Past Use by Date

[giant]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
He also missed an absolute gimme in the WC QF game in the 3rd qtr - about 20m out directly in front. Did the same thing against Geelong too IIRC.

And also kicked an absolute ripper in the WC QF when he took a handpass of (IIRC) Bucky. But I'd hate to spoil your story....

[SimonH]

To take 4 marks inside 50 in the last quarter of a GF is well-nigh unbelievable. (Did WCE get 4 marks inside 50 across the whole match?)

The net result of 0.1 from those 4 marks was appalling; but you can't criticise that without acknowledging that few other players, bung knees or not, would have created anywhere near the number of opportunities (under incredible pressure) that he did.

[SimonH]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
He also missed an absolute gimme in the WC QF game in the 3rd qtr - about 20m out directly in front. Did the same thing against Geelong too IIRC.

About 20 minutes into the 3rd quarter of the 2005 Geelong SF, Magic had a tight-angle shot for goal (from about 20 metres out). Our score was about 2.12 at the time, having spent most of the quarter in attack for not a single solitary goal. I thought, 'if he misses this we're gone'. He kicked it. In retrospect, I was right: if he had missed it, we would have been gone.

Look, no-one's denying that over the last half-a-season his conversion has been less-than-great (and on occasion, very disappointing). But across his whole career it's been a very good 387.210; it's presumptuous on the evidence so far to say that this is a terminal decline rather than a trough. In particular, he's moving at least as freely as he was in 2004/5.

[Lazarus]

I think its a bit early to write off a player of MOL talent. Players are entitled to form slumps and who knows what is up with him at the moment. Give the guy a go let him regain his confidence and you will see the MOL of old.

How soon we all forget.

Remember Captain Kirk was almost a has been and now look at him.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by giant
And also kicked an absolute ripper in the WC QF when he took a handpass of (IIRC) Bucky. But I'd hate to spoil your story....

"My story...??" I mentioned that he missed some easy goals. Your comment makes no difference to that. Any great goals he's kicked make no difference to that.

[Agent 86]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
... Any great goals he's kicked make no difference to that.

It does when this thread is about whether he's past his use-by-date.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by giant
And also kicked an absolute ripper in the WC QF when he took a handpass of (IIRC) Bucky. But I'd hate to spoil your story....

You've noticed too huh?

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Agent 86
It does when this thread is about whether he's past his use-by-date.

Yes, but I was simply pointing out that he missed a number of easy shots, which he shouldn't.

I haven't said that he's finished, so I'd appreciate it if people would stop inventing some "story" for me.

Or are we still not allowed to provide alternative viewpoints because some here might have a cry...

[giant]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Or are we still not allowed to provide alternative viewpoints because some here might have a cry...

I'd be delighted if you provided an alternative viewpoint - the old one is getting a trifle dull now.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by giant
I'd be delighted if you provided an alternative viewpoint - the old one is getting a trifle dull now.

He snatched my rifle.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by giant
I'd be delighted if you provided an alternative viewpoint - the old one is getting a trifle dull now.

Which one is "the old one"?

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by SimonH
Look, no-one's denying that over the last half-a-season his conversion has been less-than-great (and on occasion, very disappointing). But across his whole career it's been a very good 387.210; it's presumptuous on the evidence so far to say that this is a terminal decline rather than a trough. In particular, he's moving at least as freely as he was in 2004/5.

I agree it's presumptuous, hence I've not said it. I think he's struggling with form at the moment, but he's one of those players who typically gets better as the season progresses.

As for his kicking, over the past couple of years he's regularly had the yips when taking easier shots. Seems to think about the easier ones too much, and jabs at them or kicks floaters.

[ROK Lobster]

I think he chokes when there is a bit of pressure on. If the score is close he would be better off playing on.

[The Big Cat]

Originally posted by Agent 86
Correct.

His kicking in the GF was the footballing equivalent of Ian Baker-Finch's putting.

He took a number of high pressure marks in the last quarter of the GF. If he hadn't, we may not have won. I thought his last quarter was as important as anything in winning the flag!

[dendol]

Originally posted by The Big Cat
He took a number of high pressure marks in the last quarter of the GF. If he hadn't, we may not have won. I thought his last quarter was as important as anything in winning the flag!

I guess chewing up all that time kicking zero points allowed Leo's mark to be the last one for the game. If there was an extra minute after that mark, Leo might have gone on one of his special runs and had a "brain explosion of the century".

Mickey won us the game by shanking those kicks. Make no mistake about that.