Heath James

[motorace_182]

From what i have read so far, everyone seems to be down playing his game and not very impressed. I for one am quite the opposite. He tried his guts out, spoiled well, held his ground against a bigger and more experienced oponent in Grant and used it well when he did get it. For a first game to the season, i thought he played really well. Any thoughts?

[Mike_B]

Tried hard - no doubt about that. But also showed that he is not, IMHO, a number 1 backman, meaning if Schauble is out, we could struggle down back.

With more of our first choice midfield in the line-up though, it will hopefully ease some of the pressure on the backline from quick opposition delivery due to a) us winning more ball in the centre and b) more midfield pressure.

[liz]

It wasn't just Schauble missing. Having Leapin' down there beside James to help direct traffic and give him extra cover would have helped.

I don't think it was conclusive one way or the other whether James can carve out a permanent career as a FB but he is our best option as back-up to Schauble at the moment. Campbell is probably the only other alternative but he looks like he will take time to come to terms with the pace of AFL level football. And with Schauble struggled to shake a foot injury it is highly likely that James will start the season proper down there.

It is also still relevant that James is a babe in terms of AFL experience, even if his age and physique say he's not. It took Dunkley many years to grow into the consummate full-back that he eventually became.

I thought that James did a pretty decent job there this afternoon.

[satchmopugdog]

I agree with you Liz. It was a very Dunkleyesque performance and having watched the game again it is even better.

[Bear]

A couple of clangers, but otherwise did well. More than satisfied me.

[Charlie]

The only thing stopping me from saying that he's clinched a round one spot, is that LRT did very well also. I was pleased with the performance. If Schauble misses out, I'd expect both of them to play.

[Matt79]

I for a long time have been a supporter of Heath James. Yesterday, he played well on Chris Grant.
Two things stood out for me however,

1) He was very slow at making decisions, got pinned for holding the ball one time when should have given the first handball off.

2) Would be more than handy down back playing on the 2nd / 4rd best foward.

Potential is there!

[Scottee]

I was critical of him under pressure in another thread because I do think that he can panic under pressure, but overall I thought he did a pretty good job and if he had been surrounded by the other seasoned backmen would have done a better job. Probably wouldn't have bblemished his game with the lapse under pressure.

He is certainly of value to the club at present and a solid player. I also think that he showed good leadership.

It may also be that he, like many young players, is extra hard on himself when he makes an error, maybe even a bit too much of a perfectionist. This could be what leads to lapses of concentration and errors at critiacl times.

This hopefully should iron itelf out with more experience when he knows the routine of the backline better.

The bottom line is that he beat his man and you can't do much more than that.

[timthefish]

he looks to me as if he's (quite understandably) running in such a way as to protect his hamstrings. he kind of crabs along without stepping out. i hope he can rectify this soon and play confidently as i believe it will restrict his leg-speed and endurance as it is. also, i think that umpire was "counting" steps rather than metres when he got pinged for going too far.

other than that and a bit of indecisiveness, he looks to have the makings of a solid player, perhaps on a flank or in a pocket. i doubt he's ever going to be able to bully up to the big forwards.

[chammond]

I was disappointed because at the moment he really has a great opportunity to stake his claim for a permanent spot in the defensive group . . . but watching live at the Dome, the lasting impression was of a few very silly mistakes.

I must admit that after watching the TV replay, I was less dissatisfied . . . he coped quite well overall with the strong physical presence of Grant, and wasn't intimidated.

I just wonder which of those two impressions will be in the minds of Roos and the coaching team?

[dimelb]

I thought Heath did quite well - apart from trying to play round and round the mulberry bush in front of goal. I liked his work on Grant, and although he's obviously not our first pick fullback, he can pinch hit if necessary and will be a fine option on a third or fourth tall forward when Schauble and Leo are back on deck.

[swansrule100]

james wouldnt be in my best 25 at the moment (without injury) but he does have ability.

The hardest thing would be the fact he must always feel he plays for his career, as sadly he is running out of chances.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

His out of bounds on the full clanger right after the running too far clanger was horrendous.
He was up against a fully fit Grant and did well, especially as playing at fullback when your midfields being slaughtered is an awfull situation.

I thought Heath did very well!

I was also very please with Hyphen at CHB.

[Maureenjenkin]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scottee
[B]
It may also be that he, like many young players, is extra hard on himself when he makes an error, maybe even a bit too much of a perfectionist. This could be what leads to lapses of concentration and errors at critiacl times.

I couldn't agree more. I imagine he must feel physically and particularly mentally exhausted after every game. He always looks like he is trying so hard and also concentrating hard. Sometimes his decision making lets him down. A+ for effort, I guess after all he has been through that is why he is still on the list.

[Whitefox]

Originally posted by swansrule100


The hardest thing would be the fact he must always feel he plays for his career, as sadly he is running out of chances.

It's not sad - it's life.