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Murphy's law of team defence

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He is right for the past 18 months we have not been playing like a team, but over the past 4 weeks some thing has happened/changed and now we are playing like a team again and we have won 4 straight, just goes to show how much team unity means to winning games...:thumbsu:
 
Good article. The main point that the whole team defends these days is one that so many people seem to struggle to grasp. Thought the last line about improvement was unnecessary but he's right that his understanding of the game appears to have improved and now seems to be a very vocal leader in the backline which many, including me, would not have expected.
 

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shepp23 said:
Have a read of this:

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/4742/newsid/96063/default.aspx

He defends himself and raises some fairly good points that might explain why he copped a lot of the blame last year and for the first few rounds this year.
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TBH I don't buy into a lot of this article and nor will Murphy detractors. The harder you try support him, the harder his detractors will stand in opposition. He does not deserve the bashing he cops on here and by framing your post in this way I think you are inviting his detractors into an argument.

He is a good depth player who is occasionally asked to pinch hit in KPP. It is not like he was playing on Barry Hall every week last year or even KPP early in this season. Struggles under pressure. Played a good game last week and put his body on the line in a way I have rarely seen from him. If he can continue to provide a chop out like last week he is going to be valuable but he still needs to do better in a number of areas. Good luck Murphy and keep improving :thumbsu:
 
I guess I am defending him here.

I've never ripped into him because he wears our jumper. He has frustrated me plenty of times but I feel sorry for him, he must feel terrible.

He has a place in our side as a 3rd defender and last year he was taking the 1st or 2nd best forward along with Gilham.
 
Makes our side better. Nobody who can come in can do or can do the roles his given, as well. Simple.

A lot of supporters don't understand these important tactical facets of the game and that is why someone a couple of weeks ago rang on SEN and all he said was 'I don't understand why they keep playing him.'

I felt like ringing up and saying, that's right you don't understand.
 
He's certainly better on the likes of Betts and Motlop than Hall etc

Murph will continue to make shocking errors here and there however, more importantly I think he will continue to beat his opponent most weeks and that is the most important thing for mine.
 
Mervyn Beasley said:
Murph will continue to make shocking errors here and there however, more importantly I think he will continue to beat his opponent most weeks and that is the most important thing for mine.
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Can you please point out the "shocking errors" he's done in the last few weeks?

I haven't seen any but some supporters have better imagination ...
 
Davo23 said:
Can you please point out the "shocking errors" he's done in the last few weeks?

I haven't seen any but some supporters have better imagination ...
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No I cant.
Didnt say he made them every week.
I said "here and there".

My main point however, was the fact that he generally beats his opponent (particularly the like sized ones).
 
I reckon his direct opponents over the last three weeks would be lucky to have kicked 2 goals on him between them.

He has his niche. As long as you don't ask him to play tall, he is a competent league footballer.
 
Messenger said:
I reckon his direct opponents over the last three weeks would be lucky to have kicked 2 goals on him between them.

He has his niche. As long as you don't ask him to play tall, he is a competent league footballer.
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Motlop did kick something like 5 behinds. His accuracy did flatter Murphy's performance. Regardless, Murphy did do well overall.

Played another reasonable game today.
 

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Look, he's had a pretty good few weeks no doubt, but seriously watching him under a high ball is like watcing a bambi walk for the first time. I'm sorry but this guy still has massive deficiencies in his game and until he can iron them all out, I'm not convinced that he's in our best 22.

But, credit where it's due. He's in the leadership group and he's stringing together some solid games. Our defence has been very good for 4 weeks now and he is part of that defencive group.

Here's hoping he continues to improve.
 
Great article..........

Positives -
Gives 100%, is good at close checking of smaller forwards, puts his body the line and has shown courage many times, is better suited to a 4th or 5th forward, good club man, depth player


Negatives -
has fresh air shots (not just once), the ball often sails through his arms in marking contests, always looks for the body never at the ball, lollipop disposal both by hand and foot, telegraphing of disposal to the opposition by slow thought process, slow on feet, loses his feet far too easily, is hopelessly out of his depth when the ball comes in high, is not in our 'Best 22'

all the best
 
Davo23 said:
Can you please point out the "shocking errors" he's done in the last few weeks?

I haven't seen any but some supporters have better imagination ...
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Davo good on you for sticking up for him but please think carefully before posting.

Was saved by Motlops terrible kicking against Port and yesterday was caught out numerous times wathcing his opponent and not even looking at the ball FFS.

If you watch our games closely, count how many times he slips over at crucial times during a match and that is your answer. Good defenders do not slip over.

Unfortunately for Murph as much as he tries his decision making and skill execution under pressure will always be the key things that hold him back as a defender.
 

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The Kipster said:
Great article..........

Negatives -
has fresh air shots (not just once), the ball often sails through his arms in marking contests, always looks for the body never at the ball, lollipop disposal both by hand and foot, telegraphing of disposal to the opposition by slow thought process, slow on feet, looses his feet far too easily, is hopelessly out of his depth when the ball comes in high, is not in our 'Best 22'

all the best
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Wow, Kipster: an expert on Tom Murphy !

And talk about a slow thought process ...

I think Kipster telegraphs his posts: they are always the same. You never watch the player, or the structure of the defence: no wonder you drop so many clangers!




.
 
Londoner86 said:
Wow, Kipster: an expert on Tom Murphy !

And talk about a slow thought process ...

I think Kipster telegraphs his posts: they are always the same. You never watch the player, or the structure of the defence: no wonder you drop so many clangers!

.
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thats your view and your entitled to it, I have mine....perhaps go and listen to the tape on Saturday when even Piggy stated that he isn't up to it and he is a friggin Director (he is wrong though isn't he?), in fact many commentators have commented on him as a player......you go ahead and keep your blinkers on, it hasn't failed you thus far :rolleyes:

your post is a turn-over at best Londoner :thumbsu:
 
TBoyleSuperstar said:
Look, he's had a pretty good few weeks no doubt, but seriously watching him under a high ball is like watcing a bambi walk for the first time. I'm sorry but this guy still has massive deficiencies in his game and until he can iron them all out, I'm not convinced that he's in our best 22.

But, credit where it's due. He's in the leadership group and he's stringing together some solid games. Our defence has been very good for 4 weeks now and he is part of that defencive group.

Here's hoping he continues to improve.
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I don't think so...

The Kipster said:
Great article..........

Positives -
Gives 100%, is good at close checking of smaller forwards, puts his body the line and has shown courage many times, is better suited to a 4th or 5th forward, good club man, depth player


Negatives -
has fresh air shots (not just once), the ball often sails through his arms in marking contests, always looks for the body never at the ball, lollipop disposal both by hand and foot, telegraphing of disposal to the opposition by slow thought process, slow on feet, loses his feet far too easily, is hopelessly out of his depth when the ball comes in high, is not in our 'Best 22'

all the best
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This is the worst part of his game. Can be corrected by coaching you would think. Someone needs to tell him.

Does anyone know who the backline coach is? Spud Frawley?

HAWKS HEROES said:
other players slip over and you don't crucify them i saw plenty of slip overs in the port game ! not just Murphy
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Very true.
 
Ah old Tom Murphy hey?

Firstly, why on earth does he take so much of our focus? Is it the need for supporters to have a scape goat they feel comfortably about abusing after a match? I understand this thread, given the crap Murphy cops, but I don't understand the abuse he receives.

People forget he was very good in 2008, and was very unfortunate to miss out on our finals campaign. He found consistent form, continually stopping his opponent, and was important in us finishing in the top 4 that year.

Murphy is an in between type, who is on the out skirts of our 22. His best is very handy, plays a role in our side, stopping an opponent and doing his bit for the team. He struggles when given too much responsibility but can be very effective when given a realistic role. When Gibson comes back he'll have to work hard to keep his place, but has performed very well the last 4 or 5 weeks.
 

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Murphy's law of team defence

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