Changes for Rnd 11 V Bombers

[ScottH]

Not sure if I heard right, but I think Hille re-injured himself on the weekend.

With Justin Maddern (ankle) and David Hille (shoulder) and sidelined after sustaining first-half knocks, the Gold?s injury woes got worse in the second half when Shinners, Duscher and Rick Ladson had to leave the field for medical attention.

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/sport/football-australian-rules/bendigo-gold-scores-impressive-win-against-williamstown/2577993.aspx

[Captain]

If your referring to White as the other key forward, I disagree. He'd be praised for a week at least of he had those stats. What you also don't see In the stats is the amount of strong contests LRT gave, something which White rarely does. He went hard at very ball and really crashed some packs and created crumbs for or smalls.

He was also playing on Lake, their best defender.

[caj23]

Originally Posted by Melbourne_Blood
If your referring to White as the other key forward, I disagree. He'd be praised for a week at least of he had those stats. What you also don't see In the stats is the amount of strong contests LRT gave, something which White rarely does. He went hard at very ball and really crashed some packs and created crumbs for or smalls.

[Captain]
He was also playing on Lake, their best defender.

Yes he gets to alot of contests but how many does he win? 3 marks from the number of inside 50's on Sunday isn't a great result.

I know it was a wet day not for key forwards but I counted at least 3 or 4 occasions where he either led/ran to a poor position or spilled a mark that he should have taken.

In the 3 games that White has played this season his statistical output has been equal or better than LRT's game on Sunday, and that has been playing as the relieving ruckman.

Lake might be their best defender but he is not the player he once was and had one of those off games on Sunday

[stellation]

If your referring to White as the other key forward, I disagree. He'd be praised for a week at least of he had those stats.

LRT vs. Bulldogs: 7 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 goals
White season averages: 9.7 disposals, 4 marks, 2.3 tackles, 0.7 goals
I must have missed the all around praise being heaped on Jesse then.

[Melbourne_Blood]

Go back through the threads when White played. You'll find he got talked up when he played okay. Probably talked up more than his performance deserved. You might say the same about LRT, when he is shocking I'm the first to say it, but he was good on the weekend. Better than I've seen White play in a looooooooong time.

[BillyRayCypress]

TPR did you even see the game on Sunday? I was at the game and big Pykie was fantastic and did the majority of the ruck work. Mummy played mainly forward and acted as a foil to Reid and LRT. What you see at the game is a lot more than on telly and Pykie works so hard when he hasn't got the pill. He sets up blocks and throws his considerable weight around to protect our ball players. His tap to I think it was Kizza for a goal was bliss. Pykie to stay for mine!

He was a rampaging moose!!! No bull with his game.

[dimelb]

He was also playing on Lake, their best defender.

And LRT would have had a free in front of goal for being held, except that TDL scooped it up and kicked instead. Go the hyphens!

[GongSwan]

It's a non issue now, White V LRT, it would appear to me that the coaches have already decided on this, can we move on, nothing to see here

[caj23]

It's a non issue now, White V LRT, it would appear to me that the coaches have already decided on this, can we move on, nothing to see here

I think you're probably right in terms of the coaches decision, but there are two key points being made:

1. The gushing over LRT's game on Sunday against a weak opponent is over the top

2. Until he performs against quality opposition and hits the scoreboard on a regular basis his position as a forward will be questioned. It might be enough for a suburban league forward to "hit the packs" and "make a contest" but it simply doesn't cut the mustard at AFL level.

[Doctor]

That may be so, but it was the first time he has played as a forward without having to back it up with supporting ruck duties. To me the difference was palpable. I realise the Dogs weren't all that strong but you can only beat who's in front of you. If he gets to play the role for a while without having to ruck as well then we'll have a better idea of his ability to hold his own.

[Kirkari]

I already posted this in Bombers v Swans thread. Don't want anyone to miss my insight and wisdom. (That's in saracasm font, btw.)

I'm still cheerleading for The Spang to come in for this game. He doesn't have quite the same disregard for personal safety as Luke Parker, but he definitely gets amongst it, and last year seemed to remind the rest of the forwards that it's easier to win the ball if you're actually at the contest. I'm also going to say Jarred Moore might get a look in. I know, I know, too slow, but... I got a feelin'...

[GongSwan]

Not certain they think the Spang is fit enough yet to run out games, with Mummy still getting up to speed I doubt they want to take risks. At some point they will have to play him, but he'll need the equivalent of a pre season first. I look at it this way, with all the players we have coming back from injury, we'll have some very fresh stars toward the end of the season and into the finals. Essendon haven't set the world on fire over the last couple of weeks, which was to be expected at some point with their over training of youngish players in the weight room, lets hope we can continue their form slump, whoever starts

[Bloodmaniac]

Give Nipper a run. The kid deserves it.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

That may be so, but it was the first time he has played as a forward without having to back it up with supporting ruck duties.

A very well made point, not merely for LRT but for any player expected to do the nonsensical KeyForward/Ruckman role.
As for LRT (and the rest of the team) this weeks opponent is a BIG step. Let's hope they don't tip over again.

[Captain]

That may be so, but it was the first time he has played as a forward without having to back it up with supporting ruck duties. To me the difference was palpable. I realise the Dogs weren't all that strong but you can only beat who's in front of you. If he gets to play the role for a while without having to ruck as well then we'll have a better idea of his ability to hold his own.

Agreed. Same could also apply to White. Would love to see him given a chance at FF without having to play in the ruck.