Dawson

[Skeptic]

Greetings all,

friendly Saints supporter here

just having a read and I've noted that there really isn't a lot of love for Zac Dawson.

Haven't seen a freo game yet this season so would love to here the basis for these opinions please.

myself... was disappointed to see him go but figured he pbly wasn't worth paying over the odds for (if that's in fact what he wanted which was the rumour)

thanks for the help

 

[Spoken4]

I guess Freo supporters see him as keeping Alex Silvagni out of the team, and the consensus is that SCOS is a far better defender than Dawson.

 

[Wharf]

Your profile says you're an Adelaide supporter?

 

[Nickos66]

Consensus is he's getting a free ride and costing SCOS his spot, people are getting nervous that this could lead to SCOS eventually looking elsewhere. He's fighting a serious uphill battle to please, ironically like every FF we've ever traded/poached/drafted previously from a Vic team.

 

[Arcassius]

I was surprised when Dawson popped up in the forward line for a stint - having that flexibility would likewise be good for SCOS.

 

[Kickett Punches Read]

It's just that there is a vocal bunch who like to bag our own players.

Even if there is no real outrage on a given week, someone will confect one.


With Dawson in particular, as Nickos said, he's perceived to be keeping Silvagni out of the team. Silvagni had an interrupted preseason, is recently getting selected as an emergency and therefore on the verge of selection by the match committee, but it is all Dawsons fault. Reality is, if we need 3 talls, or we have an injury both will be selected (if fit and available), it's all a storm in a teacup.

Next issue (still Silvagni vs Dawson somehow) is that Silvagni is doing some forward training in the WAFL. This reinforces to some people that one of our best defenders isn't going to be used in defence. The club has said that he is still considered a defender but getting forward skills as the press results in people going up the ground, but also that offensive defence is useful (maybe he is being trained to sing the Eagles club song, can't think of anything more offensive...).

Paint a million paintings but just ($*#%) one goat and you won't be remembered as the painter, so 1 or 2 skill errors on game day and your placed on the most wanted list along with half the team. That is another issue that they have with Dawson in that he is not perfect.

Dawson is doing fine, he's going hard, is selfless and adds a point of contrast... Our gun defenders outmanouver the opposition whereas Dawson moves them, you need a mix of skills so Dawson is safe on the team as long as the BF selection committee isn't used by the club officials.

that is one of the best posts i have seen on this board ever. could not have said it better

 

[rgauci]

Yeah i'd have to agree, he's being witch hunted here a little bit. Leads our team in 1% and has brought a variety to our defence which i'll explain.

Our defenders typically don't leave their man to impact a contest, they typically don't provide shepherds at every opportunity. Dawson's strength seems to be a knowledge of when to leave his man and he always is looking for a big bump. He often runs up to the man on the mark allowing our other defender a step or 2 to take a clean run at a kick out of defence.

I've noticed McPharlin has started making similar shepherds and our defenders seem confident to leave their man to impact a contest.

He's a shit kick and the umpires target him for some terrible decisions. He's given a lot less lead way than other defenders. He is prone to giving away stupid 50's far too often which can be irritating.

He failed to impact a contest on the weekend for whatever reason, i think he thought he was going to spoil a teammates mark and was called out of the contest by an opposition player. Now everyone on this board is calling him a squib despite 3 games to the contrary and numerous practice matches.

 

[Dark Wee]

I was surprised when Dawson popped up in the forward line for a stint - having that flexibility would likewise be good for SCOS.

Does anyone know who replaced Dawson in defence when he went forward?

 

[Arcassius]

On match day when I spotted him up forward I glanced back and saw MJ floating back, but didn't have a good look!

 

[Nothing]

Does anyone know who replaced Dawson in defence when he went forward?

It was probably to play a 7 man forward line (take one of the Lions loose men back).

 

[Jezzitizle]

Seems to be one of those blokes who does something great, like take an important mark, and then does something stupid, and turns it over in a horrible way. And sometimes doesnt try to spoil when he seems to be in a position to do so, and doesnt even pretend to try.
But like every player, pros and cons. I think sometimes his concentration lapses.

His real problem is the perception that he's been given a free ride into the team.

 

[Reginald Perrin]

Does anyone know who replaced Dawson in defence when he went forward?

Nobody. I'm pretty sure at that stage everybody was in the forward line.

I don't know why some posters can't handle the slightest criticism of the players being aired. If this board was solely designed to pump their tyres up it should say so somewhere.

The problem most people have with Dawson is that in their perception he is not as good an option as Silvagni or Grover. Its as simple as that.

 

[Frigate]

Dawson has impressed me for the most part. It is a good thing that we have players fighting for positions. We have not had so much competition for spots ever. Let players earn their spots.

I am just glad the peanut that sat up a couple of rows behind us all of last year turning up only to bag McPhee has now moved on.

One thing is certain, and that is that Silvagni will get a chance soon. Grover has lost a fair bit of speed so might struggle. Glad we have him on the list though as he is still a quality defender.

 

[cp3_jr]

Its no witch hunt, I think Dawson is a good defender but has quite a few limitations. Like most others, I feel Silvagni is a better option in that role.

Yes Dawson does apply himself and play selfless footy but so does Silvagni plus he doesn't make the mistakes with the ball and through the free kicks/50's. He is also stronger and more athletic and a better mark and spoiler in my opinion. Happy Dawson was in when Silvagni was injured/recovering and if we need three key defenders he is third on the list but at this stage and where we are at, Sos should be in ahead of him.