Leo vs Shaubs

[sharpie]

I made a small comment last week that Leo's biggest strength (his rebounding) is even more effective when playing full back than compared to when playing on a flank, even if it means he is undersized against the bigger full forwards. I think yesterday's game showed this again, where Lynch was no match for Leo once the ball hit the ground, as shown by Leo being equal top for rebound 50s.

It is this reason that I think Roos is favouring Leo over Shauble. Sure Shauble is likely to be more reliable defensively, but he adds nothing to our rebounding, and probably hinders it somewhat. Our rebounding is such an integral part of our gameplan, so I think Roos wants it as effective as possible. If Leo is moved to a flank, he will be playing on a more mobile opponent who will be better able to stop Leo's rebounding compared to the big, slower full forwards.

[Go Swannies]

During the first half I was watching those clean Eagles marks in our goal square and was wishing Schaubs was there. LRT did good when moved back. But still think Schaubs is needed.

I asked Willo about Schaubs at the aftermatch. He first said that he was just about back to fitness. But then mentioned that he'd have to find a place in the team. (Incidentally, Nicksy said he's in the same situation).

I guess we are going to have to have faith in Roos - and be glad that the problem is fitting them all in the team, not looking for 18 fit players.

[giant]

Originally posted by Go Swannies


I asked Willo about Schaubs at the aftermatch. He first said that he was just about back to fitness. But then mentioned that he'd have to find a place in the team. (Incidentally, Nicksy said he's in the same situation).

I guess we are going to have to have faith in Roos - and be glad that the problem is fitting them all in the team, not looking for 18 fit players.

Leo quoted the same "company line" on WLF last week - Schaubs coming back to fitness, in the mix etc. Guess we'll have to wait & see.

[floppinab]

Originally posted by Go Swannies
During the first half I was watching those clean Eagles marks in our goal square and was wishing Schaubs was there.

That first mark and grab in the goalsq by Lynch I was thinking the exact same thing. We back our midfield to restrict their supply and one on one's in their Forward 50. Largely it works well but comes unstuck occasionally and as we saw if Ball at FB is our Plan B then surely Schaubs should come back in, particularly if Leo has a ? with an injury.

Originally posted by sharpie
I made a small comment last week that Leo's biggest strength (his rebounding) is even more effective when playing full back than compared to when playing on a flank

Very true, even more so for Kennelly, while many have clamoured for Kennelly to played further up the ground while playing on an opposition forward he exploites any potential weakness in accountability. The downside is a mismatch which may cost goals.

[sharpie]

Originally posted by floppinab
Very true, even more so for Kennelly, while many have clamoured for Kennelly to played further up the ground while playing on an opposition forward he exploites any potential weakness in accountability. The downside is a mismatch which may cost goals.

Yeah, good point. I've also been thinking that recently. And considering we can keep the highest scoring team down to 9 goals and are ranked 3rd for defense this season ourselves, it can be argued that having Leo and Kennelly playing in their current positions is working very well, despite the apparent deficiencies in their individual defensive capabilities.