Past #10 Aaron Francis

[Kiama Chris]

The substitution did seem a bit strange and I hope it wasn't the result of some niggle.

Without overstating it I thing he is currently a key component of our fwd line (did I just overstate it???).

Gets on the move, creates space, leads at the player with the ball, so offers a target for the player with the ball.
He also tends to lead up to the 40/50 metre area which allows space behind him for another fwd to lead into.

It seems to me the majority of Amartey's marks are 20/30 metres out from goal, irrespective of whether Francis is playing or not.
However the difference is he has more space with Francis in the team and we tend to have a more open fwd line,rather than the opposition setting up for a bomb to a pack that 20/30 metres out.

It's fairly fundamental fwd play but how often do we complain our fwds never separate or we always kick to the same spot?

I think those complaints are less vociferous with Francis in the team and in some ways it is a selfless role knowing that he may not be used.
He plays the role well and I'm not sure we have another fwd that can currently replicate that task.

Didn't look like a niggle. Guessing Cox wanted more run. TBH I thought it was a mistake at the time with McLean hobbling and Amartey missing his boot. Francis had done a good job and should keep his spot.

 

[31400]

Serious question:

Has Francis overtaken McLean as a tall forward?

I'm not as down on McLean as most but he has dropped off quite a bit this year.

The argument for McLean to keep his spot is that he is a serviceable second ruck - which Francis is not.

Unless you bring in Ladhams, I think McLean has to stay - even though Francis is in better form.

 

[The King!]

Still would need to do more to stay in longer term, but certainly belongs forward and not back

 

[MF]

Serious question:

Has Francis overtaken McLean as a tall forward?

I'm not as down on McLean as most but he has dropped off quite a bit this year.

The argument for McLean to keep his spot is that he is a serviceable second ruck - which Francis is not.

Unless you bring in Ladhams, I think McLean has to stay - even though Francis is in better form.

I think Francis has overtaken him as a forward but obviously can't replace him in the ruck. I don't think we lose anything by playing Ladhams ahead of McLean now though. He's probably not quite as good as a forward but is a better ruck and more useful around the ground.

 

[Nuggetz]

Imo Francis versatility in playing fwd or back makes him a poor sub choice. If something happens to one of our tall defenders then he could switch to defence & his mobility allows him to play further up the ground if needed. Tbh I want to see Buller get a few games in 1sts before likely discarding him. Ladhams is an upgrade on Mclean but isn't a natural fwd.

 

[The King!]

Francis is a shit backman imo and we are marking him easy to say he has gone past McLean etc.
Maybe in better form but ideally I’d have neither in the side. It’s our weakens spot in the team right now the 2nd/3rd tall forward/backup ruck imo.

Maybe contested bull big bodied midfield equal

 

[elastic]

Francis is a shit backman imo and we are marking him easy to say he has gone past McLean etc.
Maybe in better form but ideally I’d have neither in the side. It’s our weakens spot in the team right now the 2nd/3rd tall forward/backup ruck imo.

Maybe contested bull big bodied midfield equal

At least Francis has the ability to play back if necessary which keeps him in the side for his flexibility. I don't rate him as a defender either but you won't see Maclean or Amartey in defense and the Mccartin experiment didn't work out

 

[The King!]

At least Francis has the ability to play back if necessary which keeps him in the side for his flexibility. I don't rate him as a defender either but you won't see Maclean or Amartey in defense and the Mccartin experiment didn't work out

‘Agree

I think Francis was top 10 for a reason, I just dont think he realises his abilities

 

[David 3058]

Out versus Freo.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

‘Agree

I think Francis was top 10 for a reason, I just dont think he realises his abilities

There are plenty of putrid top 10 picks

 

[grimlock]

Another dumb suspension, totally unnecessary. Our discipline this year has been atrocious

 

[The King!]

There are plenty of putrid top 10 picks

Yes so

 

[ashep]

Thought the bloke always tried his guts out but was a tick below best 22 standard.

Had a few nice moments in the middle of the season where it looked like he was stringing some good form together.

 

[grimlock]

Farewell Aaron. We'll always that sub appearance against Port where you were the 2nd coming of Wayne Carey.

 

[Ballarat Bob]

Regardless of flashes of brilliance overall he really was a VFL player who could at a pinch sneak into an AFL team.
Can see why he was a high draft pick but for whatever reason couldn't get any consistency.

 

[Callipygian]

Thanks Frang! Made a valuable contribution. Tried hard. Looked a cut above when he was roaming D50 in the VFL. Didn't quite have the chops at AFL level (barring that day against Port that grimlock referenced when he really did!).

 

[Ticky009]

Best wishes on all your future endeavors, Aaron.

 

[RedBloodBlackSwan]

Appreciate all your efforts Francis - always gave your all. Well done on a solid AFL career and persistence over the years.

 

[Neverwas]

Tried his heart out. Could never get a really clear run at the seniors. The VFL side will miss though, him having been named in the VFL side of the year last year. All the best Aaron.

 

[grimlock]

Francis linked with GWS. Why are the Giants sniffing around our backup talls?

Swans, Blues meet over Curnow; rival closes in on former No.6 pick as hit list emerges: In and Under

Swans, Blues meet over Curnow; rival closes in on former No.6 pick as hit list emerges: In and Under

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[dosser]

Francis linked with GWS. Why are the Giants sniffing around our backup talls?

Swans, Blues meet over Curnow; rival closes in on former No.6 pick as hit list emerges: In and Under

Swans, Blues meet over Curnow; rival closes in on former No.6 pick as hit list emerges: In and Under

www.foxsports.com.au

Because he's not ours any more