Do we have a 'Swingman'

[scarecrow2k1]

With the recent focus on players like Harry Taylor, Ben Reid, Jake Carlisle, Michael Hurley and others who have the ability (or inability in one case) to play both forward and back, it made me wonder if any of our defenders could make the switch.

Firstly, I think the whole concept is a little flawed and most of those players made the switch at times that they were being beaten by their man, or the forward line was really struggling, so the fact that we haven't had to pull the trigger on one of these switches says we are probably going pretty well as far as structures.

But it did make me wonder, which of our defenders could do some damage in a forward role. We have seen Newman kick some goals at times but more of these swingmen are the big defenders, does anyone think Rance, Chaplin or Grimes could have success up forward?

(Note that I'm not asking should they be moved up forward, as I and most others probably don't think they should, but rather if it were to hypothetically happen, would any of them have success)

 

[Grockadoc]

Griffiths and Astbury could be could swingman, as they can both be played forward or back.

However, the last few weeks, our swingman has become Tyrone Vickery. Has spent a bit of time every game the last month or so playing the spare man in defence.

 

[tigs2010]

McGuane.

 

[3rdManUp]

Morris could easily be a forward in that Jakey King role

 

[scarecrow2k1]

McGuane.

McGuane is an actual productive version of the Swingman the media talk about. They fantastise about a player that can play back for a half and then go forward and kick two goals, whereas McGuane has actually turned his career around, and now provides team stability which the others don't.

Griffiths and Astbury could be could swingman, as they can both be played forward or back.

However, the last few weeks, our swingman has become Tyrone Vickery. Has spent a bit of time every game the last month or so playing the spare man in defence.

I do feel Astbury could be and we have tried him for parts of games up forward. Griffiths I didn't really think about as he's not really in the senior team considerations at the moment.

Vickery definitely does become a steadying influence in defence at times aswell

 

[camiam]

i would of said McGuane as well. Vickery otherwise

 

[ohhhBigMalcho]

Deledio

 

[wart101]

deledio is the obvious one, just plays in the mid rather than forward or back predominitely.

 

[Ned_Flanders]

 

[Maroo]

I often wonder how Rance would be if he were swung forward now that he is an established, confident AFL player (as opposed to his earlier forays up there). I suspect he would be excellent right up until he were required to start slotting goals.

I'm (very) happy with him in defence.

I think Astbury is our best bet if he can get his body right. Griffiths should be the man, but just doesn't have it from what we've seen.

 

[sante]

Jayden Post

 

[Cotcho]

Mcguane, Chappy and Petterd!

 

[Grockadoc]

There is one player on our list who I think could become a very good Medium Defender/Medium Forward, and that is Jake Batchelor. Might just be me though.

 

[DrMike]

There is one player on our list who I think could become a very good Medium Defender/Medium Forward, and that is Jake Batchelor. Might just be me though.

Funnily enough, hasn't kicked a goal in AFL

 

[Grockadoc]

Funnily enough, hasn't kicked a goal in AFL

Hasn't had much of an opportunity, though. With Rance, Chappy, Grimes, Morris and Houli all locked taking up positions in the back 50, that doesn't leave a whole lot of room for Batch, particularly if Petterd comes in.

I think he can become a player who is good for a goal or two a game as a forward.

 

[Underarm]

Mguane doesn't really count, He very rarely ends up in the backline any more.

 

[tropicaltiger]

I often wonder how Rance would be if he were swung forward now that he is an established, confident AFL player (as opposed to his earlier forays up there). I suspect he would be excellent right up until he were required to start slotting goals.

I'm (very) happy with him in defence.

I think Astbury is our best bet if he can get his body right. Griffiths should be the man, but just doesn't have it from what we've seen.

glad im not the only one that remembers when rance was used as a deep forward very early in his career he was as bloody clumsy as a new born giraffe back then but still managed to be a handfull to the opposition sides and could be our harry taylor now he has matured, also as mentioned big davey astbury could be a utility weapon if his body stays sound, he has tremendous defensive and attacking attributes some of his spearing 20 metre handballs to set up (not that many yet) have got me excited.

 

[tropicaltiger]

Mguane doesn't really count, He very rarely ends up in the backline any more.

even tho we love them, mcguane, rancy and basher in the backline at the same time = valium time.

 

[DrMike]

Hasn't had much of an opportunity, though. With Rance, Chappy, Grimes, Morris and Houli all locked taking up positions in the back 50, that doesn't leave a whole lot of room for Batch, particularly if Petterd comes in.

I think he can become a player who is good for a goal or two a game as a forward.

We have 3 of the top 10 players with most games without a goal
http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/alltime/misc_goals.html
39 games - Batchelor
24 games - Dea
22 games - Grimes

Doesn't really add to the conversation but it's interesting

 

[Grockadoc]

We have 3 of the top 10 players with most games without a goal
http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/alltime/misc_goals.html
39 games - Batchelor
24 games - Dea
22 games - Grimes

Doesn't really add to the conversation but it's interesting

All three of them are backman, one is a Third tall, the other two are defensive half backs who struggle to get games. XD

 

[DrMike]

All three of them are backman, one is a Third tall, the other two are defensive half backs who struggle to get games. XD

Grimes has had plenty of opportunity to kick goals, I remember lots of his run and carries up the wing but he usually passes when he gets to around the half flank so he can get back and onto his man, very unselfish player.

Batch had a shot a few weeks ago against the Doggies I think, missed.

Dea is becoming a very good rebound player as well.

 

[Dragonss]

THURSFIELD!!!!!

 

[Grockadoc]

You know who was a very good swingman towards the end of his career?

Joel Bowden.

 

[_DBF_]

We have 3 of the top 10 players with most games without a goal
http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/alltime/misc_goals.html
39 games - Batchelor
24 games - Dea
22 games - Grimes

Doesn't really add to the conversation but it's interesting

Looking at that link I am surprised Grima didn't kick a bag against us.

 

[Morro]

Elton will be the man I reckon.