Player Watch # 2: Tom Bellchambers - Fined for striking - 15/4

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I can. Sydney play White, Tippett and Pyke/Mummy in the same forward line. Daniher=Tippett, Gumbleton=White, Paddy/T-Bell=Pyke/Mummy
Would have much perferred you use Hurley/Carlisle name here even if we do think they are going to play back! They won't do it at the same time, so 1 of them has to be forward?

Although I would love nothing more than to see the main dish be Hurley/Carlise/Hooker Defence vs Franklin/Roughead/Gunston Forward & for desert Dempsey/Hibberd vs Rioli/Puopolo? I'd have $1000 on the nose that Brucey Mac Blows something on live TV!!!!
 

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BrunoV

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How do you play two number one rucks?

It's like playing a goalkeeper at centre-half, unless you have a special combo like Cox/Naita.

Do you really think that little of Ryder as a forward?

Hawthorn play Bailey and Hale.

Freo play Sandilands and Clarke.

Sydney play Mumford, Pyke and Tippett.

There is a lot to suggest that the lone gun ruck + fodder being > gun ruck + gun ruck is the crap that is seems at first view.


Edit: as for the soccer analogy it is akin to using a central defender as a holding midfielder.
 
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so is there a possibility, considering Tom's rate of improvement, that he could actually surpass Ryder as a ruck, and Ryder could then spend more time forward and pinch hit in the ruck.
i'd definitely like to give it another year, i'd hate to see Tom flourish elsewhere.
 

BrunoV

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so is there a possibility, considering Tom's rate of improvement, that he could actually surpass Ryder as a ruck, and Ryder could then spend more time forward and pinch hit in the ruck.
i'd definitely like to give it another year, i'd hate to see Tom flourish elsewhere.

Bring it back from "surpass" to "attain a level that would enable us to justify using Ryder as more of a forward or simply being good enough to split duties on a 50/50 basis".
 
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Do you really think that little of Ryder as a forward?

Hawthorn play Bailey and Hale.

Freo play Sandilands and Clarke.

Sydney play Mumford, Pyke and Tippett.

There is a lot to suggest that the lone gun ruck + fodder being > gun ruck + gun ruck is the crap that is seems at first view.


Edit: as for the soccer analogy it is akin to using a central defender as a holding midfielder.
No, I think that little of Bellchambers as a forward. Ryder is far and away our best ruckman, and should be played in the ruck. Then we find the best balance from there - to mine, that means only one of JD and Bellchambers plays, and that person does the rest of the rucking. JD is a natural forward, so he's my pick.

Hawthorn play a mediocre ruckman and a forward who rucks. Freo still haven't found the balance between Sandilands being a metre taller than every defender and the run that can be generated through his opponent (as Lyon himself admits) and Sydney have destroyed Mumford with their set up.

North is the perfect model of a lone ruck IMO. Play your best ruckman for as long as he can run, and ruck your tallest forward for the rest, even if he's also your best forward.
 

BrunoV

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That is holding Bellchambers to a ridiculously standard as a forward which is well beyond the other number 1 rucks none of whom seem to cause any problems for their sides.

It'll work. It just needs time.
 

eth-dog

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Bellchambers has kicked 10 more goals than Hale this season in 4 less games. He's got talent as a forward, as shown by his 5 goal game against a pretty competent defender in Jordan Roughead. He's definitely going to get better
 

lysp

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http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2013-09-17/bellchambers-commits-to-bomber

Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce ruckman, Tom Bellchambers, has agreed to a new multi-year deal.

The 24-year-old’s two year contract extension will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2015 season.

Despite a number of significant offers from rival clubs, Tom said he always wanted to remain a Bomber.

“I’m really happy to have signed for another two years,” Bellchambers said.

“I have so many great mates here and I wanted to repay the loyalty the club had shown me.”

“With my contract out of the way, I’m just looking forward to next season, getting back into training and working really hard over summer because as a club we know we are heading in the right direction.”

Assistant coach Simon Goodwin said Tom had emerged as one of the most dynamic ruckmen of the competition.

“Tom is highly regarded by the coaching staff and playing group and it’s great to have him re-sign for another two years,” Goodwin said.

“Tom’s work ethic and competitive nature has not only seen him develop into one of the most exciting ruckman in the competition but he’s also emerged as a reliable avenue to goal, and to finish as the club’s second highest goal kicker this season is a great achievement.”

List manager Adrian Dodoro said Tom’s decision to re-sign further emphasises the playing group want to stay together.

“I think Tom’s decision to sign on for two more years gives you an insight into his character and the values he holds as a footballer and person,” Dodoro said.

“It’s no secret Tom had more lucrative deals on the table but like Watson, Heppell, Melksham, Hooker and Carlisle, who all re-signed this year, he sees a bright future at this football club.”
And he's signed!
 

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Excellent news. Belly reminds me so much of Brad Ottens and we all know how good he was in the ruck and the forward line. And he is by far the most agro of our talls and you need some mongrel in the big fellers. Ryder has starte to show it, for Bellchambers it comes naturally.
 
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