Analysis Head to Head Midfield Battles

[Pea Nut]

This year it seems as though we have gone head to head with the opposition midfield in each game we have played, and not used anyone in a shutdown/tagging role. We have just backed ourselves to win the ball at the stoppages and around the ground. Heading into the last 6 weeks of the year, and then finals, should a shutdown type role be used against really damaging opposition. Eg. Against Selwood this week, and potentially against Sam Mitchell for example if we were to meet Hawthorn again?? There is much evidence to show that stopping Sam Mitchell goes a long way towards beating Hawthorn. Or will our current game plan hold up to the demands of finals and finals intensity ??

 

[little graham]

Tactically we're getting more like rugby union. Physical where the balls at, with everyman holding his line. Then attack as hard as we can, if no option move diagonally (but fast) across the ground allowing the press to move up. Kardinia park suits us.

Remember when Craig came here, he was not long out of the Australian rugby Union side and pyke was our midfield coach.