TRAVCLOKE#32
24 Apr 2008, 09:34
COLLINGWOOD forward consultant Brian Taylor says calls for Anthony Rocca to be dumped are premature, despite his recent poor form.
Rocca was yesterday selected at centre half-forward for the Anzac Day clash against Essendon, with captain Scott Burns again missing with a calf injury.
But Rocca's lacklustre past fortnight - just two goals from 10 kicks - and remarkable new statistics have again put the spotlight on his position.
Rocca has not gathered 10 or more possessions in 14 of his past 16 matches, but has the highest percentage of contested possession across the competition.
While only 47 of Jonathan Brown's 195 marks last year were contested, Rocca took 65 contested marks and 61 uncontested marks.
In an era of junk possessions and uncontested marking, an amazing 50 per cent of his touches were contested, 20 per cent up on the competition average.
While contested marks are critical in the forward arc, Rocca's lack of mobility means he is not getting the easy touches further afield to play himself into form.
But while Rocca's poor Anzac Day record has been highlighted this week, former Pies Coleman medallist Taylor said the 29-year-old was critically important.
"I am not privy to selection matters but from the outside as a commentator and part-time helper down there, I would have thought his position is reasonably safe," Taylor said.
"The simple fact of the matter is that Collingwood without Rocca aren't as good. If you take Rocca out of that team for Anzac Day, you would say it's a weakened side."
Collingwood premiership captain Tony Shaw said yesterday the Pies needed to free up Rocca when he failed to fire.
"He needs to be released quicker. When he isn't touching it for 15-20 minutes, throw him into the ruck, then put him on the bench, then bring him back again when you have released the pressure on him," he said.
Shaw said like his brother Saverio, Rocca had always struggled to bridge the gap between matchwinner and non-contributor.
"The thing about Anthony is that there is a big difference between his good and bad. He has to reduce that gap. I don't think they would drop him, but you have to keep performing," he said.
Collingwood last night welcomed Nick Maxwell back from suspension and brought in Ryan Cook for Ben Reid (quad) and Brodie Holland (ankle).
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=7
Rocca was yesterday selected at centre half-forward for the Anzac Day clash against Essendon, with captain Scott Burns again missing with a calf injury.
But Rocca's lacklustre past fortnight - just two goals from 10 kicks - and remarkable new statistics have again put the spotlight on his position.
Rocca has not gathered 10 or more possessions in 14 of his past 16 matches, but has the highest percentage of contested possession across the competition.
While only 47 of Jonathan Brown's 195 marks last year were contested, Rocca took 65 contested marks and 61 uncontested marks.
In an era of junk possessions and uncontested marking, an amazing 50 per cent of his touches were contested, 20 per cent up on the competition average.
While contested marks are critical in the forward arc, Rocca's lack of mobility means he is not getting the easy touches further afield to play himself into form.
But while Rocca's poor Anzac Day record has been highlighted this week, former Pies Coleman medallist Taylor said the 29-year-old was critically important.
"I am not privy to selection matters but from the outside as a commentator and part-time helper down there, I would have thought his position is reasonably safe," Taylor said.
"The simple fact of the matter is that Collingwood without Rocca aren't as good. If you take Rocca out of that team for Anzac Day, you would say it's a weakened side."
Collingwood premiership captain Tony Shaw said yesterday the Pies needed to free up Rocca when he failed to fire.
"He needs to be released quicker. When he isn't touching it for 15-20 minutes, throw him into the ruck, then put him on the bench, then bring him back again when you have released the pressure on him," he said.
Shaw said like his brother Saverio, Rocca had always struggled to bridge the gap between matchwinner and non-contributor.
"The thing about Anthony is that there is a big difference between his good and bad. He has to reduce that gap. I don't think they would drop him, but you have to keep performing," he said.
Collingwood last night welcomed Nick Maxwell back from suspension and brought in Ryan Cook for Ben Reid (quad) and Brodie Holland (ankle).
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=7