Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade will opt for the younger players

[bornadog]

Matt Windley From: Sunday Herald Sun (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/western-bulldogs-coach-rodney-eade-will-opt-for-the-younger-players/story-e6frf9jf-1226105073660)

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/mmsalih/073362-liam-picken.jpg

RODNEY Eade insists his side has not put the cue in the rack, but admits younger players will have selection priority after the Western Bulldogs' finals hopes were all but ended with an eight-point loss to West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

And while declaring Adam Cooney a near-certain starter for the Dogs' next game in two weeks, Eade said the club was considering sending the Brownlow medallist overseas at the after the season for surgery on his right knee.

He spoke of his pride in the Dogs' ability to fight back from a 50-point deficit in the third quarter yesterday, but lamented a questionable umpiring decision that gave Eagles' forward Jack Darling a go-ahead goal late in the fourth quarter.

Liam Picken was adjudged to have brought Darling to ground after a marking contest deep inside West Coast's attacking 50m.

Darling goaled from the free kick and the Dogs did not score again.

"I was watching the incident, but I didn't see the free kick," Eade said.

"But we can't get it back. If it's wrong, it's wrong, that's it. It might have cost us the game, but that's footy, that's the way it is. In a tight game like that you may keep your whistle in your pocket, but that happens.

"But, as I've said, there's some things that we needed to be better at and (show) a bit of poise. That last mark (to Dean Cox in the final minute), we should have been able to spoil."

He said the Dogs would continue to try to "win as many games as you can", but said he would continue to give youngsters game time.

The club has given debuts to eight players this year, a tally bettered only by Gold Coast. "We'll play players on form but, having said that, if there's a line ball, we'll play a kid," Eade said.

"We obviously played a lot of young lads today and we have the past eight or so weeks. But if there's a young lad who we think hasn't played a game at this stage we might obviously give him a game, so that will be a chance."

Eade said he did not see the point in prematurely ending Cooney's season - as the club has done with injured full-back Brian Lake - but admitted it was exploring options to aid the star midfielder's recovery from knee soreness.

"We might look at some alternatives overseas or something at the end of the year," he said.

"We're investigating that at the moment. But from the information we've got, there's not a lot we can do to improve it, it's just management of his knee.

"Putting Cooney out to pasture is not going to make his knee any better than what it is. If he has to have an operation then having it earlier is not going to make him any better and playing is not going to make it any worse.

"That's our medical advice. Adam's got two weeks with the bye next week, so we would think he would be right to play."

West Coast does not play a top eight side for the remainder of the season and, with a game in hand on fourth-placed Carlton, are in the box seat to snare fourth spot.

But coach John Worsfold refused to be drawn on the Eagles' finals fate after yesterday's win.

"The work we've done up until this point has been really outstanding by the players, but that's done and dusted now, that gives us nothing," Worsfold said.

"What's ahead for us is what's exciting and that starts next week.

"What comes in whatever number of weeks' time that is, who knows, we'll wait and see.

"But there's no use in this game worrying too much about possibilities because things move too quickly and change too quickly."

[AndrewP6]

"But we can't get it back. If it's wrong, it's wrong, that's it. It might have cost us the game, but that's footy, that's the way it is. In a tight game like that you may keep your whistle in your pocket, but that happens."

Very diplomatic, Rocket ;)

[mjp]

All of this is fine - but doesn't it seem like 5 seconds ago when we had old players and young players and no-one in the middle? And that was going to be our focus...and once again we have old players and young players and no-one in the middle. And of those who are 'in the middle' the only thing that is going to save players such as DJ from delisting is their contract status.

I know we have to delist 3 each year - which generally means the 'draftees minus 2' are the first to go if they haven't showed anything - but how has this cycle come around so quickly...or is that just my perception?

Absolutely 'play the kids', but at this stage isn't it more worth while trying to find out if there is any reason whatsoever in sticking with the likes of Tutt, Mulligan (I know he played yesterday), Stack (same for Mulligan), Skinner etc etc etc. I would add Cordy to that list but will be shouted down.

[immortalmike]

All of this is fine - but doesn't it seem like 5 seconds ago when we had old players and young players and no-one in the middle? And that was going to be our focus...and once again we have old players and young players and no-one in the middle. And of those who are 'in the middle' the only thing that is going to save players such as DJ from delisting is their contract status.

I know we have to delist 3 each year - which generally means the 'draftees minus 2' are the first to go if they haven't showed anything - but how has this cycle come around so quickly...or is that just my perception?

Absolutely 'play the kids', but at this stage isn't it more worth while trying to find out if there is any reason whatsoever in sticking with the likes of Tutt, Mulligan (I know he played yesterday), Stack (same for Mulligan), Skinner etc etc etc. I would add Cordy to that list but will be shouted down.

I don't agree. We hardly have no mid age players. All of Coons, Griff, Higgins, Ward, Picken, Wood, Sherman, Williams and Minson will be in their mid to early 20s at the start of next year. From this point on they (with help from some oldies) need to be our core. It's just a shame that Harbrow left, and Stack and Hill haven't come on as that'd turn the above list from okay to really good. I hardly think this is entirely the fault of our list management.

As for your last paragraph I agree on Mulligan and Stack but Skinner was only just drafted (with question marks on his tank), Tutt will play this year but was also seen as a long-term project (aka underdeveloped) and Cordy has had a run with injuries only surpassed by Tommy Williams in his early years, all Ayce needs is consistency of football at any level. But to your list I would add Vez, DJ, Barlow and Josh Hill.

[mjp]

I don't agree. We hardly have no mid age players. All of Coons, Griff, Higgins, Ward, Picken, Wood, Sherman, Williams and Minson will be in their mid to early 20s at the start of next year. From this point on they (with help from some oldies) need to be our core. It's just a shame that Harbrow left, and Stack and Hill haven't come on as that'd turn the above list from okay to really good. I hardly think this is entirely the fault of our list management.

As for your last paragraph I agree on Mulligan and Stack but Skinner was only just drafted (with question marks on his tank), Tutt will play this year but was also seen as a long-term project (aka underdeveloped) and Cordy has had a run with injuries only surpassed by Tommy Williams in his early years, all Ayce needs is consistency of football at any level. But to your list I would add Vez, DJ, Barlow and Josh Hill.

Fine.

Cooney - injured and future uncertain.
Ward and Wood - Both young players - these guys are only 20-21.
Minson - Reserves player.
Griff, Higgins, Picken, Sherman, Williams I will give you. That still means in a list of basically 46 we have 5 players who fit into the 'middle' age group...even if you claim Ward, Wood and Grant (same draft), that still only makes 8.

Since when are 2nd round draft picks (Tutt) seen as long term projects? Give me a break - it is now or never for him. At 177cm he needs to make an impact NOW or he wont be there in 2012.

Hill will be delisted. DJ should be (but 3 year contract will save him-whilst dooming Tutt) and Barlow tries hard but will always be the sort of player you are trying to replace. Vez I have hope for but if he cannot get his body ready to play in the midfield this should be it for him as well.

Cordy has had a run with injuries similar to the run of injuries he had as a junior. What evidence do you really need to say he is simply not made for full-time football? Or should we sign him to another extension and hope that something changes?

Is all of this harsh? Yes - but we simply refused to make tough calls in the last couple of seasons and now this is where we are.

[Ghost Dog]

Fine.

Cooney - injured and future uncertain.
Ward and Wood - Both young players - these guys are only 20-21.
Minson - Reserves player.
Griff, Higgins, Picken, Sherman, Williams I will give you. That still means in a list of basically 46 we have 5 players who fit into the 'middle' age group...even if you claim Ward, Wood and Grant (same draft), that still only makes 8.

Since when are 2nd round draft picks (Tutt) seen as long term projects? Give me a break - it is now or never for him. At 177cm he needs to make an impact NOW or he wont be there in 2012.

Hill will be delisted. DJ should be (but 3 year contract will save him-whilst dooming Tutt) and Barlow tries hard but will always be the sort of player you are trying to replace. Vez I have hope for but if he cannot get his body ready to play in the midfield this should be it for him as well.

Cordy has had a run with injuries similar to the run of injuries he had as a junior. What evidence do you really need to say he is simply not made for full-time football? Or should we sign him to another extension and hope that something changes?

Is all of this harsh? Yes - but we simply refused to make tough calls in the last couple of seasons and now this is where we are.

hill - out
Barlow - disagree strongly. Makes a few clangers but a hard match up for opponents. Bad call.
Agree with Tutt.
Stack I still have hope for. Kicked a great goal on the weekend but does some strange things.

[mjp]

Barlow - disagree strongly. Makes a few clangers but a hard match up for opponents. Bad call.


In what role GD?

He tries really hard and does a couple of things, but I just thing he is the classic JOAT and master of none. I really cannot see where he plays long-term.

[GVGjr]

In what role GD?

He tries really hard and does a couple of things, but I just thing he is the classic JOAT and master of none. I really cannot see where he plays long-term.

If promoted to the senior list and next year the side was performing better than it is currently would he still be in the selection mix?
He's a handy, spare parts player that can fill a few positions but probably not own one.

[lemmon]

In what role GD?

He tries really hard and does a couple of things, but I just thing he is the classic JOAT and master of none. I really cannot see where he plays long-term.

Has the physical attributes of an Ash Hansen, hit up centre half forward. With Bazza gone next year and Grant seemingly gone backwards might allow Jones to play closer to goal and have the resting ruck down there as well. I tend to agree though that he doesnt do enough to warrant a spot as a gap filler.

[Ghost Dog]

In what role GD?

He tries really hard and does a couple of things, but I just thing he is the classic JOAT and master of none. I really cannot see where he plays long-term.

I respect your view MJP, but just have to disagree here.
I mean, what role does Goddard play?

Ed is a defensive forward.
He can contest the kick ins in the air, as we saw yesterday
His kick is long and can bomb it in, as we saw yesterday.
He has a dip and tackles hard as we saw yesterday.
his role is to pinch hit in the ruck, and get the ball into the foward 50, tackle and chase. and he did that well yesterday.
Honestly, at times I think people have a thing against blondes. ^_^
He has two left feet at times; it ain't pretty, but he is effective at times and is getting better.

He was consigned to the seconds by many on here before he even had a taste of firsts.
The surprise of 2011

[azabob]

I respect your view MJP, but just have to disagree here.
I mean, what role does Goddard play?

He's an attacking player.
his role is to pinch hit in the ruck, and get the ball into the foward 50, tackle and chase. and he did that well yesterday.

Please say you did not just compare Ed Barlow to Brendan Goddard? You can not even begin to compare them.

[Ghost Dog]

Please say you did not just compare Ed Barlow to Brendan Goddard? You can not even begin to compare them.

Not the player, but the position. What is Goddards position on field?

[mjp]

I mean, what role does Goddard play?


The difference between Goddard and Barlow is that Goddard plays in different roles because he is so skilled that when he is back - the coaches feel they are missing something by not having him forward. And when he is forward, they look at the balance and move him into the middle...he is a top 3 player at the Saints at basically every position on the ground except Ruck.

Barlow is versatile - but the question I am asking is what position on the field could he really nail down? I love his effort and have been pleased with his contribution...but I am still not certain he plays if we are at full strength. When you have to play at your absolute best every week in order to contribute - you simply cannot last...

Then again, I guess Liber (Sr) made a career out of playing with maximum effort and being willing to do things others wouldn't - but keep in mind he did nail down a position on the field. Barlow has been a little bit forward, little bit mid, little bit ruck...it is a hard way to do it. From a coaching perspective, you want guys with the ability to be versatile - but being versatile cannot be their main trick - they need to be in the side to play a role and I wonder what role it is that Barlow will play.

You say defensive forward...but I am not sold.

And I am married to a blonde (or someone who claims to be a blonde!).

[azabob]

Not the player, but the position. What is Goddards position on field?

I misread you initial post.

Apologies GD

[Ghost Dog]

The difference between Goddard and Barlow is that Goddard plays in different roles because he is so skilled that when he is back - the coaches feel they are missing something by not having him forward. And when he is forward, they look at the balance and move him into the middle...he is a top 3 player at the Saints at basically every position on the ground except Ruck.

Barlow is versatile - but the question I am asking is what position on the field could he really nail down? I love his effort and have been pleased with his contribution...but I am still not certain he plays if we are at full strength. When you have to play at your absolute best every week in order to contribute - you simply cannot last...

Then again, I guess Liber (Sr) made a career out of playing with maximum effort and being willing to do things others wouldn't - but keep in mind he did nail down a position on the field. Barlow has been a little bit forward, little bit mid, little bit ruck...it is a hard way to do it. From a coaching perspective, you want guys with the ability to be versatile - but being versatile cannot be their main trick - they need to be in the side to play a role and I wonder what role it is that Barlow will play.

You say defensive forward...but I am not sold.

And I am married to a blonde (or someone who claims to be a blonde!).


Ok so you can't be blondist! :)
I think you answered your own question. He's a utility player, more out of need than skills. We're at a low point in terms of performance. He'll help cover us in areas while we can develop other players. With the sub rule as it is, he's a blessing for us.

How would Howard go as a small forward.? Worked for Gillbee earlier in the season in one game.


I misread you initial post.

Apologies GD

No worries at all Azabob!

[Sockeye Salmon]

Barlow is a potato

[Happy Days]

Barlow is a potato

This.

[BulldogBelle]

Ok so you can't be blondist! :)
I think you answered your own question. He's a utility player, more out of need than skills. We're at a low point in terms of performance. He'll help cover us in areas while we can develop other players. With the sub rule as it is, he's a blessing for us.

How would Howard go as a small forward.? Worked for Gillbee earlier in the season in one game.


No worries at all Azabob!



I dont think Howard can apply the defensive pressure thats required in that role - not sure what his crumbing skills are like as I havent seen him play that role at Willy.

We need players with silky smooth skills like him on the HBF - and some pure mongrel in the F50

[bornadog]

Barlow is a potato


This.

Can't agree with this. He had a poor first half but really contributed in the second half, including a goal as well as a goal assist. He is the sort of player that is hard to match up on and at 196cm can almost play as a small.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Can't agree with this. He had a poor first half but really contributed in the second half, including a goal as well as a goal assist. He is the sort of player that is hard to match up on and at 196cm can almost play as a small.

I didn't make the comment based on Saturday. I made the comment based on his overall crappiness at Sydney and at the Dogs.

He cannot catch.

He is a potato.

[Bulldog4life]

I didn't make the comment based on Saturday. I made the comment based on his overall crappiness at Sydney and at the Dogs.

He cannot catch.

He is a potato.

Although a different type of player they used to say similar things about Leigh Brown.

[Desipura]

Barlow is a potato
Glad you said it that way there is no real backlash.

[bornadog]

Glad you said it that way there is no real backlash.

No point in arguing, we all have our opinions.

[azabob]

How would Howard go as a small forward.? Worked for Gillbee earlier in the season in one game.

!

Is this to help with primarily defensive pressure or to be an attacking option?

I think our forward line is quite functional at the moment. Different story when Hall leaves.

[LostDoggy]

Ed is a defensive forward.


Said it a number of times already, defensive forward - a make believe place where you put players that have no position.
We have about 5 of them, all completing for this mythical position. No co-incident its players like Reid, Barlow, Hooper, Addison, etc.
Throw him in at Offensive back.

[Ghost Dog]

Barlow is a potato

Exactly. Potatoes are a staple diet. We may all prefer a glass of Judd, a slice of Swan, but Potatoes are what we eat, more than Salmon, Sockeye.
Barlow is going to be a great cover for the development of younger, more skilled players.
I don't see what the knock is on a player who doesn't have a fixed position?
In an Injury hit side, it's a huge advantage to have a player of his height who has any kind of tank. Who gives a rats doodle what happened at Sydney? Here and now.
He's not pretty to watch, granted, but he puts that shaggy blonde Melon over the ball and I LIKE IT.

And by the way, after going to the game, watching the guy bust a gut for our club, then you labeling him a dud? Well, celebrate the spud, bud.:rolleyes:

in some ways, some more highly skilled players can be worse than spuds. Everitt!
Like buying a chocolate eclair and finding they forgot to put any cream in it.
But a good honest spud. Mash it, boil it or bake it.
The boy from Bega, a cheesy spud yes, but sometimes that's what gets the job done.
So there. Rant over.;)

[Ghost Dog]

Is this to help with primarily defensive pressure or to be an attacking option?

I think our forward line is quite functional at the moment. Different story when Hall leaves.

thinking about next year. until Jones develops, we will be very lopsided without Barry. Attacking option.

[Bulldog Revolution]

He cannot catch.



He is only a few weeks removed from a broken hand/finger

I am not arguing he is a superstar but he's been handy and I think his hands over the past two weeks have not been as good as they were pre-injury

[azabob]

thinking about next year. until Jones develops, we will be very lopsided without Barry. Attacking option.

Will be a very interesting 2012 to see how the forward line functions without Hall.

Hopefully Vez can figure out what is required to become an AFL player as he has the ability to play as a lead up forward.

[Sockeye Salmon]

He is only a few weeks removed from a broken hand/finger

I am not arguing he is a superstar but he's been handy and I think his hands over the past two weeks have not been as good as they were pre-injury

He couldn't catch before he broke his finger, either.


Barlow is exactly the same as Everitt, with all the same problems that Everiit had, except that he has about 1/10 of Everitt's talent (and as far as I know he doesn't have an idiot brother).


Once Barlow passes the 20 game barrier (no chance IMO) he will be the most hated Bulldogs player in the history of the internet.

[Ghost Dog]

He couldn't catch before he broke his finger, either.


Barlow is exactly the same as Everitt, with all the same problems that Everiit had, except that he has about 1/10 of Everitt's talent (and as far as I know he doesn't have an idiot brother).


Once Barlow passes the 20 game barrier (no chance IMO) he will be the most hated Bulldogs player in the history of the internet.



Post bookmarked. revisit this one in 20 Barlow games

[macca]

I didn't make the comment based on Saturday. I made the comment based on his overall crappiness at Sydney and at the Dogs.

He cannot catch.

He is a potato.

Why cant Barlow be played as a bash and crash CHF ? He just has to bring the ball down. His long kicking isnt bad. Keep him there for 1-2 years until Jones, Panos/Tommy Hill develop, and Ayce develop

[Sockeye Salmon]

Why cant Barlow be played as a bash and crash CHF ? He just has to bring the ball down. His long kicking isnt bad. Keep him there for 1-2 years until Jones, Panos/Tommy Hill develop, and Ayce develop

Because he's about as physical as Sam Power.

[Desipura]

Love the honesty Sockeye in your assessment of players. Some on here I believe are too biased.
I would be interested to know who of the following players you think has a long term career at the dogs or at AFL level?
Addison
Stack
Hooper
Djerkurra
Mulligan
Minson
Reid
Markovic

I think they are all list cloggers.

[LostDoggy]

Love the honesty Sockeye in your assessment of players. Some on here I believe are too biased.
I would be interested to know who of the following players you think has a long term career at the dogs or at AFL level?
Addison
Stack
Hooper
Djerkurra
Mulligan
Minson
Reid

You can be biased either way.

Of your list (I know you asked SS but I'm weighing in with my ten cents worth), I'd pick to still be here at the end of 2013:

DJ (contract runs out then, so we'd have to trade him otherwise).
Minson (if he doesn't retire).
Reid could go either way.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Addison - No
Stack - Perhaps
Hooper - No
Djerkurra - No
Mulligan - Unlikely
Minson - Yes
Reid - No
Markovic - Perhaps


Addison has a crack but just isn't very good any anything in particular. Perhaps if he was quicker he might be a chance but he ain't.

Stack may not make it but at least I see enough to think he has the tools. He moves well enough and his skills are good enough.

Hooper has shown nothing that makes me think he will ever be any more than a fair/good VFL player. Miles off AFL and I can't see where he can improve.

DJ's ball handling simply is not of AFL standard.

Mulligan is similar to Stack. Has the physical attributes but will he ever turn into a player? Probably not.

I think Minson is actually quite a decent ruckman, he's just a very ordinary forward. No doubt he has been hurt by Hudson being an even worse forward than Will is.

Reid - too slow, can't kick.

Markovic could make an honest go of a 4-5 year/ 50-70 game AFL career but will ultimately get pushed out by the time he's 28 when someone younger is found to do as good a job. Would only survive if he was adequate enough that replacing him didn't become a high priority. Potential eker.

[Desipura]

Addison has a crack but just isn't very good any anything in particular. Perhaps if he was quicker he might be a chance but he ain't.

Stack may not make it but at least I see enough to think he has the tools. He moves well enough and his skills are good enough.

Hooper has shown nothing that makes me think he will ever be any more than a fair/good VFL player. Miles off AFL and I can't see where he can improve.

DJ's ball handling simply is not of AFL standard.

Mulligan is similar to Stack. Has the physical attributes but will he ever turn into a player? Probably not.

I think Minson is actually quite a decent ruckman, he's just a very ordinary forward. No doubt he has been hurt by Hudson being an even worse forward than Will is.

Reid - too slow, can't kick.

Markovic could make an honest go of a 4-5 year/ 50-70 game AFL career but will ultimately get pushed out by the time he's 28 when someone younger is found to do as good a job. Would only survive if he was adequate enough that replacing him didn't become a high priority. Potential eker.
Thanks. Hard to disagree with your assessment. Minson as a week in week out ruckman I do not believe can make it.
Having said that, he is the most likely.
Stack lacks intensity.

[Sedat]

Barlow is exactly the same as Everitt, with all the same problems that Everiit had, except that he has about 1/10 of Everitt's talent (and as far as I know he doesn't have an idiot brother).
Dre would be lucky to have 1% of Barlow's work ethic and desperation. I've watched him live 3 times now and he simply does not stop working his arse off and running to provide an option for his mostly static teammates. He sucked in the first half on Saturday but it certainly wasn't for lack of effort, and he was as instrumental as anyone else (with the exception of Boyd) in the fightback.

In answer to MJP's post earlier, for mine Barlow is ruck relief/follower in the Stefan Martin/Leigh Brown mould, but can pinch hit up forward or down back as needed. He could also be used as a run-with option to blunt the effectiveness of the top-echelon mobile ruckmen (such as a Cox type). None of Minson, Hudson (if he is retained) or Roughy can go with these types, and we have the perfect person to blunt their effectiveness.

The bloke can outrun Crossy in a time trial - he gets huge props for this alone. Not every tall is going to be blessed with the sublime skill of a Hart or a Templeton or a Grant - he might be a potato but he's my potato.

[Sedat]

Stack lacks intensity.
I don't think he lacks intensity - he goes hard enough when needed. His main problem is his decision making when he has the ball. When he doesn't have to think about the consequences, he can do some great things on the park. But give him time and space with the ball and he goes to water.

[Daughter of the West]

Not every tall is going to be blessed with the sublime skill of a Hart or a Templeton or a Grant - he might be a potato but he's my potato.

http://graemethomasonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/mr-potato-head-power.jpg

:D

*Apologies if the picture didn't actually work, I can't actually see it on my work computer.

[Greystache]

Great Post Sedat.

[soupman]

I don't think he lacks intensity - he goes hard enough when needed. His main problem is his decision making when he has the ball. When he doesn't have to think about the consequences, he can do some great things on the park. But give him time and space with the ball and he goes to water.

I agree with this. I think the thing he lacks is confidence. When he stuffs up it's because he seems unsure in what he is doing. This is happening less, and I actually think he's been fairly solid this year, and unlucky to be dropped at times (after an early trip to Perth perhaps was the most suprising). I'm more than happy to give him another year if his performances stay at the same level or higher, certainly ahead of a Hooper. Stack at least has several AFL qualities, we are just waiting on them to come together. They probably won't, and like many say he probably will never be a quality AFL player, but I actually don't think he's too far off being a good average player.

[Ghost Dog]

Because he's about as physical as Sam Power.

Were you actually at the WC game? Not sure we are actually talking about the same player. I saw him go straight in and under several times, and once go back with the flight of the ball and take a terrific mark. Confused.

[LostDoggy]

I agree with this. I think the thing he lacks is confidence. When he stuffs up it's because he seems unsure in what he is doing. This is happening less, and I actually think he's been fairly solid this year, and unlucky to be dropped at times (after an early trip to Perth perhaps was the most suprising). I'm more than happy to give him another year if his performances stay at the same level or higher, certainly ahead of a Hooper. Stack at least has several AFL qualities, we are just waiting on them to come together. They probably won't, and like many say he probably will never be a quality AFL player, but I actually don't think he's too far off being a good average player.

Stack reminds me of Farren. These guys are athletic enough and seem to have all the tools, but geez, ask them to make a decision and it's a hospital handpass to no-one in the corridor.

[bornadog]

Stack reminds me of Farren. These guys are athletic enough and seem to have all the tools, but geez, ask them to make a decision and it's a hospital handpass to no-one in the corridor.

I re-watched the WC game last night and I thought Stack played very well and did little wrong. I think his decision making is getting better as he gains more experience. He is very athletic and has some good skills. The 60 metre kick off one step to nail a goal was brilliant as was the 40 metre grass cutter pass to hit Hall on the chest.

[1eyedog]

In what role GD?

He tries really hard and does a couple of things, but I just thing he is the classic JOAT and master of none. I really cannot see where he plays long-term.

This.


Has the physical attributes of an Ash Hansen, hit up centre half forward. With Bazza gone next year and Grant seemingly gone backwards might allow Jones to play closer to goal and have the resting ruck down there as well. I tend to agree though that he doesnt do enough to warrant a spot as a gap filler.

No he hasn't Hansen could at least hold his ground as well and could take chest marks. Barlow does everything but not very good.


Barlow is a potato

This.


This.

This.


I didn't make the comment based on Saturday. I made the comment based on his overall crappiness at Sydney and at the Dogs.

He cannot catch.

He is a potato.

This.

[LostDoggy]

I re-watched the WC game last night and I thought Stack played very well and did little wrong. I think his decision making is getting better as he gains more experience. He is very athletic and has some good skills. The 60 metre kick off one step to nail a goal was brilliant as was the 40 metre grass cutter pass to hit Hall on the chest.

Oh I like Stack, don't get me wrong -- I'm not one of his regular potters here. I just noticed some similarities (at this stage in his career) with Farren's tendencies to handball to no one when he was forced to make a decision.

Maybe I'm more lenient on Stack because he wasn't drafted at no.4, but I think he has a future if given a role to play.

[soupman]

Oh I like Stack, don't get me wrong -- I'm not one of his regular potters here. I just noticed some similarities (at this stage in his career) with Farren's tendencies to handball to no one when he was forced to make a decision.

Maybe I'm more lenient on Stack because he wasn't drafted at no.4, but I think he has a future if given a role to play.

Yeah the Farren Ray comparism is a good one. Another player who probably unfairly was called soft. Thank god Stack at least doesn't use his left foot at every possible opportunity.

[Go_Dogs]

Yeah the Farren Ray comparism is a good one. Another player who probably unfairly was called soft. Thank god Stack at least doesn't use his left foot at every possible opportunity.

Still one of the strangest things I've seen... :D