Opinion Are we too predictable

[Falchoon]

and why don't we do something about it?

Our forward line on Sunday started like this

Milne Maister Hickey
Milera Riewoldt Saad

The Crows defenders wandered out, no pointing they all knew their match up before they started.

Our midfield started Dal - Steven - Dempster with Geary and Montagna on the wings

McEvoy went from the hit out straight to centre half back.

Blind Freddie could have told you that's how we set up. The first thing Sam Jacobs did was to set up on a half forward flank, and we looked surprised.

Our idea of a surprise selection is to leave two players out and start the emergencies, but after 25 times, it's hardly a surprise.

Why not start Riewoldt in the centre square, Dal Santo at full forward, Montagna in the pocket, start with an all midget forward line and run McEvoy forward out of the ruck? Stanley on the wing, at least get the opposition guessing and throw them off a touch.

Try something

So far this year we've been down 13 -0 within the first 5 mins v GC, final margin 13
20-6 down v the Tigers, final margin 17
12-1 down in the first 5 mins v the Bombres
13-6 down v the B-lose


The only team we've jumped were Sydney, god bless Kosi's big heart.


Doooooo something.

 

[Stan_Darsh72]

I would say yes. We are too static and stagnant we need some youth exuberance in the side and when you look at past sides we have had some sort of the undescribeable, where the Forwards were entertaining, our Mids fast and skillful and our Defenders were solid. St Kilda was a suburb for the bohemians and the altertives of the time and we were founded in that place. We need to find St Kilda again.

 

[Squizz]

I'm not sure this issue is at the forefront of our problems, ahead of say:
* Macca's inability to consistently nullify opposition ruckmen at the centre tap.
* Strange selection decisions - omission of Jones two weeks running, bringing back an unfit Maister, Siposs as a sub, Hickey as a forward, not bringing in fresh players to account for the short break and interstate travel (Maister for Wright the only change FFS?) etc
* Not rewarding consistent VFL performances ahead of some that just aren't in good form.
* Failure to recruit a tall defender who can take the ruckman (as opposed to a power forward who we just don't have a match-up for - and need to negate through good teamwork). There were rookie opportunities (along with the TDL pick) but we are hanging onto players who weren't looking likely 2013 prospects (or beyond imo).

But, and whilst I'm not keen on Dal and Monty forward (I think we can only afford one small who isn't likely to beat their opponent overhead unless they are in very good form), we should be able to line a selection of suitable players up in different positions from week to week.

The decision with Stanley has robbed us of flexibility, along with the injury to Gilbert (one of our most versatile) and the small forwards not being able to assist in the midfield.

This is where I thought we could use Lee more effectively (in defence). Why not use one of Stanley's best assets (his leap) at centre bounces? Why not use Riewoldt in a different fashion? (I think teams are increasingly adjusting successfully to his good form). Why not play Steven forward when coming off a short break or where his training indicates he might be a little tired?

A few old Squizzy rants:

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/end-of-year-planning.462600/page-4#post-11720976

Jul 2008 "Been saying for a while we need to be unpredictable, and certain players on the ground need to have the authority to see opportunities and make a move."

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threa...gged-forward-line.788946/page-2#post-19997832

Jan 2011 "Our system has become predictable and I'm glad some noises are being made about changing it up"

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/saints-to-rotate.910594/#post-23366425

Feb 2012 "Most would be quite happy with Riewoldt in a floating role, but not to the extent it leaves Kosi and the "short people". Hence my obsession with Goddard as a forward. However, if we have Stanley and Siposs to add a bit of timber to the structure it does seem to free Riewoldt up - who is quite a good field kick, obviously a decent decision maker, was helpful in ruck contests (particularly third man up) a couple of times last year, and has the fitness to run between half back and half forward (teams would be loathe to kick it in his direction, so he can affect how teams move the ball)."

 

[Persevering Saint]

Dude, why are you back to being a Spec Moderator?

 

[Allsainters66]

What really hurts the saints is Milera, Milne and Saad not being able to play in the midfield. If at least 2 of these guys could it would help the saints in last quarters and not be overrun (Carlton and Adelaide Game in recent weeks). A player like Dunell?, Curren?, Ledger? Could rotate with Ross, etc and really help the young saints get through the game. Change that around and you have more options on gameday.

 

[Sheeza69]

What really hurts the saints is Milera, Milne and Saad not being able to play in the midfield. If at least 2 of these guys could it would help the saints in last quarters and not be overrun (Carlton and Adelaide Game in recent weeks). A player like Dunell?, Curren?, Ledger? Could rotate with Ross, etc and really help the young saints get through the game. Change that around and you have more options on gameday.

Curren should be in for Milera straight off the bat..Is a mid who can go back or forward, & has a knack of roving the packs at full pace..Won Sandy's B & F last year, just deserves an opportunity..And he should be given 3 or 4 games too..And will be at least physical, Milera is an extreme outside player with no defensive side to speak of..! How many tackles has he applied or at least attempted to..???
As a small forward i'd want to see at least three genuine tackles at the end of a game, against your name..If not, you'd want to kick on average 2-3 goals a game..Paul Puopolo is one of the best in the business, his defensive pressure is "manic"..

 

[Look2Me4Guidance]

If we could start with a forward other than Riewoldt actually leading up at the ball carrier on a semi regular basis that would help things. Tired of seeing the ball bombed forward and when it hits the decks our little guys are usually second to it. I think we're somewhat hamstrung in our structure because we know we're undersized in defence, so look to sure that up firstly, but it's costing us up forward. Our forward line at the moment is less potent than when Lyon was at the helm in 2011. Jones would be a decent option up forward. Stop laughing! He would provide forward pressure and ideally would work off whoever is peeling off to help thwart Roo. I've always said, I don't mind if we lose if we take the game on. Whilst this is happening in patches, some players go back into their shells too easily.

 

[Imagionable]

To be honest, we've played pretty well for most parts of this year but we are lacking that extra element to finish a game on a high note.

 

[Grav]

As long as Roo is playing in the forward line we will be predictable, we kick to him at all cost. The opposition know this, so they double team him, then have their crumbers circling ready to take it away. Unfortunately our small forwards are leading into different spaces, thinking they are decoys & not going to Reiwoldt contests.
Oh! & don't take me wrong as I think he is definitely a champion.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

As long as Roo is playing in the forward line we will be predictable, we kick to him at all cost. The opposition know this, so they double team him, then have their crumbers circling ready to take it away. Unfortunately our small forwards are leading into different spaces, thinking they are decoys & not going to Reiwoldt contests.
Oh! & don't take me wrong as I think he is definitely a champion.

So given that Riewoldt is one of the major sources of kicks into 50, who is he kicking to?

 

[tbarker]

So given that Riewoldt is one of the major sources of kicks into 50, who is he kicking to?

Himself.

 

[hayes]

I don't mind Roo leading up to the wing. You could argue it makes us more predictable if he's just in the forward 50 all the time. He's the master of that kick back into the corridor which opens everything up. You know we're going well when he's doing that.