Opinion Dawson Simpson

[Pollywaffle]

There's a huge difference between 3 gorilla KPFs Hawkins/Pods/Vardy and the far more mobile and agile Franklin/Gunston with Roughead.

Be careful with simian comparisons Fred. Might get you in trouble

 

[footscore]

Has been one of the best second hand recruits of last few years

lol

 

[year of the cat]

That's right, I haven't. I said we shall see. That's because it's not a case of me saying Blicavs is better or more deserving than any of the players in Cattery's 22. I'm not actually saying that. My perception of the situation is that the match committee will find room for him based on Scott's comments and reinforced by what I've seen Blicavs able to do on the field.

Have a look at the best 22 thread from about August last year and you'll see that most people had at least 3 (Vardy, Simpkin and Murdoch) and up to 5-6 players wrong compared with the team we played in the Elimination Final. A lot can change in a very short period of time despite what seems obvious now (e.g. Cattery's 22 above).

Fair enough. I misinterpreted that you thought Blicavs should be in the 22 now regardless of whether he was one of the 2 rucks in the team, not that the MC itself think he should.

I've said it a few times that his ceiling is unknown - he has developed so rapidly and continues to do so in each game it's staggering. I can't remember anyone progressing SO quickly in the game in my time watching footy, particularly when you consider where he has come from. If he can put on a few more kg's and improve his contested marking we could have a Koutoufides type player. Whether he can continue to develop exponentially as he has been and be able to play a meaningful midfield/on-ball type role this year I doubt. Though 3 months ago most of us would have been deemed crazy for thinking that he could be where he currently is. I do think though that you are correct in thinking he has the potential to get there.

 

[Rodriguez Mendoza]

My Tall Preference

Tall Backs:
Rivers: early season from was great, adds tremendous flexibility to our side by allowing Mackie to move onto the wing and H Taylor to occasionally swing forward.
H Taylor: Lock
Lonergan: Lock

Tall Forwards:
Hawkins: Lock
Pods: Lock

Rucks:
Simpson: (I don't believe McIntosh will get back this year) he's big and strong and can hold his own in any ruck contest, endurance needs work but has improved with every game in the vfl this year.
Blicavs: Simpson doesn't work without Blicavs working up and down the ground reducing the load on the big guy. Can only see him as the second ruck this year, we have better players for the wing and up forward but his run can help us win games.

Depth:
Vardy: Unlucky to miss but for him to play I think Pods would have to go out. He will definitely play more football this year as Geelong Rotates
West: Line ball for the 1st/2nd ruck spot, for me his work around the ground doesn't justify being beaten in the hit outs.
McIntosh: Would love for him to play VFL for 6 or 7 weeks and hopefully pull a Brad Ottens and play the last 3 to 4 rounds and finals. Hope his body lets him.

 

[Catsmaninamerica]

Word on the street is Dawson will play this week. Continuing the match committees decision that he only plays in games held outside of Victoria...

 

[Partridge]

Word on the street is Dawson will play this week. Continuing the match committees decision that he only plays in games held outside of Victoria...

They're talking about Simpson's chances in California? Cool!

 

[Jon Douglas]

Actually, even though Simpson will be underdone, would like to see him play this week in the seniors.

I am becoming so impatient re HMac and our poor centre clearance work - it is doing my head in.

IMO if we can be more effective in the rucks we will become a much better unit - and a more serious finals contender.

I applaud what West and Blicavs have done for the side but that should not be confused with the facts. We are poor in the ruck compared to some of our main rivals.

 

[Partridge]

Actually, even though Simpson will be underdone, would like to see him play this week in the seniors.

I am becoming so impatient re HMac and our poor centre clearance work - it is doing my head in.

IMO if we can be more effective in the rucks we will become a much better unit - and a more serious finals contender.

I applaud what West and Blicavs have done for the side but that should not be confused with the facts. We are poor in the ruck compared to some of our main rivals.

We are. But we also need both of these guys fit. If say Simpson and West are the combination this week (and that would be my preference), then Blicavs needs a game in the VFL to stay in form until he gets a game. Because no doubt at all Scott will be rotating the ruckmen as the season goes on.

 

[Catsmaninamerica]

They're talking about Simpson's chances in California? Cool!

Im at home at the moment Partridge. Sunny warm Melbourne town..