Opinion Jack Russell

[AlecDuncan]

Jack, because that's what we're getting from him. I've been a big supporter of Jordy since the dark days when he was every mug supporter's favourite whipping boy. We were finally rewarded for our patience in 2009 when he showed what he was capable of - even stamping himself as a club leader in the process.

But since then it's been pretty disappointing. Languishing at Preston for a season isn't becoming of a first round draft pick - especially one who has already established himself. VFL match reports come and go, and Rusty's nowhere to be seen among the best. FFS, even Brock can manage that consistently. It's beginning to look like 2012 will be a re-run of 2011 for the guy.

Whatever happened to our Rusty? Did he bulk up too much and turn into Ben Nelson? Has he been carrying some undisclosed injury for over a year? Personal troubles? Pining for the salubriousness of West Adelaide? Someone tell me WTF is going on.

 

[saladpacker]

his spot has been taken by yarran/armfield/laidler/duigan. Maybe trade bait.

 

[Kramer1]

Share your frustration.

His late 2009 and 2010 form had him shaping as a cornerstone of our defence, and in the first handful picked each week. On 2010 form I would think him the first small/medium defender picked, and comfortably so.

Most frustrating thing is that you could see his game developing consistently over an extended period of time...hard to beleive that it could all fall away so quickly.

I know injuries derailed last year to an extent, but he has had a pretty good run of things over the pre-season hasn't he???

From afar he has the look of a player who either doesn't want to do the work, or would rather be somewhere else...yet indications over the years would suggest neither of these options are on the money.

Filed under 'buggered if I know'.

 

[zeeCFC]

Wasn't in full training any of the times I saw him this preseason. Has had back and elbow issues.

 

[saladpacker]

Wasn't he supposed to be off to GWS last year too? Maybe he's going at the end of this year and we get a nice juicy draft pick for him.

 

[AlecDuncan]

Wasn't in full training any of the times I saw him this preseason. Has had back and elbow issues.

Issues that let him play games, but restrict him for over a season? What should we do to manage him? Because whatever we're doing isn't working.

 

[Weiterbot23]

Maybe we need to get stuck into him again? seemed to work last time

 

[Jeremias]

Certainly has been struggling, but I'm reluctant to write him off just yet.

At his best he's a quality player.

Plenty of players struggle with injury & confidence for a fair while. Some things just take time. It certainly is a bit of a mystery, though.

Ironic this thread pops up now, more or less at the same time as Laidler's injury comes to light.

Could present JR with an enormous opportunity to get his season, and arguably his career, back on track.

If he can't do that then there's every chance he'll be elsewhere in 2013.

 

[audas]

Wasn't he supposed to be off to GWS last year too? Maybe he's going at the end of this year and we get a nice juicy draft pick for him.

"Any player who wants a trade will not play another game for the blues" - B Ratten.

 

[Sublime]

Issues that let him play games, but restrict him for over a season? What should we do to manage him? Because whatever we're doing isn't working.

The effects of missing preseason these days seem to be getting bigger and bigger each season. The guys who don't participate much just seem to start from so far back its not funny, now that the preseasons are so full. Building a fitness base and keeping it has become so important, and when you're coming up against guys with 2-3 months more work into their season you're pushing poop uphill.

We all know what he's capable of, and hopefully he can hit those straps once again.

 

[FRUMPY]

With Laidler out for 6-8 weeks he has a perfect opportunity to restart his year. Back six of Jamo/Hendo/Bower/Duigan/Russell/Yarran is quality at their best. Russell & Duigan to play on Medium/small defenders and can give a bit of run ut of the back.

Got no doubt he is a confidence player and for some reason last year lost it and hasnt returned this year. Did have elbow issues over the pre-season but i think he still did most of the running so fitness should not be an issue.

If he isnt going to GWS (which i dont think he is) then he will be resigned but on a lesser amount. Know way he can justify being paid same or more than previous contract.

If he fails to step uphe is still a very decent depth player.

 

[Azul]

*racist against small dogs*

His early matches this year he seemed to dispose of it ok but just didn't get enough of the footy.

Did okay in round 2 as the sub (5 posessions in a quarter) and was then dropped.

Would indicate his fitness was lacking.

 

[Just Kreuzing]

In between positions, lacks skill and not aerobic enough to compete in the air or on the ground.

Cant see him improving his aerobic or athletic ability along with his skills to demand a permanent spot in our team even with a full pre season.

 

[Kramer1]

In between positions, lacks skill and not aerobic enough to compete in the air or on the ground.

Cant see him improving his aerobic or athletic ability along with his skills to demand a permanent spot in our team even with a full pre season.

Would argue all of those points, at least on his 2009/10 form...disposable is more often than not reliable. Injury aside have never had cause to question his fitness, and has shown he has the athleticism to match it with smalls and mediums...what more do you want in a small/medium defender?

 

[jimsta10]

Apart from Rusty's Round Up being dumped, it could be a mental. Could be difficult for him to see youngsters getting a gig and not him. Need to work a little harder to get where he was. all the best Rusty.

 

[Just Kreuzing]

Would argue all of those points, at least on his 2009/10 form...disposable is more often than not reliable. Injury aside have never had cause to question his fitness, and has shown he has the athleticism to match it with smalls and mediums...what more do you want in a small/medium defender?

I just think the game has quickened up considerably since 2009/10 and dont believe he can go with the rangy athletic types in the air or at ground level as well as Duigan, Laidler or Tuohy. These 3 players also have him for game smarts, skill level and mental toughness IMO.

He certainly cant play on the nippy forwards like Rioli, Milne, Ballantyne etc, so I just cant see a spot for him on a permanent basis.

 

[Mr.Kennedy]

I posted in another thread that I think his only chance now is to play the in and under role. Good size and has pace for when required

 

[Just Kreuzing]

I posted in another thread that I think his only chance now is to play the in and under role. Good size and has pace for when required

Yeah I agree he certainly needs to re-invent himself, either push for McLeans spot in and under or play as a hit up forward but I think there is a few ahead of him on a regular basis.

 

[AlecDuncan]

I posted in another thread that I think his only chance now is to play the in and under role. Good size and has pace for when required

We're screaming out for a big-bodied on-baller too. Imagine us with Josh Kennedy (the other one).

 

[serenityNow]

Its a good question. Injuries have played a toll, and when your out for a bit and seeing younger guys coming in and shining it hits you mentally.

Maybe as someone above mentioned a role change could be his best bet. Fresh mental approach at a new position could be what he needs.

 

[Silvagnis]

I posted in another thread that I think his only chance now is to play the in and under role. Good size and has pace for when required

We're screaming out for a big-bodied on-baller too.

Tuohy. Russell isn't a squib, but Tuohy uses his bulk in contests by going in hard and low like Robinson. And he can kick like a mule.

 

[AlecDuncan]

Tuohy. Russell isn't a squib, but Tuohy uses his bulk in contests by going in hard and low like Robinson. And he can kick like a mule.

I've thought the same, but I'm not yet sure Zach can find the ball often enough for the role. He's got the right body and skill set, to be sure.

 

[zeeCFC]

I'm a big Russell fan and will give him until he gets a good preseason to judge him again. The only thing I don't like is his kicking style, cuts it like Suckling at times but it doesn't come off as good as Suckling's does.

One of Russell, Lucas or Buckley needs to replace Scotland at some stage, I'd be happier if it was JR.

 

[Silvagnis]

Bootsma might replace Scooter.

JR isn't a patch on Scooter or Yarran, but he can kick well with both feet.

A bit stiff to get dropped for Duigan who doesn't offer us as much pace and run going the other way. We could have done with a player who busts his gut both ways like Rusty. Great chase on Martin who only kicked a running goal because he ran for 20 metres without having a bounce.

 

[Jock]

Think he's done sadly. Mind you we've had to wait ten years to get into a position where a player like him can't get a game. Sad but good situation also.