- Joined
- Jun 9, 2005
- Posts
- 3,888
- Reaction score
- 150
- Location
- Punt Rd Home for The Aged
- AFL Club
- Richmond
We have a lot of work to be done in this space and a few worrying signs are starting to emerge. Last week against Essendon we started to lose in the midddle and in ruck hit outs round the ground. Result was a significant Bombers comeback which we managed to snuff out. This week we were basically thrashed in the ruck and subsequently belted out of the middle allowing Sydney to dominate us. You cant win games starting your attack off the last line of defence as we had to yesterday and understandably huge pressure is put on disposal skills and lead ups.
Simmo began the year well but has dropped off since the exhibition game. His jumping seems very early and hardly got his hand on the ball at all against Jolly who spoon fed Swans midfield. I havent heard any reason for the sudden change in form from Vic No 1 ruck to very very average. Patto really struggled against Spider and was taught a few valuable lessons which he hopefully has learned. What worries me about Patto is that, despite being 10+ years his junior he couldnt go with Everitt on the lead or even run him down when chasing. He has good skills for a big guy but if he cant run outta sight he aint gonna get to use them.
Our midfield isnt as bad as it played yesterday. We have pretty reasonable ball getters and outside users. Trouble was they spent the day chasing red and white arse. I paid particular attention to see if they were trying to rove to Jolley when Simmo started to get beaten which they seemed to be as well as going man on man at times. Sadly neither is effective when a ruckman can palm the ball almost directly onto your opponent's chest. This is really highlighted on the smaller SCG where its one decent kick to full forward out of the centre break.
$64000 question is what to do about it? Persist as is or try Gus or Cartledge. Despite what has been said on these Boards I have been reasonably impressed with Cartledge at Coburg. Very mobile, knows how to palm the ball, strong jump and good skills. Gus I think is stil getting full match fitness. I don''t really knwo what else to suggest without understanding more detail about Simmo and Patto. What I do know is that if we don't sort this out quickly prepare for more yesterdays.
Simmo began the year well but has dropped off since the exhibition game. His jumping seems very early and hardly got his hand on the ball at all against Jolly who spoon fed Swans midfield. I havent heard any reason for the sudden change in form from Vic No 1 ruck to very very average. Patto really struggled against Spider and was taught a few valuable lessons which he hopefully has learned. What worries me about Patto is that, despite being 10+ years his junior he couldnt go with Everitt on the lead or even run him down when chasing. He has good skills for a big guy but if he cant run outta sight he aint gonna get to use them.
Our midfield isnt as bad as it played yesterday. We have pretty reasonable ball getters and outside users. Trouble was they spent the day chasing red and white arse. I paid particular attention to see if they were trying to rove to Jolley when Simmo started to get beaten which they seemed to be as well as going man on man at times. Sadly neither is effective when a ruckman can palm the ball almost directly onto your opponent's chest. This is really highlighted on the smaller SCG where its one decent kick to full forward out of the centre break.
$64000 question is what to do about it? Persist as is or try Gus or Cartledge. Despite what has been said on these Boards I have been reasonably impressed with Cartledge at Coburg. Very mobile, knows how to palm the ball, strong jump and good skills. Gus I think is stil getting full match fitness. I don''t really knwo what else to suggest without understanding more detail about Simmo and Patto. What I do know is that if we don't sort this out quickly prepare for more yesterdays.
