Daniel Pratt and Our Defence

[Bornadog]

What worries me most is how we get games into Jed. It's almost like we would have to sacrifice performance in order to the develop him as on paper L Jones and Lobb are superior!

Jones is on the way out ie ageing and I am guessing he won't play every game

[jeemak]

I was going to post different scenarios of ways Buss gets a game, though thinking about it there's equally as many suggesting how he won't. May as well sit through it and see what happens as I have no idea.

Take the second key defender position, or first mind, if someone gets injured. With Keath out of the frame does Gardner become relevant again and keep Busslinger out of the side? I don't think Buku's suited to that role but it wouldn't surprise me if he got it, especially if Coffield/ and or JOD are playing. So Buss probably has two in front of him?

While our mid rotations (I'm fearing a massive drop in performance) and flanks are depressingly interesting, the tall backs situation is a mystery if things don't go to plan.

[Grantysghost]

Looove this post.

Will be everything to this defense if we can manage to get a full season out of both Lobb and Jones as the key pillers.

As you mentioned, they only had a handful of games together in 2024.

I’m also rather excited to see that JJ is up and about.
Having JJ, Bramble and dale streaming out and hitting up our 3 big tall forwards will be fantastic to see.

JJ is up and about...now.

I'm with you he's such a gun especially in the current version of the game so if we can get a 75 percent plus games played (with management ((no cold Ballarat!!)) then we will be all the better for it.

[azabob]

Looove this post.

Will be everything to this defense if we can manage to get a full season out of both Lobb and Jones as the key pillers.

As you mentioned, they only had a handful of games together in 2024.

I’m also rather excited to see that JJ is up and about.
Having JJ, Bramble and dale streaming out and hitting up our 3 big tall forwards will be fantastic to see.

JJ is the big unknown, isn't he? I have written him off and anything we get from him is bonus side meat.

Hopefully he is doing the work required to give his body the best shot to play 15+ games.

[azabob]

What worries me most is how we get games into Jed. It's almost like we would have to sacrifice performance in order to the develop him as on paper L Jones and Lobb are superior!

Yeah, that is my concern also. It is the fine art of player management. As BAD mentions Jones is unlikely to play a full season so there will be opportunities if he is good enough.

[azabob]

I was going to post different scenarios of ways Buss gets a game, though thinking about it there's equally as many suggesting how he won't. May as well sit through it and see what happens as I have no idea.

Take the second key defender position, or first mind, if someone gets injured. With Keath out of the frame does Gardner become relevant again and keep Busslinger out of the side? I don't think Buku's suited to that role but it wouldn't surprise me if he got it, especially if Coffield/ and or JOD are playing. So Buss probably has two in front of him?

While our mid rotations (I'm fearing a massive drop in performance) and flanks are depressingly interesting, the tall backs situation is a mystery if things don't go to plan.

You know you could have stopped at your first sentence, right? Having said that I know less than you.

I would also like to subtly remind one and all I called Gardner as our back up ruck well before any match simulation - Gardner should play forward and relief ruck in the VFL.

That way Busslinger has the chance to lead a defense and be the guy.

Gardner rucking also allows Croft to develop as a bloody CHB rather than as a forward.

[Thebont88]

Do we think draftee Lachie Jaques is much chance to get a decent look in this year?

[GVGjr]

Do we think draftee Lachie Jaques is much chance to get a decent look in this year?

I can see him.playing a few games providing he stays injury free. His ability to read the play and take a few intercept marks will be tempting for the MC.

[Happy Days]

Plant the flag on Buss. He’s a weapon and we’ve lucked out

[NAUGHTY100]

I can see him.playing a few games providing he stays injury free. His ability to read the play and take a few intercept marks will be tempting for the MC.

Like iv stated perviously Jaques is a need in our back line we need a guy who can intercept but then deliver the ball accurately up the field .

[Rusty12]

Jaques will play at some stage for sure, maybe take over from Duyrea at some stage permanently or at least if he is injured.
Chances go up to if Freijah ends up on a wing

[GVGjr]

Jaques will play at some stage for sure, maybe take over from Duyrea at some stage permanently or at least if he is injured.
Chances go up to if Freijah ends up on a wing

Out of the 5 players we drafted, Jaques is the one we probably need to develop a bit quicker than they others>
We have a few midfielders so there is not need to Hynes to be rushed. Dolan as a small forward is someone we can cover for another season or so and even Davidson who is an older recruit we don't have a pressing need in a spot he needs to fill.
L.Kennedy will be given time. With the spots that JJ and Duryea fill ideally they might be a priority for us next season so Jaques is the one we need to have a solid 2025.

[NAUGHTY100]

Out of the 5 players we drafted, Jaques is the one we probably need to develop a bit quicker than they others>
We have a few midfielders so there is not need to Hynes to be rushed. Dolan as a small forward is someone we can cover for another season or so and even Davidson who is an older recruit we don't have a pressing need in a spot he needs to fill.
L.Kennedy will be given time. With the spots that JJ and Duryea fill ideally they might be a priority for us next season so Jaques is the one we need to have a solid 2025.

Totally agree GVGjr , Jaques is a need not just a hope's good , if this kid can come on quickly and i think he can he would be invaluable im thinking .

[azabob]

A broader question for the brains trust.

Last night against the saints our all ground defence was perhaps the best it has been for a number of years. We defended transition remarkably well.

The big question is can we make this the benchmark and make Marvel a fortress and a true home ground advantage?

[Mofra]

A broader question for the brains trust.

Last night against the saints our all ground defence was perhaps the best it has been for a number of years. We defended transition remarkably well.

The big question is can we make this the benchmark and make Marvel a fortress and a true home ground advantage?

The Saints were coming off a 35 degree game and got the biggest midfield belting any team has had in a couple of years, so I wouldn't bank on it too much.
Hynes still gets pointed at a lot for his position in the press (that's ok, he's learning) and I think we'll spin the magnets a bit so gaps will appear late in quarters.

Conversely, from what I could tell Cleary's positioning is outstanding. Surprised but happy with what he's shown.