Graham gets the monkey off his back?

[you_idiot]

Watching the Geelong-Richmond game (albeit on Ten's tape-delay), and Ben Graham has hit for three goals to lead the Cats to a deserved lead at the halftime siren.

Not knowing what he finishes with-- and I'll update this thread when the game's over-- it seems the the Cats' captain is finally leading by example after enduring several weeks of the "yips" when presented with clear chances in front of goal.

The Cats are surely in fine form, and were prior to this game-- but the return to form of their skipper can only bode well for the second half of the campaign. Surely there are other players who were influential against the Tigers, but it's going to be Graham's leadership that will be relied upon over the long haul, as a lightning rod for the younger players, at the very least.

Question to be asked here is, has Ben Graham gotten the monkey off his back?

Cheers,
William

 

[thehardaway]

The problem though is Kingsley had to be moved where he was goaless, while Graham picked up his 5 goals. Still its good to see. I dont know if he has got the monkey off his back, but I'm glad to see him drifting down into the forward line.

 

[you_idiot]

Graham finishes with five goals... inspirational effort by the Cats' captain...

http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=individualgame&spg=postgame&m_tournamentmatch_id=829

Cheers,
William

 

[JUBJUB]

Originally posted by you_idiot


Question to be asked here is, has Ben Graham gotten the monkey off his back?

His last 3 games in defence have been very good,its his games up forward when he has struggled.He often does well up forward against Richmond.

 

[Mattster]

good effort by Graham and the boys.

i reckon he has a good chance to go back to back and have good games. WC next at home...i can't really think of any good wc defenders off the top of my head. McIntosh and Jakovich are qualtiy, but ageing

 

[you_idiot]

Graham's performance certainly didn't escape the sight of the league's onlookers...

http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=44043

Cheers,
William

 

[SeinDude]

It was pleasing to see Ben presenting himself up forward today, leading out and providing an option to kick to. He could have finished with 7 or 8 goals had he kicked straight, but it's a step in the right direction.

We may find Ben Graham will be a versitile player for the rest of the season, playing in defence and in attack, depending on our opponents.

Go Cats!!
SeinDude

 

[Catman]

Originally posted by SeinDude
We may find Ben Graham will be a versitile player for the rest of the season, playing in defence and in attack, depending on our opponents.

You've hit it right on the head Seindude. Depending on how many talls our opponents have will decide where Benny plays.
Personally I still don't think he's a forward but 5 goals is a good return in anyone's language. Still would have liked to see Kent snag a couple though.

 

[Slax]

I think with the young guys getting their confidence up and winning games it will help Graham as he settles into the forward line in a more permanent capacity and he'll improve.

When you're winning it breads confidence and everyone gets their monkeys of their backs. Keep it up cats.

 

[GFCFAN]

McIntosh may be ageing but I think he will still be too good for Benny. However I would still leave him in the forward line for the game against the WCE. At least then they will have to use either McIntosh or Jakovich against him, giving Kingsley a better chance at scoring a few.