Jolly's Form Boost.

[mattys123]

I just wanted to get posters opinions on what they though has bought about the massive change in Darren Jolly's form since the break.

Footy Classified had a small stats sheet that showed that he has almost doubled his output in terms of possessions since Fraser has been out of the team, well, over the last 2 games where Fraser or Wood haven't been there anyway.

So it brings up a good question;

Do we continue with Jolly and "part timers" like Leigh Brown, Dawes and maybe Cloke, or do we "go back" to one of the 2 struggling rucks in Wood or Fraser?

Personally, I believe we should keep Jolly doing the majority of the ruckwork, especially through the StKilda game, just to see what type of impact he can have against a "real contender".

Leigh Brown is doing his part, unlike Fraser or Wood have this season, so I say leave the ruck situation as is, because it's clear to see Darren Jolly loves being the sole "specialist ruckman" in the side.

Thoughts?

 

[Michael_knoth]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

 

[didaka]

Seems to thrive on the responsibility of going alone and if that's how we're going to get his best football out of him, then that's how we play him because he's almost our most important player as he actually has a presence.

His best footy at Sydney also seemed to come with the responsibility of going it alone.

Let's be honest, Fraser, while having talent, has no presence and a game of Fraser's with similar stats has far less impact than Jolly's game, and then we have Cam Wood who has absolutely no grunt, nor any feelings it seems for the game of AFL football.

Brown competes when he has to, and Jolly thrives alone. I'm glad we're starting to find our best rucking setup.

 

[dayna36]

I suppose we were all so pumped up at the start of the year having got both jolly and ball to the club, we forgot that some players take time to adjust when changing clubs especially to different game styles. remember when medders came, he got pulled aside and told to reinvent his game to a more team oriented game because his selfish type of play from his freo days has no place in our game plan. Plus Jolly starts the ball rolling in the centre and has to bring his mids into it ets etc... so yeah I believe Jolly is playing well because he is starting to feel that not only he belongs but he is crucial to our flag hopes.....go big fella...go pies!!!

 

[Thommo 42]

I think its unrelated to Wood and/or Fraser not being in the side, his form has been trending up all year.

As for Fraser/Brown/Wood - Brown is clearly the choice at the moment. If he loses form and Fraser continues to be in the best handful in the VFL, this could change. I think Wood is hopeless personally.

I will qualify it with one thing, which was the last premiership side with a solo ruckman?

(answer: I can't think of one this decade)

 

[Pie eyed]

Simply a matter of getting used to his new surroundings, team mates, structures and role now he's a Magpie.

 

[DWil6]

Is doing a great job at the moment going forward and kicking goals etc. He was beaten in the ruck by an experienced Cox and young freak Natanui though. 16 hitouts (Cox 17, Natanui 17) whilst playing the majority of the game probably isnt great but, as i said, very happy with his increase in output. Oh and 1 free for, 4 against. He can't take a trick with the umps.

 

[cfx_1]

Was literally coming online to pose this question, and already a forum.. Great minds.

Agree that although Cox and Nic Nat were good opposition, WC as a whole were woeful so against the Saints would be a good test of how it could work... Theres rumours that Brogan is going to be dropped due to injury concerns??

Regardless, if Fraser and Wood do find form and push Brown out, I'd still rather give Jolly 80-85% game time in the ruck and find another role for the others.

Someone needs to sit down with them and tell them. These are the facts. Add another string to your bow and then you'll have a better chance.

Browns swingman ability has him ahead, as well as the fact he uses his size to advantage.

 

[TradeDraft]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

Agree 100%. While it's working don't change anything.

It's great to see a Dominat Ruckman in the Black and White since Damian Monckhurst

 

[cobbly]

Its hard to say what caused it because him "going it alone" coincided with having a break, and playing against his old club (which he certainly seemed pumped for). Plus after a couple of months with the new team it might have just clicked for him. Could be a combination of all these things and probably is.

As for the ruck, happy with jolly and leroy at the moment but can anyone really say that an in form fraser wouldn't improve our side? Form is obviously the key, so I think they should leave it how it is until either fraser or wood (preferrably fraser) demands a game by dominating at vfl level.

 

[wapower]

Jolly was excellent against West Coast. Dean Brogan has been out of form and looks drained from having to shoulder most of our ruck load this season. You'll be able to carry one ruckman in Jolly into this game.

There's the opportunity for Jolly to have another day out given Collingwood's form and domination of Port Adelaide.

 

[jerry springer]

Simply a matter of getting used to his new surroundings, team mates, structures and role now he's a Magpie.

100% agree

 

[Mickaman]

Jolly will only get better!

 

[daics_35]

I just think he enjoys being the only ruckman in the team and loves the responsibility so i wouldnt want too many changes from now.

 

[Angelus512]

Fraser....no...no....no

Obviously I dont meant this to be 100% fact but I don't care if Josh Fraser was recognised as the 2nd coming of Jesus in the land of football. NEVER BRING HIM BACK. Patience exchausted with fraser.
Ups and downs like the US economy.....we are all tired of it.

 

[Pies_10]

I like how it is now with Jolly on his own and Brown, Cloke etc helping out for a few minutes.

 

[lgarth80]

Fraser....no...no....no

Obviously I dont meant this to be 100% fact but I don't care if Josh Fraser was recognised as the 2nd coming of Jesus in the land of football. NEVER BRING HIM BACK. Patience exchausted with fraser.
Ups and downs like the US economy.....we are all tired of it.

I'm a sentimental bloke. Bring Fraser back against the Tigers so we can have Davis, Johnson and Fraser, all who started a decade ago in 2000 R1 to play their 200th together.

Then give Fraser the Wellingham, and get our best team ready for September.