News Lucky Leon

[Thommo 42]

Because if we put Barham down there, the opposition pays zero respect to him and they suddenly have a loose defender. I also would argue that Barham is not as quick with repeat efforts as Davis, nor is he as good at tackling.

Have you noticed that despite the criticism, the oppositions best small defender goes to him every week without fail? In fact he has even been tagged a couple of times this year.

He will get Josh Hunt this week, and if we win, he will get Stevey Baker next week. Neither of them would bother manning up on Barham.

Good point, but the counter argument is self evident. The 'pressure' he puts on is merely running after and chasing players to force them into rushed disposal, any player on the list can do that.

Medhurst was given a game to prove that this is the case, and it was proven that not just anyone can show the discipline to do this. Medhurst got frustrated and went kick chasing on the wing, which doesn't appear to the what we're looking for in that role.

Rounds may have been given a chance, but he busted his shoulder. However imo, Dick is the only guy that could have forced him out. As he would have also not just provided the pressure, but also demanded close attention from a quality defender.

 

[Thommo 42]

He led this stat as the point he was dropped earlier in the year, so I don't necessarily think that's true.
(couldn't be bothered multi-quoting)

He had a quad, he wasn't dropped. If he'd played VFL I may have believed you. But the only time he played VFL was late in the year when returning from that other injury complaint.

Also, when he did go out with that quad, Jack Reiwolt was leading that particular stat.

 

[Invigoration]

Yeah he was dropped and he was leading the stat at the point. Riewoldt had 22 after round 19, Davis 25.

 

[Thommo 42]

I'm not talking about Round 19. He went out with the quad ages ago.

 

[The New Breid]

I also doubt Leon would still be playing seniors if Dick could stay injury free. Leon still might be more of a "matchwinner", but he hasn't done anything of the sort all year. In Dick's limited appearances this year, he was substantially better than Leon. Dick would quite easily match Leon's defensive pressure, if he was given that role. And I'm certain he would have had more of an impact.

But, Dicky is injured, so I'll be backing in Leon to have a big match tomorrow night.

 

[Markfs]

Why blame Niall for writing truths?
Leon has been useless all year and absolutely terrible in finals his whole career.
If it wasn't for Dicky going down, Davis would have gone the way of the Obie.

If Davis has been "useless all year" then he wouldnt be in the team. Obviously he has been of some 'use"...

As for Niall, why blame him for writing truths? well why blame Davis for being selected in the team? He doesnt do team selection. Sink the boot into Malthouse. btw I've noticed that the lame ducks who were knocking Malthouse 6 months ago, havent said a word recently. Usual trend. I wonder where the Leroy Brown knockers went this year. They sit in the dark shadows and wait...lol

 

[popathon]

I did a search on the name Jake Niall. It came up with a link to Wiki. Jake probably put it in himself. It said that he was a sports journalist for the Age. It says that he has an interest in tennis ...thats about it.

So I suppose when Jake retires, he will leave nothing for people to remember him by....nada....nuttin.. except for old stories that journalists have been writing for years. Obviously he must have hit it hard after work on Tuesday night and the editor told him to write something ...so he thought he might regurgitate an old story so he didnt have to think.

Thanks for the insight Jake. Crawl back in ya hole ..

I like Jake, one of the better journo's. He's actually a pies supporter too I believe.

 

[SwanBet]

this is true, Leon is my favorite pies player, but davis would have been axed mid year for dick had he not had shoulder problems. I am happy leon is still in the team and hope he can prove the critics wrong the weekend.

 

[Forgotten Legend]

I agree with Jake Niall, he speaks the truth. If Leon can have a 4 goal game tomorrow many of his critics will begone.

Leon is one of my favourite Collingwood players but he would've been dropped mid-season if it wasn't for Dicks untimely injury. Leon has the 'daicos' x-factor to him (same as Dids) which can win you a game off his boot solely, but he doesn't have consistency.

However like Thommo has said, his role has completely changed from his AA form last year to his more difficult forward pocket role which is known for inconsistency. However even with his leading forward 50 pressure and off ball pressure he should still be able to kick a goal or two, especially something daicos like, as seen in the years gone past, not just off a good kick from Swan for a goal. If he cant show his true talent in the next game (and hopefully two) he will definitely make way for Dick next year.

 

[Markfs]

well I can see that a few of you are best mates of Jake. Next time you see him ask him how Malthouse is so ruthless that he axes three long-term players but suddenly gets all cuddly when it comes to Leon. The article aint logical.

and yeh, if Leon kicks 7 goals tomorrow I'll say he's ok ...promise..