In praise of ....

[Velour&Ruffles]

Big Tom D.
I haven't understood all the Tom hate this year. To me, he has been hard at it and provided a serious contest for a guy with all of 3 senior games experience when he joined us. For a guy who is 6-9 in the old he is incredibly athletic, and he puts his body on the line every time. Well done Tom - most readers of this site may disagree, but I reckon you've showed the right signs all year and tonight you were terrific.

[churry]

He may lack a lot in the skill department but he has worked bloody hard. He would probably be one of the sorest players after that game.

[CureTheSane]

I've been mildly critical of him at times, but that was only in comparison to where a senior player in the side should be at the moment.
Of course there is a learning curve that can't be avoided.
Tonight he was excellent.

[Sandridge]

Big Tom D.
I haven't understood all the Tom hate this year. To me, he has been hard at it and provided a serious contest for a guy with all of 3 senior games experience when he joined us. For a guy who is 6-9 in the old he is incredibly athletic, and he puts his body on the line every time. Well done Tom - most readers of this site may disagree, but I reckon you've showed the right signs all year and tonight you were terrific.

Spot on!

[Panttz]

Yes he was very very good at negating the effectiveness of Hale and Mcevoy, however both of those ruckmen aren't noted for their tap work.

He played well, lots to learn, kudos big fella!

[Melbournehammer]

I have repeatedly stuck up for him. He played last night as he has in each match, wholeheartedly. He tackles competes wins the ball occasionally and provides a contest. He will get towel led up from time to time by the better ruck men of the comp but so long as he doesn't drop his head, keeps tackling and putting his body on the line he might yet become a good ordinary player.

We knew what we were getting. He in the circumstances has done very well for us.

[Matimbo]

Yep, in Pyke and Tom D we have our preferred ruck combo. I would want both of them in the team each week if fit as I'm still not convinced about the strategy of going with only one true ruckman. Question then becomes who misses out from last night's lineup?

[111431]

You have to love his competitiveness - if he can bring it to ground our midfielders can finish the job - for all the baggers; Pykey was struggling after a similar no. Of games

[Ludwig]

I agree that he works hard and is very competitive, and I hate to break the TD lovefest on a great night. I know he's only had a handful of games, but I can't see him making all that much improvement. For all the praise, he's a 'limit the damage' ruckman who has modest skills. He was beaten, but no dominated, which is all we expected of him and why he's getting so much praise all around. But as soon as Pyke is ready, I would bring him in for Tom. I would also like to see Nanko get a chance to show what he can do at AFL level, as he continues to impress in the reserves.

I want to be clear, there is no hate for Tom coming from me. You have to like a guy that gives 100%. But he's awkward and has poor ball handling skills, and I doubt that will change with more experience.

Reid was impressive as the backup ruckman. In fact he was impressive all around the ground. I think Tippo competed in the ruck a few times as well. We don't have room for 2 full time ruckmen in the team.

[gazza]

congrats big tom. you have true bloods spirit in you. bugger talent use your g and d

[707]

Well done to the big guy who always has a real crack. He is however one of, if not the scariest person to watch with the ball in his hands.

There is no way we can carry two ruckmen with the giant forwards, it's a simple equation, do you want Derickx as the back up or Reid/Tippett as the back up. No brainer really, so as soon as Pyke is ready after the bye, big Tom will go back to the ressies.

I expect to see Nankervis used in lieu of Derickx later in the season and going forward, from all reports he is tearing it up in the ressies and offers so much more than Tom.

[Matt80]

I agree that he works hard and is very competitive, and I hate to break the TD lovefest on a great night. I know he's only had a handful of games, but I can't see him making all that much improvement. For all the praise, he's a 'limit the damage' ruckman who has modest skills. He was beaten, but no dominated, which is all we expected of him and why he's getting so much praise all around. But as soon as Pyke is ready, I would bring him in for Tom. I would also like to see Nanko get a chance to show what he can do at AFL level, as he continues to impress in the reserves.

I want to be clear, there is no hate for Tom coming from me. You have to like a guy that gives 100%. But he's awkward and has poor ball handling skills, and I doubt that will change with more experience.

Reid was impressive as the backup ruckman. In fact he was impressive all around the ground. I think Tippo competed in the ruck a few times as well. We don't have room for 2 full time ruckmen in the team.

I agree with your structure Ludwig. We only have room for one genuine Ruckman, particularly in a structure containing Tippett and Reid.

The genuine Ruckman should do all centre square ball ups, while those two other guys should do some of the boundary throw ins in the forward half.

I liked Reid's mobility and the ability for him to give us an option in all areas of the ground. He reminded me of Justin Westoff of Port with his mobile roaming ability.

[bondy]

Tom D was very impressive last night. He used his size well and demonstrated genuine courage on occasion. A great Bloods performance

[BobLog]

Courage yes, ability, no. He takes forever to make a decision and can't tap to advantage. Horrible kick. Hoping Nankervis can replace him as soon as possible.

[Gezball]

Tom D was very impressive last night. He used his size well and demonstrated genuine courage on occasion. A great Bloods performance

I thought he was decent last night too though I was a little disheartened to see in the paper this morning that he'd only had four possessions.