Best Players

[NMWBloods]

Most players in the competition need to be responsible for their direct opponents. Only the elite can afford not to be, and even then they can sometimes be hurt on the other end.

J Bolton, although an important midfielder for us, doesn't come close to the point where he is at that elite level.

Sometimes he is tagged, so obviously in that case he doesn't have a defensive responsibility to the same degree. However, I've also noticed that he often struggles against taggers.

[Mark]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Most players in the competition need to be responsible for their direct opponents. Only the elite can afford not to be, and even then they can sometimes be hurt on the other end.

AGREED

J Bolton, although an important midfielder for us, doesn't come close to the point where he is at that elite level.

AGREED, but the best we have (in and under) stepped up last year and still developing

Sometimes he is tagged, so obviously in that case he doesn't have a defensive responsibility to the same degree. However, I've also noticed that he often struggles against taggers.

IMHO tagged most weeks, can and has struggled as even the 'elite' players do with a tight tag. The fact he is not considered elite, does not mean other coaches dont know he is our best ball getter and therefore try and take him out of the game !

I think it is a particularly tough call questioning his accountability or calling his defence weak. As was pointed out, if you are constantly under packs it is tough to then also be on your feet and shut down your direct opponent.

If you were questioning his effectiveness, or disposal, then that is more a matter of opinion !

I would also like to point out i am not a sixteen y/o girl and therefore have no desire to hold his hand ! ! !

[NMWBloods]

Plenty of other players can be on the bottom of the pack and either mind their opponents well or be especially damaging. Bolton seems to fall between the two.

Are you sure you're not one of these besotted teen girls who is one of Jude's babes and lives at his house...?




(Just jokes - really!! )

[Mark]

Ahh you have caught me out, be still my beating heart !

Seriously tho, have plenty of time for jude, could develop into the next Kel (big call). Fully aware he has his downsides, especially his disposal at times. A good few years back the same could also have been said for a previous developing champion.

He does a lot of things a lot of players do not, and then does them again ! his eyes and head are never anywhere but over the ball. Second efforts are superb and personally i have a lot of time for that style of play.

Take your points tho.

[swansrule100]

i think jude bolton is a victim of expectation.... who says he should be elite yet???

i think he shows a lot of talent and ability... i agree he isnt as good as he could be yet... but im confident given time he will become one of the top midfielders in the comp

[penga]

Originally posted by swansrule100
i think jude bolton is a victim of expectation.... who says he should be elite yet???

time

he has been on our list for 5.5 years, and at 24, he really needs to hit his straps

[NMWBloods]

How much time does he need!?!?!

[swansrule100]

if he isnt considered in the top 20 players in the afl by the time he is 27 i will admit i was wrong and wash your car and clean your house

[Tooth Fairy]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
How much time does he need!?!?!

2 more years and he'll be peaking (hopefully). I reckon 26 - 30 is the mature years for a football player.

[NMWBloods]

Yep - I'm sure he will be peaking then, but that doesn't mean he'll be one of the top midfielders in the comp.

[BAM_BAM]

Originally posted by swansrule100
if he isnt considered in the top 20 players in the afl by the time he is 27 i will admit i was wrong and wash your car and clean your house

I just had to quote this so it can't be deleted.

[Tooth Fairy]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Yep - I'm sure he will be peaking then, but that doesn't mean he'll be one of the top midfielders in the comp.

Oh of course, but we aren't saying that. What we are implying is that his best is yet to come. At what degree his best will be is known only at this stage by my mate Nostradamus.

[NMWBloods]

Some people may not be, but some are... eg: "but im confident given time he will become one of the top midfielders in the comp"

ps: thanks BAM_BAM - I hate cleaning my car and I may have forgotten!!

[Tooth Fairy]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Some people may not be, but some are... eg: "but im confident given time he will become one of the top midfielders in the comp"

Oh I wasn't agreeing with them. pfft. When I said "we" I meant you and I. I never disagree with you nmw

[NMWBloods]

Sorry TF - silly me - wasn't reading it properly!!