2010 List depth etc.

[prattsta]

He got shutdown by Harry O'Brien who is a good defender against smalls. He doesnt have to chage his natural game because of one thrashing.

That wasn't meant to be a criticism.

Ballantyne is a far more useful/effective player when he's played further up the ground. The exception would possibly be if he's isolated 1-on-1 inside 50, we're unlikely to see that at AFL level though. From HF he's able to get involved at stoppages in the forward half, create opportunitys for the forwards and he's fast/smart enough that he won't have too much trouble getting front and centre to the forwards from an extra 20m-30m away.

I'm one of his biggest fans and have defended his recruitment from day 1.

Bit harsh on Dessie. He is still easily best 22 when fit. For example he was our equal fifth highest goal kicker this year from 9 games. All the others above him had eighteen games or more.

When is he ever fit? The last few seasons he's either been injured or on his way back from injury. If you're expecting Des to be a major contributor for 22 games you're kidding yourself.

I doubt Mundy will be in the forward half either. Harvey will most likely continue his development as a midfielder and if not there his next best spot is sweeping/third tall in the back line.

I wasn't saying what Harvey would do, that's just what I'd like him to do.

Mundy would be an ideal high HF, gives great delivery into the F50, he's a decent mark and he can still get involved through the middle which will help him develop in that role.

Playing a sweeping role across half back won't help him develop further.

Mayne out of the square is interesting as he does lead well, but I'd prefer to see him on the flank so that he has more involvement and maybe an occasional run on the ball

I'd like to see him rotated through pretty much every single position in our forward half .

 

[SupersonicDocker]

I have to agree with Prattsta on Ballantyne. He is awesome around the goals but... He also has a great natural ability to find the football and get it from stoppages. Perhaps the club will work on ensuring if the play is free flowing he should stay near the goals but if their is a stoppage on the half forward line he should definitely be around it.

I am predicting Ballantyne to suprise us all next year and start to be a very damaging player across the half forward line in the right situations. He truly is the most damaging young forward we have, if the game plan can start to find a way for him to consistently get around 20 touches it can do no less that benefit our scoreboard immensely. Combine that with the hopeful return of Tim Ruffles and Chris Mayne's continued development and our forward line will be a lot more damaging and skilled than people give it credit for.

 

[SupersonicDocker]

On the topic of Mundy, i would not be suprised if the club start to try and develop him into a Robert Murphy type across half forward. Would be the perfect player to deliver the ball into the F50

 

[dont bowl there]

On the topic of Mundy, i would not be suprised if the club start to try and develop him into a Robert Murphy type across half forward. Would be the perfect player to deliver the ball into the F50

They can try but Murphy does an amazing amount of leadup work, really don't think Mundy has the tank to fullfill that role.

 

[SupersonicDocker]

They can try but Murphy does an amazing amount of leadup work, really don't think Mundy has the tank to fullfill that role.

I think we may be underestimating the size of his motor. To be honest i dont think even the coaching staff have been able to figure out a game plan to utilise his ability with the ball. Next year with a better midfield i think he will be doing a lot of that lead up work from half forward...

All that aside he still has a lot of work to do and is a slow developing player. But i honestly think he would be in the top 6 every week for ground covered during a game for our team...

 

[SupersonicDocker]

By the way, anyone else think Mundy was robbed of the Mark of the Year in 2006??

 

[kingross29]

By the way, anyone else think Mundy was robbed of the Mark of the Year in 2006??

I can't remember it so I'm just going to say yes