Ball or Cross

[DVD Player]

Who's the better player?

 

[Number 10]

Whoa, extremely tough. Line ball I'd say, both extremely similar players. Cross handballs more, whilst Ball kicks more (and seems to have finally found some more consistancy in the accuracy and length of his kicking).

As far as impact within the team and playing style/ability, I'd happily swap Ball for Cross and if I went for the doggies, I'd happily swap Cross for Ball. (Thats confusing, but I have no answer for who is better)

 

[HFF]

Very tough.

The thing that has impressed me with Ball (because we knew what we were getting with his hardness and kamikaze attack on the footy) is the depth and confidence he has found in his kicking again.

Many Saints fans told us his kicking was rubbish and couldn't kick over a jam tin. Watching him this season, it seems his range and radar is back or as close to back as it can be.

With Cross, every time I think of him, I picture Big Bad Leroy running him down to the footy after giving him a 20m odd head start.

 

[Gus]

With Cross, every time I think of him, I picture Big Bad Leroy running him down to the footy after giving him a 20m odd head start.

Was late in the game and Crossy would've been much more fatigued than Leroy, who also has much bigger strides. That said, pace has never been Cross's strength.

I'd say they are about the same, too hard to call. Cross was better value- pick 56 in the 2000 draft while Ball was #2 in 2001. But even that is nullified by Ball being a cheap pickup for Collingwood.

 

[TownleyTime]

Pre OP to Ball, it's like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Datsun.

 

[Gus]

Pre OP to Ball, it's like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Datsun.

Again, you'd want that to be the case since Ball was a priority pick and Cross was a late speculative one.

Hard to split them now, would you agree?

 

[gangsta deluxe]

This is an interesting poll. Frankly I'm not sure. I would probably say that it depends on the needs of a team to decide between these two, but I do not think one is clearly better than the other.

I'm going to refrain from voting, leave this to impartial supporters.

 

[TBoyleSuperstar]

Tough call this one. Luke Ball has improved his footy since going to Collingwood, though I think this is largely due to being fitter. His kicking has improved a lot.

Cross is just about the most under-rated player in the competition, probably along with Matty Boyd, but every week just does his job, usually racks up large numbers in possies and tackles and can shut down an opposition player well.

i'd go Cross just, but would take either if offered.

 

[RedWhite&Blue]

I thought my poll comparing Beams to Ward was a good one... This one's a ripper, can't split them at all. These guys are so similar in style it's uncanny.

 

[HighettBomber]

This is a good poll in that they are both the same sort of player, hard at it, inside midfielders. Neither is overly quick or has a damaging kick, both handle the ball well, dish it out by hand effectively and make pretty good decisions. However the output by Cross, in terms of possessions is around 25% higher over a long period and 50% higher in 2011. Stats don't mean everything, but given there is not a lot of difference between them in any part of their games it becomes a pretty compelling argument in this case, Cross is comfortably the better player.

 

[jonbe54]

Cross and Ball pretty close Ball however has had a huge impact since crossing to Pies, his workrate and attitude has been invaluable in building a midfield UNIT, gives players like Wellers, Sidebum and Beams the freedom to be creative. I think he has been inspirational to young Blair who appears to be modelling his game ethos on Ball.
Far from the best natural athelete in the team and not sensationally skilled but he's a footballer through and through.

 

[CrazyQ]

First of all I want to say that both players are very good footballers and every coach in Australia, whether that be D Grade football or the elite level, would love to have them in their team. Both display excellent leadership skills and are extremely coachable. A coach's dream.

However, as much as I love Cross and would love a Cross at North Melbourne (Swallow being his equal pretty much), Luke Ball personifies success. Ever since I watched him play his first game (He's older than me) he has made a huge impression on me.

For pick 31 or so (whatever the **** it was) it was a bargain. A huge win for Collingwood and what was funny was everyone on BF thought it was either a "Normal deal" or Collingwood overpaid for a "bloke who can't kick over a 30cm ruler". Luke Ball was a man destined for success. He should have been made captain over Riewoldt and I'm a huge Riewoldt fan.

Don't get me wrong. Cross was recruited a as a pick 50+ player and has made himself a very good player. His inside work is excellent and his endurance is second to none which makes him a threat during the 3rd and 4th quarter. His overhead marking is brilliant, probably as good as Bartel.

I don't know. Maybe I love Ball too much, but his inside work, balance, decision making (a lot of the times) and his positioning is too good to ignore.

To me, Luke Ball is one of the best inside mids in the AFL and has been for a number of years. What pisses me off is that, if Luke was fit, he'd be a better footballer than Simon Black. That is a huge a wrap, but ****, anyone who saw him during his early days would know.

Good poll, but Luke is a better footballer at 85%.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Don't have a clue so i won't vote but i think Ball is a better player since he joined Collingwood

 

[RedWhite&Blue]

Both players rack up the possessions and hit targets 15 metres away but will not hurt the opposition with goals or any individual act that will turn a game. They are foot soldiers. Ball never really came on after being a top draft pick in the same year as Hodge and Judd so the Saints really bombed out that year in the draft with the Hawks and Eagles picking up a couple of champions. Cross, however, has fought every inch of the way to become the first player picked each week for the dogs. I am constantly amazed by Cross' overhead marking ability and I think it is this feature that makes him by far the better player. Ball is a massive disappointment whereas Cross is inspirational.