Forward Line

[Hannabal]

I think more than that he was clearly too good for Casey, iirc when he kicked 4 goals in one game (from the wing) he basically picked himself.

He's only ever kicked 3 goals at Casey and I don't believe his form demanded senior promotion.

 

[jimmyclean]

He's only ever kicked 3 goals at Casey and I don't believe his form demanded senior promotion.

Nope he did kick 4 against Coburg. (link)

 

[Darksidepoints]

Bate is going to find it real hard to cement a spot in that forward line. I have never been a big fan of his, so it's no great loss IMO.

If Dunn, Green and Jurrah continue their form from last year (and Petterd from the early rounds) with a couple of younger guys like Watts, Bennel and Howe getting some more game time, it's looking pretty lively up front.

 

[Crusty Demon]

Bate is going to find it real hard to cement a spot in that forward line. I have never been a big fan of his, so it's no great loss IMO.

If Dunn, Green and Jurrah continue their form from last year (and Petterd from the early rounds) with a couple of younger guys like Watts, Bennel and Howe getting some more game time, it's looking pretty lively up front.

And this is where we are getting better as a side. Bate was a walk up start in our best 22 a couple of seasons ago.

What Bate does add is depth to a forwardline still developing. I feel he is in direct competition with Dunn for a spot. Dunn just has him at this stage, however give both a full pre season and be injury free, and it's a close contest. Similar players, but Dunn has a bit more X factor about him.

 

[Demon 16]

I wouldnt mind seeing Morton rotated through the forward line on occasion this season.

 

[Hannabal]

Nope he did kick 4 against Coburg. (link)

Thanks

Btw, I was happy that he got games, as I've already stated, but I don't think that anyone could argue that he smashed the door down.

I think he'll show quite a bit this year and really excel in 2012.

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

We know that he's not a one touch player with great hands, don't we ?

im assuming thats sarcasm

 

[Bomber Man]

Still lacking a big forward, I'd love to have Jurrah as a third tall.

Excuse an outsider's viewpoint... I think Dunn may be your big man. I know he has moved from post to post in his career to date, but he is a big lad (192-193cm and 95kg) who showed he could play as a KPF last season after showing glimpses of it early in his career. I think he just needed his game to "grow into his body" - get confident in using his size at AFL level, I think the tagging helped that.

Melbourne is certainly going to be one of the most exciting sides this year. It's often talked about that Grimes, Scully and Trengrove are absolute 1st class ball users/in the middle, but the forward line is where I think they will surprise everyone - very hard to match up all around, and loads of goal sense.

To me, Dunn is the perfect big man foil - needs a big defender on him, is a natural forward (was a junior forward), has improved his conversion although it still needs work, uses his body (and lip) well to intimidate/distract. With so much class, pace and goal savvy in smaller/other forwards at your disposal - Green, Jurrah, Petterd, Sylvia, Bate, Bennell, Watts, Davey, Wonaeamirri, Maric - why not add a bit of ugly mongrel?! (at least until Howe comes on...)

This is why you drafted him as the 15th player taken in 2004:
Lynden Dunn
Details:
Club: Mooney Valley/Calder
DOB: 14 May 1987 Hgt: 192cm Wgt: 90kg
Position: Full Forward/Full Back
Natural Foot: Right
Honours:
National Draft Camp 2004
4th in Shuttle Run at 14.6 (now called beep test)
TAC Stats:
2004: 21 games, 26 goals, 11.4 PPG
Strengths: Dunn is a versatile key position player who has been used in a variety of positions by Calder during the year. He is still very young and was granted an exemption to be eligible for the 2004 draft.
Dunn moves well, has a good leap and can take some good contested grabs. He can be very dangerous up forward as he tends to find space well but is also fairly strong in a one-on-one contest. Finished in the top 5 in the beep test at draft camp.
Weaknesses: When playing forward Dunn misses a lot of easy shots for goal, his conversion rate is below 50%. Can be sucked in by an opponent as he enjoys the verbal stuff.
Footydraft.com comment: Given he is so young might be worth a punt very late in the draft rather than having to pay a higher price next year. Potential to be a good key position player but will need time and good coaching.

 

[demonfan9]

Dunn has turned into a good forward option, but I think he is more of a lead-out type rather than a big overhead marker who can command the 50. He is in my starting 18 given the season he just had, so lets hope he can take it to another level this year.

Naturally, we would love a ready made key position full forward (if only Neitz was 10 years younger) but in a way it can sometimes work to our advantage. The unpredictability of our forward line can give us an edge. But I think when push comes to shove (i.e. finals) you need a dominant tall to help get you over the line.