Johncock-McLeod Defence

[Mong]

I am really happy with McLeod's current role in defence. He has been doing a fantastic role in nullifying his opponents, running through the midfield and basically just being the general of our backline. He's been excelling in the defensive attributes aswell as starting many or our attacks.

But what happens when Johncock returns? Johncock was playing that role just as well as McLeod is now, before he broke his leg.

At the moment, while our midfield is well stocked - no injuries to speak of - I see no reason to move McLeod from defence even when Johncock returns. One main catalyst of our premiership in 97 was the brilliant half back line, which featured McLeod (aswell as Smart and Caven). I'd love to see our backline with both these players running the ball out and launching our attacks from there. Just like 97.

Can they both play the same role together?

 

[Jars458]

Play Stiffy forward. Hard to match up on.

 

[Mong]

Play Stiffy forward. Hard to match up on.

True. I am a fan of him up forward too. I guess I will be happy either way. Can't wait for him to come back.

 

[noddy]

A three way rotation of Macca, Goody & Stiffy between half-back, mid-field & forward looks pretty good to me.

 

[snakebite01]

Stiffy was great down back, but we can't afford to flirt with Macca's form by moving him around. He has really found his place again in defence and we would be loathe to change it.

As Jars said, play Stiffy up forward when he comes back. Gives us the crumber we've been crying out for and is a proven goalkicker (30-odd in the second half of '03) with some big bags in there.

I think the back 6 of Bassett-Rutten-Hart-Torney-Bock-McLeod should be left as it is now unless we get injuries or a massive dip in form from some of them. It is working like clockwork at the moment.

 

[MaccasNeighbour]

Where to play Stiffy?....if this is going to be our biggest problem over the next few weeks then I am one very happy Crows supporter.

 

[tribey]

There is no reason why we can't play Stifler and M23 in similar roles down back.

If anything this will further free McLeod to make his forward runs as the game progresses. Hart would also be able to stay back and play as a negating defender, rather than have to be that second creative runner, risking his longevity in the process.

 

[The Iron Sock]

I would start Mcleod Hbf and Stiffy on a Hff and swap them around a bit

 

[Jars458]

There is no reason why we can't play Stifler and M23 in similar roles down back.

If anything this will further free McLeod to make his forward runs as the game progresses. Hart would also be able to stay back and play as a negating defender, rather than have to be that second creative runner, risking his longevity in the process.

I still think one of them up forward would be more dangerous until a Knights or someone simiilar can come in as a crumbing forward.

Hart is showing the first signs of being on the decline. Making mistakes he never would have previously. I think two years left in him after this, as he should retire on a high.

I was always of the view Hart could move into a forward pocket at the end of his career. What do people think?

 

[tribey]

I agree with pretty much all of that - especially your call on Hart's twilight years - I just don't want to flirt with either Johncock or McLeod's form.

 

[Markthirtytwo]

I think the stiff one might take a couple of games to get back to match fitness, so that would be around six to seven weeks away.

Bit premature, but a nice thought just the same.

Thats my two jacks worth.

 

[tribey]

Thats my two jacks worth.

Just as Bresh has instigated a "no third person" rule on the Port board, we may have to instigate one to banish this saying...

 

[Markthirtytwo]

Just as Bresh has instigated a "no third person" rule on the Port board, we may have to instigate one to banish this saying...

Isnt two better than one............perhaps not.

Ill have to put it into my signature.

 

[- PC -]

I would expect Hart to be benched with Stiffy in his BP and Macca still on the HBF... Then when NC wants more forward power either Macca or Stiffy go forward and Hart slots into the BP

 

[noddy]

Just as Bresh has instigated a "no third person" rule on the Port board, we may have to instigate one to banish this saying...

Surely you jest ??

 

[Chops18]

Its a hard one really Stiffy was playing good footy down back before being injured. But now he's been out of the side Harty has stood up playing solid down back, when stiffy was in the side harty was on the bench not at his peak in fitness.

Maybe chuck stiffy on the wing or foward pocket when he's back, and when harty is struggling down back make the switch.

 

[Nige_Bix]

I think the stiff one might take a couple of games to get back to match fitness, so that would be around six to seven weeks away.

Might even be prudent to test him in the sanfl 1st.