Saddington

[Captain]

2005 is going to be an extremely interesting year for Saddo. He is tall, athletic and has obvious ability. However he is coming back from a knee reco, has been unable to hold down a position in the backline and no other club was interested in him.

I feel that Saddington needs to be played in the forward line. He needs to be given the opportunity of holding down CHF or FF (depending on how they play Baz). The forward line suits his style of play (going for marks as opposed to punching), he is a decent kick and his accountability won't be as much as a problem.

Saddington will not play his best footy in the backline.

Having Baz, O'Laughlin and Saddo in the forward line will give us that vital 3 pronged attack.

Leo Barry was at the crossroads a few years back and his move into defence did wonders for him. I think the same could work for Saddo whereby a change of scenery into the forward line could see him shine.

[Mike_B]

Wouldn't be RWO without a monthly Saddo thread!

Agree that 2005 will be a critical year for him. But with our best forward line on the park, IMHO I don't see Saddo in the forward 6. On the wing might be as far forward as we see him go - He could prove a very useful link man into the forward line, his foot skills are solid and as mentioned, he wouldn't need to constantly worry about his opponent, but his defensive experience would be of benefit. However, with our height down back still being an issue, I see the match committee playing him on a HB flank.

[NMWBloods]

Probably just continue his career as a utility, probably playing mainly at HBF and occasionally being shifted to FF. Sort of like a poor man's Leppitsch.

[Captain]

He has too much talent to play HBF.

The point is, for us to get the most of of him, we need to put him in the forward line and leave him there. Will be far more damaging there then on a HBF.

[swansrule100]

if saddo plays full forward on a full time basis id hate to see the injury list we must have

[Sanecow]

Put him at Half Forward Flank. Leave Defense to Nicks. Aah, the good old days.

[NMWBloods]

Depends on who we are playing. The advantage of Saddington in defence is that it provides some extra height, which is often sorely needed.

[stellation]

Utility, which needn't be a dirty word.

Apart from that, if he needs a set position I would try him at Full Forward.

[TheHood]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Probably just continue his career as a utility, probably playing mainly at HBF and occasionally being shifted to FF. Sort of like a poor man's Leppitsch.

Probably the most likely and most logical outcome.

The sooner we stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, the sooner the Saddo threads will dry up.

(Sorry, been watching The Office Xmas series and D. Brent is always front of mind.)

[motorace_182]

Give the kid a run on the bloody wing!! He is perfect for a tall, running, strong marking option on the wing that can push up forward or down back when required!

[liz]

Luffy was the ultimate utility and played some very good football switching between defence and attack as required. No reason why Saddo can't do the same.

One advantage of him playing a bit further down the ground is that he is a very good mark when his confidence is up. One of the major weaknesses of our midfield is a relative lack of marking power, which is why Baz is often forced to come so far up the ground to provide an option. Goodes roaming the midfield will help, but so will Saddo out on a wing or HFF.

[Bleed Red Blood]

Wing.Need some more experience there.I recently found a Best 22 I had written down abuot 5 years ago.Saddo was a wing.I would also like him to play FF.

[motorace_182]

Originally posted by Bleed Red Blood
Wing.Need some more experience there.I recently found a Best 22 I had written down abuot 5 years ago.Saddo was a wing.I would also like him to play FF.

Five years ago? When he actually showed signs or promise and a future? Thats where he will be best suited. He isnt strong enough for a KPP and hes only real match up is vs Tarrant who is a simialr build. Other than that, he is a wingman!

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by liz
Luffy was the ultimate utility and played some very good football switching between defence and attack as required. No reason why Saddo can't do the same.

One advantage of him playing a bit further down the ground is that he is a very good mark when his confidence is up. One of the major weaknesses of our midfield is a relative lack of marking power, which is why Baz is often forced to come so far up the ground to provide an option. Goodes roaming the midfield will help, but so will Saddo out on a wing or HFF.

Very good points. We really miss a marking target around the ground, particularly on kick outs and Saddo can provide that.

As for suggestions of playing him on the wing, I don't think he's really quick enough as a midfielder.

I think he's an archetypal flanker or utility type.

[Captain]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Very good points. We really miss a marking target around the ground, particularly on kick outs and Saddo can provide that.

As for suggestions of playing him on the wing, I don't think he's really quick enough as a midfielder.

I think he's an archetypal flanker or utility type.

Agree with the fact he is not a wingman. Not quick enough and wouldn't have the endurance.

A move to the forward line will do him the world of good.