judd

[barry]

After Ottens destroyed them on Friday in the ruck why would Collingwood even consider getting rid of Josh Fraser?

Because Fraser is useless.

Well maybe not useless, but he's about as good in the ruck as Goodes was. Which is not bad, but not a ruckman who is going to deliver you a premiership.

Unfortunetly Josh cant seem to play anywhere else. I imagine if the pies are thinking of offloading Josh, then they have reviewed their entire midfield/ruck division, and think it better to have a so-so beanpole + judd. I guess the trick may be in finding that beanpole.

[liz]

I can't really see how they are similar. Swan is far more in the mould of a Cresswell-type player. Runs around making space, being a link man and gathering possessions. Nothing flashy but generally very effective. I would have thought he'd suit us pretty well and is far superior to Ablett in nearly every aspect of the game.

I don't think I'd ever have described Cressa like that. He did a bit of it, but also tagged (especially pre-1997) and was often at the foot of packs. The role you've described sounds more like a Fosdike to me.

Ablett is far more often than Swan asked to perform a predominantly defensive role. We can moan and gripe all we like about whether the Swans have too many midfielders asked to do defensive jobs, but fact is, when assessing Ablett, we have to assess him on the role he's asked to do. Swan's almost never plays a defensive role - indeed, one of the weaknesses that's been identified with the current Pies team is that they don't really have a natural tagger. Which is fine when they're on top, but most teams recognise the need to have at least one player able to shut down a midfield opposition gun (eg Selwood, Stenglein at WC; Ling at Geelong; sometimes Cornes at Port; Sewell at Hawthorn; Rawlings at the Roos).

Ablett's not a fantastic stopper. Usually he does OK, sometimes he does very well indeed (eg first half against Hodge in r22). But we've seen that he's no match for the likes of Judd. (Who is, when he's on song?)

So I don't really see the point of comparing Ablett with Swan in the first place.

Ablett's a handy player. No star but normally gets a job done. Assessing him on his 2007 season is never going to give you a proper idea of his worth given the ongoing injury issues he's had.

Really don't see the point in slamming him because he's not Dane Swan and not his cousin.

[NMWBloods]

Cresswell did spend a lot of time making space, as well as burrowing into packs. I'd note Swan does much the same thing.

My point on Ablett continues to be that he focusses on the defensive aspect sometimes to the exclusion of the offensive one and when he gets the ball he often butchers it.

The comparison came up because someone suggested a (tongue-in-cheek) trade.

[liz]

My point on Ablett continues to be that he focusses on the defensive aspect sometimes to the exclusion of the offensive one and when he gets the ball he often butchers it.

But if that's what he's asked to do...

And even when he also manages to get 13 pretty good disposals, including goal assists, clearances and even one fine mark himself (and a goal) in half of footy, there is no credit forthcoming?

[Robbo]

Anyone see Judd's missus last night?

Very talented indeed

[Jewels]

Anyone see Judd's missus last night?

Very talented indeed

I just don't see it, I reckon there were many, more attractive girls there last night. Judd and Twigley make quite an ordinary looking couple i think.

[mcs]

must agree with Jewels.... other ones are much nicer. How about Mcphee's better half? Now how does a useless footballer like he find a girl like that!

[Hazcam]

I just don't see it, I reckon there were many, more attractive girls there last night. Judd and Twigley make quite an ordinary looking couple i think.

Yeah I don't rate her either. I'd smack that but there were better on the night. Judd aint exactly a hunk.

And yes McPhee nailed a beauty! He got her coz well, he's a footballer.

[NMWBloods]

But if that's what he's asked to do...

Maybe he's asked to do that because he's not capable of much more?

And even when he also manages to get 13 pretty good disposals, including goal assists, clearances and even one fine mark himself (and a goal) in half of footy, there is no credit forthcoming?

I thought he was reasonable, but not great.