- Joined
- Oct 2, 2005
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This is thanks to "Incoming" on bomberblitz. he raises some very good points and i think he makes a lot of sense:
As much as I know it is has been a topic of much discussion and debate in the past, the move of Lucas to the backline in recent weeks has, if anything, served as a timely reminder of how good he can be down there.
Scotty has been a wonderful servant up forward (and along with Leon Baker probably my favourite ever Essendon player) but I wonder whether the circumstances of our developing list may dictate that more and more we will require his drive and ability to find a target / create attack from down back.
Particularly up forward, it appears that the EFC has significant talent and youth coming through, and although we need to be patient, we more importantly need to provide them with the opportunity.
With regard our forward depth:
- Lloyd looks like he has regained his confidence and touch
- Even after only three games, Gumbleton has shown has signs that he has the ability and work-ethic to become a permanent fixture at CHF during 2008.
- Under the new coach I think there is every chance that we could see Bradley be given the opportunity to play and grow in confidence as a permanent half-foward flanker in 2008.
- We have Johns and Neagle as natural forwards waiting in the wings for their opportunity... they need to be given the chance to show what they can do (and not just for 5 minutes off the bench at a time)
- Our crumbing stocks and defensive pressure through players such as Davey, Lovett, Jetta and Reimers looks as good as it has for a long time.
A review of our defensive stocks however provides the polar opposite. Currently we have:
- Lee has been around a few years and although he has suffered through injury he still appears to be a uncertain proposition (albiet still only 21);
- Chartres, on the rookie list, who I admit I don't know much about but also haven't heard any deafening cries regarding his development.
However... with Lucas going back to join Fletcher and Ryder (and Nash as well if required) we would have one of the tallest, most skillful and attacking half-back lines in the league.
Coupled with the grunt and agression of Welsh, Michael, Lovett-Murray and Slattery down back we would appear to still have a solid and accoutable back half.
Moving forward, with Lucas redirected and the drafting of (or trading for) a key position defender/s at the end of this year (and next year as well) I am confident we would look a more complete and secure outfit whilst also planning for the loss of Michael (at the end of next year) and then Fletch and Scotty himself within the next 3 years.
Thoughts?
As much as I know it is has been a topic of much discussion and debate in the past, the move of Lucas to the backline in recent weeks has, if anything, served as a timely reminder of how good he can be down there.
Scotty has been a wonderful servant up forward (and along with Leon Baker probably my favourite ever Essendon player) but I wonder whether the circumstances of our developing list may dictate that more and more we will require his drive and ability to find a target / create attack from down back.
Particularly up forward, it appears that the EFC has significant talent and youth coming through, and although we need to be patient, we more importantly need to provide them with the opportunity.
With regard our forward depth:
- Lloyd looks like he has regained his confidence and touch
- Even after only three games, Gumbleton has shown has signs that he has the ability and work-ethic to become a permanent fixture at CHF during 2008.
- Under the new coach I think there is every chance that we could see Bradley be given the opportunity to play and grow in confidence as a permanent half-foward flanker in 2008.
- We have Johns and Neagle as natural forwards waiting in the wings for their opportunity... they need to be given the chance to show what they can do (and not just for 5 minutes off the bench at a time)
- Our crumbing stocks and defensive pressure through players such as Davey, Lovett, Jetta and Reimers looks as good as it has for a long time.
A review of our defensive stocks however provides the polar opposite. Currently we have:
- Lee has been around a few years and although he has suffered through injury he still appears to be a uncertain proposition (albiet still only 21);
- Chartres, on the rookie list, who I admit I don't know much about but also haven't heard any deafening cries regarding his development.
However... with Lucas going back to join Fletcher and Ryder (and Nash as well if required) we would have one of the tallest, most skillful and attacking half-back lines in the league.
Coupled with the grunt and agression of Welsh, Michael, Lovett-Murray and Slattery down back we would appear to still have a solid and accoutable back half.
Moving forward, with Lucas redirected and the drafting of (or trading for) a key position defender/s at the end of this year (and next year as well) I am confident we would look a more complete and secure outfit whilst also planning for the loss of Michael (at the end of next year) and then Fletch and Scotty himself within the next 3 years.
Thoughts?
