Wanted... A Forward Line
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He reminds him of the guys, close-set, slow, and never rattled, who were play-makers on the team. (John Updike, seeing Josh Kennedy in a crystal ball)Comment
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I am left wondering why there was no forward line plan in place for the exit of Mickey O and Baz. Jesse, who has had little senior game experience alongside Goodsey and that was it. LJ being out with injury for a year hasn't helped and TDL was only recruited at the end of last year also McGlynn. What sort of forward planning was that? Bradshaw was a bonus, not part of any long term plan.
I don't like to hear Roosy say we haven't got the personnel to compete with the likes of Collingwood as a reason for losses. The Swans have had the same recruiting opportunities as Collingwood but our team rebuilding strategies have been quite mystifying - a squillion of small midfielder types and average, top-up players from other clubs!
I too feel a bit sorry for Jesse and Adam - we bag them for failing!Comment
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I would like to see Gary play forward for a whole game. He's 7:1 in 7 games, and in most of those games he's probably spent more time in the defensive line. He's an attacking forward. Great leap, super quick, great 2nd/3rd efforts. His body isn't strong enough yet but I just think he's a creative crumbing forward that needs to be played forward for a full game. He'll kick 2+ every game I'm sure and will only get better.Comment
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I wondered about that one, but when they replayed it I thought, Yes, head over the ball, other bloke didn't make any effort to avoid high contact, it's there. Sort of thing that if it had been the other way round I'd probably say, Well, technical, but it's there, got to adjust to rules.He reminds him of the guys, close-set, slow, and never rattled, who were play-makers on the team. (John Updike, seeing Josh Kennedy in a crystal ball)Comment
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TDL for white if braddy not available and maybe into the side even is he is, Need someone to lead, Maybe time to give Johnno a game he seems to know what its about and moved well around the game last night. Vez maybe wont be available with injury.Comment
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I think that is key at the moment. When we were often lauded as having not the best, but close to the most efficient, forward line, back in 2003-6 (and especially 2006-5) it was because we were getting the ball to the 60m out spot and then pinpointing passes to a leading player, even in congestion. Now we're bombing in from 20-30m further out and it is completely haphazard.
Most of these 'forward' problems actually stemmed from the midfield and half-back. We really needed someone to play as a strong lead-up CHF to take the pressure off our rebound players, draw a defender out, and create a focal point for our running brigade to stream from - and then put the ball into our forward 50.
Regardless of how many on here might disagree, Playfair would actually help the structure of our forward line - particularly if we are breaking down between half-back and half-forward. He is a big body who takes a big defender and he leads up well. Even if he played deep, it would allow Goodes or White to play further up in a similar role.
In fact, if Bradshaw was back in I would still play him (Playfair) at CHF and put Goodes into the middle.Comment
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I think the biggest single thing is Goodes' form. He's our best player and supposed to be our key forward in the absence of Bradshaw, but if he's not firing we don't have a main target. When we went forward we were slow and hesitant because of our lack of targets. Plus the Pies guarded space pretty well and as posted earlier I'm not sure how Bird allowed Heath Shaw to do as he liked in our forward line.
As for the White situation.Our only other option for tall forwards is Henry P., which doesn't fill my heart with song.
I'm taking solace in the long view. In a year's time we should have White with one more year's experience and, who knows, maybe having undergone a J. Reiwolt-like transformation. Plus LJ and TDL should be starting to find their feet.
I wouldn't put too much stock in Bradshaw's knees though.Last edited by ShockOfHair; 28 June 2010, 12:15 AM.The man who laughs has not yet heard the terrible newsComment
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It doesn't! In fact the opposite is usually true.As a backman you can take on the forwards (like Scarlett,O'Brien)
but you better be good.Good forwards with goal sense will make you pay for any mistake.Mc Glynne sems to have goal sense.People are still wanting Jetta near the goals after 15 points straight. Crazy IMO,if you play him keep him away from the goals.White,Goodes are KPP's in the forwards who are an attempt to make a forward.I am of the old school that doesn't believe u can do this.I believe and have said on here before that we shouldbe developing our natural forwards .We will get far more out of this than trying to create a forward line from non natural forward players. So I would have developed LJ,TDL,Vespa and I fail to see how we would have done any worse.For some strange reason forwards often have an individualistic streak and prima donna behaviour. I would also "wear that" as it goes with the territory.Those who say Playfair gives a better structure are actually right but he is not the man for the job,too slow,falls over too easily and seconds too slow.Start developing LJ now! White and Goodes? It was worth a try but it didn't work.Comment
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Article suggesting Jesse, Jets and Bluey under the microscope for the next game and TDL coming in to equations. Did Roos actually say he was tempted to strongly look at TDL or is this journo just making it up?Last edited by Nich; 28 June 2010, 09:56 AM.
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Before we start worrying too much about the forward line, we need a midfield that can deliver the ball in properly. Saturday nights delivery was slow, sloppy and indirect and allowed Collingwood to cover the wholes while many of their goals were scored from quick rebound out of the centre with a pass to a leading forward about 1 metre off the ground which gave LRT and others no chance.
I agree that White is playing totally without confidence in his own ability. This guy should be able to outbody most of his opponents in a one on one and he couldnt even do it once on the night. His leading was terrible to non existent and he doesnt seem to have any nous for finding space in any sort of traffic. It was hard when you watch somone doing exactly what he should be doing up the other end (ie Dawes).
Goodes positioning for a mark is terrible. He dropped so many marks on Saturday night that were either due to running too far under the ball (a timing thing ) and one even hit him on the head.
Unfortunately the only real answer to the problem is bradshaw and he is obviously not right. I agree that the likes of TDL and Vez should be given a go but dont expect them to be difference. They are both still relatively new to this level and would be lucky to kick two goals a game at this stage.Comment
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Some have quickly forgotten White's performances last year - in particular his strong hands on the lead. He's struggled this year, and may need a break in the 2s, but to dismiss him as having no future is shortsighted.
I don't want to see ROK moved from the midfield. If the Goodes is to return to the midfield we must either play White at CHF or recall Playfair. Neither is a particularly attractive option, but may be worth a try.
I'll be surprised and disappointed if neither Vesz nor TDL gets a game against the Tigers.Comment
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