Not that I want to single a player out - especially not to apportion the blame of a loss (and I don't normally contribute a critical topic about one individual player), but so far this season, N.Lappin has been pretty much out of form.
The last two weeks, I've seen him turn the ball over, and take on opponents and get tackled. It's not his usual self. Perhaps he is injured?? He seems to be lacking in confidence - or perhaps lacking confidence in his team-mates, and trying to do things that he shouldn't.
The game against Richmond was a clear display of how N.Lappin is out of form. In the third quarter he missed a run-in shot from about 40m out. Now, I'm not getting down on him for missing one shot (anyone could), but considering he is one of our top players, and it came at a time when Richmond were beginning to get on a role (that sunk us, in the end), it was a pretty disappointing result. A goal at that stage could have stopped the Tigers from getting that run-on.
Similarly, in the last quarter, Lappin had the ball between wing and half forward. Initially, he was clear, and could have kicked long to an option, or run down the flank (albeit, into the pocket). However, he attempted to run 'inside', through the centre. This was actually a diversion from where he was initially running to - and he ran straight into two Richmond defenders, and after trying still to take them on, he handballed it in front of him straight to a Richmond player, who cleared, and sent the ball into attack for a Richmond goal.
(I will mention though, Lappin himself looked extremely disappointed with the result on both occasions - the guy definitely cares for his performance, which is more than you could apparently saw for some - but he just isn't playing well at the moment).
Now, I'll admit, it is being pretty critical to pull those two incidents out and analyse them in this way. But, they both came at times when the game was in the balance, and considering Lappin's ability, it was disappointing to see the result.
I am not having a go at Lappin (I love the guy!), but rather commenting on his performances to date, for this season.
All things considered, N.Lappin pulls his weight in other areas, however, even his overall game has been down - well, at least on his best (what we know he is capable of).
I certainly don't expect players to play at their best 'every' week. They are human after all. However, at the moment, N.Lappin seems to be out of form, and having very little effect on the outcome of the game.
I hope he can get back into form, and get some confidence going. He is certainly the difference, when he is at his best.
The last two weeks, I've seen him turn the ball over, and take on opponents and get tackled. It's not his usual self. Perhaps he is injured?? He seems to be lacking in confidence - or perhaps lacking confidence in his team-mates, and trying to do things that he shouldn't.
The game against Richmond was a clear display of how N.Lappin is out of form. In the third quarter he missed a run-in shot from about 40m out. Now, I'm not getting down on him for missing one shot (anyone could), but considering he is one of our top players, and it came at a time when Richmond were beginning to get on a role (that sunk us, in the end), it was a pretty disappointing result. A goal at that stage could have stopped the Tigers from getting that run-on.
Similarly, in the last quarter, Lappin had the ball between wing and half forward. Initially, he was clear, and could have kicked long to an option, or run down the flank (albeit, into the pocket). However, he attempted to run 'inside', through the centre. This was actually a diversion from where he was initially running to - and he ran straight into two Richmond defenders, and after trying still to take them on, he handballed it in front of him straight to a Richmond player, who cleared, and sent the ball into attack for a Richmond goal.
(I will mention though, Lappin himself looked extremely disappointed with the result on both occasions - the guy definitely cares for his performance, which is more than you could apparently saw for some - but he just isn't playing well at the moment).
Now, I'll admit, it is being pretty critical to pull those two incidents out and analyse them in this way. But, they both came at times when the game was in the balance, and considering Lappin's ability, it was disappointing to see the result.
I am not having a go at Lappin (I love the guy!), but rather commenting on his performances to date, for this season.
All things considered, N.Lappin pulls his weight in other areas, however, even his overall game has been down - well, at least on his best (what we know he is capable of).
I certainly don't expect players to play at their best 'every' week. They are human after all. However, at the moment, N.Lappin seems to be out of form, and having very little effect on the outcome of the game.
I hope he can get back into form, and get some confidence going. He is certainly the difference, when he is at his best.
