Crows visit Riverland

[Damp Squarie]

The photo of McLeod icing his knee does nothing for my confidence in him having an uninteruppted season.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by Jerome
If Trent is played in defence, I hope we don't see him pushed out of the way by bigger forwards - Lynch, Rocca, Tredders.

You wouldn't play him on those players this year would you?????? If Ayres matches him up on one of those then he doesn't want to win. That would be as bad as Perrie Vs Lynch match up.

If he crack it into the best 22 he will most likely pick up similar types to Polak and Welshy.

Hentschel played on Welsh in the trial and did a very good job. Apparently Welshy kicked a couple of goals bu Hentschel still beat him.

 

[Jerome]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
You wouldn't play him on those players this year would you??????

I believe we need new options at full back.

Something new has to happen at full back this year. Our automatic selection is Basset at FB and he is pretty solid most weeks.

However, his big weakness is also AFC's big weakness in Finals and Showdowns- big, strong, gun forwards.

If we don't do something new in defence this year against the likes of the Lions, Pies and Power we're stuffed.

If those three clubs beat us again and we lose because we have presented the same old failed match ups...I will not be impressed!

To me, it will look like we havent learnt anything and our list management/selection isnt up to it.

If they want to trial Trent at FB while Smart and Hart are out...good. Should be an interesting test for all concerned.

As mentioned his build and mental approach needs work. A tough job like FB might smarten him up tho. If he does fail, so be it.

Shouldnt stop him from getting a run as a 2/3rd defensive tall. At least we've had a go at something new.

 

[MarksGirl-kbcrowgirl]

Originally posted by topjars
The photo of McLeod icing his knee does nothing for my confidence in him having an uninteruppted season.

he will be ok! don't stress just yet Topjars.

k
xx

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by Jerome
I believe we need new options at full back.

Something new has to happen at full back this year. Our automatic selection is Basset at FB and he is pretty solid most weeks.

However, his big weakness is also AFC's big weakness in Finals and Showdowns- big, strong, gun forwards.

If we don't do something new in defence this year against the likes of the Lions, Pies and Power we're stuffed.

If those three clubs beat us again and we lose because we have presented the same old failed match ups...I will not be impressed!

To me, it will look like we havent learnt anything and our list management/selection isnt up to it.

If they want to trial Trent at FB while Smart and Hart are out...good. Should be an interesting test for all concerned.

As mentioned his build and mental approach needs work. A tough job like FB might smarten him up tho. If he does fail, so be it.

Shouldnt stop him from getting a run as a 2/3rd defensive tall. At least we've had a go at something new.

I agree with you view with our struggles to contain a big strong forward but Hentschel would go on them as well as Bassett does if not worse. I am all for giving him a go there to help us in the long run but he is not the solution for this year.

I know you won't agree with me on this one but I still think that Biglands is worth a shot on big gorilla's. He has matured in the last couple of years and he could be the player that can negate those gorillas. If Ben Hudson lives up to the suggestions that he will provide a great deal competition for a rucking spot then I would like us to try playing Biglands on big forwards. We have nothing to lose.

If not then we will most likely use Mark Stevens in defence when the need arises. Those are the only 2 oprions I can see others are more risky propositions and more for the long term than season 2004.

 

[Jerome]

Stiffy youre probably right about Trent at FB. But we'll never know unless we try. Just as long as he's moved before he's totally slaughtered it should'nt be too bad.

As for Biglands, yes I'll admit I'm not convinced.

Unless he's been spending time with the defence coach over the summer to get his defensive game together. Strength and speed is good, reading the play, playing in front and anticipating his opponents moves need lots of work.

If Biglands and the coaching staff have addressed those issues then I'd be willing to give him a fair go for 2004.

If not, hello Stevo!

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
I agree with you view with our struggles to contain a big strong forward but Hentschel would go on them as well as Bassett does if not worse. I am all for giving him a go there to help us in the long run but he is not the solution for this year.

I know you won't agree with me on this one but I still think that Biglands is worth a shot on big gorilla's. He has matured in the last couple of years and he could be the player that can negate those gorillas. If Ben Hudson lives up to the suggestions that he will provide a great deal competition for a rucking spot then I would like us to try playing Biglands on big forwards. We have nothing to lose.

If not then we will most likely use Mark Stevens in defence when the need arises. Those are the only 2 oprions I can see others are more risky propositions and more for the long term than season 2004.

There's got to be more to cutting out gorillas like Lynch than match-ups although a decent one would help. Otherwise Lynch would have to kick 120 goals plus every year on his games against us.

Part of the problem is the inability of our ruckmen to drop back into defence and fill up the hole in front of Lynch like Rehn used to. We leave it one on one and Lynch has a ball.

The sides that successfully counter Lynch or any other gorilla for that matter generally have the full back playing from behind the FF so he can't edge them in front of the ball with his strength, while the ruckman prevents the FF from marking in front of the FB.

 

[Jerome]

Originally posted by macca23

Part of the problem is the inability of our ruckmen to drop back into defence and fill up the hole in front of Lynch like Rehn used to. We leave it one on one and Lynch has a ball.

The sides that successfully counter Lynch or any other gorilla for that matter generally have the full back playing from behind the FF so he can't edge them in front of the ball with his strength, while the ruckman prevents the FF from marking in front of the FB.

Very good points. Leaving it one on one and having ruckmen that cannot take marks around the ground (let alone defence) has really hurt us.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by macca23
There's got to be more to cutting out gorillas like Lynch than match-ups although a decent one would help. Otherwise Lynch would have to kick 120 goals plus every year on his games against us.

Part of the problem is the inability of our ruckmen to drop back into defence and fill up the hole in front of Lynch like Rehn used to. We leave it one on one and Lynch has a ball.

The sides that successfully counter Lynch or any other gorilla for that matter generally have the full back playing from behind the FF so he can't edge them in front of the ball with his strength, while the ruckman prevents the FF from marking in front of the FB.

I agree 100% but would that work against Brisbane. In that final we tried to use Burton as a sweeper in fron of Lynch and it didn't work as Pike (Burton's opponent) was killing us. I don't know if it would work using a ruckman either. Keating and Charman are very good in attack and with our lack of big defenders would possibly further expose us.

Your tactics are good and that why I think that Hudson and Krueger could be very useful pick ups. Both of these lads could be used in that sort of role. From all reports Biglands got a fair bit of footy in field play in the trial so maybe his field play has improved.

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
I agree 100% but would that work against Brisbane. In that final we tried to use Burton as a sweeper in fron of Lynch and it didn't work as Pike (Burton's opponent) was killing us. I don't know if it would work using a ruckman either. Keating and Charman are very good in attack and with our lack of big defenders would possibly further expose us.

Your tactics are good and that why I think that Hudson and Krueger could be very useful pick ups. Both of these lads could be used in that sort of role. From all reports Biglands got a fair bit of footy in field play in the trial so maybe his field play has improved.

The problem with using Burton is exactly what you pointed out - it left a running mid-fielder type free to destroy us.

On the other hand, a good ruckman like Rehn used to not only fill up the hole but took marks at will, which often forced the opposition to send their ruckman down there to offset this, further clogging up the forward lines.

Biglands Hudson and Krueger are the types that could fit into this type of structure. Clarke can't do it.

 

[ok.crows]

Originally posted by topjars
The photo of McLeod icing his knee does nothing for my confidence in him having an uninteruppted season.

I thought I read that it was a calf, not his knee.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by macca23
The problem with using Burton is exactly what you pointed out - it left a running mid-fielder type free to destroy us.

On the other hand, a good ruckman like Rehn used to not only fill up the hole but took marks at will, which often forced the opposition to send their ruckman down there to offset this, further clogging up the forward lines.

Biglands Hudson and Krueger are the types that could fit into this type of structure. Clarke can't do it.

Maybe we will have a bit more flexibility this year with Hudson. If Hudson comes on then I think Clarke's spot might be in a bit of a danger.

 

[Jars458]

Please stop this talk of Gorillas

I have yet to hear a name of one other than Lynch who is 35.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
.
I know you won't agree with me on this one but I still think that Biglands is worth a shot on big gorilla's. He has matured in the last couple of years and he could be the player that can negate those gorillas. If Ben Hudson lives up to the suggestions that he will provide a great deal competition for a rucking spot then I would like us to try playing Biglands on big forwards. We have nothing to lose.

The club has tried to use Biglands undoubted mobility and size in both attack and in roles you indicate here.
Sadly, he has failed miserably in all cases. He even indicated in an interview a couple of years ago, he only wants to play ruck. Too much pressure playing a KP?????
Sadly again IMO he has the same footy smarts as Perrie. That just means smart forwards like Lynch lead him a merry dance.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
From all reports Biglands got a fair bit of footy in field play in the trial so maybe his field play has improved.

Leopards do not change their spots.
Biglands will never be a strong around the ground player (see previous post). They've been trying to get Clarke to do the same thing, and he's about to retire.
Good Luck!

 

[napsyd]

Originally posted by Jars458
Please stop this talk of Gorillas

I have yet to hear a name of one other than Lynch who is 35.

Exactly. We spend a lot of time talking about how to counter one man who is probably in his final season. Are we even drawn to play Brisbane twice? Whilst we always have problems with Lynch, the fact is we must incorporate a solution in our gameplan rather than developing players to counter him, because come 2005, the Gorilla is pretty much extinct in the AFL.

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by napsyd
Exactly. We spend a lot of time talking about how to counter one man who is probably in his final season. Are we even drawn to play Brisbane twice? Whilst we always have problems with Lynch, the fact is we must incorporate a solution in our gameplan rather than developing players to counter him, because come 2005, the Gorilla is pretty much extinct in the AFL.

We do play them twice this year.

Your point is the one I was making. We haven't been playing the right sort of game plan to counter Lynch, and this where the emphasis should lie. He doesn't kick a bundle on those teams that get that right.

 

[napsyd]

Originally posted by macca23
We do play them twice this year.

Your point is the one I was making. We haven't been playing the right sort of game plan to counter Lynch, and this where the emphasis should lie. He doesn't kick a bundle on those teams that get that right.

Thanks macca, I didn't have a fixture handy.

You know, we make a lot of fuss about Lynch, but equally Brisbane supporters must pull their hair out about Burton. He seems to always kick a bag against them and has been a match winner for us against them on a few occasions.

The key would be to curb Lynch (via the gameplan) maybe to 3 or 4 and find an additional avenue to goal beyond Burton and Stevens. Carey may provide this, he had a shocker in the semi last year. The small forward line approach worked to an extent last year. We let ourselves down with our kicking and it should be noted that Brisbane were probably at the low point of their form for 2004.

Another point is that Lynch is able to spank us because of the delivery he gets from his midfielders. The semi was interesting again in that Brisbane seemed unable to gel in the midfield until Voss got off his bike.

Personally I think we are closer to Brisbane than the semi result indicates. Form, weather, illness and burn out all conspired against us in the finals last year. Unfortunately many of these things are beyond just player management controls.

 

[napsyd]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
Maybe we will have a bit more flexibility this year with Hudson. If Hudson comes on then I think Clarke's spot might be in a bit of a danger.

Big call.

I haven't seen Hudson yet, so just going on what I've picked up, but to my mind Clarke is still the best ruckman of our three main options.

Clearly if the hype is true then Hudson would leave Clarke and Biglands in his wake in most other capacities.

That being the case if Hudson were to come on, then maybe it is Biglands who is in danger?

Would be great just to have the options anyway!

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
The club has tried to use Biglands undoubted mobility and size in both attack and in roles you indicate here.
Sadly, he has failed miserably in all cases. He even indicated in an interview a couple of years ago, he only wants to play ruck. Too much pressure playing a KP?????
Sadly again IMO he has the same footy smarts as Perrie. That just means smart forwards like Lynch lead him a merry dance.

I agree that we should forget about trying to make Biglands a defender. His value to us is in the ruck, not to plug other problem areas. He doesn't have Pitman like defensive smarts. Should be looking at other KPP options.

 

[naughty monkey]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
Leopards do not change their spots.
Biglands will never be a strong around the ground player (see previous post). They've been trying to get Clarke to do the same thing, and he's about to retire.
Good Luck!

I don't agree with either of your opinions here WW.

I believe Biglands could be a very good player in general play, but he needs time to learn to do it.
He strikes me as a player who gets better the more work he does (similar to M Stevens). Playing in 8-10 minute bursts isn't gonna do it. I believe he should play on the ground for near enough to the whole match. And he also needs time to learn. That means put him there week in week out and let him make (some) mistakes. He's a bit like V05 shampoo.

 

[naughty monkey]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
...<snip>...
Sadly again IMO he has the same footy smarts as Perrie. That just means smart forwards like Lynch lead him a merry dance.

Being very harsh on RB. Perrie is completely clueless after a marking contest.

McGregor is no brain surgeon either and he is one of the better CHBs atm.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by naughty monkey
Being very harsh on RB. Perrie is completely clueless after a marking contest.

McGregor is no brain surgeon either and he is one of the better CHBs atm.

Spot on. Very harsh on Rhett Biglands. While he is not the sharpest tool in the shed he is much smarter than Perrie who is a liability after a marking contest (unless he grabs it inside 50)

I also agree RE: McGregor.

Guys what this belief that only Lynch gives us trouble?????? Do the names Tredrea, Sav Rocca, Neitz, etc... ring a bell??????

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Originally posted by naughty monkey
I don't agree with either of your opinions here WW.

I believe Biglands could be a very good player in general play, but he needs time to learn to do it.
He strikes me as a player who gets better the more work he does (similar to M Stevens). Playing in 8-10 minute bursts isn't gonna do it. I believe he should play on the ground for near enough to the whole match. And he also needs time to learn. That means put him there week in week out and let him make (some) mistakes. He's a bit like V05 shampoo.

You dont agree that leopards don't change their spots?
Biglands is 27 this year, has a very poor record of ground stats, even when he has been given the workload in Clarkes occasional absence.
He has been torn to shreds by smart forwards everytime Eyres has tried this exercise.
He is just a Ruckman - a good one - but nothing else.

You advocate now in the off season giving him the time, and allowing him to make mistakes, but you would change your tune very quickly, if what your advocating lost us a game or 2.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Originally posted by naughty monkey
Being very harsh on RB. Perrie is completely clueless after a marking contest.

McGregor is no brain surgeon either and he is one of the better CHBs atm.

Look its tough giving an opinion, when he has rucked lionhearted throughout the last couple of seasons.
But

He is a one position player

At this point give me Perrie, who will never be a superstar for the lack of footy smarts, but has great flexibility, and a greater upside than Biglands IMO (and thats all it is).

The great bigmen over history have been brilliant tacticians of the game, great football brains to go with their size, often compensating for their lack of mobility. Biglands is not one of those.