Recruit of the year!

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Well two games in and I know we are all waiting for the introduction of JUH and co. But thinking about impact and influencing of a game. Will Martin be the recruit of the year.

After the West Coke game, his worth was on display for all to see. He has taken on both the big boys in the game and “to me” actually came out of front. He will also not let the likes of Mummy intimidate and man handle our mids.

So in terms of out put himself, others walking tall around him and experience and cool head no doubt helped settle the boys ready for the big moment, what else could we ask for.

We need to manage his work load and also Tim’s confidence, so when if any games do we rest him and keep him fresh. No doubt he is a work horse but at his age do we worry about it or just roll on and what ever happens will unfold.

If we do rest him is this a chance to blood Sweet or we just go one out with English?

I have to admit I would never have thought I would be pondering this question last year but like many other questions the MC will have a few sleepless nights wrestling with our team this year.

[WBFC4FFC]

Agree with what you are saying in-terms of his influence. The modern-day Ben Hudson who was the right Ruck at the right time for a loaded midfield.

I would not say he came out in front. Nic Nat is a beast and an athlete in one, single-handedly nearly winning it for them. (In terms of most influential midfielder at the game, I thought he pipped Bont and Macrae, given all of his clearances).

Having said that, there is no way the Bullies would have one that without Martin. Nic Nat was less influential in the last, maybe because he was wrecked having to go up against Martin, who makes you earn a physical battle. That in the accidental poke to Nic Nat's eye perhaps.

[1eyedog]

Hey BB haven't heard from you in ages! Hope you're well. For a minute there I thought this was going to be a Josh Brooce appreciation thread. He's been a bit like a new recruit this year given he didn't really show up last year. How good has Broocy been btw!?

Like you I thought Martin was sensational on Sunday. He was soundly beaten for three quarters but that's no shameful thing against Nic Nat. While getting beaten Martin at least stayed in the game, pushed back hard in defence and made critical contests at critical times. His ability to use his guile and strength to move Nic Nat out of ruck contests in the last quarter (particularly at throw ins) was game changing.

This is the benefit of a having a strong, experienced ruckman in your side.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Hey BB haven't heard from you in ages! Hope you're well. For a minute there I thought this was going to be a Josh Brooce appreciation thread. He's been a bit like a new recruit this year given he didn't really show up last year. How good has Broocy been btw!?

Like you I thought Martin was sensational on Sunday. He was soundly beaten for three quarters but that's no shameful thing against Nic Nat. While getting beaten Martin at least stayed in the game, pushed back hard in defence and made critical contests at critical times. His ability to use his guile and strength to move Nic Nat out of ruck contests in the last quarter (particularly at throw ins) was game changing.

This is the benefit of a having a strong, experienced ruckman in your side.

All good over here. I loved the game from Steph and really could see the Benefits of getting him into the club. I still think he was better than break even as I thought Nic Nat killed us last time he played and combined with Grundy we are miles in front. Also thought he was barking instructions to the kids were as in past years it was Wiley left to Bont and Libba. I really think he has lightened the load (or spread the load) and huge things await around the corner.

The best midfield in the AFL has to get a leg up every now and again

[Happy Days]

I mean, I’m happy we got him (now) but let’s not pretend Nic Nat didn’t almost single handedly win the game for them. He’s great around the ground and very physical but his tap work is (and always has been) a weakness.

He’ll help us immeasurably against guys like Grundy, ROB and Nankervis but we’ll still be troubled by the Nic Nats and Gawns.

[merantau]

I thought Stef held his own in the first half, couldn't get his hand on in the 3rd and came back strongly in the last - so a good game and a very important contribution to our win.

No doubt that if we can keep him on the park he will be a big influence on the outcome of many games. He's a real pro. Came to us in tip-top shape, ready to go.

[Mofra]

His biggest impact might have been pre-season. English as second ruck went toe to toe with Grundy a number of times in round 1, he got creamed by Grundy last year. Having a genuine experienced AFL standard ruck to partner with all pre-season has probably done wonders for his development.

[comrade]

He’ll help us immeasurably against guys like Grundy, ROB and Nankervis but we’ll still be troubled by the Nic Nats and Gawns.

As will every ruckman in the competition.

We obviously got beaten in the ruck but not as badly as it could have been and Stef neutralised just enough late. Timmy would have been completely devoured, especially at the boundary throw ins where he inexplicably takes the trailing position every time.

I actually thought we gave Sheed way too much leeway in the middle at times. He was the only Eagles mid capable of getting his hands on it and NicNat just put it down his throat again and again. I would have preferred sticking Libba in his back pocket and clamped down in the 3rd.

[Hotdog60]

As will every ruckman in the competition.

We obviously got beaten in the ruck but not as badly as it could have been and Stef neutralised just enough late. Timmy would have been completely devoured, especially at the boundary throw ins where he inexplicably takes the trailing position every time.

I actually thought we gave Sheed way too much leeway in the middle at times. He was the only Eagles mid capable of getting his hands on it and NicNat just put it down his throat again and again. I would have preferred sticking Libba in his back pocket and clamped down in the 3rd.

That was the good thing about Stef he fights for front position and he has more control of what happens.

[Happy Days]

As will every ruckman in the competition.

We obviously got beaten in the ruck but not as badly as it could have been and Stef neutralised just enough late. Timmy would have been completely devoured, especially at the boundary throw ins where he inexplicably takes the trailing position every time.

That is a fantastic point.

How infuriating was Timmy being sent into the middle for a crucial clearance (think it was after the Jones goal) only to see Nic Nat tap it to himself and walk it out of the square?

[SquirrelGrip]

He’ll help us immeasurably against guys like Grundy, ROB and Nankervis but we’ll still be troubled by the Nic Nats and Gawns.

There's more than one Nic Nat and more than one Gawn?

[Twodogs]

There's more than one Nic Nat and more than one Gawn?

Nah. It just seems like it sometimes.

[Topdog]

There's more than one Nic Nat and more than one Gawn?

Looked like there were 3 Nic Nats on Sunday :D

His impact is everywhere though, helps with our ruck situation directly which also helps with our forward line setup and provides confidence and coaching to Timmy as well. We are a better team with him in it.

[GVGjr]

His biggest impact might have been pre-season. English as second ruck went toe to toe with Grundy a number of times in round 1, he got creamed by Grundy last year. Having a genuine experienced AFL standard ruck to partner with all pre-season has probably done wonders for his development.

We shouldn't underestimate the value he brings to both English and Street by being able to regularly train against him.

[Grantysghost]

We shouldn't underestimate the value he brings to both English and Street by being able to regularly train against him.

Don't tell me Peter Street's back!

https://media.giphy.com/media/bEVKYB487Lqxy/giphy.gif

[westdog54]

I mean, I’m happy we got him (now) but let’s not pretend Nic Nat didn’t almost single handedly win the game for them. He’s great around the ground and very physical but his tap work is (and always has been) a weakness.

He’ll help us immeasurably against guys like Grundy, ROB and Nankervis but we’ll still be troubled by the Nic Nats and Gawns.

My dad was at the game and his summary was "If Grundy is worth a 7 year deal then NicNat is worth a 10 year deal. He's the best Ruckman in the competition by a mile".

I was having flashbacks to Michael Gardiner feeding Ben Cousins clearance after clearance in Adam Cooney's first game.

[bornadog]

My dad was at the game and his summary was "If Grundy is worth a 7 year deal then NicNat is worth a 10 year deal. He's the best Ruckman in the competition by a mile".

I was having flashbacks to Michael Gardiner feeding Ben Cousins clearance after clearance in Adam Cooney's first game.

I agree, he is better than Grundy, Gawn and Goldy.

[Axe Man]

My dad was at the game and his summary was "If Grundy is worth a 7 year deal then NicNat is worth a 10 year deal. He's the best Ruckman in the competition by a mile".

I was having flashbacks to Michael Gardiner feeding Ben Cousins clearance after clearance in Adam Cooney's first game.


I agree, he is better than Grundy, Gawn and Goldy.

In ruck contests sure. But a ruckman needs to do more than that these days and he barely marks the ball at all, rarely kicks goals and due to his body can't spend as long on the ground as the other premier ruckmen.

[bornadog]

In ruck contests sure. But a ruckman needs to do more than that these days and he barely marks the ball at all, rarely kicks goals and due to his body can't spend as long on the ground as the other premier ruckmen.

Agree - in the ruck. Grundy is the best of those, around the ground

[AshMac]

He has been huge for us and a model already proven last year by st kilda brining in Ryder to help Marshall.

He has clearly had a huge impact on English’s game - training partner as well as removing the burden of the full time ruck role - and it’s awesome to see he is also having a positive impact on the ground himself.