Swans defence

[Wazza]

With the development of LRT and Dempster the Swans defence is looking very solid, both LRT and Dempster will add some flexibility that has been missing, we have many options for the backline this year

Schauble, LRT, James, C Bolton, Dempster, Barry, Kennelly, Saddington, Bevan, Fixter, Nicks, Mathews, Crouch, Goodes, Powell, Maxfield, Ablett

This should give the selectors some headaches injuries will play a part and many of these players would also be considered on the wing or rotating through the midfield.

I would like to see Goodes as the extra man across HB playing a similar floating role that Roos played in his last couple of seasons. I would also like to see Maxfield playing along side LRT across HB.

Everyone has talked about our lack of quality midfielders maybe with all the options down back we could see L Barry bouncing his way down the Left wing and Kennelly bursting through down the right side with Crouch given freedom to play an attacking midfield role?

Cheers

Waz

[dimelb]

Re: Swans defence

Originally posted by Wazza

I would like to see Goodes as the extra man across HB playing a similar floating role that Roos played in his last couple of seasons.

I don't want to see Goodes regularly in defence. He has been great on occasion when he has popped up unexpectedly with a saving mark, but I would rather see him free to burn up the turf wherever he wants.
Otherwise the back six have been one of the best units in the comp for the last couple of years, and the thought that (a) winning is built on defence and (b) the competition for spots is going to be tougher is a very nice feeling.

[Dpw]

Re: Re: Swans defence

Originally posted by dimelb
I don't want to see Goodes regularly in defence. He has been great on occasion when he has popped up unexpectedly with a saving mark, but I would rather see him free to burn up the turf wherever he wants.
Otherwise the back six have been one of the best units in the comp for the last couple of years, and the thought that (a) winning is built on defence and (b) the competition for spots is going to be tougher is a very nice feeling.

No point in having a great defence if your midfield is crap and thats our main problem a top defence and a sound forwad line, but a second rate midfield and untill we address the midfield our defence and forward lines are all that will keep us in the lower rungs of the eight.

[Schneiderman]

Re: Re: Re: Swans defence

Originally posted by Dpw
that will keep us in the lower rungs of the eight.

... being 3rd and 5th. Everyone's an expert

[liz]

Re: Re: Re: Swans defence

Originally posted by Dpw
No point in having a great defence if your midfield is crap and thats our main problem a top defence and a sound forwad line, but a second rate midfield and untill we address the midfield our defence and forward lines are all that will keep us in the lower rungs of the eight.

One of the reasons our defence is so effective is due to the defensive skill and work-rate of our midfield. Indeed, you could argue that the lack of a tall, strong body or two down back is one of the reasons Roos has used a defensive set-up in the midfield.

I don't think anyone on here would disagree that our midfield needs to find a bit of offensive flair from somewhere if we are to improve, but at least give them credit where it's due.

Furthermore, if the team changes tactics slightly this year and gives more offensive licence to the likes of Crouch, Bolton and Kirk, expect to see our defence leak a few more goals. The question is whether a more attacking outlook in the middle can create more additional goals than it concedes.

[Nico]

Usually our defensive midfielders in Kirk and Crouch play as taggers in defence. It is more the likes of Mathews and Bolton who need to dramatically improve theri offensive delivery. I Doubt that will improve much given their time in the game now. It should have happened by now.

That is why it is so important that Goodes is fit and up to doing as he did in 2003 as a roving midfielder. Then we can afford to continue to use Crouch and Kirk as tagging midfielders.

[midaro]

The biggest question I have regarding our defense is:
Where is Andrew Schauble?

AFL.com says "foot, unavailable".

...but how bad is it, how long will he be out for, and how long after that before he is match fit?

[Dpw]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Swans defence

Originally posted by liz
Furthermore, if the team changes tactics slightly this year and gives more offensive licence to the likes of Crouch, Bolton and Kirk, expect to see our defence leak a few more goals. The question is whether a more attacking outlook in the middle can create more additional goals than it concedes.

Not if you are expecting those three to give u the attacking flair you have mentioned. All three of those guys are top notch at what they do its finding the attacking flair to accompany what these guys already give us.

[penga]

i dont understand all this talk about crouch being an attacking midfielder. he kicks the thing like a loaf of bread, he is effective - defensively - but offensively?

[liz]

Kirk was our most effective midfielder by a mile last year- not just for his stopping of opposition players but for the play he created last year.

Jude's effectiveness was limited by some ordinary disposal last year - but he was much better in 2003. If anything I'd say his instinct is more attacking that defensive. He's certainly not regularly used as a stopper and often plays well wide of his man.

Early season last year Crouch was clearly being used in a more offensive role than in previous seasons. His kicking isn't great but nor is it as bad as some are implying. And what he does have is the foot speed to break lines and carry the ball.

All are capable of being defensive and offensive weapons. It comes down to the instructions they are given (and their ability to carry out those instructions) and the role they have in any given match.

[Dpw]

Originally posted by liz
Kirk was our most effective midfielder by a mile last year- not just for his stopping of opposition players but for the play he created last year.

Jude's effectiveness was limited by some ordinary disposal last year - but he was much better in 2003. If anything I'd say his instinct is more attacking that defensive. He's certainly not regularly used as a stopper and often plays well wide of his man.

Early season last year Crouch was clearly being used in a more offensive role than in previous seasons. His kicking isn't great but nor is it as bad as some are implying. And what he does have is the foot speed to break lines and carry the ball.

All are capable of being defensive and offensive weapons. It comes down to the instructions they are given (and their ability to carry out those instructions) and the role they have in any given match.

Problem with crouch whenever he has been given some freedom he goes missing for periods or seems unsure what exactly to do with it. I also dont think he uses his pace to carry the footy and break lines as much as he should or could. hey that could just be me.
As for Kirk and bolton they remind me of Bell and hasleby (without kirks stopping ability) they get plenty of it and work like dogs to win a contest its just they arent that creative by hand and foot and lack penatrating kicks. Don't get me wrong we need players like these guys its just we really don't have any other players capable of doing the other stuff which I guess is my real point.

[liz]

Kirk is probably the most creative by hand in the entire side. Only Buchanan comes close, IMO, but he doesn't (yet) get to as many contests.

And I don't think there's too much wrong with the penetration on Bolton's kicking. He's not in the top rung at the club in this respect but it's reasonable for an AFL player. His problem is more the direction!

FWIW, I think you also do an injustice to the players that you compared them to - Bell and Hasleby. Both are very good by hand and Hasleby, in particular, has a very nice kick.

[Dpw]

Originally posted by liz
Kirk is probably the most creative by hand in the entire side. Only Buchanan comes close, IMO, but he doesn't (yet) get to as many contests.

And I don't think there's too much wrong with the penetration on Bolton's kicking. He's not in the top rung at the club in this respect but it's reasonable for an AFL player. His problem is more the direction!

FWIW, I think you also do an injustice to the players that you compared them to - Bell and Hasleby. Both are very good by hand and Hasleby, in particular, has a very nice kick.

In regards to Bolton how can u have one without the other wether its distance or direction he still lacks penatration. as for Bell and Hasleby I do them NO! in justice I watch them every week they are top shelf players and u are right they are good by hand but not great and that was my point so are bolton and kirk, in regards to hasleby you will find one of his biggest cristicms (and he dosent have to many) is the effectivness of his kicking and creativity (which to his credit he has worked hard on in the last two years) It is why Pavalich was pushed into the midfield because like us they lacked players who could create and penatrate. and is also why pavalich has moved forward because the Dockers believe with Black, Carr and Schofield they finally have the midfield balance they require which is my whole point its great we have a good defensive side to our midfield but it seems thats all we are good at I would like us to be more balanced!.

[liz]

Originally posted by Dpw
In regards to Bolton how can u have one without the other wether its distance or direction he still lacks penatration.

I'd have thought that distance and direction are two clearly distinguishable features and with different remedies to address any problems.

As for the rest, we'll just have to agree to disagree, though I am curious as to who in the AFL you do think is great by hand if Hasleby is just "good".

Simon Black I'd concede you but I'd have thought Hasleby figures up there close to the best of the rest.

[swansrule100]

Originally posted by liz
I'd have thought that distance and direction are two clearly distinguishable features and with different remedies to address any problems.

i agree, i can kick the ball 60 metres usually but it goes out and hits a parked car on the wing instead of the goals!


on the issue of jude boltons kicking and so forth, i think his biggest critics are swans supporters, other teams fans and coaches and so on and the press rate him a great midfielder. His disposal is ruined a lot by the fact he gets quick clearing pressue kicks because he is in the thick of the action.