Opinion Jack Darling to the Midfield

[Bob Fossil]

I don't know what games you've been watching over the last two year then Bob.

I don't watch any games, it is why I need you to keep the log of his "no ticker" moments.

 

[frenchconnection]

If any player is mentally scarred from a game of football I'd put them on the scrap heap. They're too weak minded to excel at AFL.

With tongue in cheek what we need is a war to toughen a lot of the young guys up - if you compare a lot of these young players today (from all teams) to players in the past, there is just no comparison. Obviously there are a few exceptions.

 

[eaglesnutcase]

I don't watch any games, it is why I need you to keep the log of his "no ticker" moments.

Just pull up a replay of the JLT Derby loss.

 

[Bob Fossil]

Just pull up a replay of the JLT Derby loss.

I'd rather not watch that again. You realise how facile that suggestion is though right?

 

[eaglesnutcase]

I'd rather not watch that again. You realise how facile that suggestion is though right?

Sorry but you seem to be having trouble finding instances of things being quoted.That ones hot off the press.

 

[paran]

Jack isn't smart enough for the midfield. Just give him ball, so he can kick ball.

Really? HE's one of the smarter footballers I've seen, whether it's keepingthe ball in play with taps, reading the play, and other things, he's a bit ahead of the rest. He can't handball with his left hand - that's why he can't play midfield. He pivots around to handball on his right rather than use his left. It's wierd, but he's so ridiculously one sided in traffic. Also, his stamina is too low. Hsi best position is the one he started at - HFF.

 

[Bob Fossil]

Sorry but you seem to be having trouble finding instances of things being quoted.That ones hot off the press.

I have no idea what you are talking about.

Anyway in an attempt to keep the discussion relevant, the burden of proof in this discussion is difficult. Examples have been given of specific instances when he has performed. Nothing specific has been given about when he hasn't. He does have hard hands and drops some marks. So do a lot of players.

I would argue his ability and desire to create forward pressure is another pointer to his team first approach and a willingness to impact contests.

I understand and acknowledge that moments have occurred that work towards a perception of Darling as a soft player, but think they can mostly be explained as him being human and an odd hyperfocus.

A tangent, the role of second forward can often lead to a role that means you are running away from contests, clearing space for JJK etc, maybe this is adding to the perception.

I can't remember moments where he doesn't compete in the initial contests, if he has to go for the ball he goes, as I've said earlier he does tend to spit out of those contests a bit too quickly at times, and that could be a team instruction, just the way he is, not sure it = soft potato.

The match committee continues to back him, the stats back him. His instagram and a JLT game are pointers to him being a soft (mentally and physically) player.

Maybe we will never have an answer.

 

[eaglesnutcase]

I have no idea what you are talking about.

Anyway in an attempt to keep the discussion relevant, the burden of proof in this discussion is difficult. Examples have been given of specific instances when he has performed. Nothing specific has been given about when he hasn't. He does have hard hands and drops some marks. So do a lot of players.

I would argue his ability and desire to create forward pressure is another pointer to his team first approach and a willingness to impact contests.

I understand and acknowledge that moments have occurred that work towards a perception of Darling as a soft player, but think they can mostly be explained as him being human and an odd hyperfocus.

A tangent, the role of second forward can often lead to a role that means you are running away from contests, clearing space for JJK etc, maybe this is adding to the perception.

I can't remember moments where he doesn't compete in the initial contests, if he has to go for the ball he goes, as I've said earlier he does tend to spit out of those contests a bit too quickly at times, and that could be a team instruction, just the way he is, not sure it = soft potato.

The match committee continues to back him, the stats back him. His instagram and a JLT game are pointers to him being a soft (mentally and physically) player.

Maybe we will never have an answer.

No i doubt we will.I think when you see certain players take their eye off the ball you tend to focus on them more so than other players.We have been sadly lacking in physical leadership and he has all the attributes unfortunately thats not his gig. We'll agree to disagree.

 

[RookiePick]

No i doubt we will.I think when you see certain players take their eye off the ball you tend to focus on them more so than other players.We have been sadly lacking in physical leadership and he has all the attributes unfortunately thats not his gig. We'll agree to disagree.

I have been arguing against the Darling criticism but I do really believe he needs to step up in the physicality stakes. He's a solid boy and particularly with the young blokes down there this year he needs to make sure he put in on this front.

He needs to chat with Gov. Gov doesn't go looking for it but if the opportunity presents he makes sure he lays a heavy tackle or bump. It is (or should be) a big man non-negotiable.

 

[eaglesnutcase]

I have been arguing against the Darling criticism but I do really believe he needs to step up in the physicality stakes. He's a solid boy and particularly with the young blokes down there this year he needs to make sure he put in on this front.

He needs to chat with Gov. Gov doesn't go looking for it but if the opportunity presents he makes sure he lays a heavy tackle or bump. It is (or should be) a big man non-negotiable.

Well said old chap!!!

 

[DJMac]

Just pull up a replay of the JLT Derby loss.

I think it would be a bit harsh to single JD out in that game.

 

[DJMac]

I have been arguing against the Darling criticism but I do really believe he needs to step up in the physicality stakes. He's a solid boy and particularly with the young blokes down there this year he needs to make sure he put in on this front.

He needs to chat with Gov. Gov doesn't go looking for it but if the opportunity presents he makes sure he lays a heavy tackle or bump. It is (or should be) a big man non-negotiable.

I agree he can definitely improve and he has his shortcomings. My argument has been based on the level of vitriol being directed at a player that has at the very least been average. He gets spoken of by some here as though he is the worst player to ever pull on an eagles jumper. That is not directed at you RP.

 

[FKASC]

How much longer can Darling be debated

 

[Bob Fossil]

How long, not long. What you reap is what you soooooooooooooow.

 

[Bob Fossil]

Horrible under pressure again, trade Jack!

 

[FatPizza]

Horrible under pressure again, trade Jack!

Disappointed you aren't bumping this thread with another Rage Against the Machine lyric.

Edit: 2006th post... Ah, the memories.

 

[Bob Fossil]

I'm just trying to be the voice of the voiceless.

 

[ChampRevesby]

Darling always seems to play better when JK is out. I reckon he thrives on responsibility.

 

[Goldfish]

Darling always seems to play better when JK is out. I reckon he thrives on responsibility.

/opportunity.... Our players target him a lot more without JK in the side

 

[flamingEMBERS]

Darling always seems to play better when JK is out. I reckon he thrives on responsibility.

Yeah but it’s not that he is being used more, it’s what he’s doing. There must have been 3 or 4 times when he was out of position in a marking contest and he was no chance to mark it, but somehow got a fist to the ball and brought it to ground. That’s been missing from his game for a while.

 

[FKASC]

Darling always seems to play better when JK is out. I reckon he thrives on responsibility.

I have a suspicion it’s Waterman’s presence and his no-nonsense approach (no playing for free kicks, no arguing with the umpire) that has kicked Darling into gear.

The new guys have stirred things up a bit up forward and I reckon Waterman’s presence may have forced Darling to focus a bit more

 

[Bob Fossil]

Yeah but it’s not that he is being used more, it’s what he’s doing. There must have been 3 or 4 times when he was out of position in a marking contest and he was no chance to mark it, but somehow got a fist to the ball and brought it to ground. That’s been missing from his game for a while.

I'm not entirely sure that is accurate but hey.

He is clearly performing very well and arguably attracting more defensive attention so his efforts are even more laudable.

Great player as (IMO) he always has been, every player has bad games and moments and Darling will have those again and no doubt certain people will call for his head.

 

[garlic munchers]

I have a suspicion it’s Waterman’s presence and his no-nonsense approach (no playing for free kicks, no arguing with the umpire) that has kicked Darling into gear.

The new guys have stirred things up a bit up forward and I reckon Waterman’s presence may have forced Darling to focus a bit more

Don't disagree, but additionally Waterman is a very mobile third tall whose impact is already dragging defenders up and out of Darlings way.

He is making it so Darling has room to move and Muddy Mk 2 is going to be a very good player (way better than cam mccarthy and that other fella, is it Kristen, Kristy?)

 

[The Falcon Strike]

Yeah but it’s not that he is being used more, it’s what he’s doing. There must have been 3 or 4 times when he was out of position in a marking contest and he was no chance to mark it, but somehow got a fist to the ball and brought it to ground. That’s been missing from his game for a while.

Bingo... when he is out numbered 2 to 1 - he;d flop to the ground hoping for a free kick,

Now he fights his arse off to the contest and halves it. His first quarter this week was like that.

That and you can hear him genuinely leading the boys onfield.

Very very impressed with his start to the season. (q2 and half of q3 aside).

 

[ChampRevesby]

Bingo... when he is out numbered 2 to 1 - he;d flop to the ground hoping for a free kick,

Now he fights his arse off to the contest and halves it. His first quarter this week was like that.

That and you can hear him genuinely leading the boys onfield.

Very very impressed with his start to the season. (q2 and half of q3 aside).

So glad he has dropped the flopping from his game. It was poor form.