Daisy down back...thoughts?

[Camo1902]

I like it!!!

I am sure it is just a pre season tactic to get him to work on the defensive element of his game, but he looked so good there it might actually be something we see more regularly.

What does everyone think?

 

[RRRooocccaaa]

At the moment we have so many players firing I couldn't give a toss which position they play

 

[hellfire]

Yeah he looked good there, but he still looks best in the midfield.

 

[mdc]

There are two things that Dale Thomas should be doing...using his sensational hands/leap to take marks, or using his very good pace to break lines.

He did neither tonight - was just average for mine.

 

[King Woodie]

As I have said before (to much ridicule) I think he looks good down back, and expect to see him down there a bit. Loved his work down there playing for Australia and should continue that at times throughout this season.

Looks better down there than in the midfield, and takes pressure off Heath and Harry to provide the run.

 

[mattys123]

As one commentator said, "Is he our Luke Hodge".

Bit different, in that he isnt as big and defensive yet, but certainly worth a try against the lesser sides to see if it works.

If only one thing comes out of MM coaching the Int Rules side, and that one thing is finding Thomas true calling, then thank god mick took that job.

We all know Thomas has the ability, but we just had to find his spot, and I'd say with more practice that will be down back, as our sweeper, helping and releasing Shaw and Clarke into the midfield.

 

[DThomas]

I was stoked with his performance tonight. But I'd rather see him in the midfield drifting into the forward line. He played in the backline during the IR Series last year and looked very good. Tonight he was good down back and he put good pressure on the opposition.

Looking forward to a great year from him!

 

[Dylz48]

yeah liked him there preferred him playing on the flank then deep last line of defense. Don't think he is our Hodge as he is to small for that role

 

[Gymnorhina tibic]

He looks a natural attacking HBF, opposition coaches who sacrifice a forward to tag Heater will have tio think again if Daisy is on the other side of the square.

 

[DThomas]

Also did anyone record the Dream Team commercial with Daisy and Leigh Matthews?
If someone did, put it on YouTube!

 

[Pie Legend]

There are two things that Dale Thomas should be doing...using his sensational hands/leap to take marks, or using his very good pace to break lines.

He did neither tonight - was just average for mine.

I think this point could be worked on, if given the time to develop.

 

[mdc]

I think this point could be worked on, if given the time to develop.

Certainly, but even then, I'd rather him forward of the centre.

If you look at Geelong/Hawthorn, both backlines consist of skilled decision-makers rather than line-breakers. I'm a believer in following that model.

 

[morax]

nah

 

[Godfrey Jones]

There are two things that Dale Thomas should be doing...using his sensational hands/leap to take marks, or using his very good pace to break lines.

He did neither tonight - was just average for mine.

this post is such a deja vu..

i swear you said the same thing sometime last year

 

[mdc]

this post is such a deja vu..

i swear you said the same thing sometime last year

It's my usual shtick about Dale Thomas, so I wouldn't be surprised. I'm not cutting and pasting though, if that's what you're implying

I probably would have said it re: the big midfield vs. forward argument we had start of last season, with me favouring the forward option. Probably softened that stance at this point, but still want to see him in a position to use his attributes, wherever he plays.

 

[NT.Thunder]

I think this is a good move by the Pies for several reasons.

At the moment we have enough fire power up forward to release him down back and get him involved early in the game. In my mind he really needs to get a few touches early to be truly effective throughout a game. I know he can come back with 5min to go in the final term and turn a game around but IMO we want him involved and contributing for the whole game.

I think also he gets a little bit of a rush of blood playing up forward and being un-accountable, so pulling him into line as such and playin him in defence is a great way to get his mind totally on the job at hand.

His disposal and descision making is top notch and coming of the half back line this really opens up our game. Having Daisy, Clarke and Heater all running out of defence and delivering to guys like Swan, Didak, Cloke and Tarks on the HFF/Wings is just what we need.

I'd like to see him play the same role again next week aginst the Cats, but at the moment he looks very promising.

We have to keep him involved in the play and he really stood up tonight. Good game Daisy.

Very impressed with Steele and Beams. WOW, what a find. Plenty of depth this year with the youngsters which is a bonus.

Good job Pies

 

[monkeyshine]

Because he is generally a good user of the ball you need to him get it as much as possible. Backline might be a good fit, yet needs to work on the defensive side to his game and needs to win more contested ball.

Still a flash in the pants.

 

[Palmer Stoat]

Thought he was good last night. Not sure about playing him behind the ball, but don't see any reason why they shouldn't at least try it.

 

[Plogs]

Because he is generally a good user of the ball you need to him get it as much as possible. Backline might be a good fit, yet needs to work on the defensive side to his game and needs to win more contested ball.

Still a flash in the pants.

Pan, flash in the pan.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

I don't mind it, as long as he's not expected to mind a dangerous opponent.

 

[Snag Breac]

Pan, flash in the pan.

I don't know. The alternative above provides a compelling image, and suggests something very different, whcih the poster may have intended.

I prefer Dale to hover somewhere between the midfield and the forward line, because he's such a creative opportunist. But this was another impressive string to his bow.

 

[twoforjoy]

i like that the coaches are experimenting a bit, we have riches in the forward line as it is, so if Dale can develop an extra string in his bow then having him make some creative rebound play in the defensive end of the midfield will be a bonus

 

[Dave The Man]

I don't mind it, as long as he's not expected to mind a dangerous opponent.

Agreed as long as it's for Offensive reasons on not Defensive reasons

 

[OniAu]

good to further develop him into an all round player. I wouldnt like to see it in the long term though , i think hes wasted back there. Midfield or Hff would be more suitable.

leave it to lesser players with no x factor like x ellis from hawks to run around and get loose kicks.

 

[Boris the Contradiction]

Love this idea..
Let's face it, the problem with Thomas isn't his ability to play forward or midfield which is huge for both its his ability to be at the right contests, get more of the ball and have an impact for 4 quarters not 5 minutes.

As good as Dale could be so far he has had more bad games than good ones. Heath Shaw at the moment is a MUCH better player than Thomas but in the last couple seasons since Clemo left, he has turned more into a defensive orchestrator than a runner which is how I think he plays his best football. Plus, he is often tagged and although he beats his opponent in a defensive sense, his influence is diminished.

Thomas in the backline will go a huge way to releasing Shaw and it will keep Thomas in the play which is what he needs as he is still developing. Plus I think he would be good for the quarter back role, moreso than Shaw as he has more vision. Hodge is the benchmark and Thomas can get there. Hodge has a better kick but Thomas's disposal is very good. Thomas (although lacking in a defensive sense) is a better one on one player than Hodge tho. This means he won't just be a mop up player back there like a lot of players are (He's still a bit weak though but his fantastic overhead ability helps him compensate) Plus he's quicker and will give the bonus of his run. If we're going to win the premiership we need a consistent Thomas, not one who'll do something incredible every 3 weeks and I think this is the best way to get that out of him. Also, I'm in no way saying Thomas is as good or better than Hodge, he's nowhere near that yet I'm just saying his attributes are perfect for the role..