blake and brooks

[Saints_Rock]

now we have ackland and gardnier it would be wise delist blake and brooks we dont need these players any more its good that we have two big ruckmen in our side, there are other players that can fill the role of brooks and blake.

 

[The Punter]

I think one of them might be going, but it depends on who is out of contract. The Herald-Sun reported we offered new contracts to all out-of-contract players yesterday, except Allan Murray & Mark McGough.

 

[SpInNeR]

now we have ackland and gardnier

ACKLAND and Gardnier???


You obviously dont get to too many games.

 

[Fehring]

Ackland will be the Mark McGough of 2007. Will spend all year at Casey in case we get desperate (and let's pray we don't).

 

[m.diddy]

Brooks will be given another year and if he doesn't deliver will probably out the door next year.

Blake probably needs to focus on becoming the back up CHB because he is now 4-5 in line in the ruck.

 

[Savatage]

Blake will play out the season at Casey unless we have a horrific run with injuries.

 

[Kildonan]

I would like to see Brooks groomed to take over the leading key forward role taking over from Gehrig when he retires. As he matures, I think he will develop his rucking skills - especially with the help of Gardiner giving him tips.

Gehrig is playing what is most likely his last season. He is a big man with surprising pace and an accurate kick. He still has a tendency to take an impulsive risk, this is the only thing I would change about his game - make him take the kick 9 times out of 10.

Watts seems to lack some pace and must rely on a more Rocca-like gamestyle. He may well need to develop his long kick as he may find himself gaining most of his possessions around the 50m arc.

Riewoldt can play anywhere but his value to the team is enhanced when he plays as a leading forward ahead of the ball. He is always presenting, and as such demands at least one good defender with him and probably another running into the space to try and cut off the pass.

Koschitzke is the best contested mark at our club. He has the pace to be a leading forward but it is not his forte. I don't think he excels at CHF like Roo does, but can be very effective in short bursts there. He loves playing in the ruck. This is where he asks to play. I think when he's fully fit, this is where he can contribute the most. His agility and football smarts allows him to contribute like a tall ruck rover - gaining possessions and acting as a link through the middle. Then he can run forward or wide depending on who is playing on him. Dragging the opposition ruck wide or creating a mismatch in the forward line. This process requires that he works in concert with the forwards - so that they prevent their own man from going to Kosi, or get free and demand the ball themselves.

Hamill is our defensive forward. He is the man that protects our runners, who locks up the ball when otherwise it might be cleared and who can be a very effective contested mark. He is a massive plus when he is right and I can't wait to see him contribute again like his 2003 / 04 seasons.

Blake is a enigma. He wants to play, and will do whatever it takes. He put his hand up and performed in the ruck because that got him in the 22. I don't know where he will play in 2007, but I have doubts that he will make it as a key back. He might be a reasonable winger, but doesn't have the pace to be accountable to the speedsters that many opposition clubs have out wide. He has a good size about him, he is one of the fittest players in the AFL, but this era of blistering speed may see him find fewer opportunities.

 

[mad-saint-guy]

Ideally I think our ruck set-up for 2007 should be like this

Gardiner the first ruckman, to drift forward after centre bounces freeing up Kosi to play as the follower/link player.

Gardiner coming off the ground 15 mins into the quarter, Kosi going back to a FP and Brooks taking the ruck duties for the rest of the quarter.

Ackland first backup in case of injury/form slump, Rix mainly key defensive backup, sometimes coming in for a run-with role.

Blake either delisted or key defender with Casey.

Start of quarter
Foll: Gardiner
HFF: Koschitzke
Int: Brooks

5 minutes into quarter
Foll: Koschitzke
FP: Gardiner
Int: Brooks

15-20 minutes into quarter
Foll: Brooks
FP: Koschitzke
Int: Gardiner

Aiming for
Gardiner - 20 hitouts, 12 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal (70-80 min TOG)
Koschitzke - 10 hitouts, 18 disposals, 10 marks, 2 goals (90 min TOG)
Brooks - 10 hitouts, 8 disposals, 4 marks (50-60 min TOG)