Awesome defense

[Duskfire]

With the absence of Scarlett we were always going to be a bit under manned back there, but personally I think our defense was outstanding. Lonergan did an amazing job on Franklin and Taylor was his usual dependable marking everything self. Mackie was decent, especially in the last quarter with his desperate efforts. Guthrie was decent and Enright was his usual self.

None of the Hawthorn forwards really threatened to blow the game open, unlike Hawkins and Pods on the other end.

All in all, the boys back there did good.

 

[DanA]

With the absence of Scarlett we were always going to be a bit under manned back there, but personally I think our defense was outstanding. Lonergan did an amazing job on Franklin and Taylor was his usual dependable marking everything self. Mackie was decent, especially in the last quarter with his desperate efforts. Guthrie was decent and Enright was his usual self.

None of the Hawthorn forwards really threatened to blow the game open, unlike Hawkins and Pods on the other end.

All in all, the boys back there did good.

I honestly thing Lonergan is now our most important defender. Locks down the likes of Cloke, Buddy and Kennedy and does a bloody good job of it. Without him I don't think our defence would be nearly as strong.

 

[SJ]

Don't forget we are also missing Milburn, Wojcinski, Hunt who have been regulars over ten years.

Lonergan is one of the best stoppers in the game, if not the best.

 

[year of the cat]

Lonergan was exceptional today. Has really learnt how to position his body in the marking contest. Gillies should take note.

I agree with DanA. He is our most important defender now (not best). If he can nullify Cloke, Buddy, Waite, and Kennedy then we are a long way to getting over the top of these other flag contenders.

 

[HotTinRoof]

Lonergan's great, but it's also the way they work together - all keeping an eye on the situation, chopping and changing as needed. They're accountable to each other as well as the coach.
It's great that Lonergan's skills are recognised by opposition fans as well, though - he's gained a lot of respect from all sides over the past couple of years.

 

[BIGANT]

Might be off tap here, but i think harry t'S been off the boil since 09 gf, to me he's been making a lil to many fundamental's since his break out yr. Call me what you will but i'm a harsh critic

 

[kanyewest]

Yeah, our defenders played well. And the new guys down there all appear to make pretty good decisions and certainly don't give an inch.

It was an interesting duel between Franklin and Lonergan. If Buddy had kicked one of those goals in the last I am not sure who I would declare the winner. Lonergan clearly has Buddy covered in a marking contest, but he loses him when the ball hits the ground. In the end Buddy seemed to give up trying to mark the ball and instead just went with the lead hard and double back approach. That's a credit to Lonergan in some sense, but it sure makes Buddy hard to match up on.

And BIGANT - while I wouldn't say Taylor has been off the boil, he hasn't improved all that much since 09. He does fumble at times, and he doesn't seem as reliable 1 on 1 anymore, but I still reckon he's a very solid contributor. He works his backside off and has a great attitude, so there is still lots to like!

 

[Cursed Cat]

Might be off tap here, but i think harry t'S been off the boil since 09 gf, to me he's been making a lil to many fundamental's since his break out yr. Call me what you will but i'm a harsh critic

I reckon this call is spot on.

I love Harry, but he lets himself down far too often by simply taking his eye off the pill.

I reckon Mackie has continued his resurgence, he is playing career-best footy at the moment. Was never one of my favourites, but that could change if he keeps up his current application.

 

[ReebusMaximus]

I reckon this call is spot on.

I love Harry, but he lets himself down far too often by simply taking his eye off the pill.

I reckon Mackie has continued his resurgence, he is playing career-best footy at the moment. Was never one of my favourites, but that could change if he keeps up his current application.

Really? I would've given Harry a vote today. Great clutch marks when i t mattered..

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Lonners is fantastic. It's amazing how good he is now at positioning his body in the right spot every time, I just wish he could teach it to Gillies

Just quietly, Mackie's finding some real form too. Has really turned it around over the last 18 months, credit to him.

 

[Duskfire]

I disagree regarding Taylor. I suppose to some extent he isnt the great typical stop defender, but as a clutch marker he is amazing. In close games you can always count on him to take a grab when you need someone to. In the Grand Final last year he was marking them all over the place in the last quarter.

And he will forever always have my love for his role in the 09 grand final. Much like Hawkins last year, Taylor has my spiritual norm smith medal for his efforts on Riewoldt.

 

[peter care]

With the absence of Scarlett we were always going to be a bit under manned back there, but personally I think our defense was outstanding. Lonergan did an amazing job on Franklin and Taylor was his usual dependable marking everything self. Mackie was decent, especially in the last quarter with his desperate efforts. Guthrie was decent and Enright was his usual self.

None of the Hawthorn forwards really threatened to blow the game open, unlike Hawkins and Pods on the other end.

All in all, the boys back there did good.

Some good players there no doubt, although they make an "awesome defence" not defense. The Australian English spelling is D E F E N C E. I think as we are discussing Australian Rules Football, we should use Australian spelling.

 

[The Casey Cat]

Some good players there no doubt, although they make an "awesome defence" not defense. The Australian English spelling is D E F E N C E. I think as we are discussing Australian Rules Football, we should use Australian spelling.

Was that really worth it?

 

[LifeSpan-Void]

I guess it proves that he really does care