How tall should we go?

[Hard Ball Get]

What is your view on our forward line structure in regards to Darcy and Doogs? In the past we have lacked genuine tall options up forward but now its seems we have two legitamate targets.

My question is how do we use them? Would it be more beneficial to have Darcy at Full Forward/ Centre half Forward and Doogs in defence allowing Doogs to move forward if and when Darcy plays further up the ground.

Or would it be better to play both talls together in the forward line? If we do take this option what would be the best structure? Who would be closer to goals? Could both operate out of the square?

Of course I am idealistic and hopefull that both players will remain fit and in good form earning places in our 22.

[bornadog]

Who would you play at CHF then? What about Chris Grant, where is he going to play? Its a tough one, glad I am not coach

[Dry Rot]

Many would claim that Grant will lead the backline.

McDougall's mobility would suggest CHF if he's any good, and most claim Darcy will FF although Rocket said he'd use him all over the place.

I can't see that having them would be too tall. And if was Robbins, I'd be worried.

[bornadog]

Many would claim that Grant will lead the backline.

McDougall's mobility would suggest CHF if he's any good, and most claim Darcy will FF although Rocket said he'd use him all over the place.

I can't see that having them would be too tall. And if was Robbins, I'd be worried.

Robbins can crumb off the big blokes, we never seem to do that much

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Robbins can crumb off the big blokes, we never seem to do that much

I'm not so sure Robbins is a crumber of the Football.

He doesn't turn very quickly, and thus, he's more of a lead, mark and goal type of forward. Whilst I think he'll still play the majority of games, I don't think he'll play all of them and a lot will depend upon his form.

Having Doogs and Darcy would be fantastic for the side, particuarly the midfield, as we could push some numbers back to help out in defence rather than having to run the whole way down forward to kick goals etc.

For mine;


Giansiracusa -- McDougall -- Murphy
Robbins -- Darcy -- Johnson

Gia and Murphy are very, very intelligent players and are HFF specialists. Arguably two of the best in the game at it. McDougall would provide a strong CHF option, leading from the 40m arch to the 60/70m arch. (Allowing Darcy to lead from the square to the 40m area).

Robbins might have to contend with Higgins and perhaps one or two others, but he gets the nod for the beginning. He kicked 45 goals last year, a good effort. Darcy as the tall FF and Johnson to do his thing as a small FF.

That has the potential to blow away most backlines and it's very versatile, with the quick smalls and big talls. It gives us plenty of options.

Aker, Cooney, Hahn, Power and likely a few others will also be used in the forward line at times. These are also quality players and can equally hurt the opposition as Gia, Johnson, Murphy etc.

[LostDoggy]

What is your view on our forward line structure in regards to Darcy and Doogs? In the past we have lacked genuine tall options up forward but now its seems we have two legitamate targets.

My question is how do we use them? Would it be more beneficial to have Darcy at Full Forward/ Centre half Forward and Doogs in defence allowing Doogs to move forward if and when Darcy plays further up the ground.

Or would it be better to play both talls together in the forward line? If we do take this option what would be the best structure? Who would be closer to goals? Could both operate out of the square?

Of course I am idealistic and hopefull that both players will remain fit and in good form earning places in our 22.

I'd go with Darcy as FF and Doogs as the CHF providing his form warrants his selection.
(Grant to play CHB unless Doogs isn't ready)

I like the idea of 2 key forwards similar to how Bulldogs Bite structured his forward set-up.

[Dry Rot]

Robbins did bloody well for his size as a marking forward, but with Darcy, Murphy and perhaps McDougall in the forwardline we should have a lot of marking power.

As a matter of interest, who's our best crumber?

[Go_Dogs]

Aker, Robbins, Faulkner, Cooney, Johnson.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Robbins did bloody well for his size as a marking forward, but with Darcy, Murphy and perhaps McDougall in the forwardline we should have a lot of marking power.

As a matter of interest, who's our best crumber?

Akermanis would be, I'd think.

Robbins might be in some strife if the forward set-up isn't working with Darcy, Murphy, Johnson & Doogs who are all capable and strong marks.

It might mean that we must have a crumber at Darcy/Doogs feet, in which case Robbins will either have to change his game somewhat to compensate or - we look to other players. Perhaps Lynch?

It may work fine, but it's just a thought - with a lot of marking power you generally need a crumber, but I don't think Robbins is one, so if the set-up is lacking Faulkner or Lynch or another player may get a chance as a FP.

[Hard Ball Get]

If their is a doubt over Robbins and his ability to crumb or get opportunities in our new look forward line, could he return to defence?

[mjp]

Many would claim that Grant will lead the backline.


To be honest DR, the many are deluded. Grant wont be leading anyone in 2007. He will be a spare parts player - a bit forward, a bit back as required. I know it is hard for everyone to accept, but it is not 1997 anymore.

One of our great strengths has been that we have a different structure, and as such create a match-up challenge for most teams. To paraphrase Bill Russell, we have been making the opposition do not what they want to do, but what we want them to do. I cannot see us playing with more than two tall forwards at all - and doubt we will leave a two-tall structure in place for more than half of each game.

[Dry Rot]

If you're correct, I wonder if we'll even see Wight, McDougall and Grant in the same team.

[Hard Ball Get]

If their is a doubt over Robbins and his ability to crumb or get opportunities in our new look forward line, could he return to defence?

Any opinnions on this?

[GVGjr]

Any opinnions on this?
HBG,

I think Robbins could return to defence but he really is a more productive forward than he ever was as a defender. I don't doubt for one minute that he can adjust to a new forward set-up.

The great thing about Robbins is that he doesn't need to get a lot of the ball to be an effective player. His tackling in the forward line and the pressure he applies is first rate.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Any opinnions on this?

My opinion is that it would end his career.

[Dry Rot]

Can we say definitively that Robbins is no crumber?

He hasn't had too many talls up that end of the ground for 2 seasons.