The Ed "Cheese" Barlow Appreciation Thread

[cruiser]

Why? In terms of presenting and marking, that was the best game Hall's played in an age. Sure, his kicking wasn't too flash but there were probably a dozen players who made less of a contribution than Hall. And his misses were far from the worst based on where he kicked them from.

Sorry Liz, 1.5 isnt good enough from our key forward who gets paid mega bucks to kick goals not points. It cost us the game.

[Robbo]

Looks the goods. I hope he keeps his spot.

[ugg]

http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=49356

"He runs like Goodes, kicks like [Nick] Malceski and marks like [Barry] Hall,"

Maybe not such a good thing to mark like Barry.

[dread and might]

By the way it looks like Barlow's disposal is better than that of Goodes.

Please pull your head in.

[hammo]

I predict he'll get the Rising Star nomination this week!

I wouldn't be surprised if they chose Matthew Leuenberger this week.

[giant]

Why? In terms of presenting and marking, that was the best game Hall's played in an age. Sure, his kicking wasn't too flash but there were probably a dozen players who made less of a contribution than Hall. And his misses were far from the worst based on where he kicked them from.

I agree - that was comfortably the best that Baz has looked in months. I can only think of one miss that was regulation & even that was from 40+m. And the one he kicked was pretty damn good! Look elsewhere for your scapegoats I'm afraid.

[Swannette]

Just adding my two pieces of cheese worth to this thread so my sig can reveal what the future holds for EB. Great game.

[satchmopugdog]

Swanette change your name to Nostradamus....uncanny.

[RogueSwan]

My 2 cents. What a great debut. My wife kept getting him confused with B2. Maybe if he had the same haircut....
He has a nice kicking action, not to flighty, not to flat. Good speed and tired to make things happen (to a fault unfortunately). Loved that kick to fearless in the third Q, so did most of his teammates by the look of it. Just hope he doesn't get to down on his frees against.

[Old Royboy]

Great debut from young Cheese. I think it was fortunate that he was called on to the ground early - other debut players have had bums full of splinters by the time they were called on. But was most impressed the way he picked up the speed of the game immediately, was not overawed and played his natural game. Tried to do too much a couple of times (as has been his style in the ressies) but reckon its better to get caught trying to be creative than in a mire of indecision, as some others in our club have been. Those who have watched him in the ressies knew about his accurate field kicking and ability to find the best option, terrific to see that side of his game on show. The only thing I was sorry about re his debut was that he did not get the chance to show what a good kick for goal he is: if he gotten 6 shots on goal, it would have been more like 5-1, not 1-5.

[opng]

Didnt see the game(working), so would anyone see him developing into a key defender and if so a fb or chb? or be more like a running defender taking on the third tall option e.g richards/dempster.

[liz]

Didnt see the game(working), so would anyone see him developing into a key defender and if so a fb or chb? or be more like a running defender taking on the third tall option e.g richards/dempster.

Bit early to tell yet. Most of his possessions yesterday were gained through running - either into space or running past a player at the right time. Which isn't to suggest he didn't go into contests. But he wasn't out there taking contest marks or being asked to spoil opponents.

From what I've seen of him playing deep in defence in the reserves, he doesn't look like a particularly natural defender. He can get outmarked even by ACT level forwards quite regularly because he doesn't necessarily position himself that well or read the flight of the ball.

But none of that means he can't become a decent key defender. He certainly has the height. His athleticism suggests he'd be wasted at FB but could CHB might be his go. He is still very raw and has to be seen as a developing player, not the finished product. If people saw some of his work last season compared to the composure he showed last night, they might not believe it was the same player. He's come a long way in a shortish time but there are going to be some downs along the way as well as, hopefully, lots more ups.

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

I called him Trent Barlow 3 times last night.

Trent Barlow was a 'star player' (just like Saddington was my hero at the Swans! ) for the Sydney Kings. Easy lay-ups, shots from stripe;shooting up brick after brick from outside Barlow could stuff em all up, I tell you!

JF

[shaun..]

With his kicking for goal, highly attributed by fellow RWOers, would he be more value up forward than down back?

[hammo]

With his kicking for goal, highly attributed by fellow RWOers, would he be more value up forward than down back?

I agree - an exciting CHF prospect. But I think the keenness to slot him in as a defender is in recognition of that fact that we currently have no key defenders beyond LRT, Bolton and Leo.