Across the last couple of years, I have regularly noted newbies or non- regulars regularly are overlooked when in better position. Remember one glaring one at half forward, think may have been either George or Martin badly burned a loose Boyd for a low percentage ping. Bloody disappointing when we bring in good users and don’t take advantage. Our defensive unit seems far less selective at spreading to obvious targets than our mids do.
I really hope we are professional enough to take the best options. I have been a bit over Crippa over using Fish over the last few years when better options were available (for example) Don’t get me started on our utilising of forward options. We are improving marginally, but too slowly at using smaller, “lesser” targets over predictable H or Charlie or bomb it. We are way too easy to defend. The Cats have a maturity to trust their mates, confidence produces superior disposal. Players second guessing options, let alone skills make errors.
I thought the Freo win was our best for the year. Injury ravaged, but our mindset was team first, second and third. We have debated O’Brien’s combatability and willingness to go. He and others in that game were instinctive. I was hopeful it was a coming of age, but we reverted once more. Overcoming hesitation is as much about confidence and “belonging” as it is courage with so many people.
I have always had a dislike of the “players need 50 games under their belt” mantra. It is considerably more about belonging and creating synergy than games played. Walshy integrated in “5 minutes”. Owies took years to arrive through the VFL, when he became a staple at that level he was used by team mates. Both Durdin and Motlop were relatively underwhelming at VFL level before promotion. Their pressure could be measured, but Durds in particular was burned repeatedly by his state league “buddies” while we were Crocker-centric.
Getting back to Stocker, playing last line in the VFL guaranteed connection, would it be the same if played higher up the ground? It may also explain why Kemp looks more defender than forward. So many elements to the dynamic at both levels.
