Martins kicking

[theyellowsash]

What has happened to Martins kicking ability? All this year he has been butchering the ball even when out in the clear. He seems to be either kicking it as far as possible to space without any real direction, or missing targets by a long way (half volley to king tonight an example). Few of his kicks seemed to go to hand tonight. Do we have an issue with our skills coaching, or is it just him? Even last year it wasnt great.

On another note though, conca is rivaling lids as our best kick. Cotchins kicking is a bit overrated most of the time.

 

[THECHIEFTON]

Nothing wrong with it.

 

[DustinsGuns]

Yer, had a few shocker's today did Dusty. Tries to do a little too much at times I think

 

[tugga]

lol
Always finding ways to sour a win. Martin was colossal tonight. Kicking was fine.

 

[Rodney Dangerfield]

lol
Always finding ways to sour a win. Martin was colossal tonight. Kicking was fine.

Kickings fine. Makes some poor decisions but as you do when you're that age or tired.
When he can put 4 together look out. Not a matter of if but when.

 

[EasternTiger]

lol
Always finding ways to sour a win. Martin was colossal tonight. Kicking was fine.

I was going to just like this, worth quoting. Martin was bigger than Godzilla meets King Kong.

 

[Spluff]

Was kicking it a little beyond his accurate range I think, but was still huge.

I really hope he manages to build a tank big enough to play whole games of footy in the midfield. He'll destroy.

 

[City Search]

 

[theflea]

lol
Always finding ways to sour a win. Martin was colossal tonight. Kicking was fine.

Imo his decision making can be iffy, ie far too much offensive minded. At times his kicking has to get better but in the case when he kicks to space thats fine but not when its 2 against 1. he has got to be better than that. In fact our whole team have to as we give the ball back being speculative far to much.

 

[Capitano_Cotch]

His kicking action and technique is terrific.
His decision making needs a bit of fine tuning.
This will come with age and experience.

Kid is 21.

 

[PHX]

Not a terrible kicker, just doesn't appear to lower his eyes. Hopefully the coaching staff notice and can let him know.

 

[BC9_]

Excellent post, Capitano_Cotch. Exactly how it is with Dusty.

 

[tigerT]

It's fine, what's with the over critiquing of our players these days? Cotch is turning into dan Jackson, dusty can't hit targets, here's a tip, every single player in the comp, Pendles, swan, Kennedy, Watson all butcher their fair share of the ball each and every game. Stop expecting every pass to hit team mates lace out

 

[Mogwai]

Kid is 21.

Still can't get over that fact.

 

[rideclutch]

I think sometimes he tries to drill the perfect bullet pass, as he obviously has a cannon for a leg; can lead to the occasional shank.

Not too worried, his technique looks fine, just the occasional poor decision. Experience will help him.

 

[mcuzzy]

I think sometimes he tries to drill the perfect bullet pass, as he obviously has a cannon for a leg; can lead to the occasional shank..

i basically said the exact same thing last season. he's 21 or something, his kicking will likely improve. at training when he isn't trying too hard his kicking often looks almost on par with deledio's

 

[KeilorUnder9s]

Was at the game, kid is a gem and growing in confidence every week. Look out AFL! PS: all players make clangers it's part of the game..

 

[Wacky Tiger]

I've always thought his 50+ kick is better than his <30. Seems more natural when he has a crack at it. We are all a little rusty early on with disposal. That will improve and 2-0 is all that matters

 

[plough]

I think it might be fatigue, he is a good kick

if anyone watches the game again see if his errors are later in the quarter/game

 

[Del65166]

awesome 1st qtr, relished the freedom, and a threat when up forward

 

[Bojangles17]

He had 24 possies for 1 clanger, what possession was that

 

[tigerz18]

i told a friend of mine last year to watch Dustys general around ground kicking and to see how much he misses targets. I would say his mid-long kicking efficiency would be around 45-50%. misses way too many targets/ doesnt put the ball out to advantage enough. Very dangerous around goal but ATM misses too much around the ground.

However the kid is an absolute gun and this will improve in the future. I cant wait til his fitness is somewhere near the level of Cotchin's, he will tear teams apart.

 

[Calcium Man]

A bigger problem for mine is that he has gone from a clearance machine to not having anywhere near as much if an impact.

2010 he averaged about 5 clearances a game
2011 just below 4
2012 just above 3
2013 so far it's 2 clearances a game?? Have we changed his role so much? Is it a worry?

Also noticed is contested possession rate has hovered around 8 despite an increase in his number of possessions.

 

[Hipster Doofus]

I'm sure if his role as an inside mid was relinquished as it was in his debut year he'd be averaging 5+ clearances a game. But for now we need him to be the one recieving and delivering because he's one of our best at using it to advantage.

 

[Livonski]

Just a pleasure to watch him play.
His speed has gone up 15% from last year, he's breaking lines and really turning the opposition into complete panic. That pass that went over Jacks head for a point would have killed someone in row 10 if he had a shot instead.
Tip for the forwards. Fellas, he's got a big hoof, run like hell to the fat side and you'll get it on the chest.
I really don't think our guys expect the 60m pass, but when they click to it, lookout.