Donakebab
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I don't think that the problem is that Stewart is incapable of being effective on the opposition's best defenders.
What that looks like in my mind is him being unable to get separation on the lead (not happening) and being monstered in wrestling matches (also not happening). He's hardly being dominated or even defeated by opponents.
McKernan has basically played as the number 1 tall in the side anyway. Being the player who is regularly closer to goal means that he's getting the attention from the player that an opposition wants to keep closest to goal (who is usually the best 1v1 defender).
I don't think that Stewart has been helped by some of the delivery to him in the last few weeks which is more of a problem because his possession rate has been dropped. We haven't been getting a lot from our half forwards in the last few weeks, particularly close to goal, as we are now defending the ball and the middle of the ground much more aggressively. That's usually the downside of getting numbers to the ball and having the numbers of a 'pressing team'. Most pressing teams don't move the ball forward particularly well.
I am very surprised that it took two weeks of average form to result in such a hard working player to be dropped. To bring in Brown on the back of a poor performance indicates to me that this could be a confidence thing with Stewart more than punishment for form.
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Have really liked Stewarts work so far but I do wonder where he fits into the picture at times. He is not going to be your number one guy so you are looking at playing at least a two man tall forward line plus Stringer. So then the choice is do you go with Mckernan as your number 3 forward behind an in form Daniher and Jake stringer ? McKernan gives a good contest. Does go well or better than pretty much all the second rucks going around now days but does have too many WTF moments for a lot of peoples liking. It is an issue I have no absolute answer to. Have liked what Stewart gives as the third / sometimes second tall forward. He is mobile and when he has his run up at the correct length his goal kicking is solid. I also like what Mckernan gives as a better second ruck and a forward who will give you a decent contest 90% of the time. Can not play them both if Joe is back.
Been terrible today, really bad
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FTFYNot sure I'd say terrible, competed well, Hawks defended him really well often having 2 going against him in the air, however he will need to do a lot more to replace McKernan in the 1's
Agree - presented well, went after it in the air and certainly competed and played a role. Not dominant by any stretch, but far from terrible.Not sure I'd say terrible, competed well, Hawks defended him really well often having 2 going against him in the air, however he will need to do a lot more to replace Brown in the 1's
FTFY
He was also against Kaiden Brand who is an AFL quality defender.
I'm not saying he's a gun, but he does the job more often than not at senior level. However he's terrible by foot much like Frawley and they can't afford to carry both for that reason.Yeah, a real gun, as his 32 games in 6 seasons would indicate
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No he doesn't. He's awful.I'm not saying he's a gun, but he does the job more often than not at senior level. However he's terrible by foot much like Frawley and they can't afford to carry both for that reason.
No he doesn't. He's awful.
I disagree. he did a pretty good job on Hawkins in round 2, same with Jenkins last week. As I said, he isn't brilliant but he's AFL standard.No he doesn't. He's awful.
He also got smoked by Hipwood and Riewoldt and I can't comment on the round 2 game but given how Hawthorn smashed Adelaide around the contest last week I reckon I could've held Jenkins.I disagree. he did a pretty good job on Hawkins in round 2, same with Jenkins last week. As I said, he isn't brilliant but he's AFL standard.
So he's beaten 2 good opponents and lost to 2 good opponents.He also got smoked by Hipwood and Riewoldt and I can't comment on the round 2 game but given how Hawthorn smashed Adelaide around the contest last week I reckon I could've held Jenkins.
I'd argue beaten 1, lost 2. Jenkins non-result due to the service.So he's beaten 2 good opponents and lost to 2 good opponents.