They say there's a lack of strong on-field leaders at Geelong ... [Archive]

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quartercat

20 Aug 2006, 13:22

In recent times it has been fashionable to say that Geelong lacks strong on-field leaders. It has been used as an excuse by Frank, Brian and Mark for not going after Aker. It has been used by others to explain away insipid performances - and we've had our share of those this season! It's been used as a distraction to stop the spotlight being put on how good we really are off-field.

Well, yesterday we saw a terrific example of on-field leadership. Jarrad Rooke was given the big job in football - take Adam Goodes. He relished the challenge, and from the first minute of the game imposed himself physically on Goodes. He let the Swans and his own team-mates know that in this game there were to be no easy kicks- and by his setting the lead Geelong players all over the field responded. It's one thing to talk about doing it after a tough week. It's another thing completely to have someone walk on to the field and show what is to be done.

Well done Jarrad Rooke! You're what I want as a Geelong leader.

chapmanmagic35

20 Aug 2006, 13:27

As an on-field leader, he appears as though he could be a real good one.

Time will tell if he can develop off-field.

Rosella

20 Aug 2006, 13:59

Problem is Jarad Rooke fit the same mould as some of our other leaders - he's too quiet.

LongBomb

21 Aug 2006, 11:28

Rooke has been our shining light this year.
He has the potential to become a real leader at our club in the mold of Kirk.

Mr Sensitive

21 Aug 2006, 11:45

cat in sydney

21 Aug 2006, 13:49

Rooke is one of the few blokes in the hoops (along with Chaps) who never seems to give up on the field... He's truly relentless.. Someone on the board tagged him with the nickname 'animal' imo it suits him perfectly.. However I'm not sure if he has what it takes to be a leader off the field but that could change and right now I'd be happy to have him as a vice-captain under Chapman.

I'd vote for that...
Captain - Paul Chapman
Vice Captain - Jarrad Rooke

I think there is a huge benefit to having a captain on the field beyond his playing ability. Kingy has been more valuable to the team than just his ability... he adds cohesion and purpose. however, he is off the field too much (even when he plays, he's on the pine quite often). So, to have someone like Chappy captain, you have your leader out there almost every minute of the game, which is crucial for the team to function as a unified group.

CatsNeedFullForward

21 Aug 2006, 17:41

Good post quartercat....
These are the types of leaders that Geelong need, guys who lead by example. Unfortunately we have lacked that type of leadership for a while. Look at other clubs... their leaders are match winners... Hird, Buckley, etc etc. They make things happen. Where are those leaders at Geelong?
We came close a few years back... but sadly Buddha knocked back the captaincy. Chappy for captain, Rooke for VC.