Lrt

[tez]

I must confess that I considered LRT to be our weak link,
but he has stepped up a level and developed into a good
defender and useful ruckman, when required.

[SimonH]

Originally posted by dendol
Im pretty sure a very convincing arguemtn could be put up that LRT is one of our most important 5 at the moment. Many of our other players are interchangeable with each other (midfielders, HF/HB flankers), but we've always had a problem with height in defence. LRT is doing a great job atm playing on the big talls forwards of the comp.

Absolutely right.

In fact, he would be among the 3 hardest to replace, along with BBBH and the defensive general Leo.

While Goodes is among our most valuable, his role is basically a 'one off' designed for him alone, and so we wouldn't even try to ask someone to play his role if he were injured. We would fail without the 'hard-ball-get team' of Bucky, JBolt and Kirk, but none of them is irreplaceable as individuals. ROK is crucial (and underrated) as the inside 50s machine, but others could be trained up to take his role. (Did anyone else notice Dempster spending time in the forward line on Sat night? Just following his man, or a taste of things to come?)

If we lose LRT, the options for the opposition's big-scary-Richo-style CHF/FF are:
? Leo, whose career gets shortened by another 2 weeks every time he has to line up on someone 6 inches taller than him; and we look like a far better side with Leo freed up to play a more coordinating/creative role, anyway
? CBolt, who is better suited to the opposition's #2 (or #3) forward
? Vogels, who can help out at a pinch for parts of quarters but at the moment doesn't have the experience (or, perhaps, fitness) to sustain the job across a whole match
? Richards, who is a real Saddo-type in that he doesn't have the bulk and/or the ability to use it, and would get outmuscled every time.

So LRT is da man. I haven't looked at the stats, but I would guess that (along with Leo, Keneally and CBolt) he gets very little time on the pine to recharge each match, as well. He's a very fit dude. Kudos to him for having come a long way very very fast.

That said, Richo looked half-fit and half-interested on Sat night (which he does about half the time!) so was always ripe for a towelling

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Originally posted by tez
I must confess that I considered LRT to be our weak link,
but he has stepped up a level and developed into a good
defender and useful ruckman, when required.

I still like him as a second ruckman. Apparently he completely turned the match against Freo when moved there.

Offensively he is still a bit of a nigtmare. He stands there and cannot decide where to dispose the ball and to whom. He fires off too many hospital handballs when placed under pressure coming out of defense. Hopefully that is something the coaching staff can work on.

Defensively he'd be up there as one of the best nullifying defenders in the league. He can take on a high marking tall forward & completely shut them out of the game. His spoiling and defensive positioning is just sensational.

I have nicknamed him 'the Gazelle'. With his hair flying around everywhere. he really is a work of art coming out of defence.

JF

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Originally posted by SimonH
(Did anyone else notice Dempster spending time in the forward line on Sat night? Just following his man, or a taste of things to come?)

I noticed it more against the Eagles where he used his considerable pace to bolt through half forward and slot a great 1st quarter goal. I guess Roos is being flexible, knowing that he somehow has to fit the returning Malceski onto our half forward line as well. (And due to a certain player no longer playing in the seniors, there ARE opportunities on the HF line at the moment! )

Did anyone else find it really interesting to see Craig Bolton running to goal as well during the Richmond match? I have always thought that he has potential as a future onballer. (and due to the omission of a certain player who was possibly mooted as midfield potential, there are definite openings given Willo's departure.) He is fast, he has probably the best kick in the side along with Tiger. Does anyone think that (C) Bolts could be used on the ball? Or even in a forward role himself?

JF

[Mel]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG
Does anyone think that (C) Bolts could be used on the ball? Or even in a forward role himself?

JF

No. He's far too valuble to us in the backline to consider moving him elsewhere. Why would we look at moving him from the backline into the midfield when we have a number of midfielders waiting in the wings?

[Gary]

Ya gotta know your limitations...B2 is a backman.
Re LRT IMO the last few weeks have seen a reduction in crazy running / disposal...certainly some of his dashes have been Barryesque without the unnecessary pirouettes!

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG
Does anyone think that (C) Bolts could be used on the ball? Or even in a forward role himself?

No. He's a backman.

[motorace_182]

Originally posted by Richard Davis
What was the rubbish I read about Jolly. He's had a terrific season and will be even better next year given the experience he's had this year ruckinhg virtually one-out.

Watch the game bra. He is crap. His efforts around the ground are as bad as Chambers. He is lazy and plays as if his @@@@@ doesnt stink. In the ruck he will never go to belt the ball. When he wins a tap and gets it down it never hits a target. It is easily read by opposing midfielders or is totall off line. He never taps to advantage. He has not had a 'terrific season'. He has been our biggest passenger. Either get a heart and play for this team like he should or go swap with Chambers, because at least he will give a whole hearted contest.
And Jollys work around the ground... anyone remember his last contested mark? He doesnt dominate packs down back or aound the ground like he did last year. Drop him if he has lost the desire.

[tez]

I have nicknamed him 'the Gazelle'. With his hair flying around everywhere. he really is a work of art coming out of defence.

JF [/B][/QUOTE]

More like a windmill with all arms and legs flailing.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by dendol
Im pretty sure a very convincing arguemtn could be put up that LRT is one of our most important 5 at the moment.

I think that he has become the cornerstone of our backline this year - and who'd have thought we'd be giving him such praise 12 months ago. Full credit to the selectors for ignoring RWO

[nomae]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG
Does anyone think that (C) Bolts could be used on the ball? Or even in a forward role himself?

JF

yes!!! whenever b2 has a stint up forward he kicks a goal or two (geelong). a bit like adam hunter... except i hate adam hunter. but i think craig should go forward more often when we need a goal. very, very good backman tho.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by Rizzo
Weagles fans talk about Sampi being infringed during the 'mark of the century'... l

Weagkles fans are the biggest, most spoilt cry babies in the AFL. They even booed the umps at the end of the game against us 8 days ago.!

[ScottH]

Originally posted by cruiser
I think that he has become the cornerstone of our backline this year - and who'd have thought we'd be giving him such praise 12 months ago. Full credit to the selectors for ignoring RWO

What, do you think the selectors know more than us??

[RogueSwan]

Originally posted by cruiser
Full credit to the selectors for ignoring RWO

I just wish I could sometimes, but I keep hitting [RELOAD] just in case something interesting pops up.