Review vs the Lions

[threenewpadlocks]

It's not a commonly talked about skill, but the Rat's quality of tackling is brilliant.
He would have laid about 3 tackles inside 50 that not only weren't broken, but led directly to stoppages. A player who can lay a tackle inside 50, not just with forward pressure, but ensure that the opposition player can't get his arms free and fire off a handball (or a "handball" by dropping it) is an underrated skill that Hrovat has in spades.

 

[Substance]

Just a couple small things after watching the replay..

last qtr centre bounce the clock reads 11:12 to go. Watch what Luke Dahlhaus win the ball. I love this guy.

also saw what looked like stretch marks on bonts right pec. You can actually see it in the photo above. That should tell you how much he has bulked up over the preseason.

edit: Also with 8:28 to go when mclean kicks his goal. Watch the brissy supporters frustration after he catches the ball behind the goals

 

[cleveland]

What was the crowd last night?

 

[Substance]

What was the crowd last night?

21,129

 

[Sharkey66]

I wouldnt be focusing just on Hrovat
Our depth asks questions about half dozen and where will they fit
Whilst we all like to make early calls, so many of our guys have so little experience that those early calls could prove very wrong indeed.

Players develop at different rates
This competition for spots is fantastic as the pressure to improve is so high
To think we are winning by 72 points with 4 guys who have only a handful or less of games is just ridiculous

This is exactly right, Tom Young and Brett Goodes looked pretty good early days to until their deficiencies were made apparent.
Its a risk you take bringing in fringe players from other clubs.
On the Where does Hrovat fit question, Prudden is another that needs to be taken into account. He is obviously close in the selectors eyes as he was the game day emergency last night.

 

[Gmod23]

What was the average games played for the lions? Similar to us or more?

 

[Substance]

What was the average games played for the lions? Similar to us or more?

I think another poster said it was 63 v 59. Probably the first time this year we have had more experience than our opponents. And it was only an average of 4 games more and we smashed them.

 

[VitalDread]

my 10,000 post was on Bont, it was worth it

 

[Substance]

Dogs Games Played

12 Less than 50
6 50 to 99
1 100 to 149
3 150 or more

Lions Games Played

9 Less than 50
8 50 to 99
4 100 to 149
1 150 or more

Keep in mind Will is in the 150+ group and he was probably our worst.

 

[Gmod23]

Dogs Games Played

12 Less than 50
6 50 to 99
1 100 to 149
3 150 or more

Lions Games Played

9 Less than 50
8 50 to 99
4 100 to 149
1 150 or more

Keep in mind Will is in the 150+ group and he was probably our worst.

So, as soon as we made the sub, we probably become younger.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

As much as people like to classify Stringer as a undersized key forward or 2nd forward target or any similar terms, I still believe that fundamentally his style of play can be more effective in the midfield, as he showed in this game.

Notwithstanding any given player can influence the outcome of a game from the midfield as opposed to the forward line (it's just common sense, the game is played out in the midfield more often than any given team's forward line), Stringer's strengths are suited to a midfield style of play.

Think about it.
His strengths are

• A combination of balance, poiise, agility and core strength that makes him incredibly hard to tackle
• Great ability to find his balance (watch some of his highlights from the past and it's amazing how quickly he can go from being off-balance, whether it be stumbling from a marking contest or something similar, to on his feet and attacking the ball at full pelt that split second earlier than his opponent)
• Good spacial awareness (he has a good ability of the distance between him and opponents, and whether or not he'll be able get through a gap. Look at his goal vs Essendon last year, the one against St. Kilda last year and the one that he kicked on his left in this game)
• Smart goal nous (being able to snap/dribble goals)
• The "separation" aspect. Put the ball in space, put all the above combination of skills together, and the mixture of his poise, agility, spacial awareness and the like means that as soon as he gets a gap between his opponent and himself, well good luck defending that.

His weaknesses are:

• Not a great set shot for goal
• Not a great overhead mark, given his height. Not terrible, but not genuine KPF-worthy. Often doesn't have the raw one-on-one marking strength to go with experienced defenders in overhead marking contests
• Doesn't have the required fitness base for the extra running and physical nature of playing stoppages/playing midfield.

It's fine to disagree with me, but I would say that the first three and fifth point from his strengths are more suited to playing midfield, rather than the forward line, where he can get involved in the play more often. Combine that with the fact he has some weaknesses (the first two) that limit his long-term potential as a forward, I would say that long-term, once he gets the fitness, he'll be most effective as a midfielder.

 

[AFDogs]

Wish more people would perfect the art of goal kicking like Dickson. The man is a dead eye.

 

[yebiga]

As much as people like to classify Stringer as a undersized key forward or 2nd forward target or any similar terms, I still believe that fundamentally his style of play can be more effective in the midfield, as he showed in this game.

Notwithstanding any given player can influence the outcome of a game from the midfield as opposed to the forward line (it's just common sense, the game is played out in the midfield more often than any given team's forward line), Stringer's strengths are suited to a midfield style of play.

Think about it.
His strengths are

• A combination of balance, poiise, agility and core strength that makes him incredibly hard to tackle
• Great ability to find his balance (watch some of his highlights from the past and it's amazing how quickly he can go from being off-balance, whether it be stumbling from a marking contest or something similar, to on his feet and attacking the ball at full pelt that split second earlier than his opponent)
• Good spacial awareness (he has a good ability of the distance between him and opponents, and whether or not he'll be able get through a gap. Look at his goal vs Essendon last year, the one against St. Kilda last year and the one that he kicked on his left in this game)
• Smart goal nous (being able to snap/dribble goals)
• The "separation" aspect. Put the ball in space, put all the above combination of skills together, and the mixture of his poise, agility, spacial awareness and the like means that as soon as he gets a gap between his opponent and himself, well good luck defending that.

His weaknesses are:

• Not a great set shot for goal
• Not a great overhead mark, given his height. Not terrible, but not genuine KPF-worthy. Often doesn't have the raw one-on-one marking strength to go with experienced defenders in overhead marking contests
• Doesn't have the required fitness base for the extra running and physical nature of playing stoppages/playing midfield.

It's fine to disagree with me, but I would say that the first three and fifth point from his strengths are more suited to playing midfield, rather than the forward line, where he can get involved in the play more often. Combine that with the fact he has some weaknesses (the first two) that limit his long-term potential as a forward, I would say that long-term, once he gets the fitness, he'll be most effective as a midfielder.

Stringer can only be compared to one other player
And like that player
Stringer will decide where and when he plays
Our role is to cheer applaud and guffaw

 

[ThirdLegUp]

As much as people like to classify Stringer as a undersized key forward or 2nd forward target or any similar terms, I still believe that fundamentally his style of play can be more effective in the midfield, as he showed in this game.

Notwithstanding any given player can influence the outcome of a game from the midfield as opposed to the forward line (it's just common sense, the game is played out in the midfield more often than any given team's forward line), Stringer's strengths are suited to a midfield style of play.

Think about it.
His strengths are

• A combination of balance, poiise, agility and core strength that makes him incredibly hard to tackle
• Great ability to find his balance (watch some of his highlights from the past and it's amazing how quickly he can go from being off-balance, whether it be stumbling from a marking contest or something similar, to on his feet and attacking the ball at full pelt that split second earlier than his opponent)
• Good spacial awareness (he has a good ability of the distance between him and opponents, and whether or not he'll be able get through a gap. Look at his goal vs Essendon last year, the one against St. Kilda last year and the one that he kicked on his left in this game)
• Smart goal nous (being able to snap/dribble goals)
• The "separation" aspect. Put the ball in space, put all the above combination of skills together, and the mixture of his poise, agility, spacial awareness and the like means that as soon as he gets a gap between his opponent and himself, well good luck defending that.

His weaknesses are:

• Not a great set shot for goal
• Not a great overhead mark, given his height. Not terrible, but not genuine KPF-worthy. Often doesn't have the raw one-on-one marking strength to go with experienced defenders in overhead marking contests
• Doesn't have the required fitness base for the extra running and physical nature of playing stoppages/playing midfield.

It's fine to disagree with me, but I would say that the first three and fifth point from his strengths are more suited to playing midfield, rather than the forward line, where he can get involved in the play more often. Combine that with the fact he has some weaknesses (the first two) that limit his long-term potential as a forward, I would say that long-term, once he gets the fitness, he'll be most effective as a midfielder.

There is nothing wrong with your assessment TNP, but football is not a mathematical equation. Think of it more like string theory, we know the fundamenals, the basics tenants of how it works, but their is still a lot of mystery, "haze and magic' if you will.

Hard to say at this point in time whether 'forcing' stringer into the midfield will be a greater benefit. But outside the Skills and abilities factors are 2 factor I that i think you may have overlooked which i feel are just as vital as his natural physical gifts.

1 - Many have said he reminds them of Ablett snr and yadda yadda, to me, honestly, i see a Dermot Brereton. Stringer will NEVER get the cheer of the crowds and the rush of being 'THE MAN' setting up goals and grabbing the occasional one for himself.

There is one factor that overrides all human beings, just as it does football players. you are either 'Service to self" or "Service to others" one of these gives you more strength and pride then the other. Niether is good or bad unless it is too far unbalanced and you get nothing or very little from one and most or all from the other. Stringer is a Service to Self kind of player. He will play as a team member, but he seeks to be the center of attention, because that gives him the confidence and strength to do the freaky things and actually pull them off. The more the crowd cheers the more Fortune favors him, and the hard becomes normal and the impossible becomes possible. He is arrogant and strutworth as brereton to a tee. WHich I love and feel we needed BIG TIME.

2 - For all stringers advantages as a mid... his kicking is not his strongest point, so his delivery would not be robert murphy like and thus, you could get slightly lesser output perhaps with someone else, and playing stringer in the mids part time to catch the opposition off guard, while still having him be "The Package" "Jake 'Do You Know Who I Am' Stringer" Jake "the once man child now THE MAN Stringer" It is exactly what we need to attract the youngsters into the fold. I Watched two little boys laughing their heads off at BT's stupid antics... can't help thinking next week when they see THE PACKAGE on TV again... we may win some hearts.

Fyfe is a gun, Pendles is a GUN... but if anyone is going to be doing "grant Hill Drinks Sprite" "Gandmama wears adidas ads" it will be Stringer, he will publicly be the bigger name if he continues at the rate he is going. Which he won't as a full time or majority time mid. Can you imagine if Boyd grows into the Marque player we wanted... Boyd AND Stringer?!... a Bulldogs wet dream i tells ya!

 

[threenewpadlocks]

Fyfe is a gun, Pendles is a GUN... but if anyone is going to be doing "grant Hill Drinks Sprite" "Gandmama wears adidas ads" it will be Stringer, he will publicly be the bigger name if he continues at the rate he is going. Which he won't as a full time or majority time mid. Can you imagine if Boyd grows into the Marque player we wanted... Boyd AND Stringer?!... a Bulldogs wet dream i tells ya!

Great post. From the above... in terms of marquee players, where does that leave the Bont? Dahlhaus? Macrae? Libba? The guy who could be our next captain, Mitch Wallis? Gee we're spoiled.

 

[BRWB]

As much as people like to classify Stringer as a undersized key forward or 2nd forward target or any similar terms, I still believe that fundamentally his style of play can be more effective in the midfield, as he showed in this game.

Notwithstanding any given player can influence the outcome of a game from the midfield as opposed to the forward line (it's just common sense, the game is played out in the midfield more often than any given team's forward line), Stringer's strengths are suited to a midfield style of play.

Think about it.
His strengths are

• A combination of balance, poiise, agility and core strength that makes him incredibly hard to tackle
• Great ability to find his balance (watch some of his highlights from the past and it's amazing how quickly he can go from being off-balance, whether it be stumbling from a marking contest or something similar, to on his feet and attacking the ball at full pelt that split second earlier than his opponent)
• Good spacial awareness (he has a good ability of the distance between him and opponents, and whether or not he'll be able get through a gap. Look at his goal vs Essendon last year, the one against St. Kilda last year and the one that he kicked on his left in this game)
• Smart goal nous (being able to snap/dribble goals)
• The "separation" aspect. Put the ball in space, put all the above combination of skills together, and the mixture of his poise, agility, spacial awareness and the like means that as soon as he gets a gap between his opponent and himself, well good luck defending that.

His weaknesses are:

• Not a great set shot for goal
• Not a great overhead mark, given his height. Not terrible, but not genuine KPF-worthy. Often doesn't have the raw one-on-one marking strength to go with experienced defenders in overhead marking contests
• Doesn't have the required fitness base for the extra running and physical nature of playing stoppages/playing midfield.

It's fine to disagree with me, but I would say that the first three and fifth point from his strengths are more suited to playing midfield, rather than the forward line, where he can get involved in the play more often. Combine that with the fact he has some weaknesses (the first two) that limit his long-term potential as a forward, I would say that long-term, once he gets the fitness, he'll be most effective as a midfielder.

Don't disagree. I compare him to a bigger version of Stevie J. His best work and freakish talent puts him fwd of centre, even though he could be a great pure mid. I see him being a 70/30 or 60/40 fwd/mid to maximise his goal sense and talent for the team (fitness permitting)

 

[Dogsman16]

As much as people like to classify Stringer as a undersized key forward or 2nd forward target or any similar terms, I still believe that fundamentally his style of play can be more effective in the midfield, as he showed in this game.

Notwithstanding any given player can influence the outcome of a game from the midfield as opposed to the forward line (it's just common sense, the game is played out in the midfield more often than any given team's forward line), Stringer's strengths are suited to a midfield style of play.

Think about it.
His strengths are

• A combination of balance, poiise, agility and core strength that makes him incredibly hard to tackle
• Great ability to find his balance (watch some of his highlights from the past and it's amazing how quickly he can go from being off-balance, whether it be stumbling from a marking contest or something similar, to on his feet and attacking the ball at full pelt that split second earlier than his opponent)
• Good spacial awareness (he has a good ability of the distance between him and opponents, and whether or not he'll be able get through a gap. Look at his goal vs Essendon last year, the one against St. Kilda last year and the one that he kicked on his left in this game)
• Smart goal nous (being able to snap/dribble goals)
• The "separation" aspect. Put the ball in space, put all the above combination of skills together, and the mixture of his poise, agility, spacial awareness and the like means that as soon as he gets a gap between his opponent and himself, well good luck defending that.

His weaknesses are:

• Not a great set shot for goal
• Not a great overhead mark, given his height. Not terrible, but not genuine KPF-worthy. Often doesn't have the raw one-on-one marking strength to go with experienced defenders in overhead marking contests
• Doesn't have the required fitness base for the extra running and physical nature of playing stoppages/playing midfield.

It's fine to disagree with me, but I would say that the first three and fifth point from his strengths are more suited to playing midfield, rather than the forward line, where he can get involved in the play more often. Combine that with the fact he has some weaknesses (the first two) that limit his long-term potential as a forward, I would say that long-term, once he gets the fitness, he'll be most effective as a midfielder.

I agree with a lot of the points you suggest here TNP but I have for many occasions on this board stated my objections to having Stringer become a more permanant midfielder and I am still very strongly in favour of the role Bev has him currently doing. That is playing 85 - 90% as a forward target and pinch hitting at centre ballups where is also very dangerous. I think Stringer can be a bit inconsistent with his marking sometimes he drops ones he should take and other times he can be very strong in the air. But Stringers main weakness IMO is that he has little regard for what his opponent is doing. Stringer does as Stringer pleases (and as much as I love it, its the main reason why I sometimes fly down to melbourne for games) this trait isn't a great one to have as a midfielder who often needs to take special care for their opponent at stoppages particularly in our back 50. Whereas in the forward line defenders are so Stringer consence really they aren't going to be in a position to cause any damage offensively whatsoever.

We have so many good inside mids (some of the best contested young mids in the game). We don't need to take our main avenue to goal away from his natural home, particularly when he can and will form one of the most dangerous tall forward combinations with T.Boyd in the game. Opposition clubs will be leaping for joy if he is getting 25 + disposals as a mid rather than the 15 - 20 he can get in the forward line plus the scoreboard damage he creates.

Jarryd Roughead is really the game he should mould his on. 85 - 90% forward (some of that time deep some further up the ground) but also using his ability at the centre square on occasion.

 

[stefoid]

Said it in gameday but Macrae is an absolutely prodigiously talented inside mid. He's clean, big, roves beautifully, understands space to find his man and he can just keep going. One of the revelations of our year is plonking him there on a down week.

Hes stopped growing vertically now, so he should fill out. Im tipping with a focus to more of an inside game, he is going to beast-up next preseason.

 

[True Dog]

Just finished watching the replay for the second time and each time I see that 3rd qtr from McLean it gets better and better... You can see the kid growing in confidence with each contest, each touch... He was so poised and influential for someone so young... Also loved Grants game, I've never seen him work so hard both ways as he did last night. That has to be close to his best all round game??

I was also interested in the reaction of the playing group to Hrovats goal in the last qtr, they got around him like it was his first ever goal? I noticed he marked out a run up and was very deliberate in his approach (which was great to see) and put it straight through and players game from everywhere??

 

[Dogs_R_Us]

Just finished watching the replay for the second time and each time I see that 3rd qtr from McLean it gets better and better... You can see the kid growing in confidence with each contest, each touch... He was so poised and influential for someone so young... Also loved Grants game, I've never seen him work so hard both ways as he did last night. That has to be close to his best all round game??

I was also interested in the reaction of the playing group to Hrovats goal in the last qtr, they got around him like it was his first ever goal? I noticed he marked out a run up and was very deliberate in his approach (which was great to see) and put it straight through and players game from everywhere??

Ditto, was going to post the same about that Hrovat goal. Everyone was grinning, maybe some pre-game challenge?

 

[Hkopek]

Ditto, was going to post the same about that Hrovat goal. Everyone was grinning, maybe some pre-game challenge?

In all honesty, I think Hrovat has to go now. I know he is young, and his forward pressure is very good, but he has been given enough chances now and it is quite evident that he is just not up to AFL standard. It is not his effort, just his natural ability is not up to scratch at the elite level. Another one I think is Stevens. He seems too rough around the edges, and has also been given enough time and his best is very good, but still not game breaking and not consistent enough even if it was.

IN: Libba for Stevens. Crameri for Hrovat and Dale Morris= Good game every other team. Will be nigh bloody unstoppable. Our entire game time will be filled with momentum that will blow teams away in 10minutes flat.

PS Please also never try Ace Cordy again. K thanks.

 

[VogonProsthetnic]

As much as people like to classify Stringer as a undersized key forward or 2nd forward target or any similar terms, I still believe that fundamentally his style of play can be more effective in the midfield, as he showed in this game.

Notwithstanding any given player can influence the outcome of a game from the midfield as opposed to the forward line (it's just common sense, the game is played out in the midfield more often than any given team's forward line), Stringer's strengths are suited to a midfield style of play.

Think about it.
His strengths are

• A combination of balance, poiise, agility and core strength that makes him incredibly hard to tackle
• Great ability to find his balance (watch some of his highlights from the past and it's amazing how quickly he can go from being off-balance, whether it be stumbling from a marking contest or something similar, to on his feet and attacking the ball at full pelt that split second earlier than his opponent)
• Good spacial awareness (he has a good ability of the distance between him and opponents, and whether or not he'll be able get through a gap. Look at his goal vs Essendon last year, the one against St. Kilda last year and the one that he kicked on his left in this game)
• Smart goal nous (being able to snap/dribble goals)
• The "separation" aspect. Put the ball in space, put all the above combination of skills together, and the mixture of his poise, agility, spacial awareness and the like means that as soon as he gets a gap between his opponent and himself, well good luck defending that.

His weaknesses are:

• Not a great set shot for goal
• Not a great overhead mark, given his height. Not terrible, but not genuine KPF-worthy. Often doesn't have the raw one-on-one marking strength to go with experienced defenders in overhead marking contests
• Doesn't have the required fitness base for the extra running and physical nature of playing stoppages/playing midfield.

It's fine to disagree with me, but I would say that the first three and fifth point from his strengths are more suited to playing midfield, rather than the forward line, where he can get involved in the play more often. Combine that with the fact he has some weaknesses (the first two) that limit his long-term potential as a forward, I would say that long-term, once he gets the fitness, he'll be most effective as a midfielder.

The other thing about is he fears no one. Even as a 21 yo he's not afraid to run up to Riewoldt and give him an ear full after he mouthed off to Clay. To win against the top sides (have a look at Hawthorn the way they bully other teams like North) you need this attitude and the physical presence, that's why guys like Jake,,Boyd, Picken and Crameri are going to be needed when the top teams see us as a threat and start coming after us.

 

[VogonProsthetnic]

In all honesty, I think Hrovat has to go now. I know he is young, and his forward pressure is very good, but he has been given enough chances now and it is quite evident that he is just not up to AFL standard. It is not his effort, just his natural ability is not up to scratch at the elite level. Another one I think is Stevens. He seems too rough around the edges, and has also been given enough time and his best is very good, but still not game breaking and not consistent enough even if it was.

IN: Libba for Stevens. Crameri for Hrovat and Dale Morris= Good game every other team. Will be nigh bloody unstoppable. Our entire game time will be filled with momentum that will blow teams away in 10minutes flat.

PS Please also never try Ace Cordy again. K thanks.

Seem to recall before this season everyone wanted to ditch Wallis, Jong, Wood, JJ. You simply need to wait and see with Hrovat, Honey, Hunter and even Prudden, Biggs, Daniel.

 

[True Dog]

Seem to recall before this season everyone wanted to ditch Wallis, Jong, Wood, JJ. You simply need to wait and see with Hrovat, Honey, Hunter and even Prudden, Biggs, Daniel.

Don't forget Grant and Moyd....

 

[BRWB]

Seem to recall before this season everyone wanted to ditch Wallis, Jong, Wood, JJ. You simply need to wait and see with Hrovat, Honey, Hunter and even Prudden, Biggs, Daniel.

Agree to a degree, but I tipped Wallis for a breakout.