Defense lacking drive and run

[Mong]

I've been thinking about our defense and think that we really miss the drive and run out of defense that we have had in previous years and also most of the other good teams posess.

Our defense is generally very solid for us and as far as negating is very good.

Players such as Nathan Bassett, Ken McGregor, Martin Mattner don't display much run or attack. Ben Hart is and always has been very good. John**** can be attacking. But other than that the cupboard is bare. Nigel Smart doesn't have the quicks that he once had. Torney is not exactly attcking either.

In years past we have had players like McLeod, a younger Nigel Smart, Ben Hart, Peter Caven, Mark Stevens start many attacking moves and running the forwards out of position.

Our attacks just don't start in defense these days.

It would be good to have someone like Edwards play in defense to improve this area but he is probably too valuable in midfield and forward roles. I am thinking perhaps Michael Doughty could be worth a try in a defensive role. I'm really not too sure how he would cope with the defensive aspects but he is a good link player who finds the ball and can run and move it on quickly.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Without sounding disrespectful, doesn Begley play majority of his footy off a half back flank. In two games so far this season he has picked up a total of 47 possesions (13 marks against Doggies) and majority of them have hit the traget. Massie played that role on the weekend and ended up with 22 possesions and 11 marks. Both are taking a high number of marks which suggests to me that they are beig used as linkman.

Just an observation. However, we could benefit further, with a bit more run from the backline.

 

[Mong]

Good point - I had actually intended to mention Begley when I started typing but forgot.

To me Begley seems like a great candidate. I have been extremely impressed with what I've seen so far. He has however played his two games so far on the wing but yes he will probably spend time in defense.

The thing I like about Begley is his height. He looks like the type of guy who could play on forwards who are a bit taller. He looks very polished.

The thing with Begley and Massie is that they have not been regulars. This might change in future and give a different look to the defense.

Perhaps it's not even the personnel and more the style implemented by the coaching staff that is the reason.

 

[DaveW]

I have to agree with Stiffy, I think our rebound out of defence has been quite good with Begley and Massie coming into the side. Smart's return in the coming weeks should add to that as well.

 

[Damp Squarie]

Mattner will slot in here eventually I think.

You have to remember that Smart and Hart know how to back one another up as theyve been doing it for years.
Dont underestimate how much straighter we will become with a CHF either. Our runs hasnt been all that bad its the direction in which weve taken the ball.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Originally posted by topjars
Mattner will slot in here eventually I think.

You have to remember that Smart and Hart know how to back one another up as theyve been doing it for years.
Dont underestimate how much straighter we will become with a CHF either. Our runs hasnt been all that bad its the direction in which weve taken the ball.

Good point TJ - both our defence & midfield have lacked confidence going into our forward line because we have so many key players missing. Having some of our forwards (hopefully) returning this week should help rectify this.

On Mattner, he is a wingman/HB flank running type & will be a good player .... eventually .... but now needs to return back to Sturt to get some form.

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
Good point TJ - both our defence & midfield have lacked confidence going into our forward line because we have so many key players missing. Having some of our forwards (hopefully) returning this week should help rectify this.

That's the key to it all Kane. With Mark Stevens and Wayne Carey out the competing targets are lacking and the structure is gone. This is why the defence has been going wide rather than straight down the guts.

I think the defence has been pretty good really although there's no doubt that Smarty adds that extra bit of run to it. Begley has been A1 in both his games and Massie was excellent last week.