Prediction Expectations of Natanui this season

[Mickey Rae]

Not that concerned about his goal tally personally, as we have plenty of guys who can kick goals. Far more interested in his ruck work -> intensity and aggressiveness, effective taps or contesting his own ball in centre bounces, him becoming as good at stoppages as he is at centre bounces, and his defensive pressure cos he's one scary guy to have chase you down, 'prolly gonna hurt'. Do all that and we'll score plenty more than an extra few goals from him imo.

This .... you would back him to win the tap 9 times out of ten when he gets a run at the opposing ruckman but at the boundary throw ins he never tries to win front position preferring to reach over or through the arms of the other ruckman. As a result he probably only wins 50% of these taps. Being behind also restricts him to hitting the ball forward of the ruck and makes it very difficult to palm it to the back of the ruck which is very effective forward of half forward ..... it opens up the area behind and allows the followers to run onto the ball at pace and take kicks on goal at a far better angle than closer to the boundary.

 

[greatwhiteshark]

He does pretty well as he is, if I could ask for anything from him it would be to drift into defense and take the odd mark or two and more importantly become more of a link man between defense and attack.
But I can live with what he is.

 

[twce13]

Just stay fit.

 

[Chris_6678]

Just stay fit.

This. So he can beast mode during finals.

 

[Xsess]

Same general H&A output would be awesome but really looking for him to tear the finals series a new one.

 

[Adzam]

NN is and should continue to be one of the most influential players in the game.

 

[SloppyJoe]

If our coaches and medicos keep him fit and get him out there for every game, I'm confident he will take care of the rest.

 

[donpyke92]

This may be a little left field, but there are times in the past when we're getting pounded at stoppages, that I would like to see him just grab the footy and get it forward with a quick disposal, or breaking a tackle & then disposing. I get that this is fraught with a bit of danger with the HTB rules in ruck, but think there are times when it could be used as a play. Tackling NN would be very difficult.

 

[Lyyynnnchy]

This may be a little left field, but there are times in the past when we're getting pounded at stoppages, that I would like to see him just grab the footy and get it forward with a quick disposal, or breaking a tackle & then disposing. I get that this is fraught with a bit of danger with the HTB rules in ruck, but think there are times when it could be used as a play. Tackling NN would be very difficult.

It's not just tackling him though. All the opponent needs to do is knock it or of his hands and he'll get done. That and he rarely beats his opponent by enough to be able to get 2 clear hands to the ball. He usually gets 1 clear hand but going at it with 2 hands is an entirely different story

 

[donpyke92]

It's not just tackling him though. All the opponent needs to do is knock it or of his hands and he'll get done. That and he rarely beats his opponent by enough to be able to get 2 clear hands to the ball. He usually gets 1 clear hand but going at it with 2 hands is an entirely different story

Yep, agree. I'm meaning as a surprise tactic, particularly at centre bounce.

 

[avishka5]

Maybe have nic nat play as a rover when lycett rucks.

 

[Beutbrute]

Anthony Koutoufides circa 2000 in addition to dominating in the ruck comes to mind

 

[mehow2g]

He needs to believe in himself and he will be fine.

 

[Tom_Thumb]

Have this feeling we're going to be without him for much of the season with Lycett and Giles carrying the load.

 

[bzparkes]

Have this feeling we're going to be without him for much of the season with Lycett and Giles carrying the load.

Huh, why? Just general pessimism?

 

[javaguice]

Why?

How weird would it be seeing nata without his locks

 

[javaguice]

Have this feeling we're going to be without him for much of the season with Lycett and Giles carrying the load.

Tell us more Tom! Is the back issue causing him some grief?

 

[Biggie]

Have this feeling we're going to be without him for much of the season with Lycett and Giles carrying the load.

Lol.

No.

 

[Max zero]

Have this feeling we're going to be without him for much of the season with Lycett and Giles carrying the load.

 

[Tom_Thumb]

Huh, why? Just general pessimism?

Yeah I got nothing but I swear if I say it then it wont happen.

 

[ChampRevesby]

I expect him to play his role in the team.

 

[eaglespremiers]

Yeah I got nothing but I swear if I say it then it wont happen.

Rule of Thumb?

 

[W.C. Fry]

So the Nic late out rumors have started early this year....

 

[Obeanie1]

BOG on grand final day holding up the cup with Liam Duggan.

Anything less is unacceptable!

OK, maybe Duggan can win the Norm Smith instead.

 

[lloydbraun]

I expect him to discover the true meaning of Christmas.