Thought I'd start up a thread aimed at specifically discussing the game plan (as opposed to ability / efforts of players) in 2015.
Noticing so far that it seems Blicavs will be staying in the back half a lot more, potentially acting as the third up / intercept mark player.
Will be watching the Hawkins / Clark combo - at times in the past Hawkins has struggled when another gun forward is dominating (e.g. when Pods started in 2010). Current thinking is that at least one of them needs to play a more searching CHF role to provide long kick option out of defence. Not happening yet, be interesting to see from here.
Clearances / contested footy might be struggling but is improving.
Biggest concerns are:
1. there seems to be no set plays to turn to for that kick from full-back. Often going to short sideways option, which makes the next kick harder.
2. Still no evidence of defensive or attacking small forward crumbing play. We either run it in all the way or bomb long and MUST get a mark or it comes back out. No front-and-centre crumbing. Nor is there evidence that hitting up a medium forward about 40m out is part of the plan.
Also a big watch on the risk-taking, quick handball plays. Not sure we have the ability to carry it off, and will wonder if they continue to throw caution to the wind or adopt a more realistic approach. With a relatively big, slow side - one would think boundary play with long kicking would be more appropriate.
Tough to raise this after two solid losses, but will be interested in people's thoughts as the season progresses as to any changes to the plan or what seems to be working or not.
Noticing so far that it seems Blicavs will be staying in the back half a lot more, potentially acting as the third up / intercept mark player.
Will be watching the Hawkins / Clark combo - at times in the past Hawkins has struggled when another gun forward is dominating (e.g. when Pods started in 2010). Current thinking is that at least one of them needs to play a more searching CHF role to provide long kick option out of defence. Not happening yet, be interesting to see from here.
Clearances / contested footy might be struggling but is improving.
Biggest concerns are:
1. there seems to be no set plays to turn to for that kick from full-back. Often going to short sideways option, which makes the next kick harder.
2. Still no evidence of defensive or attacking small forward crumbing play. We either run it in all the way or bomb long and MUST get a mark or it comes back out. No front-and-centre crumbing. Nor is there evidence that hitting up a medium forward about 40m out is part of the plan.
Also a big watch on the risk-taking, quick handball plays. Not sure we have the ability to carry it off, and will wonder if they continue to throw caution to the wind or adopt a more realistic approach. With a relatively big, slow side - one would think boundary play with long kicking would be more appropriate.
Tough to raise this after two solid losses, but will be interested in people's thoughts as the season progresses as to any changes to the plan or what seems to be working or not.
