Defensive unit: 2010

[HARKER]

We've given a lot of consideration as to who our front six will be in 2010 and taken aboard an assumption that the back 6 will largely be "status quo"

Recent times have shown us that the odd surprise comes into play every now and then, and I also see 2010 being worked on to be the springboard into attack.
In order for us to devise such a game plan we will need a a back six that are smart, fluent, cohesive and prepared to run on at all costs ala Geelong.

I look back on this year and even taking into account the fact we had a fair share of injuries we also had a fair share of trialling personnel in various positions, which largely feel flat, and on reflection impeded progress of our better stock.

Our back six will need to work in harmony and be able to use the ball in a fashion which allows us to move forward quicker than the opposition can man up to.

Who are we going to use?
Who may be the newcomers to the back six in order to attain this run and carry required?
Can we expect any left fielders being thrown into the mix?

 

[Sin City]

B: Joseph Jamison Thornton
HB: Walker Bower Russell

Joseph to take the small forward.

Thornton to take 3rd tall and zone off to create.

Bower has bulked up to play CHB, will still enjoy breaking lines and creating.

Russell for shut down roles on Steve Johnson types.

Walker to break lines, run and carry.

All six of them are tough and courageous and very good, committed team men.

 

[BlueGibbs2011]

Just preference thing based on development and potential offered, i'm hoping for:

B: Browne Jamison Thornton
HB: Bower Austin Grigg

• Grigg for run and carry.
• Bower for shutdown and run and carry
• Browne for shutdown role
• Thornton for shutdown + run and carry
• Austin for shutdown and in general to hurt the opposition - we need someone to bring the physicality!

The only issue with the following back six is lack of experience through Browne, Grigg and Austin. Still, i'd like some of them to make it. Browne and Grigg offer courage and decent disposal.

 

[GordonBlue]

1AW has been played back before... with limitted success imo... HF or wing is my ideal position for Tex

I think Russell second half of last year where he was finally positioned into a role that seemed to suit is really exciting... almost underratedly exciting if that even makes sense...

The reality is, our best defensive formation have hardly played together... we always seem to have someone missing... I think losing Jamo and Waite for most of the year last year has prepared us for this year alot better.

If Waite plays down back... I don't think we would have too much trouble defensively... and we won't be totally reliant on the development of Austin... having said that... I believe Waite will be played forward... and the development of Austin will have a big word on how well our defensive back six will function... I have big hopes for Aussie...

I also think that ROK might get a few games this year... and hopefully the body ready Davies...

B. Bower - Jamison - Russell
HB. ROK - Austin - Thornton
Int. Davies

I think AJ will be used more often than not in the midfield as the shutdown player...

Armo/Browne/Ando would be used for depth...

 

[Blue and Silver]

It seems certain that Thronton, Jamison, Bower and Russell will be key parts of the back six having proven through form in 09' their abilities.

For mine the loose places are a back pocket for a small defender (Armfield/Browne) and a rebounding HBF (Scotland, Grigg, Gibbs, Armfield, O'Keefe).

Joseph should officially start on the interchange IMO and will tag through the midfield next year. Scotland might be included because of experiance and good disposal. Grigg might break in to the side as a rebounding defender part of our midfield rotations (similiar to Corey Enright). Gibbs could drop back to play as a quarterback, defensive general, director of play type. Armfield is very quick, could easily break lines, if he improves disposal should push for selection. O'Keefe is a player that I only hear good things about, big kick, hard-working, fairly accountable. Browne is super-courageous, an excellent mark, hard as nails and generally dedicated. Not sure if he will squeeze in though.

 

[GoBlues!]

My preference would be to slot Waite on the half back line with Walker on a wing using his pace & driving the ball inside 50.

B: Joseph Jamison Thornton
HB: Bower Waite Grigg/Russell
C: Walker McLean Lucas

With runners like Walker and Lucas they would have the speed and stamina to help in defence when required, as well as be damaging running forward.

 

[Silvagnis]

Steven Browne will be in our best 22 after his interrupted pre-season last year.

Browne had second year blues, but he still had good games against Brisbane, St Kilda and West Coast. We may have erred by not playing Browne in the finals if Grigg and Walker were underdone or not 100%. Browne did a good job on Rich at the Gabba and Masten at the Docklands this year.

Rich was benched in that match.

Browne had a great month against Adelaide, Brisbane, WC and St Kilda.

I like Armfield's run, bravery and defending, but I feel he can get lost in traffic if his man drags him up the ground and into the midfield.

Browne has more smarts than Army.

Browne and Joseph can play through the middle if needed.

Browne's kick when he weighted it over the top of a Collingwood player and hit Murphy 30 out was perfect. He can sell himself into trouble if he doesn't get rid of it straight away and is backed into a corner, but he's generally a good and accurate kick on the run.

Can kick with both feet.

Browne flew like Hunter in that VFL final to cut off three inside fifties and pull down some insanely brave marks going back with the flight.

For a small defender and defensive mid, Browne is a powerful little beast.

ROK hasn't done anything to deserve a spot ahead of Browne, Armfield and Grigg.

Scotland will still be in the side ahead of O'keeffe.

B: Browne Jamison Thornton
HB: Russell Austin Bower

 

[Ryan Dixon Webb]

For mine it depends a lot on how Austin develops next year.

B: Bret Thornton; Michael Jamison; Dennis Armfield/Marcus Davies
HB: Jordan Russell; Mark Austin; Paul Bower

A change I might make to this is taking Russell out (to move him into the midfield) and replacing him with Rhys O'Keeffe.

 

[Weiterbot23]

I reckon we have a resaonibly solid defence.

I would like a tough nut small like a Dean Rice or Cambell Brown type. Perhaps O'keffe or Browne could grow into this role.

Our Keys positions should develop into a soild outfit,

Austin, Jamo, Thornton, Bower

however, I wouldn't mind cashing in two of the above for a super star in the Lake, Glass, Hurley mold.

 

[Artie Bucco]

If Waite moves forward then Austin will have to step up, and hopefully with an injury free season he can do that.

I'd much rather Walker at HF roatating through the middle than at HB, he's just a natural up forward.

 

[Weiterbot23]

Steven Browne will be in our best 22 after his interrupted pre-season last year.

Browne had second year blues, but he still had good games against Brisbane, St Kilda and West Coast. We may have erred by not playing Browne in the finals if Grigg and Walker were underdone or not 100%. Browne did a good job on Rich at the Gabba and Masten at the Docklands this year.

Rich was benched in that match.

Browne had a great month against Adelaide, Brisbane, WC and St Kilda.

I like Armfield's run, bravery and defending, but I feel he can get lost in traffic if his man drags him up the ground and into the midfield.

Browne has more smarts than Army.

Browne and Joseph can play through the middle if needed.

Browne's kick when he weighted it over the top of a Collingwood player and hit Murphy 30 out was perfect. He can sell himself into trouble if he doesn't get rid of it straight away and is backed into a corner, but he's generally a good and accurate kick on the run.

Can kick with both feet.

Browne flew like Hunter in that VFL final to cut off three inside fifties and pull down some insanely brave marks going back with the flight.

For a small defender and defensive mid, Browne is a powerful little beast.

ROK hasn't done anything to deserve a spot ahead of Browne, Armfield and Grigg.

Scotland will still be in the side ahead of O'keeffe.

B: Browne Jamison Thornton
HB: Russell Austin Bower

I knew we shouldn't have bought that stupid high tech treadmill and put the money toward a machine that can morph two players into one.

 

[The Toad]

FB:: Browne - Jamison - Jospeh
HB:: Scotland - Bower - Houlihan
Or
FB:: Austin - Jamison - Browne
HB:: Walker - Bower - Russell

IMO with the newly created depth we have Thornton could move forward. We have a shit load of potential backmen so it might help with our perceived lack of fwd's.
Scotland, Hoops,Walker and Russell all have to play solid footy every week to keep their spot with the all 3 recruits just waiting in the wings to get a game.

 

[XXX KINGS]

For mine Walker on the half back line is exactly where he should be playing and it's where I see him playing his best football. It's an area where he can utilise his strengths and provide us with fantastic rebound, whilst he is also a decent shutdown player having done fantastic jobs on guys like Akermanis and Russell Robertson in the past. In the years we were shit and he was given defensive roles he almost always broke even which was amazing considering the amount and quality of delivery we allowed to enter our defensive 50.

If you want a guy to play on the Paul Chapman's, Jason Porplyzia's and Angus Monfries of this world then I think Walker is our man.

His best game this season was against Port Adelaide and he spent it rebounding from half back.

 

[Amers]

Here's a question for everyone.

Can we afford to play 4 talls (Jamison, Bower, Thornton, Waite/Austin) in our back 6 if we have a running game plan? (which is looking likely)

IMO 4 is too many, and we will need the extra small for the extra run and carry(will also help expand our midfield rotations too). But then that begs the question, who do you drop?

 

[Shambolic]

I think Walker should go back but for different reasons. After a great 2006 in defence, he has had two shocking seasons with injury in a row and i think he needs to get his mojo back focussing on a certain role. We can always move him around or up forward to break it up for him but he has to get back to being an AFL player.

 

[Bluebear]

I can't beleive there isn't much love for Army here.

Aside from Joseph, who tends to go to either the best small forward or best midfielder with pace.....Army was, by far our best small defender in the seond half of last year.

Not only did he beat his man most weeks, he also provided a lot of run and his skills aren't as bad as people make out.

As for the comment on him getting sucked up into the midfield.......he is a small defender playing on a small forward.......most of whom these days rotate into the midfield.
I'm happy with him going in there to continue the blanket job.
If Browne is smarter than this and won't follow his man......and will sta back.......I'll take dumb thanks.

There is a difference between zoning off a tall who won't create much play, and zoning off a midfielder who can burst away from a pack and create.

Also interesting no-one has Waite.
Austin may well go forward.

FWIW:
Thornton - Jamison - Armfield
Russell - Bower - Grigg/Browne

Joseph in the middle.

Forward line

Yarran - Henderson - Houlihan/Walker/Garlett/Robinson
Waite - Austin - Betts

I'd give Aussie and Waite a crack up forward. Henderson to play high as the lead up. Kreuzer and Warnock to start in the ruck.

 

[BlueGibbs2011]

That is why I wouldn't be surprised for a Walker to be thrown back, but who then gets moved out?

I think Walker has to prove he can stay on the park before you can slot him in. Also, his kicking is average maybe just above average which makes him a slight liability down back - turn it over = goal.

Rather see him get a chance up fwd.

 

[Bluebear]

That is why I wouldn't be surprised for a Walker to be thrown back, but who then gets moved out?

My concern with Walker is that he might be focussing so much on trying to play footy that he can "zone out" a little. Hence Rich getting away from him.

I think he has played his most exciting footy in the middle and up forward, and maybe we have more damaging players, and ones that might concentrate for longer periods that can go back. Army and Browne spring to mind as both being agile enough, hard at the footy, but also disciplined.

This is also my query on Grigg. Is he disciplined enough to shut his man down first before going for the footy?

 

[ratten7]

I can't beleive there isn't much love for Army here.

Aside from Joseph, who tends to go to either the best small forward or best midfielder with pace.....Army was, by far our best small defender in the seond half of last year.

Not only did he beat his man most weeks, he also provided a lot of run and his skills aren't as bad as people make out.

As for the comment on him getting sucked up into the midfield.......he is a small defender playing on a small forward.......most of whom these days rotate into the midfield.
I'm happy with him going in there to continue the blanket job.
If Browne is smarter than this and won't follow his man......and will sta back.......I'll take dumb thanks.

There is a difference between zoning off a tall who won't create much play, and zoning off a midfielder who can burst away from a pack and create.

Also interesting no-one has Waite.
Austin may well go forward.

FWIW:
Thornton - Jamison - Armfield
Russell - Bower - Grigg/Browne

Joseph in the middle.

Forward line

Yarran - Henderson - Houlihan/Walker/Garlett/Robinson
Waite - Austin - Betts

I'd give Aussie and Waite a crack up forward. Henderson to play high as the lead up. Kreuzer and Warnock to start in the ruck.

Was thinking the same thing there BB. At this moment Army is ahead of Browne. He played some very solid games last year. If his improvement continues then I would say he isn't going anywhere. He's Quicker and more athletic than Browne. Having said that Browne is a tough nut( Army doesn't shirk an issue either) and does have more awareness at this stage. But when army is on song he beats his man, provides excellent run and linkage from back and takes the game on. Armies kicking is on th eimprove as well.
Not a fan of Walker down back, in general he is a pretty crap kick. Play him foward of center.

 

[Lawnchair]

Armfield Jamison Thornton
Bower Waite Austin

Waite, Bower and Thornton all move fantastic for their size. When Waite and Thornton are both switched on they decimate opposition teams with a key target but both still remain accountable against a team where they have to man up such as bulldogs. Before Waite went down we were averaging something like 60 pts against us. With a more varied form of attack, we should easily be able to kick 10 goals + a match.

 

[Tanks_Alot]

Armfield Jamison Thornton
Bower Waite Austin

Waite, Bower and Thornton all move fantastic for their size. When Waite and Thornton are both switched on they decimate opposition teams with a key target but both still remain accountable against a team where they have to man up such as bulldogs. Before Waite went down we were averaging something like 60 pts against us. With a more varied form of attack, we should easily be able to kick 10 goals + a match.

Not bad, just a little too top heavy for my liking. Maybe swap Austin with Carrazzo or Browne to provide some run out of there. Austin might get a chance in the forward line next year.

 

[Cruiser23]

Steven Browne will be in our best 22 after his interrupted pre-season last year.

Browne had second year blues, but he still had good games against Brisbane, St Kilda and West Coast. We may have erred by not playing Browne in the finals if Grigg and Walker were underdone or not 100%. Browne did a good job on Rich at the Gabba and Masten at the Docklands this year.

Rich was benched in that match.

Browne had a great month against Adelaide, Brisbane, WC and St Kilda.

I like Armfield's run, bravery and defending, but I feel he can get lost in traffic if his man drags him up the ground and into the midfield.

Browne has more smarts than Army.

Browne and Joseph can play through the middle if needed.

Browne's kick when he weighted it over the top of a Collingwood player and hit Murphy 30 out was perfect. He can sell himself into trouble if he doesn't get rid of it straight away and is backed into a corner, but he's generally a good and accurate kick on the run.

Can kick with both feet.

Browne flew like Hunter in that VFL final to cut off three inside fifties and pull down some insanely brave marks going back with the flight.

For a small defender and defensive mid, Browne is a powerful little beast.

ROK hasn't done anything to deserve a spot ahead of Browne, Armfield and Grigg.

Scotland will still be in the side ahead of O'keeffe.

B: Browne Jamison Thornton
HB: Russell Austin Bower

This.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Lawnchair]

Not bad, just a little too top heavy for my liking. Maybe swap Austin with Carrazzo or Browne to provide some run out of there. Austin might get a chance in the forward line next year.

I thought the same after posting. Gotta keep at least one midget in there somewhere

 

[son of dominator]

The 3 constant players in our backline (as suggested on this thread) are Bower, Jamieson and Thornton. Completely agree with this, however on other threads there have been mentions that Thornton may play forward, personally I think he is best suited to play on the 2nd or 3rd tall forward.

Another consistent is Waite not playing in the backline. Some posters on this thread have him in the backline but most here don't.

I think Waite playing across half forward will actually greatly help our backline. There were a number of times this year where our backline would be breaking out of defence but have no hit up half forward marking option available. There didn't seem to be much movement from the players playing in those positions. Hence Fisher, Cloke, Hartlett, Edwards stuggling to get a game. With Waite being mobile and tall across this line he will provide a target for defenders who are breaking forward.

As with the other 3 positions in our backline it will greatly depend on the oppossition as to our defensive makeup. There will be a number who will play through there at various stages - Browne, Austin, Scotland, Joseph, Russell, Armfield.

What I hope to see this year is our mids having a more defensive side to their game. There has been a lot of criticism that our mids are great at breaking forward but aren't so good going the other way. I have to agree with this. I think Mclean will help in this regaurd and Hadley as well if he can play consistant football. We just need the likes of Grigg, Murphy, Gibbs, Simpson etc... to add that defensive side to their game and our defence overall will be our strength and not our archillies heel