EddieBettsIsAChamp
2 Feb 2008, 18:59
The case for the defence: Waite
12:12 PM Sat 2 February, 2008
By Ben Broad in South Africa
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network
CARLTON’S Mr Versatile, Jarrad Waite, believes a stronger midfield in 2008 will lead to a stingier Blues defence this year.
Carlton had little trouble kicking goals in 2007 but often leaked like a sieve at the other end, conceding over 300 points more than any other team.
Waite was sometimes part of that overwhelmed backline, which he says will be helped this year by a midfield featuring new recruit Chris Judd plus Nick Stevens, returning from a neck injury.
“Last year, especially having Nick going out, it put a lot of pressure on Marc Murphy and Andy Carazzo,” Waite told afl.com.au in Johannesburg on Friday.
“They haven’t had to experience the No.1 taggers before and it was tough for them.
“Hopefully this year, with the midfield a bit stronger, we should have the ball in our possession a bit more, so it should make our jobs down back a bit easier.”
Waite, who turns 25 on Monday, will be a key member of that defensive structure, with Bret Thornton, Jason Saddington and the rapidly-improving Michael Jamison also set to play big parts in holding down the Blues’ defensive fort.
“The way Ratts is speaking, I think I’ll be starting down back at the start of the year and see how I go down there,” Waite said.
“If he wants to change me then I can get moved around which is good for myself.
“I hope to play centre half-back. I wouldn’t mind making that position mine this year. I sort of got moved around a fair bit last year, so I wouldn’t mind making it mine.
“But whatever the team really needs, I’ll just go wherever.”
Waite’s ability to pinch-hit might prove invaluable. With strong hands and athleticism, he is a dangerous attacking weapon and has played in the forward line for much of his career – something he believes stands him in good stead when it comes to lining up on some of the game’s biggest names.
“I played a couple of games on Rooey [Nick Riewoldt] and Browny [Jonathan Brown] and yeah, it’s a really good experience because they’re the best players in the competition,” Waite said.
“They’re the guys you want to play on because you’re only going to get better and you learn so much from just playing a game on them.
“I think in today’s game you can’t just be a one-position player anymore. It’s just changing too much, which is good for the game.”
12:12 PM Sat 2 February, 2008
By Ben Broad in South Africa
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network
CARLTON’S Mr Versatile, Jarrad Waite, believes a stronger midfield in 2008 will lead to a stingier Blues defence this year.
Carlton had little trouble kicking goals in 2007 but often leaked like a sieve at the other end, conceding over 300 points more than any other team.
Waite was sometimes part of that overwhelmed backline, which he says will be helped this year by a midfield featuring new recruit Chris Judd plus Nick Stevens, returning from a neck injury.
“Last year, especially having Nick going out, it put a lot of pressure on Marc Murphy and Andy Carazzo,” Waite told afl.com.au in Johannesburg on Friday.
“They haven’t had to experience the No.1 taggers before and it was tough for them.
“Hopefully this year, with the midfield a bit stronger, we should have the ball in our possession a bit more, so it should make our jobs down back a bit easier.”
Waite, who turns 25 on Monday, will be a key member of that defensive structure, with Bret Thornton, Jason Saddington and the rapidly-improving Michael Jamison also set to play big parts in holding down the Blues’ defensive fort.
“The way Ratts is speaking, I think I’ll be starting down back at the start of the year and see how I go down there,” Waite said.
“If he wants to change me then I can get moved around which is good for myself.
“I hope to play centre half-back. I wouldn’t mind making that position mine this year. I sort of got moved around a fair bit last year, so I wouldn’t mind making it mine.
“But whatever the team really needs, I’ll just go wherever.”
Waite’s ability to pinch-hit might prove invaluable. With strong hands and athleticism, he is a dangerous attacking weapon and has played in the forward line for much of his career – something he believes stands him in good stead when it comes to lining up on some of the game’s biggest names.
“I played a couple of games on Rooey [Nick Riewoldt] and Browny [Jonathan Brown] and yeah, it’s a really good experience because they’re the best players in the competition,” Waite said.
“They’re the guys you want to play on because you’re only going to get better and you learn so much from just playing a game on them.
“I think in today’s game you can’t just be a one-position player anymore. It’s just changing too much, which is good for the game.”