Hear me out.
With McGovern and Barrass set to return, I imagine most punters suspect Schofield will be dropped (we also need to think ahead as Harry Edwards will very quickly force his way into the best 22, meaning someone ultimately will have to make way).
He was a bit scratchy at first this year but I think Schofield has done a pretty good job replacing Barrass. The 2018 Finals showed that our back six can work effectively with all three of Schofield, Barrass and McGovern back there, even against shorter forwardlines like Collingwood, as he provides us with some flexibility + swervability.
However, unlike the 2018 Finals, Sheppard is fit and absolutely firing, and with Barrass coming back into the side we are left with a decision to make on big Will.
One radical solution that I would like to propose is to replace Masten with Sheppard on a wing.
The decision to move Sheppard into defence has been undeniably successful, and he is in career best form. But I think he's capable of #sheppingup and having more of an impact.
Currently Gaff and Masten provide very little in the way of aerial prowess. Sheppard's amazing overhead ability would help us lock the ball inside 50 without relying on Naitanui. His footspeed would provide a dangerous combination with Jetta rebounding from defence. He's not quite as adept at kicking I50 as Masten, but he's hardly Tim Houlihan in that regard.
I would like us to keep Schofield in the side plus think we could be getting more out of Shep, and now is the time to try it. Make it happen Simmo. #timetoshepup
With McGovern and Barrass set to return, I imagine most punters suspect Schofield will be dropped (we also need to think ahead as Harry Edwards will very quickly force his way into the best 22, meaning someone ultimately will have to make way).
He was a bit scratchy at first this year but I think Schofield has done a pretty good job replacing Barrass. The 2018 Finals showed that our back six can work effectively with all three of Schofield, Barrass and McGovern back there, even against shorter forwardlines like Collingwood, as he provides us with some flexibility + swervability.
However, unlike the 2018 Finals, Sheppard is fit and absolutely firing, and with Barrass coming back into the side we are left with a decision to make on big Will.
One radical solution that I would like to propose is to replace Masten with Sheppard on a wing.
The decision to move Sheppard into defence has been undeniably successful, and he is in career best form. But I think he's capable of #sheppingup and having more of an impact.
Currently Gaff and Masten provide very little in the way of aerial prowess. Sheppard's amazing overhead ability would help us lock the ball inside 50 without relying on Naitanui. His footspeed would provide a dangerous combination with Jetta rebounding from defence. He's not quite as adept at kicking I50 as Masten, but he's hardly Tim Houlihan in that regard.
I would like us to keep Schofield in the side plus think we could be getting more out of Shep, and now is the time to try it. Make it happen Simmo. #timetoshepup
