but the likelihood of a goal actually coming from his involvement was lower.

That is a fair point... but Davis is just so deadly with his disposal on either foot and either hand, when he gets a run in the midfield he racks up the touches quickly and he hits targets. With Micky back it will give ROK, Micky and Hall up front for him to deliver to who can all convert, though obviously none are a Nick Davis.