Jason Ball to FF

[Wil]

Originally posted by liz
In the final wash-up, though, it didn't affect where we finished on the ladder. And while it might have switched around the Saints and Lions on the ladder, I suspect Brisbane would have beaten St Kilda in the first week of the finals had the game been played at the 'G rather than the Gabba, so it probably didn't have any real impact on the way the season finished up.

Liz... how dare you reply with intelligence, good research and factual information. Haven't you been here long enough to know thats not how we do things around here?

[chammond]

Originally posted by barry
I would have thought the extra miles covered by a ruckman, and the barrage of leading forwards crashing into your back as you "plug the hole" would make the ruckman far more injury prone than a FF.

Undoubtedly true overall, but for the Swans the opposite seems to apply.

Ball's last serious injury was on the lead at full-forward, and twice Doyle has been badly injured in and around the goal square.

And then there's Simon Feast, who did his knee at the beach . . . .

[Plugger46]

Keep him playing in the ruck, he's fairly second-rate in the goal square IMO. I reckon Doyle is better suited in the goal square.

[Schneiderman]

But Ball IS a very good mark overhead (when his shoulders dont trouble him).

My preference is to use him back instead. Play him as the loose man in defence (as he often did in games where we were playing shorter down back).

Starting centre bounce, float down back andallow Tadgh and Leo to run off their opponents more often, rest often on the bench to keep him fresh.

[Dpw]

Originally posted by Schneiderman

Starting centre bounce, float down back andallow Tadgh and Leo to run off their opponents more often, rest often on the bench to keep him fresh.

How would that allow Tadgh and Leo to run off there man? if your expecting Ball to cover a flanker or any other player other than another ruckman were in trouble, they would just run off ball or lead him upto to the footy and turn him inside out, no probs with him dropping back in defence but covering players that arent his own would be death.

[midaro]

I don't believe Ball, Doyle and Jolly could possibly all play in the same side.

... and what happended to Goodes "modifying his technique" so he can play ruck again. That would make 4!

IMO even if Goodes dosen't play ruck, in Round 1 Ball and Jolly with play seniors, whilst Doyle plays in Canberra.

However, I wouldn't expect Ball to play the year out, which will give Doyle his chance.

To be honest I wouldn't be surprised if Ball retires sometime before the PSD (no, I don't have any inside information ).

[Rushed Behind]

not at FF, rest at fb for Ball. I agree with midaro he culd retire this summa or half way thru 2005. his kickin has gone ever since the game 1 in Bris. no confidents with his foot dont put him in front a goal.

[caj23]

Originally posted by midaro

To be honest I wouldn't be surprised if Ball retires sometime before the PSD (no, I don't have any inside information ).

I don't think he'll retire until the end of 05 unless he suffers any significan injury

He's still our no 1 ruckman at the moment

[ScottH]

Originally posted by Rushed Behind
not at FF, rest at fb for Ball. I agree with midaro he culd retire this summa or half way thru 2005. his kickin has gone ever since the game 1 in Bris. no confidents with his foot dont put him in front a goal.

When was the last time a ruckman was rested at FB? Maybe as a loose player between FB and CHB, but that is no place to take a rest.

[Sanecow]

This year, with our dominant midfield, the back half will be the only place to rest.

No, I'm serious.

Seriously.

[NMWBloods]

You really do have CJD...

[Thunder Shaker]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
You really do have CJD...

LOL ..

Seriously, I think Bally would definitely do well resting in the forward line. Chances are good that he will not draw their best or tallest defender, and he will force the opposition defence to be accountable.