Chris Yarran on half back

[ManWithNoName]

Went along last night and this is probably what impressed me most. I'd thought of him only as a forward pocket/goal sneak so I was surprised when he lined up down there. Thought in the first game he played a really good running, link man role. Either winning the ball himself at half back or getting a handball out, then using his pace to run it out of the back line and send it forward. Worked really well and set up a lot of your attacks.

Then in the second game he probably impressed me even more with the role he played on Krakouer. Would never have thought of Yarran as a stopper but he played very tight and didn't give Krakouer any room. Was thinking that maybe he was sent to Krakouer to try and run off him given Krak was still getting used to the pace of the game, but Yarran sat on him all game and did a really good job.

Hopefully should expect to see him on half back a lot more this year, because I think he can add something to your backline you've lacked for a few years now. Someone who's quick and skilled but also accountable.

 

[Alpha1]

Yarran is just a gun, will be in our midfield before too long, but for now am happy watching his silky, sublime skills and creativity coming off the HBF. Feel good when he has the ball in his hands, you just know he is going to do something, or try something.

Is looking fitter and more confident as well, amazing how the Carlton fans who bagged him in his first season are quickly going back under their rocks.

 

[BlueTongue]

Went along last night and this is probably what impressed me most. I'd thought of him only as a forward pocket/goal sneak so I was surprised when he lined up down there. Thought in the first game he played a really good running, link man role. Either winning the ball himself at half back or getting a handball out, then using his pace to run it out of the back line and send it forward. Worked really well and set up a lot of your attacks.

Then in the second game he probably impressed me even more with the role he played on Krakouer. Would never have thought of Yarran as a stopper but he played very tight and didn't give Krakouer any room. Was thinking that maybe he was sent to Krakouer to try and run off him given Krak was still getting used to the pace of the game, but Yarran sat on him all game and did a really good job.

Hopefully should expect to see him on half back a lot more this year, because I think he can add something to your backline you've lacked for a few years now. Someone who's quick and skilled but also accountable.

Yeah I was impressed. He seems more valuble down back to us but having said that, he is one of our most composed forwards whether it be set shots or on the run. Would love to clone him.

 

[SurreyBlue]

Was looking forward to see how this move goes and was pleasantly surprised.
Good move by Ratten and HB brings Yaz into the game more as well. Hope this is the making of him.

 

[Sin City]

I like it

[YOUTUBE]VEpi-Imh3EA[/YOUTUBE]

Played alright there in his first season at Carlton as well, the first time we played Adelaide.

 

[Jeremias]

I was impressed by a few things last night, but this move is the one that impressed me the most.

Yaz looked a little unsure with the ball in his hand at times, particularly early on, but as the game wore on he looked far more comfortable.

I never doubted his attacking skill coming off the half back flank and he showed that he is able to provide plenty of drive. His skills are outstanding so it will be nice to have a player like him that can pinpoint a pass coming out of the backline instead of bombing and hoping like many have done over the past few seasons.

What really worried me before last night was his defensive work. We know he applies the pressure when in the forward line, but I wasn't sure he had it in him to apply the pressure as a defender. After watching him last night, though, I'm no longer worried. He was given a bit more freedom vs Richmond, but was clearly asked to play a tight defensive role against Krakouer in the second game - and boy did he play it well. He wore Krak like a glove, some of the tackles he applied were simply sensational.

To be honest I'd prefer Yaz up forward and on the wing, but if the MC believes that his best role for the team is coming out of the backline, then I have absolutely no issues with that at all.

Fantastic first full effort in the backline from Yaz. If he can keep that standard up as a minimum he'll be a gem for us this season and beyond as a running defender.

 

[thylacine60]

Yarran is just a gun, will be in our midfield before too long, but for now am happy watching his silky, sublime skills and creativity coming off the HBF. Feel good when he has the ball in his hands, you just know he is going to do something, or try something.

Is looking fitter and more confident as well, amazing how the Carlton fans who bagged him in his first season are quickly going back under their rocks.

Amazing how the Ratten baggers give him no credit to moving Yarran to HBF.

 

[CarltonFan]

Amazing how the Ratten baggers give him no credit to moving Yarran to HBF.

The mastercoach has done it again

 

[parrot]

Not really fan of the move actually. Good for his education I guess, but I want to see him forward/midfield when the proper games start, with occasional stints across HB. He's a gifted forward/midfielder. Made be cringe a little watching a talent like that tag lower quality opponents in the back half. Early days.

 

[jonoman89]

I thought he played really well and it'll be great for his development. He got a lot of the pill which should see him settle in the side a bit better and mature quicker.

 

[thylacine60]

I reckon that doco has laid to rest a lot of his issues. He can now say "that's me and that's my story, now I'm gonna do what I do best without worrying about all that any more".

 

[Alpha1]

I reckon that doco has laid to rest a lot of his issues. He can now say "that's me and that's my story, now I'm gonna do what I do best without worrying about all that any more".

That doco opened my eyes not just with Yarran but all those kids and I think all of them were very talented as well. I think we can see the change in him since he first came to Carlton, seems a lot more confident and happy, full marks to Carlton for helping him settle in and shielding him as much as possible.

 

[Blueboys7]

I hated it before last night, thought he would struggle big time with the defensive aspect but he certainly surprised me. No need to worry about his ball use or composure as it was the first hit out of the year, that will come (I'm talking about match day touch, we know his skills are sublime).

His defensive effort against Krak was exciting and his tackling was terrific. We are still yet to see him in marking contests but as a natural forward he is good in the air so I no longer see a problem.

This is a great apprenticeship for him and it could be a permanent move where he could turn into an Andrew McLeod type player. With tha said if he has a good year and improves his defensive side this would do wonders for his game and a move to the midfield.

His aggression at the contest and general tenacity around the ball is much improved.

 

[Blueboys7]

I reckon that doco has laid to rest a lot of his issues. He can now say "that's me and that's my story, now I'm gonna do what I do best without worrying about all that any more".

Well said Thyman, the transformation from his shy interviews in the doco to the well spoken young man in the CFC TV interview is simply astonishing.

 

[Dustyjackman]

I'm thinking they are grooming him for a defensive forward role much along the lines of what Hoops did last season and Robbo (particularly vs Fletcher) at times.

He already has natural attacking flair with the pill in his hands, coupled with a crash course in defensive play will turn him into the most dangerous half forward going.

Rather than trying to run away from a defender he will stick to him like shit to a blanket - beat him one on one - then set the stands alight with some forward magic.

 

[blues4flag]

Is there a more sublime runner in the game? Looks absolutely effortless the way he glides across the ground. Tried to take on the opposition one time too many (wants to be very careful when trying to sell the dummy deep in the back pocket) but he's such a great mover, uses the ball brilliantly. His tenacity was brilliant - if he can maintain that, he'll be very effective indeed coming off HB.

 

[Alpha1]

I don't mind him trying to do something different, he is one of the few at Carlton who can do things like that and get away with it. It might not come off all the time, but it will be a learning curve.

Kid just oozes talent, seems to have all the time in the world as well, that passage on the wing I think where he handballed under the man and ran onto the ball, only for the ball to be just over was brilliant, sublime.

 

[T2B_]

I too was surprised how tight he was on his man, I was very impressed. It's a credit to not only how he's being developed but Chris' increasing maturity and mental ability to focus on the task, well done to him, because I think the signs look fantastic.

 

[Stig O'Hara]

HB - Gibbs, Watson, Yarran

Like the look of that.

 

[gbatman]

maybe an andrew mcleod role

 

[thylacine60]

maybe an andrew mcleod role

 

[Jock]

Played well but prefer him on the wing or half forward where he can be more damaging forward of centre with his run carry and skill.

 

[Quazza]

looked at home back there. What I'd like to see more of though is us looking to use him as much as we can. Have him run around team mates with the ball etc

 

[Sublime]

Played well but prefer him on the wing or half forward where he can be more damaging forward of centre with his run carry and skill.

The half back role involves this exact thing quite often in todays game. HBF push forward at every opportunity and he will be seen delivering into F50 quite a bit.

One of our big problems in the past few years has been getting the ball out of the backline quickly and effectively also. A Yarran type with his skills is a must. Its been too long with sub foot skilled players in our back half.

 

[scomac]

Perfect spot HBF, will develop into a brilliant mid finally someone who can hit a target off the backline.Laidler and Duigan were impressive as was Lucas and Ellard.