Laidler

[Triple B]

I thought he was mighty last night. Took some really strong grabs when needed and made good decisions by hand coming out of defence.

As maligned as our defence is, particularly on this board, it's the sum of all the parts which makes it such a solid unit and Laidler now looks to be one of those parts...

[mcs]

I have been impressed by Laidler. Much maligned because he is a recycled player from Carlton, but he has now found a place in our back 6 and made it his own in my book. He seems to, like Marty Mattner used to, bob up in just the right spot, and is generally fairly calm with the ball in harm. A good run of continuous games is really helping him I feel - oh and being at a club that actually is half decent helps too.

[liz]

If our defence lost us the game against the Dogs, they redeemed themselves in spades last night. I thought they were all mighty under the pressure. Ted was super, Grundy in the right place at the right time (just wish he'd eliminate his brain fades, like a look away handball over his head back into the Hawks' defensive 50), Smith was Smith (regardless of what Rioli was doing).

But yes, Laidler was fantastic too. He's a strong mark and seems to understand his limitations, and plays within them.

[ScottH]

Laidler has always been a good mark, but his decision making and disposal has let him down.
He has been good the last few weeks as well.

[dimelb]

He did well. I'd only add that he was hard when it was needed. And it was certainly needed last night.

[Primmy8]

I liked Leigh's surmise last week that he was puzzled why Laids couldn't get a game under Mick. We got better foresight I would think and he is repaying his chance with loyal effort. Works for me.

[Doctor]

Dave Hughes mentioned that in his spray, which is quite amusing for those who haven't seen it yet.

Laidler has been really good and consistent all year.

[Big Al]

Dave Hughes mentioned that in his spray, which is quite amusing for those who haven't seen it yet.

Laidler has been really good and consistent all year.

"You couldn't get a game at Carlton"

"Have you rung Mick to thank him yet"

[Markus26]

I have been impressed by Laidler. Much maligned because he is a recycled player from Carlton, but he has now found a place in our back 6 and made it his own in my book. He seems to, like Marty Mattner used to, bob up in just the right spot, and is generally fairly calm with the ball in harm. A good run of continuous games is really helping him I feel - oh and being at a club that actually is half decent helps too.

Agreed! He seems to read the play fairly well and a consistent opportunity is a beautiful thing.

[aguy]

I've mentioned it before but in his breakout season at Carlton I'm pretty sure he was rated as the best intercept mark in the comp. Then didn't he have an injury and lost favour with Malthouse? Our gain. I was dubious at the beginning of the season whether he was in our best 22 but not any more. When I see a bomb going into our defensive 50 and I see Laids close by I now relax and think thankfully its laidler

[tasmania60]

Played well getting better , Carltons list manager must just about to commit hari kari . What a bargain !

[Ampersand]

Malthouse sent him back to the VFL to develop his chops in the forward line, something Jeremy has said he was uncomfortable with - what a refreshing change, a defender who is actually happy to be a defender and doesn't aspire to play in the midfield (j/k).

Given his contested marking ability you could understand why a coach might see Laidler as a potential forward but I think he is clearly at home down back doing the team stuff.

[caj23]

Played well getting better , Carltons list manager must just about to commit hari kari . What a bargain !

If Laidler was playing in the Carlton rabble at the moment he wouldn't look any better than the rest of them. He's a foot soldier who is filling a role for us but I doubt the blues are loosing much sleep over him, Eddie Betts on the other hand .....

[moocher]

If Laidler was playing in the Carlton rabble at the moment he wouldn't look any better than the rest of them. He's a foot soldier who is filling a role for us but I doubt the blues are loosing much sleep over him, Eddie Betts on the other hand .....

We do well with foot soldiers...better than any other team. Sometimes they end up as all Australians!

[barry]

He's holding AJs spot warm for him.

But i am a laidler fan.