Delistings

[SHARKY26]

I wanna know if anyone has a clue who is getting axed both the senoir and rookie lists?

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

We have 5 spots available. 4 if you include Beeck's promotion. Woosha apparently said we will only be using our first 3 picks (11,20,27). There's really no reason for anyone to be delisted.

 

[Streaker]

Under the rules this year we have to have a senior list of 37, which means that with the elevation of Jako and Banners to the Veteran List we have 4 places. Elevate one rookie and 3 picks in the draft. Done

 

[no1bankteller]

Originally posted by daddy_4_eyes
Woosha apparently said we will only be using our first 3 picks (11,20,27). There's really no reason for anyone to be delisted.

When did Woosha say that? Not doubting the accuracy just curious as to the context as its an interesting statement to make.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Originally posted by no1bankteller
When did Woosha say that? Not doubting the accuracy just curious as to the context as its an interesting statement to make.

I think it was Sera that said she heard it in an interview, or read it somewhere, or something like that. I got it 2nd hand from this board.

 

[Streaker]

Originally posted by West Coast Stre
Under the rules this year we have to have a senior list of 37, which means that with the elevation of Jako and Banners to the Veteran List we have 4 places. Elevate one rookie and 3 picks in the draft. Done

With the delisting of Read and elevation of Beeck and Nicoski we have our 3 picks in the draft to bring our list up to the minimum 37 required.

With the pool of delistings at other clubs growing should we be looking at picking up a player in the Pre-Season Draft?

North have delisted a player that we may be able to do something with. Should we look at rookie listing him?

Profile by Colin Wisbey

Rod Crowe.
190/90 mid-age right footer.

Style like Gaspar?

A confident, attacking 190cm/90kg multi-sport athlete with quite good footy skills who can play a variety of positions
including key defence. Worth a late 1st round pick (given the dearth of proven keys this year).

I suspect his AFL future will be as an attacking FB type (maybe CHB). However his size and athleticism (even if he does not possess elite skills) would allow him to play (at least part-time) virtually any position on the field.

The more I see of him the more I think he is primarily an athlete who is playing football. The upside of him having played a lot of basketball is that, once he has to focus exclusively on footy, he may have more scope for improvement than a kid whose entire focus has always been on footy.

Pre-season 2001, I would have thought he'd be competing for a first 5 draft pick but he hasn't kicked on like I had expected.

His form at the U18 Champs was good but not the elite standard I was expecting. Injured / unavailable during the 2001 trials.
- Looked good and took some big marks in a trial game against NT (who lack big-man strength).
- Against WA, started in ruck and got a lesson from Seaby early then spent rest of day at CHB (occasionally swapping onball with Judd). Sacrificed his natural attacking style to completely blanket Polak (and later Lynch).
- Missed the 2nd game through injury (?) (illness?).
- Excellent attacking game at CHB (beating Molan et al) against Vic Country in wet conditions. Completely led VM defence, repeately dashing away from CHB.

Only played 7 TAC games (goes to Mentone Grammar) but only one (33 possessions against Calder at the start of the season) was up to the standard of his reputation or his form over the previous two years. His other games this year were soso (compared to the potential he had shown previously).

- Is a good size with a terrific build.
- Seems very assured, self-confident. Has poise (but not necessarily good awareness).
- Exceptionally athletic - fairly quick, good leap, runs well, very mobile and agile, outstanding endurance..
- Attacking - is inclined to leave opponent and back himself whenever possible, either to attack the ball or to present himself as an option.
- Is clever but not instinctively so (see "Query" below). Does clever tap-ons etc.
- Regularly takes a big mark (incl packs) but is not a naturally well-balanced type and is sometimes outbodied. Stands his ground.
- Very good ground skills.
- Reads the ball off the pack very well.
- Quick hands, and is a very reliable feed even under great pressure.
- Very good one percenters, especially spoiling, chasing, shepherds
- Very good recovery.
- Kicks usually have depth, although not necessarily power.
- Excellent work ethic, both on and off field. Very focussed and diligent off-field.

Query:
- Kicks too often are wobbly. Doesn't seem to have good kicking style. Sometimes his kicks, particularly under pressure, tend to be "up 'n under"s. He can regularly kick long (does some excellent long clearances from the half-back line) but he has a loose style and is not the type I'd back to roost the ball 55m off just 2 steps.
- His awareness and decision-making lets him down too often. Is inclined to play on instinctively, even if he is closely attended. He often charges off without thinking, only to be immediately nailed. It's not just that he backs himself - he appears to have poor awareness and judgement. He does to clever things as well, but this "instinctive play on" is a recurring weakness.

 

[no1bankteller]

Originally posted by West Coast Stre

Rod Crowe.
190/90 mid-age right footer.

Sounds promising. His profile bears a striking resemblance to one Fraser Gherig.

May be worth a rookie punt?

 

[llosis]

I believe Rod Crowe had decent wraps on him in the 2001 (?) draft. Obviously didn't pan out. Sounds a bit like a Trent Croad type Athlete or similar to this year draftee David Mundy.

 

[llosis]

Our List as it stands:

1. Damien Adkins
2. Drew Banfield (VET)
3. Michael Braun
4. Trent Carroll
5. Callum Chambers
6. Daniel Chick
7. Michael Collica
8. Ben Cousins
9. Dean Cox
10. Andrew Embley
11. Chad Fletcher
12. Michael S. Gardiner
13. Travis Gaspar
14. Darren Glass
15. Kasey Green
16. Ashley Hansen
17. Jeremy Humm
18. Adam Hunter
19. Glen Jakovich (VET)
20. Paul Johnson
21. Rowan Jones
22. Chris Judd
23. Daniel Kerr
24. Quinten Lynch
25. Phillip Matera
26. Andrew McDougall
27. Chad Morrison
28. Kane Munro
29. Ashley Sampi
30. Mark Seaby
31. Adam Selwood
32. Brent Staker
33. David Wirrpunda
34. Josh Wooden

Elevated Rookies
35. Zac Beeck
36. Mark Nicoski

Plus picks #11, 20, 26, 58

Rookie List
1. Clancy Rudeforth (??)
2. Aaron Edwards
3. ??
4. ??

Minus from 2003:
Phil Read
Troy Wilson
David Sierakowski
Ashley McIntosh
Peter Matera
David Haynes

 

[llosis]

Wisbey on Paul Johnson (2002 draft)

Paul Johnson.

197/96 top-age left-footer (but dual-sided).

Lion-hearted hard-working hard-running large fwd/ruck with special small-man skills but NQR for an AFL tall.

(Forward) style like combination of Molloy (Bris) and Cummings.
(Ruck) style like Primus.

Has small-man skills which a big man has no right to have. Unfortunately, is NQR in some big-man skills which a big man is expected to have.

Will probably go first round but I have serious concerns about whether some attributes and techniques effective for him at U18 level will translating well to AFL level . I do not share the opinion of those who see his future as a versatile ruckman who can also play FF, CHF or CHB. I see any AFL future as primarily a FF (in a role similar to Molloy’s at Brisbane) who can handle forward line ruckwork and can pinch-hit as relief (but not man) ruckman. Against the weight of general opinion, I believe a 2nd round pick is fair and a first round pick is too high a price, given the concerns. Johnson is probably the player who has caused me the greatest grief in assessing AFL potential.

Arguably the standout big man in the U18 Champs series, and certainly in the TAC comp, as both ruck & FF but his competition was generally sub-standard, especially in ruck. At U18 level, Paul is both a delight to watch and an enigma. Has improved quite a lot since last year.

For his size, his straight-line agility is outstanding and his straight-line pace is usually quite good once he has built up momentum. He is exceptionally clean-handed and reliable below the knee even within a pack or through serious traffic. .He is incredibly adept at half-volley pickups at top pace - either takes off the ground or diving marks. He regularly sets up play by charging through traffic, taking the ball amazingly cleanly, then feeding off.

His work ethic is exceptional. He never gives up and he covers a lot of ground. He contests the ruck or marking contest then immediately pushes himself to remain an active participant until the ball is cleared. Even then, he will typically run on, with a sense of purpose, to the next play downfield. His 2nd and 3rd efforts terrific. He will regularly chase hard to try to pressure an opponent. He will regularly throw himself fiercely to smother an opponent’s kick or feed, including smothering the ball off the boot. Stats tell only part of his picture – one-percenters are a big feature. Although Paul is not quick as such, he pushes himself hard to get to, and actively participate in, any contests in which he can play a part. He will run flat out for 40mark just to block for a team-mate. His team ethic is so impressive. He is very unselfish. In particular, he will instinctively block for a team-mate after feeding the ball. He will clear a path & then follow up to present again “just in case”.

And he has terrific evasion skills for a big man.

And he thinks quickly when he has, or is going for, the ball.

And he has great awareness of where team-mates are around him.

…. BUT

… he rarely take contested overhead marks and his current rucking techniques, while regularly successful against most U18 rucks ( who are usually much shorter and/or skinnier) are likely to be exposed at AFL level. It’s not just a technique thing. Paul’s techniques can be worked on and improved to some extent, but the major part of the problem seems to relate to instinct and judgement and that’s why I am not confident he can adequately address my concerns.

And that’s the sticking point, together with the fact that his impressive agility in a straight-line or when he has the ball does not translate to lateral agility when the ball is loose or an opponent has it. In the latter circumstances, Paul has improved a lot since last year but is still cumbersome. It is easy to wrong-foot Paul and his recovery at such times is so slow that the opponent simply runs off him each time.

I see Johno’s best AFL prospect as a leading full-forward who, although not strong overhead, does lead hard and direct, has clean hands in front, and open the forward line up. Not just a Cummings (WCE) but, importantly, also a Molloy (Brisbane) in his ability to create opportunities and protection for other forwards. That, coupled with the ability to manufacture special goals from close in and the danger he presents with any kick for goal within 60mark, are where his real strength lies. That he can at least pinch-hit / relieve in ruck and take the ruckwork deep in the forward line is a plus.

To focus on a few aspects of where he is now:-

Marking:

Is excellent on the lead but rarely take contested overhead marks.

He is officially 197/96. Therefore, if he is playing key forward (typically FF), it might seem logical to man him up with your best big strongman. I believe, however, the best opponent is someone tallish (but not necessarily more than 6’2” even) and disciplined who has the pace, leap, mobility and concentration to wear him like a blanket on the lead, and to run off him at every opportunity.

Paul is a very strong, purposeful, steam-train lead. He hits the ball at top pace and has vice-grab hands if he can take the ball out if front. If you are even a metre behind him on the lead and the ball comes no higher than head height, he will mark it every time. And when he does he will hurt because he is such a reliable thumping kick, especially for goal.

If the ball presents a genuine overhead marking contest, Paul struggles big-time. He will always give you a big chance because he gives you unlimited access to the ball. He instinctively tends to run at the ball in such a way that he gets to a point underneath the ball and then jumps virtually straight up. He doesn’t have a feel for jumping up and INTO the ball. Nor does he steady at the last moment to shield the ball from the opponent’s reach. The bottom line is that Johnson is often not well-balanced at impact and, most importantly, the opponent doesn’t have to reach around Johnson’s body, let alone his arms, him for the ball. To compound things (or possibly connected) Paul often has hard hands overhead and struggles to even get hands to ball if he is coming from behind or mid-pack. Put simply, Paul‘s overhead marking usually consists of him running to the spot and jumping vertically straight up to catch. If he doesn’t have clear access to both those aspects, he is in trouble. Hence, he is usually in trouble overhead.

Ruckwork:

Is dual-handed and very clever with many of his ho's - can do monster punch hitouts to the front, or straight-arm jolt punches sideways, but he does try to direct hitouts & does have good awareness of where his "rover" options are. That’s the good news.

At ruck contests, tends to get to a position underneath where he expects the ball to drop. At ball-ups, as with his overhead marking, this typically means he finishes up having to jump straight up vertically instead of coming at an angle with a run up. This leaves him susceptible to a big-leaping ruckman jumping over the top of him and with greater purchase of the ball. Additionally, at throw-ins, he often tends to lean back excessively (a la J Madden). This allows him to out-body U18 rucks - he holds his arms out to the side to ward off opponent but in doing so he often leans way back leaving himself poorly-balanced to adjust if the throw-in is not tossed to the exact right spot.

At throw-ins, he will try to out-body his opponent almost every time.

He will bully any short ruckman who tries to out-body him. At U18 level they don't come much bigger & stronger than him. Most U18 rucks, including in the U18 Championships, are much shorter than Paul. Many are barely 6’3”. However, Johno is no Primus and nor is he exceptionally tall by AFL standards at barely 197cm and he is unlikely to get away with it at AFL level - opposition rucks will just jump over the top of him.

I believe the key to beating Johnson at ball-ups is oppose him with either a big leaper or someone of greater height and good leap, or similar or greater in both height and strength. At throw-ins, I would either let him do his wrasslin’ thing with the normal opponent but have a leaper (even fairly small) either come over the top late (a la J Cloke) or rush in front to intercept the ball. If you have an athletic huge-leaper, again not necessarily super tall but with a good sense of timing, who can come in late over the top of Johnson or early in front from the side, you don’t even need to have another person physically engaging him.

Agility:

There are two conflicting aspects to his agility. When he has the ball, his evasion skills are disarmingly outstanding – side-stepping or wrong-footing an opponent or selling the dummy. However, when the opponent has the ball or the ball takes a sideways bounce, Paul is easily wrong-footed and, when that happens, his slow reaction to recover, his poor turning circle and his lack of acceleration off the mark are such that he misses the train completely. His turning circle has improved since last year but is still a major weakness for the game he tries to play.

SUMMARY:

- Thumping reliable left foot kick but also get good depth and accuracy with his right. Consistent, even on the run. Excellent goal-sense.
- Always tries to play in front. Always.
- Has amazing clean ball-handling skills below the knee for his size – he is especially clean at picking up the half volley in front of him. (The trouble is, if it veers from his straight line path he is in trouble - even if he only has to veer off 45degrees).
- Very good with both hands (and arguably seems to use his right even more than his left) – both handball and hitouts, both depth and accuracy. Except for overhead marking, his hands are clean, quick and reliable. He is good at feeding the ball out, even under great pressure.
- Amazing on-field work ethic – running, presenting, competing, one-percenters, 2nd efforts, blocking, tackling, pressuring, etc
- Very intense at both man and ball. Fierce & desperate tackler.
- Great awareness of team-mates around him.
- Excellent decision-maker – any thinks quickly in doing so.
- Excellent evasion skills for his size
- Agility is a mixed bag – what he does well he does brilliantly, but his recovery when wrong-footed is poor.
- Pace and acceleration are somewhat of a mixed bag. Is not flash of the mark and can sometimes look lumbering but on other occasions, when he has some momentum up and/or is on his own terms, he can look very mobile for his size. - Never gives up.
- As a hard-leading forward he is terrific if the ball is out in front of him at head height or below - has vice-like grip running flat out taking the ball in front of him when he has even the slightest break on his opponent.

Query:

- Sub-standard contested overhead marking
- Ruck technique which may not succeed at AFL level
- If he is forced (i.e. not by his own choice) to change stride from his straight-line path he is in trouble and is way too slow to recover. It is very easy to wrong-foot him & run off him - either on the run or when he is standing the mark - & that's going to hurt him at AFL level, not just around the ground but even as a key forward they will run off him.
- Will he have weight problems which may impact his strengths (pardon the pun)? 96kg but has an Adonis build at 18yo. Officially added 6gk in the past year.
- stamina? (I don’t have any reason to believe he does or does not have stamina, so it is a query. He doesn’t tend to ruck long stints - his local team has two dedicated rucks + Johnson + R Brown, and Vic Metro had Cloke + part-timers Walsh & Brown. Certainly he runs hard and covers a lot of ground “non-stop”).

Some stats:

* In 2 full TAC seasons, has never got more than 20 possessions and only 3 times has taken more than 6 marks. Hasn't taken more than 5 marks in any game since April.
* TAC Avg disposals 15, up 25% on last year.
* Tac Avg marks 3.8
* 50% improvement in TAC avg handballs in 2nd half of his season
* 33% decrease in TAC avg marks in 2nd half of his season
* 35% decrease in TAC avg tackles in 2nd half of his season
* Has most average frees against in the TAC comp – has reduced from 2.6 mid-year to 2.2 though. (Was 4th last year)
* Morrish Medal votes in 5 games.
* Avg 12 disposals in U18 Championships – but a TOTAL of only 5 marks in 3 games.

 

[llosis]

Wisbey on Adam Selwood (2002 draft)

Out of interest:


Adam Selwood (Bendigo Pioneers)

Call me lazy but my profile of Adam reads almost identically to that for Troy. Even for twins, their patterns are amazingly parallel. Please refer to Troy's profile. I have two additional comments re Adam:-

1. Concern as to whether Adam has chronic knee injury. (Played rounds 1-2, missed 3-8, played 9-11, missed thereafter. Troy also had his knee strapped during 2002).

2. Adam kicks floaters also but I am inclined to think he is the better decision-maker.

- Avg 27 disposals, 5.2 marks, 4.4 tackles per TAC game (only 5 games 2002). Over 70% of his dispoosals are kicks (same in 2001 and 2002).
- All major TAC stats up 50% to 190% on his 11 games last year. (He only played 5 games in 2002 though and came off the bench a lot in 2001).
- Polled 3 votes 2002 Morrish Medal (1 game).


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Troy Selwood (Bendigo Pioneers)

187/75 top-age right-foot HBF/utility.

Skinny, tallish desperate run-all-day utility play-reader who backs himself but has sub-standard disposal.

Style like (slightly taller) Dean Laidley (?).

Will possibly go late 2nd round or early 3rd but disposal, hands and potential physical strength make him a 4th rounder for me. My jury is out. Seems to be sensible and a genuine improver, which is very much in his favour. If he has an AFL career, I see him initially as a HBF who can also play wing. Down the track I see him potentially in a run-with role but he would need to become more accountable and back himself less.

Is a real goer - desperate, not much science, not very clean hands or disposal, but a real team man who can be relied upon to do his best for the team.

HBF or winger who also plays onball for his U18 club. Has improved enormously since last year (observation supported by all major stats up about 70%).

Although skinny, is as courageous as they come and has fantastic stamina. Has great desperation which, coupled with athleticism, agility, recovery, reflexes and passable speed make him extremely hard to beat in one-on-one contests of any sort, despite his lack of physical strength currently. At his weight he can be out-bodied and sometimes brushed away but he will keep throwing himself after you, at you, over you and in your path.

Reads both the play and the ball very well and backs his ability to do so. This means he likes to run forward of the ball whenever he thinks he can. It also means he is happy to leave his opponent in order to attack the ball or present an option. This in turn means his opponent does not lack for opportunities to slip into space. Likes to get the ball and play on quickly whenever possible.

- Disposal / Decision-making:
Is essentially a one-sided kick (right). Occasionally attempts a left foot kick but usually unsuccessfully.
Both his kicks and handballs very often tend to be floaters, lacking depth and power and are often up ‘n under. He can sometimes also do a pinpoint short pass or sharp handball but I believe I would be flattering him if I said AFL-standard and non AFL-standard were 50/50.
His decision-making is a mixed bag. On balance, I would describe him as an unreliable decision-maker. He often doesn’t look for an option. In fairness, he often does too. What I can’t understand is that he regularly seems to be blind to short options. He typically kicks for length – to a contest. Many times I have seen him have a set kick, appear to be looking for options, have one or even two about 30m away, yet choose (?) to overlook them in favour of kicking to a contest further downfield. Whether he sometimes lacks confidence in his ability to find a 30m target, or whether he simply doesn’t see such options (which is hard to believe) or whether he just thinks “longer is safer”, the bottom line is that he wastes an unnecessary number of his disposals.

- Hands:
Whether overhead or below the knee, he has days when he has the stickies and days when he has hard hands. Overall, I would not describe him as a one-grabber (although on his day he can take a nice overhead mark). I don’t know yet whether there is a pattern and, if so, whether it is just confidence or nature of opponent or standard /pace of the game or what. Against SA he had hard hands, overhead and below, throughout the day. Later that month he marked and handled everything cleanly against Northern Knights. That example makes it look like a standard of competition thing but even in the TAC comp his marking in particular can be up one week and down the next.

- Intensity, ethic:
Courage and desperation personified. Will throw himself onto an opponent’s boot or into his path. Launches himself when tackling. Regularly backs back into marking contests. Will stand under a hospital pass or run into oncoming traffic without flinching.
From a prone position, will tackle one opponent then throw himself at the next opponent. Regularly.
Chases hard. Runs hard, covers a lot of ground.
Good team man. Excellent work ethic. Good one-percenters. Can be relied upon to block and will run 20m to do so. Is tenacious but lacks strength. Is a fierce and desperate tackler but sometimes his lack of physical strength means he doesn’t impede the opponent as much as he deserves.

- Reading the play:
Reads play and ball very well.
eg while watching Goddard getting the ball, he snuck "2 plays" downfield to present - nice work ethic, clever anticipation, initiative.
Is clever at leaving his opponent in order to present for a team-mate, or dropping back to mark across halfback - usually seems to know when to leave his man but he does take the risk. Is a good mopper-upper across halfback. Reads the ball well, especially in flight. Good spoiler at a marking (or even over the top of a ruck) contest.

- Speed, Athleticism:
Speed acceptable. I’d back him to beat almost anyone over 3km but not over 30m.
Likes a dash, especially from halfback. Very athletic. Good leap.
Can burst through traffic brushing opponents aside (albeit via momentum rather than strength).

Consistency:
Form last year was up and down week by week like a yoyo. Not completely predictable this year but consistency has improved immensely.

Query:
- Disposal by hand or foot – tends to lack power and reliability.
- Decision-making.
- Strength, ability to add enough weight. Should be OK but looks to have a frame like a 187cm Dean Laidley. At this stage, although a fierce tackler, his tackles can sometimes be brushed aside even at U18 level. Can be bumped off the ball without too much effort (although he recovers very quickly).
- Right knee heavily strapped in June at least. OK? (I ask due to twin Adam’s knne history).

Some interesting stats ‘n stuff:
- Avg 27 disposals, 6.4 marks, 3.9 tackles per TAC game. Scored only 3-3.
- Polled 9 votes 2002 Morrish Medal (3 games). 8th 2002 TAC Coaches Award (25 votes).
- His club 3km time trials 2002 were apparently better than anyone's at the 2001 Draft Camp. (He was 2nd in the 3kick trila 2002 Draft Camp also).
- All Australian. TAC Team of Year HBF.

 

[llosis]

The above posts were taken from Colin Wisbey's 2002 draft notes: found here http://forums.magpies.net/hotrod/

Thought they may be of interest to us that haven't seen it yet.

 

[Voice of Reason]

Originally posted by llosis
The above posts were taken from Colin Wisbey's 2002 draft notes: found here http://forums.magpies.net/hotrod/

Thought they may be of interest to us that haven't seen it yet.

They are of interest and Johnson might be a man for AFL FF next season.

Put McDougall at CHF (where I believe his mobility is better suited) and have the giant Johnson leading from the square.

 

[Exeter]

The analysis of Johnson reminds me a bit of Troy-boy Wilson.

Can be wrong footed because of his size and his ability to take a contested mark is questionable. If the delivery to the forward line was there he could be useful at full forward, but he doesn't sound like our Alistair Lynch in the making.

Still, if we had a target and the small crumbing forwards to mop up, it could work.

With Doogs at CHF and Johnson at FF, where does Lynch go? CHB?

 

[no1bankteller]

Considering that he is a tall that plays like a small why don't we play him in a FP...Doogs can be the main target..Lynch can be the man mountain at CHF taking contested marks and Johnson can assist with both leading and marking duties. Probably better if we do not rely on him as a key forward in my opinion if he struggles with contested marking.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

CHB? His small-man abilities would help him mop up, whilst his height would allow him to play on talls. To me, those are the characteristics needed by a CHB, who needs to be able to generate play as well as contain his man. It would also take away from him having to take contested marks.

 

[no1bankteller]

Originally posted by daddy_4_eyes
CHB? His small-man abilities would help him mop up, whilst his height would allow him to play on talls. To me, those are the characteristics needed by a CHB, who needs to be able to generate play as well as contain his man. It would also take away from him having to take contested marks.

D_4_E I like that clever post...

One thing though lets not get ahead of ourselves...Johnson has only played one game for WCE, an ordinary one at that, and he is coming of a serious injury too... I think we are expecting way too much of him to just slot in to a key postion whether that is CHB, CHF or FF... The other thing is that he will have serious competition for those spots from Gasper, Lycnh McDougal, Staker etc...

At the end of the day a role he may be most suited for he may not be able to play because there may be somebody more talented already playing in that position.

Cheers

 

[Jabber]

Originally posted by daddy_4_eyes
CHB? His small-man abilities would help him mop up, whilst his height would allow him to play on talls. To me, those are the characteristics needed by a CHB, who needs to be able to generate play as well as contain his man. It would also take away from him having to take contested marks.

Maybe, but this statement worries me a bit

"...when the opponent has the ball or the ball takes a sideways bounce, Paul is easily wrong-footed and, when that happens, his slow reaction to recover, his poor turning circle and his lack of acceleration off the mark are such that he misses the train completely."

Sounds a little too much like where Jako is at now - Rd.2 vs Hawthorn ring any bells.

 

[Mead]

Originally posted by Jabber
Maybe, but this statement worries me a bit

"...when the opponent has the ball or the ball takes a sideways bounce, Paul is easily wrong-footed and, when that happens, his slow reaction to recover, his poor turning circle and his lack of acceleration off the mark are such that he misses the train completely."

Sounds a little too much like where Jako is at now - Rd.2 vs Hawthorn ring any bells.

*shudder* 2 pt loss which fell squarely in the laps of messrs Jakovich and Carroll.

I can't see Johnson in a defensive role. He's at his best when leading to the ball, and all at sea when his man gets it.
Really, I think he's most suited to being a linear leading FF, but if Seaby cracks that position ahead of him next year, he might never make it.