Goodes - time to step up?

[NMWBloods]

Okay this is going to sound harsh and unfair to many, but I think Goodes has been the most disappointing of the three 2003 Brownlow medallists.

Both Buckley and Ricciuto are absolute champions whether you like them or not. Every week, almost without fail, they put in a good performance and usually have an impact on the game.

Goodes fades in and out of the game, does a few spectacular things for a while and then goes missing. Only occasionally puts his stamp on the game, and when he does a great game or two, he usually follows up with a few quiet ones.

Of course age and experience is a factor in the comparison, however Goodes has now played over 150 games so that's no longer really an excuse.

He needs to step up!

[Guzzitza]

I think it should be considered that Buckley and Ricciuto are shorter running midfiled players, whereas Adam is a taller ruck-rover type. It means they impact the game differently. I think players like Buckley and Ricciuto can find the ball better, and get themselves into the game just by tagging/tackling their opponent. But I dont think Adam can do that, hes a big guy, with knee injuries.. he cant just "run with" to get himself into the game and make an impact - he has to not wait, but choose his moments, hence he appears in patches.

Thats my theory anyway.

And No, I am not saying
1) He cant mark his man
2) He can follow the ball
3) He cant tackle

I am saying that compared Buckley and Ricciuto, he is limited in how much of these things he can do in a game - purely due to his size. I'm sure if he went hard at it for a quarter like those 2 players you would think - wow - what an impact. But in the second quarter you would wonder where he is - and where he would be is on the bench, sucking in the big ones and having his knees restrapped.

[NMWBloods]

He doesn't need to impact in the same way - just impact. Hird is not a hard running player, but can turn a game. Also, Buckley isn't really the hard-running midfielder type.

[woo]

couldn't agree more Bloods, I have been saying this since round 1 2004........ there seems to be no fire in his step

[midaro]

Midaro's History of Adam Goodes.

In 1999 Adam Goodes won a Rising Star. He played as a ruckman.

During 2000-2002 Adam Goodes' performance was routinely criticised and some AROUND HERE even proposed trading him. He played as a key forward.

In 2003 Adam Goodes won a Brownlow Medal. He played as a ruckman.

During the period 2004-present Adam Goodes' performance was routinely criticised. He played as a midfielder (and briefly as key backman).

You understand where I'm going don't you?
Let's face some facts (otherwise known as Midaro's opinions ):
1. Adam Goodes is exceptional when playing as a ruckman.
2. When Adam Goodes plays in any other position, he is what he is.
3. If Adam Goodes' injuries prevent him from playing as a ruckman, we have likely seen the best of Adam Goodes.

[dendol]

Originally posted by Guzzitza
But I dont think Adam can do that, hes a big guy, with knee injuries..

I dont think his knees are an excuse now. He should be imposing himself on more games. He really should be at peak form at his age and and dominating more than he does. Perhaps not every game, but he does go missing for weeks at a time it seems.

Agree with Midaro - get him in the ruck around the ground after Jolly takes the centre bounce.