Much has been said as of late about Cameron Ling. Some has been warranted, yet some of the things said by some people have been questionable.
For four years (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005), Ling has been brilliant for the Geelong Football Club. During our years in the lower section of the ladder, he has been far and away our most consistent performer with Matthew Scarlett. He has a Carji Greeves Medal to his name and a runner-up finish to go with that.
So now we have come to a point where Geelong are expected to challenge for the premiership, but have fallen in a heap somewhat. Obviously, because of our high expectations, the finger is going to be pointed at many people as to where the blame lies. The coach, the skipper, the fitness crew, the leadership group, the list goes on and on...
Numerous people have decided to vent their spleen at Cameron Ling. I must say I am actually quite suprised, not just because Ling is one of my more favourable players. He hasn't been quite as bad as some think.
Sure, his disposal at times hasn't been great, but really is he alone? Why direct the rage at Ling solely? I would have lost count this year how many times guys like Hunt, Enright, Wojcinski when given the chance, have constantly given the ball up. Joel Corey is up there with our best players, but I would be typing for the next week if I was to tell you how many times he has turned the ball over in his career. In fact, he still does it now, so why does he escape much of the critcism Ling gets? Because he got 36 disposals against the Eagles. Ling has got a stack of the ball as of late, yet he still isn't doing enough by the lofty standards for some people here.
I here the argument that the game has passed Ling by, even at this stage of his career. Yes, he has never been a quick player. What he has lacked in pace he has more than adequately made up for in aerobic capacity. The calls by some Geelong supporters that he isn't fit is absolutely ludicrous. Ling is by far the fittest player on Geelong's list. Every single year he kills the fitness component of pre-season.
Not only is he all this, but he is one of the toughest players at Geelong.
I, for one, would rather a team of tough Cameron Ling's than a team of quick, outside players that some people seem to be begging for.
For four years (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005), Ling has been brilliant for the Geelong Football Club. During our years in the lower section of the ladder, he has been far and away our most consistent performer with Matthew Scarlett. He has a Carji Greeves Medal to his name and a runner-up finish to go with that.
So now we have come to a point where Geelong are expected to challenge for the premiership, but have fallen in a heap somewhat. Obviously, because of our high expectations, the finger is going to be pointed at many people as to where the blame lies. The coach, the skipper, the fitness crew, the leadership group, the list goes on and on...
Numerous people have decided to vent their spleen at Cameron Ling. I must say I am actually quite suprised, not just because Ling is one of my more favourable players. He hasn't been quite as bad as some think.
Sure, his disposal at times hasn't been great, but really is he alone? Why direct the rage at Ling solely? I would have lost count this year how many times guys like Hunt, Enright, Wojcinski when given the chance, have constantly given the ball up. Joel Corey is up there with our best players, but I would be typing for the next week if I was to tell you how many times he has turned the ball over in his career. In fact, he still does it now, so why does he escape much of the critcism Ling gets? Because he got 36 disposals against the Eagles. Ling has got a stack of the ball as of late, yet he still isn't doing enough by the lofty standards for some people here.
I here the argument that the game has passed Ling by, even at this stage of his career. Yes, he has never been a quick player. What he has lacked in pace he has more than adequately made up for in aerobic capacity. The calls by some Geelong supporters that he isn't fit is absolutely ludicrous. Ling is by far the fittest player on Geelong's list. Every single year he kills the fitness component of pre-season.
Not only is he all this, but he is one of the toughest players at Geelong.
I, for one, would rather a team of tough Cameron Ling's than a team of quick, outside players that some people seem to be begging for.
