Past #6: Lachlan Hansen - pick 3 '06 - 151 NM games - NM life member - thanks Lachie

[themilkman888]

Our boys didn't have much to play for either. Will happily see that FIGJAM on the end of a handful of losing pressers in the coming years.

I wouldnt read to much into it. He Isn't going to say they tried to win and lost coming into finals. It was a combination of both. Neither were at their best, we just happened to be a bit better at the right time on the day. His look in the box at the end of the game suggests he had some concerns, he wanted to win.

 

[GarnerSmash]

I wouldnt read to much into it. He Isn't going to say they tried to win and lost coming into finals. It was a combination of both. Neither were at their best, we just happened to be a bit better at the right time on the day. His look in the box at the end of the game suggests he had some concerns, he wanted to win.

Bucks looked like this dude:

Not impressed.

 

[Only Forwards]

Seriously though, Lachie did improve a lot this year, lets hope he dominates in 2014

I am not sure I am convinced you know what Lachie dominating looks like.

 

[Jack Reacher]

I am not sure I am convinced you know what Lachie dominating looks like.

Something like this

 

[marklovesbeer]

Was going to start with 'finally watching the Roos vs Pies game sober' but I have had 8 beers, a Bourbon, a Rum & a White Russian, but right now I'm sitting here at 1:46AM with just over thirteen minutes to go in the last on my iQ replay and Lachie has just ran back with eyes nowhere but on the ball & taken another super mark ...just like the previous week's game against Hawthorn.
I was impressed to see it the first time but to see him do it again, in the last quarter, running back into the Collingwood forward fifty, when we're down by a point (Ian game that I know we eventually go on to win) just fills me with absolute pride.
I miss a game here and there with my job working on the interstate rail & am constantly checking score updates whilst being away. I find it funny when I'm watching a replay of the weekends game on a Monday arvo, when I obviously know the result, but still yell out "BAAAAAAALLLLLL!!! ...YEEEAAAHH!"

Even though its almost 2AM, I still gave a massive clap when i seen Lachie run back & take that courageous grab.
If it did wake the missus up I know she would have probably know I was watching some footy & just rolled back over.

Great year Lachlan.

 

[Ahern2Boof]

Continuing on from roos_fanatic08 's work.

#6 Lachie Hansen

Summary
After a strong finish to the 2012 season as a third tall up forward alongside Robbie Tarrant and Drew Petrie, Hansen looked set to continue that role in his seventh year at the club. He kicked two goals against both Collingwood and Sydney in Rounds 1 and 3 respectively, but mostly struggled to have an impact, and was dropped after just seven touches and one major against the Brisbane Lions in Round 4. He returned a few weeks later against the Western Bulldogs thanks to the late omission of Taylor Hine, and played at the opposite end of the ground, the part of the field he excelled in as a junior that saw him drafted at number three in the 2006 National Draft. Hansen’s run of form from this game right through to Round 23 was remarkable, and was arguably North Melbourne’s best player during this period. In a new role as a loose defender, Hansen led the AFL in marks during this time, and ended up finishing fourth in the league for total marks, and 15th for total contested marks. This was despite missing two games and having one game where he collected just one disposal in wet conditions against the Gold Coast, and another where he was concussed and subbed out in the opening minutes against Brisbane without a stat to his name.

Hansen was not only the cause of North’s better form in the second half of the year, he was also the catalyst of the breakout season for Aaron Black, who took Hansen’s position following his omission in Round 4. He achieved a personal best of 15 marks twice in the year, against West Coast and Richmond in Rounds 8 and 15 respectively, while he was one of North’s best against Geelong in Round 19 with 30 possessions, 10 marks and a goal. For the first time in his career, Hansen enters a pre-season with a clear goal and with knowledge of where he’ll be lining up in Round 1 of the next year. How he responds to that feeling will be interesting to see.

Quote:Lachlan Hansen is under pressure to hold his spot in North Melbourne's team after a below-par start to the season and the strong early form of Majak Daw and Aaron Black, coach Brad Scott says.​

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2013-04-24/lachlan-hansen

Quote:Lachlan Hansen's best position has long been a source of debate among North Melbourne supporters, but in his seventh AFL season, 2006's No. 3 draft pick seems to have found a home in defence.​

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2013-07-02/h...the-switch

Quote:Lachlan Hansen's emergence as one of the best marking defenders in the competition continues to grow stronger every week.​

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2013-08-01/h...-spotlight

 

[Ahern2Boof]

Woops, I meant roos_fanatic08

 

[Twinkletoes]

Woops, I meant roos_fanatic08

Fixed.

 

[Mr Reliable]

Thanks for the review(s). What can we criticise if you don't give a subjective grading?

 

[Ahern2Boof]

Thanks for the review(s). What can we criticise if you don't give a subjective grading?

Lachlan gets five gold stars for his 2013 season.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

*wanders in here confused as to why he was tagged*

 

[Ahern2Boof]

*wanders in here confused as to why he was tagged*

I accidentally tagged you, sorry

 

[Mr Reliable]

Lachlan gets five gold stars for his 2013 season.

He had an excellent second half and took a couple of marks that would have made Bwucey wet his pants if only Lachie's surname was Henderson.

 

[The Maestro]

Outstanding season from Hansen, has produced what all North fans were hoping for from him. Not only did Hansen excel in defence but it allowed the start of something special for Aaron Black up forward.

Looking forward to Hansen developing a more defensive string to his bow in regards to knowing when to spoil, when to mark and when to peel off to help out other defenders.

If he continues on from where he left off he would be a lock in the all Australian side.

 

[Maddox]

Fantastic season from Lachie. Has made that loose defender position his own. His marking all year was elite and he reads the play so well. Well done

 

[Engimal]

Up until 2013 Hansen would have definately made the 'time-waster' list but has shown enough for one more season, will reassess after that whether he is going to be signed long-term or trade-baited.

Jack Reacher, did you just say something almost positive about Hansen?

 

[Maddox]

Jack Reacher, did you just say something almost positive about Hansen?

I never thought I'd live to see the day

 

[Saintly31]

Current list of 'time-wasters' by my definition;

Jordan Jizzberts
Ben Jacobs
Liam Anthony
Will Sierakowski
Ayden Kennedy
Robbie Tarrant (tough call)
Sam Wright(tough call)

Thats actually quite a lot of players list-clogging, we can and must do better.

Past use-by.....

Mick Firitto
Scott McMahon (borderline depending on pre-season)

Going going.....(for more opportunities)

Luke Delaney
Levi Greenwood

Up until 2013 Hansen would have definately made the 'time-waster' list but has shown enough for one more season, will reassess after that whether he is going to be signed long-term or trade-baited.

Quality post JReacher

You are an enigma on here for mine. Come up with some stuff which is just simply "wow" (read; bizarre), then write others (like this) which are spot on IMO.

Anyway, I think it is very much the case other than a few points (which you may or may not agree with);
1. Take away the 'harsh' qualification. It is only harsh when played on the potential card, not because of substance so far.
2. I think Spud has a season or two left. In fact if he can recapture his best I still consider him best 22 for 2014. Been written off too early.

Would much rather you controlling the list than some here who would sign all our players deals until 2027 based on a nice kick on his non-preferred side, took a mark more than once, they haven't played 100 games, or the fact they are a good bloke.

From what I've read so far, the club look set to make some fantastic decisions moving forward and will indeed be more decisive. For mine that is a good thing and shows we have made strides to being a good team.

 

[Higgins2Waite]

Jack Reacher, did you just say something almost positive about Hansen?

semi-positive. How nice of him to offer Hansen 1 more season.

I'm sure there will be a season of ridicule though. AA Half Back Hansen - JR: Only good as a loose man

 

[Saintly31]

semi-positive. How nice of him to offer Hansen 1 more season.

I'm sure there will be a season of ridicule though. AA Half Back Hansen - JR: Only good as a loose man

He still needs to improve Brett33.

I think JR is WAY too harsh on Hansen, but to be fair playing the "Tom Harley"-style spare man role is one thing taking marks etc, but being a gun back like a Scarlett/McPharlin/Taylor is another - that is what we can hope for, and he is not near that yet.

But yep, its a big improvement on forward form for sure so it is looking positive.

 

[Higgins2Waite]

He still needs to improve Brett33.

I think JR is WAY too harsh on Hansen, but to be fair playing the "Tom Harley"-style spare man role is one thing taking marks etc, but being a gun back like a Scarlett/McPharlin/Taylor is another - that is what we can hope for, and he is not near that yet.

But yep, its a big improvement on forward form for sure when he went back.

No question he needs to improve but the torch should be taken off of him a bit now. Just because he excelled as a spare man doesn't mean he can't play 1 vs 1. Some forget that he plays on a lesser opponent and just drifts off them (it's what Scarlett and Harley did towards the end). It's not like he sits there free and the opposition coach lets him.

If Grima and Thompson are manning the key posts well (and they definitely have been) why would we change it? If Hansen is playing the spare man role to perfection why would we change it? Our back line is doing great at the minute, no need to mix it up. All I hear from JR (and a couple of others) is "he's only playing good because he is playing spare"...well if it's so bloody easy why isn't every team doing it? and if they are why aren't they doing it as good as Lachie???

 

[Saintly31]

No question he needs to improve but the torch should be taken off of him a bit now. Just because he excelled as a spare man doesn't mean he can't play 1 vs 1. Some forget that he plays on a lesser opponent and just drifts off them (it's what Scarlett and Harley did towards the end). It's not like he sits there free and the opposition coach lets him.

If Grima and Thompson are manning the key posts well (and they definitely have been) why would we change it? If Hansen is playing the spare man role to perfection why would we change it? Our back line is doing great at the minute, no need to mix it up. All I hear from JR (and a couple of others) is "he's only playing good because he is playing spare"...well if it's so bloody easy why isn't every team doing it? and if they are why aren't they doing it as good as Lachie???

Italics - 100% agree.

Bold - 100% agree.

In fact I agree with nearly all of it Brett33! As usual you (being a quality poster unlike many) wont get any argument from me. The key point is what do we expect of Hansen? JR types will say making it as a player is still a bit disappointing, others will celebrate the fact he has made it.

Both aren't right or wrong, all comes down to expectations - as it stands, IMO for a no 3 pick I hope he becomes a better player again, to be that elite back in future (better than Grima, more heading towards Thommo who is anabsolute jet). Hopefully he gets there, don't think he can - but again, hope he does.

 

[Higgins2Waite]

Italics - 100% agree.

Bold - 100% agree.

In fact I agree with nearly all of it Brett33! As usual you (being a quality poster unlike many) wont get any argument from me. The key point is what do we expect of Hansen? JR types will say making it as a player is still a bit disappointing, others will celebrate the fact he has made it.

Both aren't right or wrong, all comes down to expectations - as it stands, IMO for a no 3 pick I hope he becomes a better player again, to be that elite back in future (better than Grima, more heading towards Thommo who is anabsolute jet). Hopefully he gets there, don't think he can - but again, hope he does.

Cheers. Likewise.

True, it is hard to manage expectations. Personally I think he is going to peak at just the right time (26 next year). If he's allowed to settle in one position, grow as a defender, and lift his confidence...who knows what he could become. For instance that goal he kicked against the Cats...that's some bloody impressive gut running (especially when he's 197cm). He builds on that sort of confidence and he'd blow up most (if not all) bigger forwards in the league.

Thompson took a while to get going, and I can't see why Lachie couldn't become a better defender than someone like Ben Reid (same draft pool).

 

[Saintly31]

Cheers. Likewise.

True, it is hard to manage expectations. Personally I think he is going to peak at just the right time (26 next year). If he's allowed to settle in one position, grow as a defender, and lift his confidence...who knows what he could become. For instance that goal he kicked against the Cats...that's some bloody impressive gut running (especially when he's 197cm). He builds on that sort of confidence and he'd blow up most (if not all) bigger forwards in the league.

Thompson took a while to get going, and I can't see why Lachie couldn't become a better defender than someone like Ben Reid (same draft pool).

Really good points mate.

Without focusing too much I agree his position is back (I was hammered on here for suggesting it (with BigEasy), but amazing when the knockers vanish when proved wrong). I for example got Pederson terribly wrong, and prepared to admit it which I think is part of having an opinion!

Thommo took a while I agree. He is a jet. In fact I think he has reached a level Hansen can't meet based on skills alone - i'd love you to quite me a year or two from now to prove me wrong (with interest!)

 

[Higgins2Waite]

Really good points mate.

Without focusing too much I agree his position is back (I was hammered on here for suggesting it (with BigEasy), but amazing when the knockers vanish when proved wrong). I for example got Pederson terribly wrong, and prepared to admit it which I think is part of having an opinion!

Thommo took a while I agree. He is a jet. In fact I think he has reached a level Hansen can't meet based on skills alone - i'd love you to quite me a year or two from now to prove me wrong (with interest!)

I got Pederson terribly wrong also. I thought he was a great get for Melbourne and that he would help Frawley out in defence. Turned out he was more of a liability than anything.

I agree he doesn't have the skill set (kicking, speed, and evasive skills) and he probably never will. I think he does pip him for contested marking and endurance. In terms of reading of the game perhaps equal?! No need to quote you if he did somehow, I'd just bask in the glory of knowing Hansen developed into a gun defender; and more importantly he did it at North!!!!