We've been fortunate to have a gun like David Neitz in the goalsquare for the last decade, plus Russell Robertson as well, but like most facets of the club, our forward line is currently undergoing a change.
Who will be our next big goalkicker? How will our forward line structure work? What players do we have on our list that can be used as options?
I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think Brad Miller has finally made it. He won't ever be a superstar, but he finally looks confident and mature up forward. He is 25 years old and has 105 games under his belt, therefore, in his prime. After years of being moved back and forward, in and out (of the team), he is settled up forward. Let's take a look at some of his qualities.
His marking has improved greatly. Not only is he averaging more than ever (7.4 per game) but he has more strength and variety in his mark. Back in 2004, I only seem to recall him taking (and dropping) marks on the lead. He never took contested grabs, but that seems to have changed. His marking on the lead is much more reliable now, and he has the confidence to take big pack marks.
His kicking has also improved, both field and goal. I can't remember how many times he refrained from kicking, and instead handballed the ball off. Now he takes it upon himself to kick whenever he gets the chance. He averages less handballs per game (5.3) than he has in the last 4 seasons, and he averages more kicks than ever before (8.7).
I have always believed that Miller was a good kick for goal, however he rarely got the chance to shoot. His career figures are 52.29 (that is a strike rate of 64% - good by any measure). This season he has kicked 18.4 goals.
Something I noticed last season was whenever Neitz was out of the team, Miller would play much better. So it is no co-incidence that he is having his best season now that Neitz has retired. My solution - stick him in the goalsquare and he will become a solid, reliable goalkicker for the next 5 years.
When Robertson returns next season, I think he will appreciate the presence of a big body next to him which helps him play to the best of his ability. It means that he doesn't get all the attention and can slip under the radar a little bit more.
Bate has already shown the ability to play as a mobile half forward. He has strong hands, a nice left foot kick, and seems to have the knowledge of that position. The only thing I'd like to see him add is some intensity, but other than that, he has a lot of exciting qualities. To finish 3rd in the B&F at just 20 years old is a great achievement. This season, he is averaging more disposals and marks than in his previous two, so that shows a clear sign of improvement.
Colin Sylvia has always caused a lot of debate. Originally drafted as a midfielder who can pinch hit up forward, he has mainly played up forward in his 63 game career. Statistically, this is his best season and most fans would agree that he has been more consistent than ever before. He still has flaws, such as a lack of accountability and intensity (at times), but he has also shown a ferociousness at the man and ball too. I don't think our midfield really needs him, so this means he can settle up forward. At times he can push deep, take some big grabs and kick some goals, and at other times he can push up the ground, lay a few tackles and get some kicks. I'd like to see him kick some more goals and start taking games by the scruff of the neck.
Davey and Wonaeamirri are pretty simply cases. Two quick, skillfull small forwards, I think the best way to use them is to rotate them from the wing to the forward pocket regularly. The important thing is that they pressure the opposition, get some score assists and take their opportunities in front of goal.
This leaves us with Michael Newton. He has a big challenge ahead of him to cement a spot in the side. While he can leap and mark, he needs to improve in many other areas before he can become an important part of our forward line. He has only played 12 games, but this is his 4th year on the list and now (during this rebuilding phase) is the perfect time for him to earn a spot. Given that I'd like to see Miller play in the goalsquare, I think Newton could be used at half forward. This will allow him to get some more touches of the ball and develop some confidence. No use sitting in the goalsquare and not touching the ball for half a game, it will only ruin him. Let him get some easy touches, build his tank, and develop some intensity around the contests.
Who will be our next big goalkicker? How will our forward line structure work? What players do we have on our list that can be used as options?
I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think Brad Miller has finally made it. He won't ever be a superstar, but he finally looks confident and mature up forward. He is 25 years old and has 105 games under his belt, therefore, in his prime. After years of being moved back and forward, in and out (of the team), he is settled up forward. Let's take a look at some of his qualities.
His marking has improved greatly. Not only is he averaging more than ever (7.4 per game) but he has more strength and variety in his mark. Back in 2004, I only seem to recall him taking (and dropping) marks on the lead. He never took contested grabs, but that seems to have changed. His marking on the lead is much more reliable now, and he has the confidence to take big pack marks.
His kicking has also improved, both field and goal. I can't remember how many times he refrained from kicking, and instead handballed the ball off. Now he takes it upon himself to kick whenever he gets the chance. He averages less handballs per game (5.3) than he has in the last 4 seasons, and he averages more kicks than ever before (8.7).
I have always believed that Miller was a good kick for goal, however he rarely got the chance to shoot. His career figures are 52.29 (that is a strike rate of 64% - good by any measure). This season he has kicked 18.4 goals.
Something I noticed last season was whenever Neitz was out of the team, Miller would play much better. So it is no co-incidence that he is having his best season now that Neitz has retired. My solution - stick him in the goalsquare and he will become a solid, reliable goalkicker for the next 5 years.
When Robertson returns next season, I think he will appreciate the presence of a big body next to him which helps him play to the best of his ability. It means that he doesn't get all the attention and can slip under the radar a little bit more.
Bate has already shown the ability to play as a mobile half forward. He has strong hands, a nice left foot kick, and seems to have the knowledge of that position. The only thing I'd like to see him add is some intensity, but other than that, he has a lot of exciting qualities. To finish 3rd in the B&F at just 20 years old is a great achievement. This season, he is averaging more disposals and marks than in his previous two, so that shows a clear sign of improvement.
Colin Sylvia has always caused a lot of debate. Originally drafted as a midfielder who can pinch hit up forward, he has mainly played up forward in his 63 game career. Statistically, this is his best season and most fans would agree that he has been more consistent than ever before. He still has flaws, such as a lack of accountability and intensity (at times), but he has also shown a ferociousness at the man and ball too. I don't think our midfield really needs him, so this means he can settle up forward. At times he can push deep, take some big grabs and kick some goals, and at other times he can push up the ground, lay a few tackles and get some kicks. I'd like to see him kick some more goals and start taking games by the scruff of the neck.
Davey and Wonaeamirri are pretty simply cases. Two quick, skillfull small forwards, I think the best way to use them is to rotate them from the wing to the forward pocket regularly. The important thing is that they pressure the opposition, get some score assists and take their opportunities in front of goal.
This leaves us with Michael Newton. He has a big challenge ahead of him to cement a spot in the side. While he can leap and mark, he needs to improve in many other areas before he can become an important part of our forward line. He has only played 12 games, but this is his 4th year on the list and now (during this rebuilding phase) is the perfect time for him to earn a spot. Given that I'd like to see Miller play in the goalsquare, I think Newton could be used at half forward. This will allow him to get some more touches of the ball and develop some confidence. No use sitting in the goalsquare and not touching the ball for half a game, it will only ruin him. Let him get some easy touches, build his tank, and develop some intensity around the contests.
