- Aug 30, 2007
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I do sometimes wonder if Betts had kicked that goal if our season would have fallen in a hole. The media and fans would have been relentless and the choking tag can stick with you for ages
But luck was with us
Look, we all know we are in the mix. But we also know we still need one or two pieces of the puzzle to move into place for that to happen. I feel run and carry from defence will be even more important this year with the rule changes. Who do we have with pace and skill out of defence? I think that's why Hunt has been critiqued so much. 10 posessions compared to a Rory Laird, Brody Smith and Milera combo at Adelaide is not going to cut it. The new rules allow even more for run and dash out of the back half.
With Salem and Hibberd we can hit targets, but I'm concerned about the lack of quick players. Hunt is crucial for us to have a real tilt next couple of years. He needs to do more than what he's produced in the last 18 months or so. Maybe Baker could play the role?
Same with our F50 efficiency. It doesn't look like we cleaned this area up at all. If we're going to match it with the big boys this season, these two areas are things we desperately need to improve, and I didn't see any sign of improvement yesterday. Like I've said, let's see a full strength team and see if these two areas improve. I doubt the run out of defence will, as we are lacking pacey players who can play that role.
Leg speed is overrated if you have poor skills, our two quickest defenders are Frost and Hunt, they would be our two worst ball users from the back half.
Hibberd is quick, but as long as we move the ball quickly then we will be fine. As i said previously the reason Richmond look super quick is the move the ball so quickly.
A few questions from the new guy who’s only watched the 2018 games, and knows pretty much nothing else (about the Dees or footy for that matter).
What’s the overall concern with Hunt? Are his disposals just poor? Bad decision making? Not good enough competing in ground contests? All I really knew of the guy was that it was a hell of a lot of fun when he would take off running with the ball. Admittedly he stopped getting games fairly early in the season so I’m sure there were major problems with his game.
As for need of a small forward, can’t Spargo or Fritsch adequately fill this role?
Concerns with Hunt is his composure and ball use, his speed is elite but quite often just takes off, bombs it long to nowhere in particular and it throws out the structure of the team so to speak. On occasions quick chaotic ball movement is good but not every time. He broke onto the scene in the first half/two thirds of 2017, last year was plagued by injuries.
Firstch isn't a small forward, he plays tall for his height, excellent ball use and will be better served on a wing. Spargo can definitely play the small forward role, but doesn't have the blistering pace that some of the best small forwards in the game have. He competes physically a lot better than Garlett which is why he is selected by the coaches.