Roos is worried, no he's not, yes he is ........

[ScottH]

Coach fears for struggling star

The Swans coach fears Hall might feel like he's not doing enough and is letting the team down after his goalless performance in Friday night's miraculous 56-53 semi-final win over Geelong at the SCG.

Hall's numbers don't faze Swans

Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos is completely unconcerned about the form of spearhead Barry Hall, even though the club's acting skipper has kicked just two goals in the Swans' two September matches thus far.

[TheHood]

I actually thought Barry was being well beaten yes, but in the last quarter Scarlo wasn't exactly there to save the day either was he. Preoccupied with Big Bald Swans skipper.

Baz was also involved in keeping the ball from the boundary in those hectic last seconds. Most important kick of his night.

[Schneiderman]

Of the three AA candidates in that position who have had a finals campaign - ie Tredrea, Gehrig and Hall - who has had the most impact?

Apart from complete anihilation of the Roos, Tredrea was easily held on Sat night by Rutten - 15 disp, 9 marks (almost all on the wing), 0 goals.

As was Gehrig - 2 disp, 1 mark, 0 goals.

Hall against WC - 10 disp, 3 marks, 2 goals.
Against Geelong - 9 disp, 4 marks, 0 goals.

It has not, so far, been a series for FF/CHFs. I still think Barry Hall has had more impact in the position than any other player, unless you count Gehrig when he played at CHB in desperation. And he will continue to draw the best defender, or even two of them, which works in our favour as far as a team goes.

[#99]

Good point. Gehrig was absolutely punished. And wasn't that a joy to watch?

[Sanecow]

Keys to making Hall effective:

1. Keep him out of the defensive 50m arc.
2. Move the ball forward with speed to stop the opposition flood
3. Deliver the ball to him on the chest or drop it on his head in a contest (not over the boundary line)

It's pretty simple but we have struggled with 2 and 3 in the finals because of close checking by the opposition. Then Baz feels obliged to get into the play (being captain and all) and wanders down into the defensive area to see his mates and share a beer.

[Sanecow]

Quote from Roos.

"I think a lot has been focused on him (Hall) because externally people think if he doesn't play well the Swans can't win.

"But I think that the last two weeks has proved that's simply not the case."

Well, actually only the game against Geelong proved it!

Source

[big bear]

Missed a couple of marks he would normally swallow, but often was getting bad delivery from midfield. Not entirely his fault. I have a crazy theory that he doesn't mark as well at night. What do you think.

[NMWBloods]

I don't think he marks well in his hands full stop, but you may be right that it's worse at night.

He's a chest mark player. Problem is that without a good lead and against a good defender, it's tough to bet your man.

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I don't think he marks well in his hands full stop, but you may be right that it's worse at night.

He's a chest mark player. Problem is that without a good lead and against a good defender, it's tough to bet your man.

Particularly when he's being dragged away by his arm as he goes for the mark.

[Newbie]

I felt Hall was too eager in the first quarter of the Eagles game. He really wanted to make his presence felt. The price he paid was that he was losing the focus on the ball as well.

I think we might benefit from a cool-headed Hall than a fired-up Hall in the finals. His playing style is already aggressive, there is no point of getting it any further. Just need to be more clinical and deadlier, I think.

May be it would be best for him to reverse it back to his normal mindset in the begining of this game. Given that the Saints have no natural match up for him, he should beat his man playing his normal game I think. Maybe with a special bulldozing of an opposition player later in the game if opportunities arise. Going into every contests with the midset of getting his presence felt does not seem to do him anything good, i think.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Go Swannies
Particularly when he's being dragged away by his arm as he goes for the mark.

He's less able to take a mark in his hands when chopped than some other key marking forwards.

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
He's less able to take a mark in his hands when chopped than some other key marking forwards.

I think that's why there's always a free given for a chop. Or have I missed one that wasn't given against Leo?

But this wasn't a chop. If you were trying to stop someone jumping over a cliff you wouldn't hold onto their arm tighter than Scarlett was clutching Baz.