Geelong and the Steven King selection

[Vinnie Vegas]

I would imagine that if they can, they would probably rather have Steven King in the side than Mark Blake...

I just think it would break their hearts if they were to win the premiership without Steven King in the side - Not because King is injured, but because he's simply not selected.

I think this is a last ditch chance to prove that he can contribute more than Mark Blake to go tandem with Ottens in the ruck, and if he can't offer more than Blake, who is completely useless around the ground, due to his inability to kick the ball, then he really IS finished.

 

[Waverley73]

BTW, It's one player. That one player who is showing good form in the two's and also happens to be a former AA and best and fairest winner. It's not like they've decided to play the entire VFL team this week.

Settle down non-Geelong supporters (the ones who are carrying on about this).

 

[Waverley73]

That's exciting.

Steven King was once a good footballer. He is now rubbish.

Is that more accurate?

What is accurate is that the Geelong match committee know better than you. Thats for sure.

 

[djlowz]

The first crack for a while has appeared for Geelong IMO.

This reeks of a selection based on rewarding loyalty and service rather than one based on team structure or picking best available.

I know King's VFL performances are good, but most veteran ruckman would perform well enough in the VFL, and Geelong have a current ruck combo that is owrking. Bringing in King will likely force Ottens forward - which is a huge mistake because he increased ruck role has been a major factor in Geelong becoming what they are. Having this third tall also diminishes their running options.

They will beat Richmond (though the odds look juicier) but I think we will look back at this at the end of the H & A as the move that halted their momentum.

Bad move.

Well said Zebra, I agree with you completely.

 

[squbasteve5699-cats]

He is a good player and i think it will be worth it to have him as an option in finals

 

[djlowz]

I would imagine that if they can, they would probably rather have Steven King in the side than Mark Blake...

I just think it would break their hearts if they were to win the premiership without Steven King in the side - Not because King is injured, but because he's simply not selected.

I think this is a last ditch chance to prove that he can contribute more than Mark Blake to go tandem with Ottens in the ruck, and if he can't offer more than Blake, who is completely useless around the ground, due to his inability to kick the ball, then he really IS finished.

Also well said, and I can tell you this for fact - he can offer more than Mark Blake. And to be totally honest I would rather a King/Ottens combination than a Blake/Ottens.

 

[Cattery]

Blake, who is completely useless around the ground, due to his inability to kick the ball,

Should really have a closer look at Blake I think, sure his kicking is pretty ordinary [ to say the least ] but he moves the ball quickly with good accurate handball, which suits our style perfectly, and almost always takes the right option.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

I just think it would break their hearts if they were to win the premiership without Steven King in the side - Not because King is injured, but because he's simply not selected.

This is spot on as well.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

Should really have a closer look at Blake I think, sure his kicking is pretty ordinary [ to say the least ] but he moves the ball quickly with good accurate handball, which suits our style perfectly, and almost always takes the right option.

I love it when he picks the ball up himself and has a bit of a gallop. He is quite evasive too, can break tackles and step nicely.

 

[The Zebra]

yeah, Blake has good hands, good awareness, moves well and runs to the right position. He won't hurt you with possession, but he very much complements Geelongs rebound out of defence.

Far more suited to the way Geelong play footy than King.

 

[Ricketts]

I don't think there'd be any difference in having Blake or King playing as #2 behind Ottens, King might even be the better option.

The main worry is if King breaks down in the first quarter of a Preliminary final.

 

[djlowz]

I love it when he picks the ball up himself and has a bit of a gallop. He is quite evasive too, can break tackles and step nicely.

If by evasive you mean scared, and by break the tackles you mean run away then yep I agree.

Hhmm I really shouldn't be too harsh on him he does try. My one big concern though is that he won't ever step up and it will take the club too long to realise. Lord knows I hope he does but I just can't see it happening.

 

[Cattery]

I love it when he picks the ball up himself and has a bit of a gallop. He is quite evasive too, can break tackles and step nicely.

Looks totally awkward but he isn't, never panics under pressure, can't remember him being caught in possession and always looks for the best option before dishing off a handball, a very good link player.

The Zebra summed him up perfectly in the post below yours, very astute poster that one.

 

[Cattery]

If by evasive you mean scared, and by break the tackles you mean run away then yep I agree.

I take it that was said tongue in cheek?

 

[pjcrows]

They're playing Richmond. A BigFooty First XVIII could beat that mob.

 

[Partridge]

yeah, Blake has good hands, good awareness, moves well and runs to the right position. He won't hurt you with possession, but he very much complements Geelongs rebound out of defence.

Very good call. His disposal by foot is what lets him down but otherwise his movement is fine. In all seriousness I don't think there's a ruckman in the competition who could cover the ground Blake does. For a guy his size he is pretty quick.

That said, Blake has plenty of time. They do need to find out whether King can cut it at the top level anymore so this is the week to try. Certainly at stoppages King is stronger and far more experienced than Blake. That's the dilemma obviously.

 

[Solstice Raver]

They're playing Richmond. A BigFooty First XVIII could beat that mob.

I bags crumbing forward goal sneak.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

I take it that was said tongue in cheek?

Oh no, djlowz has some kind of personal vendetta against Mark.

 

[Tonycam*]

Steven King has played three games this year.

They have lost all three.

Thats a huge point Phoenix , This gamble better work.
Just when people were coming around to Bomber, this is something that if it doesnt work could be devastating to his future.

 

[BRider]

sorry whoever said king is better then any north ruckmen or has better history?

ill tell u now hamish will be much more accomplished then king 10 times over? hes going to be AA in his first full season kthx.

 

[Rik E Boy]

The first crack for a while has appeared for Geelong IMO.

This reeks of a selection based on rewarding loyalty and service rather than one based on team structure or picking best available.

I know King's VFL performances are good, but most veteran ruckman would perform well enough in the VFL, and Geelong have a current ruck combo that is owrking. Bringing in King will likely force Ottens forward - which is a huge mistake because he increased ruck role has been a major factor in Geelong becoming what they are. Having this third tall also diminishes their running options.

They will beat Richmond (though the odds look juicier) but I think we will look back at this at the end of the H & A as the move that halted their momentum.

Bad move.

Keep dreaming....

 

[PowerOfThePussy]

sorry whoever said king is better then any north ruckmen or has better history?

ill tell u now hamish will be much more accomplished then king 10 times over? hes going to be AA in his first full season kthx.

Do you understand what the word "history" means?

Big difference between potential and someone that has actually achieved something.

kthx - is that the lingo with the kids these days?

POTP

 

[BRider]

hence why i said "will" be

king hasnt been that great

do u understand what "will" means?

 

[PowerOfThePussy]

hence why i said "will" be

king hasnt been that great

do u understand what "will" means?

If you read the post that you were referring to, it stated that he had more credentials than any ruckman at North.

Come back to us when he is a dual b&f, and All-Australian.

POTP

 

[Disrespect_16]

yeah, Blake has good hands, good awareness, moves well and runs to the right position. He won't hurt you with possession, but he very much complements Geelongs rebound out of defence.

Far more suited to the way Geelong play footy than King.

A few people have mentioned this point, but I fail to understand how King cannot play a similar role if instructed. I mean, mark...handball, it's not exactly a fine art, requiring a large degree of skill. For mine, from the times I have watched Geelong, it would seem Blake is required to play this role, because he is useless anywhere else, not because it is fundamental to their game plan. Anyone else could do the same thing is basically what I'm trying to say, including King or is Mark Blake the only ruckman going around capable of an accurate handball.