Opinion Lions list analysis, Strengths, weaknesses, targets for 2017

[Haso]

You don't plow a field with a Ferrari, so schache don't ruck. Close is getting a couple of goals a game. Lynch, the supposedly most valuable forward in the game averages 1.5 goals a game over 100 games. Close is going fine.

I'm just saying is all.

 

[SizeMatters]

I can't recall a time that Stefan hasn't contested the centre square. I know he doesn't go contest inside d50 or d50 these days... At least I don't think he does.

 

[BigCat2]

Saw Close in the centre around the 21min mark in Q1 probably more.

 

[Eons]

Yep, he was definitely in the centre square at least once from memory.

 

[SizeMatters]

Saw Close in the centre around the 21min mark in Q1 probably more.

Wow, didn't even realise. Still though it seems we are managing Martin differently under Fagan I think. I saw about half a dozen times when Martin was told/or opted to not go for the ruck contests in the D50/F50 arcs. He ran back into the centre square area while Andrews and Close went up.

 

[KissKiss]

Wow, didn't even realise. Still though it seems we are managing Martin differently under Fagan I think. I saw about half a dozen times when Martin was told/or opted to not go for the ruck contests in the D50/F50 arcs. He ran back into the centre square area while Andrews and Close went up.

Yeah I agree this seems to be a clear plan skipping some of the forward or back **** contests so he can rest and set up for play back the other way

 

[winged1]

I like the idea of the ruck controlling the middle of the ground, especially an athletic one that can intercept and link.

 

[dlanod]

Saw Close in the centre around the 21min mark in Q1 probably more.

Yep, he was definitely in the centre square at least once from memory.

I saw Close in there once later in the game and took note of it because it was honestly a surprise. IIRC it was in the last five minutes of the second or third quarter, so I assumed Martin was resting.

 

[Eons]

I saw Close in there once later in the game and took note of it because it was honestly a surprise. IIRC it was in the last five minutes of the second or third quarter, so I assumed Martin was resting.

Same reason I noticed him in there, took me by surprise.

 

[BuntonRules]

Melbourne use Jackie Watts as backup for Gawn. All you need is someone to give a contest. In time that may well be part if the Hipwood brief, but now I would not be against McStay as the one, if that is all that is between Shache and Close.

Mind you, if Stef is just going to play the centre area, I see no harm in Shache doing a bit of wrestling - it is the jumping into someone bigger that worries me.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Melbourne use Jackie Watts as backup for Gawn. All you need is someone to give a contest. In time that may well be part if the Hipwood brief, but now I would not be against McStay as the one, if that is all that is between Shache and Close.

Mind you, if Stef is just going to play the centre area, I see no harm in Shache doing a bit of wrestling - it is the jumping into someone bigger that worries me.

If they want someone to give a contest, why would they use Jack Watts?

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

I saw Close in there once later in the game and took note of it because it was honestly a surprise. IIRC it was in the last five minutes of the second or third quarter, so I assumed Martin was resting.

I think Close also went in there in the last quarter as well.

 

[BuntonRules]

If they want someone to give a contest, why would they use Jack Watts?

Jack Watts plays second ruck for Melbourne.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Jack Watts plays second ruck for Melbourne.

Yeah I got that. He had a total of 1 hit out. That was my point.

 

[BuntonRules]

Yeah I got that. He had a total of 1 hit out. That was my point.

And Melbourne seem quite happy with that, so they do not have to play another big lump at the expense of a running player. That was my point.