Crossys Kicking Boots

[The Adelaide Connection]

It is no secret that Cross is not the best kick in the team and his reluctance to have a shot still drives me nuts at times.

But has anyone else felt he has been very good so far this year? He rarely misses his target now and two of his passes last night to targets on half forward were not only amazing kicks, but showed fantastic vision and were executd through traffic. Both had the commentators salivating.

Has the in and under specialist added a new string to his bow?

[Remi Moses]

Great with his hands his reluctance to kick drives me to distraction. Gee the ball movement and hands were great to watch last night

[Rocco Jones]

My main issue with Cross isn't his inability to kick, rather it's his reluctance to kick.

[LostDoggy]

Cross must be playing to instructions as quite a few times this year he has opted to wait and go backwards with a handball rather than kick it forward. I hope the coaching staff give him the licence and confidence to kick. It makes Cross less predictable and far more dangerous, because as you say he can be quite a good kick up to 40 metres.

[LostDoggy]

My main issue with Cross isn't his inability to kick, rather it's his reluctance to kick.

His reluctance to have a shot at goal really drives me bonkers!

[The Coon Dog]

Cross must be playing to instructions as quite a few times this year he has opted to wait and go backwards with a handball rather than kick it forward.

Couldn't be further from the truth there Slapper. Rocket nearly goes off his nut when Crossy does it & despite assurances from Crossy that he won't, he does.

[boydogs]

Couldn't be further from the truth there Slapper. Rocket nearly goes off his nut when Crossy does it & despite assurances from Crossy that he won't, he does.

Thanks for the insight :)

[LostDoggy]

Couldn't be further from the truth there Slapper. Rocket nearly goes off his nut when Crossy does it & despite assurances from Crossy that he won't, he does.

Must tell Crossy to pop on and read this thread. ;)

[dog town]

My main issue with Cross isn't his inability to kick, rather it's his reluctance to kick. Exactly right. These days his actual kicking skills are quite adequate but he just doesn't seem to have the confidence to use the ball by foot.

[Go_Dogs]

He kicked at least 2 rippers on Friday that were perfect balls to the space, and forced the lead up player to run to the good spot. Sadly Gilbee dropped one, which was a sitter.

His field kicking is generally very good, as long as its a lofted ball into the space. He's never going to be able to kick low, powerful daisy cutters, but can certainly kick. Could become a good ploy for him too as every time he gets the ball now, the opposition zone off and wait for the handball. With a bit of composure, he could become a very important guy bringing the ball into our F50.

[1eyedog]

Exactly right. These days his actual kicking skills are quite adequate but he just doesn't seem to have the confidence to use the ball by foot.

I don't know if it is a lack of confidence more than that he knows there are much better users of the ball than himself. He is so conditioned to being in heavy traffic (and years learning this trade from West has reinforced this ability) that when he has space he sometimes perhaps doesn't trust his best judgment. He is my favourite player at the dogs, has been for some time and has really lifted his work rate over the past month.

[Mantis]

Exactly right. These days his actual kicking skills are quite adequate but he just doesn't seem to have the confidence to use the ball by foot.

I watch Cross very closely in the warm-ups and he does, as you mention kick the ball quite well. The lack of confidence is an issue that doesn't seem to be improving and is probably the reason why he is playing a more defensive & inside role over the past month.

I also watch him do little drills about 30m out from goals where he rolls the ball in front of him then gathers runs about 5m and then has a shot on goal from 15 or 20m out. In these drills I would think he only kicks 1 out of 2 and he rarely kicks one with a 'pure' spinning drop punt. It really is amazing to watch.