Hentschell

[lacrow]

OK, so Trent has been pretty good in the forward line this year, but I've noticed that he really isn't a great overhead mark. His strengths seem to be when the ball hits the deck.

So in that line, I was thinking that maybe we should try him out in the midfield, kind of the way Hird gets moved around. His evasive skills and ability when the ball hits the deck, combined with his size, could be a good little X factor.

Any thoughts?

 

[Mad Dog]

OK, so Trent has been pretty good in the forward line this year, but I've noticed that he really isn't a great overhead mark. His strengths seem to be when the ball hits the deck.

So in that line, I was thinking that maybe we should try him out in the midfield, kind of the way Hird gets moved around. His evasive skills and ability when the ball hits the deck, combined with his size, could be a good little X factor.

Any thoughts?

I very much agree with your thoughts lacrow. It might have been some time last year that this possibility was raised - and just this week there has been discussion about the fact that he has been struggling in a marking contest up forward - but during the course of the year been very handy with his second efforts in crumbing and snapping goals. Trent seems to do very well if he can get the ball to ground in a one-on-one contest. He is generally too agile for his bigger opponents.

I do think that he has a tiny bit of James Hird in him becasue of his size and natural flair, and ability to play tall and shorter - only time will tell if he can be half as good.

My only concern with a spot in the midfield for Trent is that he appears to have limited awareness of pressure around him. Is peripheral awareness - like a few others - is almost non-existent which was particularly evident against the Dockers. This would be a real problem for him in the midfield because of the need for reflex, one thought, one movement gives of the footy. Trent has a habit of thinking too long about his next move and is swallowed up in the contest - this should improve with time though.

I've been arguing for him to play across half forward - as a flanker. Here he will attract the 3rd or 4th best defender, particluarly if we can get Welsh leading - Kenny deep and stationary - and Pez playing a traditional Half Fwd role. I think this would suit Trent down to the ground - attracting a lesser defender, not exposing his marking weaknesses in a stationary contest, and taking advantage of his athleticism.

Maybe NAB Cup next year might be a good opportunity to give hima trot in the Midfield - but for the rest of the year - he needs to be part of a strengthened fwd line - particularly with Bird out.