Ling up forward

[CATACK]

I would love to see Ling stay in the forward line and play role where he tags the best defender (like Hodge, HarryO,) Ling as we know can Kick straight he used too play forward as a kid, he cant run anymore but in short bursts in the forward line i reckon he could play on another year or two. and it frees up christensen to stay more in the middle and when he needs a rest maybe put SJ in there for a while, but not Ling.

Its just a thought LING UP FORWARD! it sounds good to me...

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Re: Ling up forward ?????

Think he was played there in large parts against Brisbane....didn't have a great game.

The West Coast game recently highlighted that we still need Ling in the side. He is capable of getting clearances and is a big body that is very handy. I personally like the idea of him playing the Max Rooke role - with Bundy taking his spot in the starting midfield rotation. However, he will need to improve on his game on the weekend.

 

[vicpride99]

Come on guys, the bloke is shot as far being an AFL player in the years to come. Him in the forward line is not only unpractical, it will also delay the development of a Motlop, Duncan and the like. He's too slow to play the tagging role that he has been moulded into. My view is that he atm is barely in our best 22 now let alone going forward. Shannon Byrnes would be a much better bet to come in and play that role and he is not even in our 22.

 

[Leeds17]

Alot of praise for him against West Coast, personally thought that was a horror game for him, anyone know what his efficiency was, all i can remember was a nice goal and alot of turn overs/clanger. do love the bloke though

 

[Goggin Our Best]

Come on guys, the bloke is shot as far being an AFL player in the years to come. Him in the forward line is not only unpractical, it will also delay the development of a Motlop, Duncan and the like. He's too slow to play the tagging role that he has been moulded into. My view is that he atm is barely in our best 22 now let alone going forward. Shannon Byrnes would be a much better bet to come in and play that role and he is not even in our 22.

In 2010 i thought easily our best win for the season was round 20 against Western Bulldogs at Docklands-considering WB were a top 4 team .
Let me refresh -the final scores Geelong 25 11 161
WB 9 6 60

NO Cameron Ling on Geelong Team Sheet that night

Yet Menzel T Hunt Wojo Byrnes and even Laidler played

We had our youngest and quickest side in -and look at the result

 

[i_need_a_pencil]

He obviously provides strong leadership, and is effective in and around the clearances in regard to structure/set up, and blocking.

But I don't think Ling has been as effective as a midfield tagger this year as he has been in the past. And honestly IMO, that negating role is really the only role that he can provide to the team... So unless there is an obvious match-up for him, (like Hodge) then he isn't in our best 22. The Pies for example, I don't think he could run with any of their damaging mids.

And as far as going up forward, I think we have better options.

 

[cat in sydney]

My view is that he has to play in the middle for the clearances or nothing at all.
He is too slow for the forward line, especially now when forward defensive pressure is so crucial to gameplans.
The problem is, I'm not too sure he's best 22 anymore, but there's no way the captain is being dropped, so he'll be in the side come finals. The question is where on the field? I'm a little worried about the answer and what the consequences are.

 

[Claude Balls]

They need to find him some shorter shorts. And maybe give him a haircut.

 

[topic97]

He obviously provides strong leadership, and is effective in and around the clearances in regard to structure/set up, and blocking.

But I don't think Ling has been as effective as a midfield tagger this year as he has been in the past. And honestly IMO, that negating role is really the only role that he can provide to the team... So unless there is an obvious match-up for him, (like Hodge) then he isn't in our best 22. The Pies for example, I don't think he could run with any of their damaging mids.

And as far as going up forward, I think we have better options.

Not so sure about that. I think Ling against the pies is a perfect match up to take on Maxwell off HB and stop his run and make him accountable - Maxwell isnt that quick but usually plays a man up like we do with Scarlo at HB.
It was talked about going into the pies game that this would have been a great match up, and I still think that its a possibility that this may happen as a "secret weapon" come finals time.
If Maxwell is made to be accountable then it frees up delivery to our forwards because it will be harder for the Pies to double team them like they do now with Maxwell floating about the place!!

I doubt he will be dumped from the side next year, but I wouldnt mind betting that Selwood will be named captain so Ling can be rotated in and out as per matchups.

But gee, everoyne is pretty quick to jump on the Ling bashing bandwagon, after one bad game!! I havent seen any threads about Selwoods terrible game sunday after having 4 weeks rest!!
He has had a pretty good season to date, by no means his worst!!