Long awaited News of Maxfield.

[Snowy]

Originally posted by chammond
Truth? What truth?
Don't you mean opinion?!

The truth is that, other things being equal, Maxfield's form was good enough to convince the Swans to keep him in the team. I've never heard anyone other than a few on this board criticise Maxfield's disposal . . . certainly not the Swans, nor to the best of my knowledge anyone in the media, or in football in general.

The truth was that we were playing poorly, and it's easy to blame the captain and/or the coach, which we did on this board - loudly. But that's all it was, just whingeing . . . not 'truth'.

If he's fit, Maxfield must be in the side. His strength and experience have been sorely missed. Finals matches need an extra bit of steel in the team, which Maxfield can certainly provide, and he might just make the difference in September.

Do you really think that while he was captain he would be dropped? That would have a detrimental effect on morale.

[chammond]

Originally posted by Snowy
Do you really think that while he was captain he would be dropped? That would have a detrimental effect on morale.

You're right . . . and, given the respect he has at the club, having him fit and firing for the finals would be an enormous boost to team morale (and mine ).

Definitely worth taking a bit of a risk, I reckon.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by chammond
Truth? What truth?
Don't you mean opinion?!

It's funny how a "brutal opinion" or hurtfull act often cloaks itself in words that simulate impartiality (that's a general assertion about the disingenuousness of people in authority, not a comment of Snowy's off the cuff turn-of-phrase). I particularly dislike people who use the phrase "it's nothing personal."
Excuse the philosophising, I shall now return to the scheduled topic.
While I think everyone should earn his place in the firsts after a lay off (that includes Nick Davis, but not MOL) I think a fit Maxfield playing off the bench in busts through the middle could be very beneficial to the team, much as Andrew Thompson and Damien Hardwick were for sthe Saints and Port during last years finals.

[ScottH]

Originally posted by Ruckman
I think a fit Maxfield playing off the bench in busts through the middle could be very beneficial to the team

Tha is what got him suspened in the first place.


But you are right, a 10 min(or so) burst/qtr could be all he needs to exert some authority on the game.

[Wil]

When Maxfield was playing he was still better than guys like McVeigh, Malceski, Moore and possibly Ablett and Mathews and even C. Bolton. For me the problem with him as he didn't offer the team any future and had injury concern so his position in the team was a bit dubious. However come finals time I don't mind them putting development of the team onto the backburner to get a good run. We are going to need all the fit bodies we can!

[Go Swannies]

Our congestion game plan needs players to break out of the pack. Watching other experienced players come back in (Fossie, Willo) it's been notable that they have burst back into the team able to do that. That was a feature of Maxi's game. ANYONE who thinks Max would push to come back into the team if he thought he couldn't fully contribute doesn't really understand the team spirit he has shown throughout his captaincy (and career).

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by ScottH
a 10 min(or so) burst/qtr could be all he needs to exert some authority on the game.

Speaking about bursts, does anyone else think Monty tends to tire towareds then end of games/quarters?

[Bear]

I don't think Maxfield has added much at all over the last couple of years and would highly doubt that be could provide value or even any real impact "off the bench", especially after missing most of the season.

Would rather see the young guys getting the experience.

[barry]

The problem with a burst player like Maxfield playing off the bench, is that if we cope a few injuries during the game, he will have to play almost a full game, which he wont have the fitness for.
Players like McVeigh or Malceski could see out a full game if required.

[Snowy]

I think the line that he's the fittest in the club line, or has been is not relevant if he's had a long layoff therein his fitness has suffered, or if he hasn't had the chance to get himself in form. McVeigh has one of the best beep tests ever but that doesn't help him get the ball or use it properly. Selection should primarily be on form and if a youngster has as much chance of succeeding it's providing him with valuable finals experience.

[BonBon]

Re: Long awaited News of Maxfield.

Originally posted by ScottH
I hope he brings his form with him!!!!

That would be a VERY dumb thing not to do.

I can't believe he's coming back. I am so interestd to see how well he plays.

[Newbie]

Cool down people. Maxfield certainly deserves a proper send-off. If he is really out of sort in rnd 21, rnd 22 would be his farewell game, me think. If he performs OK in those two games, he should earn himself the last final campaign.

[DST]

If Maxfield can get his body right and gets a couple of games in the ressies before season end, then I can see him getting a game.

While both McVeigh & Malceski look promising for the future if it came down to one of those two players and Maxfield to play as an impact player in a final away from home then I would take Maxfield.

You just can not buy that type of experience and leadership in tight situations in front of hostile crowds, not to mention that as an impact player situation he would still get as much of the ball as the other two and use it as well.

DST

[Destructive]

Having players in doubt doesn't sound at all good. I'm not looking forward to finding out who they are.

[Nico]

Why would you even consider playing Maxfield again this season?

How could he add value in the place of another player given we have won almost every game since he was out, and his fitness level to compete in finals would have to be very suspect at the very least.

History is riddled with Finals and Grand Finals lost where sides played unfit, so called gun players.