Forward Line General

[Macca Pakka]

Throughout the end of 2012 and the start of 2013, Tex had really developed into the forward line general, marshaling his troops as needed. It seemed to be a role he really grew into and relished being the number 1 forward. I recall at times throughout 2012 he would even be marshaling the more senior and previous No. 1 forward in Tippett. The forward line was now HIS domain.

Although he may seem like a larrikin off the field, on the field he was clearly a strong leader. Not surprisingly, he's been added to the leadership group for this year.

This recent article got me thinking about our forward line leadership for this year.

While [Pods] will start the year as the Crows' go-to man inside forward 50, there will be an elephant in the stadium with him as he adds to his 83 AFL games: Taylor Walker. Once match-fit, Walker could replace Podsiadly at full forward.

As well as cost the Geelong premiership player his place in the side, Walker's return could also disrupt the forward-line structure Podsiadly has worked so tirelessly on alongside fellow recruit Eddie Betts and the club's other forwards in a new-look attack.
http://www.afc.com.au/news/2014-02-11/pods-eager-for-tex-to-return

The recruitment of two senior forwards in Pods and Betts will ensure that our forward line will not be starved of leadership like it experienced in 2013 after Tex's injury which is a good thing.

However when Tex finally returns and regains form, how do you think this will affect the forward line leadership?
Will Tex simply return as the General, or will he have relinquished this role to the senior Pods/Betts.
Does Betts even have the ability to be the forward General? IMHO Pods does.

The acquisition of Pods/Betts is great from a structural and short-term leadership perspective, but how will it affect our forward line cohesion when Tex returns? Will we have "too many cooks in the kitchen"?

 

[Allefgib]

They'll be fine. All good blokes and want to light it up.

 

[androidtommy]

Yeah I dont think it will matter much. Good players like that (all three of them) know good advice when it is given so will listen to the others if something is said

 

[Deaneus!]

I've always been a big believer in the Two Towers forward theory, so I think the two of them should be able to play together.

Also, Podsy came here to learn to be a coach - he knows he's ending his career soon, he's never been a show pony, he's too smart to not do the team thing. He'll step aside if he has too, and continue providing a good example of teamwork to all the kids we have in the team.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

I've always been a big believer in the Two Towers forward theory, so I think the two of them should be able to play together.

Also, Podsy came here to learn to be a coach - he knows he's ending his career soon, he's never been a show pony, he's too smart to not do the team thing. He'll step aside if he has too, and continue providing a good example of teamwork to all the kids we have in the team.

IMO, it's not so much twin towers - but having a few different decent goal-scoring options.

We went from having Tex & Tippett - to no one with experience last year & suffered - this year we should have Tex, Pods & Betts - allowing others to play a supporting rather a lead role.

 

[Allefgib]

IMO, it's not so much twin towers - but having a few different decent goal-scoring options.

We went from having Tex & Tippett - to no one with experience last year & suffered - this year we should have Tex, Pods & Betts - allowing others to play a supporting rather a lead role.

That's on top of JJ/Lynch learning the ropes last year because they were forced to step up and fill the void.

 

[Macca Pakka]

No doubt they will work it out, but it will be an interesting side play when Tex returns, whether he just assumes the mantle of forward line general as soon as he returns or something he works back into. I loved seeing that aspect of his game develop, as I don't think we realised how much we lacked in leadership of the F50 when Tippet was the No.1 forward.

Structurally I don't see any issue, it's just a question of how long it takes for the "pecking order" of the forward line to be reshuffled. For example, you wouldn't expect to see Petrenko commanding Betts in the forward line, but you would expect to see the reverse.

 

[Footypie32]

It's a good problem to have. Certainly better than the alternative. It's great knowing whoever plays in the KPF roles is really under pressure to perform or be dropped once the Texan comes back. After last year, I'll never complain about having too many tall forwards ever again.