Armstrong vs Nick Smith

[Auntie.Gerald]

my last contemplation for the day

I know Nick Smith is a player that does a difficult job and makes it look pretty easy most games...........but I have started to wonder whether Armstrong is lifting to a cardio level where he could play a Nick Smith shut down type role...... but have the added advantage of very very sharp counter attack?

I dont think it is beyond possible........they put a man on the moon the 1960's.......and if "Neil Armstrong" got the sneaky chance in the NAB to play Smithies role and he did very very well then the cat is amongst the pigeons

Its funny how certain players can play at a club for 5 or 6 seasons and no one comes close to them as they master the role they are given but them a superior athlete or footballer comes along and seizes their opportunity !!

Then run with role is always vulnerable to hot competition in my opinion, as that is generally their only position they can play above others in the squad......and I think we have all seen enough from Armstrong in his attack that we know we would be better for his playmaking..........its just how much would we loose if he couldnt shutdown in defence as well as Smithy !

[liz]

Armstrong has shown nothing to date to suggest he is challenging for Smith's role. Malceski, Mattner or Shaw's possibly (and all are closer to the end of their careers than the start) but not Smith's.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I think Smith has considerable attacking instincts, I recall a game early last season when he came on as an early substitute and played very creatively. But in general he does the team thing and negates.
Does Armstrong have the same temperament? Maybe. Does he have the same physique? I don't think so, I certainly can't see him applying much physical preasure atm.
But as you say . . . . they put a man on the moon

[joemoore12]

Why not play both???

[Xie Shan]

Interesting thought... at the moment, I see them playing different roles, Armstrong actually reminds me of Malceski earlier in his career. And Malcho improved the defensive side to his game out of sight last year. There is now no question about Smith's place in the best 22 (and nor should there be). Armstrong is a bit further behind, but see no reason why he can't bridge the gap.

[giant]

Reckon Mattner is the one looking over his shoulder at Armstrong - Nick Smith is potentially our next captain.

[Xie Shan]

Reckon Mattner is the one looking over his shoulder at Armstrong - Nick Smith is potentially our next captain.

Possibly, but my money's still on KJack to take over the reins when Goodesy retires

[Ludwig]

Interesting that on the Mitch Morton thread we discussed who would be best for the small forward role. If MM or Benny were playing against us, who would get the shut down matchup for us? Nick Smith, me thinks.

The small forward stopper role is a critical one in the modern game and there is hardly one better than Nick. At one time I thought he would move into the midfield, but it seems those spots are being filled fast. I think he's found his place and it will take a lot to move him out of it.

But I am a big fan of Armstrong and believe his time is coming soon.

[Triple B]

Why not play both???

I was contemplating what to have for dinner. Thx for that, taco's it is...

[sharp9]

Nick Smith can attack....shame about his kicking for goal, though. Favourite NS moment...4th quarter v Hawks in Tassie, ball in dispute in centre....1 on 2...Smithy to the rescue....delivers....gameover :-)

[Jewels]

Nick Smith is potentially our next captain.

I agree

[Bloody Hell]

Nick Smith is severly underrated in his abilities, due to the role he plays for the team.

Was a monster in the middle for the ressies before getting called up to the Senior to fill a role in the backline - that he performed outstandingly in, as he did the next week, and the next week, and the next week....etc, till here we are 70 games later and he's the best small defender in the league.

I am waiting for someone in the ressies to setup in the small defender role. Think our midfield is pretty good at the moment? Wait till Smith is in there.

[wolftone57]

Interesting that on the Mitch Morton thread we discussed who would be best for the small forward role. If MM or Benny were playing against us, who would get the shut down matchup for us? Nick Smith, me thinks.

The small forward stopper role is a critical one in the modern game and there is hardly one better than Nick. At one time I thought he would move into the midfield, but it seems those spots are being filled fast. I think he's found his place and it will take a lot to move him out of it.

But I am a big fan of Armstrong and believe his time is coming soon.

I don't think Nick would be picked on Morton. Morton is a bit taller and a very good overhead mark in a pack situation. I would suggest, Mattner, Mal or AJ would get a role on him if he were playing against us. They all kille the ball by punching coming over the top and that would basically kill Mitch's overhead pack marking.

Tony Armstrong is not the same type of player as Nick. I don't think Tony could take Cyril Rioli, Eddy Betts, Stephen Milne, Daniel Wells, Brent Harvey or Andrew Krakouer. He is not quite fast enough for those small forwards. He is suited to the mid size forward who is mid speed and reasonable overhead as he is a very good spoiler. More, Mal or MM type.

[dimelb]

I wonder if Harry Cunningham may become our next star small defender. Would be good at counterattack too.
And the coaches are thinking the same way. From his club profile:

We hope in 2013 that we can round out his game. He knows how to play as a small forward and as an outside mid and this year we?re also trying to work with him to learn to play as a small defender.

[Big Al]

Re: Armstrong vs Nick Smith

Looking at the thread title it seems Smooch is underrated even by some of our own supporters. He's nearly first picked every week in my team.

Also from what I've heard from people close to the club he is an outstanding leader so Giant and Jewels could be right on the money.