Matthew Scarlett vs Luke Hodge

[GrandBlue]

I guess it should be thought of more as "Who does a better job at their position?"

 

[Judd2Sewell]

I guess it should be thought of more as "Who does a better job at their position?"

Hrm, that one would be really hard to gage though.

Hodge plays where it's best for the side. He's prodominantly a goal-kicking midfielder that rests up forward, but due to a major chink in our armour (so to speak) he was forced to move down-back for the last several games of the season.

He does a ripping job wherever he plays, but as he's been moved around a lot it's hard to really compare him in any 'at their position' style question. Unless of course you're wanting to count Utility as a position?

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Anyone who has chosen Hodge over Scarlett is either A) a complete idiot or B) a Hawthorn supporter. Look at his AAs FFS!

Adem Yze was an AA once.
So too was Shane Woewodin.


There should be a c) option also.
"has analysed both the players and realised which one they need more at their club."

 

[BABYBOMBERS2007]

I would choose Hodge anyday over Scarlett.

 

[Claude Balls]

Scarlett is one of the most over rated players in the AFL. He rarely takes the best forward and is not even close to being in the same league as Full backs like Chris Langford, Steven Silvagni or even current players suck as Max Hughton, Dustin Fletcher etc.

Luke Hodge is a match winner and can play in many positions. Easily a better player than Scarlett, this is a no contest.

Give me a break junior. Scarlett does whatever the hell he likes these days because Geelong has a superb defensive unit. When his primary role was to 'stop' opposition defenders, say from around '03 - '06, he was the best in the business. He can still do it as well as anyone, but the whole reason why he doesn't always play on a Riwoldt, or a Pav etc, is because he is required for structural purposes to play fullback, and only fullback. That is where his attacking ability is most useful.

In any case, continue on your way with a large box of tissues.

 

[ripitup27]

Scarlett is one of the most over rated players in the AFL. He rarely takes the best forward and is not even close to being in the same league as Full backs like Chris Langford, Steven Silvagni or even current players suck as Max Hughton, Dustin Fletcher etc.

Luke Hodge is a match winner and can play in many positions. Easily a better player than Scarlett, this is a no contest.

And I bet you tell people you know a bit about footy...what a shame.

 

[PORTBOY]

Claudey Balls the only reason Id need tissues were for my tears of joy after we won the Premiership last year.
Scarlett is not the best full back in the comp and that is a fact. Even Jason Cloke made a career out of playing that loose man in defence so I wouldnt be getting too carried away.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

Despite what some posters have tried to say, they do play somewhat similar roles. Playing in defence, but beating not only their own man, but also controlling the contests around them - Hodge especially is capable of getting the opposition to kick to poor areas in an attempt to avoid him (ala Scarlett 03-06?, Fletcher 00, etc).

They both provide drive from defence, though Scarlett is more likely to run into space than Hodge (who tends to win the contest, or win the crumb afterwards) to provide attacking options.

Anywhere forward of HB, it's Hodge by a street.
Rebounding from Defence, Hodge wins in skills, vision, and creativity. Scarlett is good, (exceptional for a KPD), but Hodge is the best in the league.

As part of a cohesive defensive unit, Hodge showed he is again superior to Scarlett (deliberately choosing post rd.17 when Hodge moved back semi-permanently) as he was the most effective defender in the latter stages of the season.

1-on-1 defensively I would back Scarlett, but Hodge is very good in this area.

I cannot understand why so many people would be voting Scarlett, apart from the OP's obvious anti-hawthorn bias.

Scarlett is the better one-on-one defender, and is a very good offensive weapon (from defence).
Hodge is (on recent form), the better defensive player, and the best offensive weapon in the league (from defence).

If I was to pick one Geelong player to switch to Hawthorn it would be Scarlett (well actually Ablett first, but meh). Hodge would be the last person I'd want to leave the Hawks.

 

[ripitup27]

Despite what some posters have tried to say, they do play somewhat similar roles. Playing in defence, but beating not only their own man, but also controlling the contests around them - Hodge especially is capable of getting the opposition to kick to poor areas in an attempt to avoid him (ala Scarlett 03-06?, Fletcher 00, etc).

They both provide drive from defence, though Scarlett is more likely to run into space than Hodge (who tends to win the contest, or win the crumb afterwards) to provide attacking options.

Anywhere forward of HB, it's Hodge by a street.
Rebounding from Defence, Hodge wins in skills, vision, and creativity. Scarlett is good, (exceptional for a KPD), but Hodge is the best in the league.

As part of a cohesive defensive unit, Hodge showed he is again superior to Scarlett (deliberately choosing post rd.17 when Hodge moved back semi-permanently) as he was the most effective defender in the latter stages of the season.

1-on-1 defensively I would back Scarlett, but Hodge is very good in this area.

I cannot understand why so many people would be voting Scarlett, apart from the OP's obvious anti-hawthorn bias.

Scarlett is the better one-on-one defender, and is a very good offensive weapon (from defence).
Hodge is (on recent form), the better defensive player, and the best offensive weapon in the league (from defence).

If I was to pick one Geelong player to switch to Hawthorn it would be Scarlett (well actually Ablett first, but meh). Hodge would be the last person I'd want to leave the Hawks.

I think this answers your question. While you say he's better one on one, others are saying he's useless one on one. While you say his defensive skills aren't as good as Hodge, others say thats the one place he wins.

The people not voting for him can't make up their mind as to where they want Scarlett to be failing.

 

[Claude Balls]

Claudey Balls the only reason Id need tissues were for my tears of joy after we won the Premiership last year.
Scarlett is not the best full back in the comp and that is a fact. Even Jason Cloke made a career out of playing that loose man in defence so I wouldnt be getting too carried away.

lol, is that supposed to be an argument against Scarlett or Hodge?! If one them plays loose more than the other it is certainly Hodge. So you can keep your Jason Cloke clone thanks very much.

Anyway, you must be about 6 yo if you think that's all Scarlett does. Too young anyway, to have seen him dominate Hall, Tredrea, Neitz, Gehrig, Lloyd etc again and again for several years when he played mostly as a stopping full back. If you started a poll asking people to vote for the best fullback this decade, I think you'd find that Scarlett would figure prominently.

 

[Kaiser Powser]

This isn't the best poll.

I mean Hodge is not a key defender, he is a half back flanker/midfielder.

He beat his opponent on GF day because his opponent Stokes could not even break into a run due to OP.

In the earlier game last year Hodge cost Hawthorn the game by twice slowing the tempo when they needed quick movement, on the second occasion he then proceeded to turn the ball over.

So there you have two games, one good, one bad. It would be unreasonable to judge Hodge based on the second example as he simply made a couple of errors, even the best do. It would also be equally unreasonable to judge Hodge's defensive game purely on his effort in the GF, yes he killed his opponent, but his opponent was a dead duck to begin with.

In terms of defensive game Scarlett is that far ahead it is not funny, looking at all aspects and things even up a lot more. But please those Hawthorn fans suggesting that they are even close defensively are delusional.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

This isn't the best poll.

I mean Hodge is not a key defender, he is a half back flanker/midfielder.

He beat his opponent on GF day because his opponent Stokes could not even break into a run due to OP.

In the earlier game last year Hodge cost Hawthorn the game by twice slowing the tempo when they needed quick movement, on the second occasion he then proceeded to turn the ball over.

So there you have two games, one good, one bad. It would be unreasonable to judge Hodge based on the second example as he simply made a couple of errors, even the best do. It would also be equally unreasonable to judge Hodge's defensive game purely on his effort in the GF, yes he killed his opponent, but his opponent was a dead duck to begin with.

In terms of defensive game Scarlett is that far ahead it is not funny, looking at all aspects and things even up a lot more. But please those Hawthorn fans suggesting that they are even close defensively are delusional.

Wow, this story just keeps on growing!!
I guess eventually it will come to light that Stokes actually had his legs amputated on the morning of the game?

And as for suggesting that Stokes was so badly injured.. why oh why would Thompson put Stokes on Hodge when every man and his dog knew that Hodge was going to be pivotal to how the game panned out.

Suggesting that Hodge simply beat an injured opponent is pure dribble.

Anyone who doesn't understand how important Hodge, his role, and how well he plays it was to the premiership success is a fool in my books.


And also, if not for Hodge deciding to use his non-preferred foot in Rnd17 to square the ball up, the result could've been much different.

 

[Kaiser Powser]

Wow, this story just keeps on growing!!
I guess eventually it will come to light that Stokes actually had his legs amputated on the morning of the game?

And as for suggesting that Stokes was so badly injured.. why oh why would Thompson put Stokes on Hodge when every man and his dog knew that Hodge was going to be pivotal to how the game panned out.

Suggesting that Hodge simply beat an injured opponent is pure dribble.

Anyone who doesn't understand how important Hodge, his role, and how well he plays it was to the premiership success is a fool in my books.


And also, if not for Hodge deciding to use his non-preferred foot in Rnd17 to square the ball up, the result could've been much different.

Have you even seen Stokes play when fit?

He is faster than Hodge, yet Hodge was moving 10 meters to his 5.

Well, you tell yourself he was fully fit if it makes you feel better about Hodges defensive ability.

 

[Claude Balls]

Wow, this story just keeps on growing!!
I guess eventually it will come to light that Stokes actually had his legs amputated on the morning of the game?

And as for suggesting that Stokes was so badly injured.. why oh why would Thompson put Stokes on Hodge when every man and his dog knew that Hodge was going to be pivotal to how the game panned out.

Suggesting that Hodge simply beat an injured opponent is pure dribble.

Anyone who doesn't understand how important Hodge, his role, and how well he plays it was to the premiership success is a fool in my books.


And also, if not for Hodge deciding to use his non-preferred foot in Rnd17 to square the ball up, the result could've been much different.

Stoke had OP late in the season, simple as that. Thompson was reportedly very angry at him at 3Qtr time during the GF, suggesting that Stokes had declared himself fit, when he infact was not. Most people are aware of this.

And most Geelong supporters are pissed at Thompson for not making a tacticle move in this area. It stuck out like dog's balls that Hodge was way too good for Stokes on the day, but nothing was done about it. Someone with height and marking ability, like Bartel or Ling should have been moved onto him when it became apparent Stokes was essentially dead wood hanging off Hodge's bootlaces.

 

[Kaiser Powser]

Wow, this story just keeps on growing!!
I guess eventually it will come to light that Stokes actually had his legs amputated on the morning of the game?

And as for suggesting that Stokes was so badly injured.. why oh why would Thompson put Stokes on Hodge when every man and his dog knew that Hodge was going to be pivotal to how the game panned out.

Suggesting that Hodge simply beat an injured opponent is pure dribble.

Anyone who doesn't understand how important Hodge, his role, and how well he plays it was to the premiership success is a fool in my books.


And also, if not for Hodge deciding to use his non-preferred foot in Rnd17 to square the ball up, the result could've been much different.

I never suggested his role wasn't important, he played a fantastic game, I simply pointed out that all the Hawks fans who refer to his negating of Stokes as evidence of his defensive skills, should probably find a better example.

 

[wce4premiership]

Hodge by a long long way.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

I never suggested his role wasn't important, he played a fantastic game, I simply pointed out that all the Hawks fans who refer to his negating of Stokes as evidence of his defensive skills, should probably find a better example.

So you didn't see the second half of the year season??

Yet you suggested that the only reason Hodge won his position was because his opponent was injured?

 

[Claude Balls]

Hodge by a long long way.

Really? You're not trolling?

I reckon, being as objective as I possibly can, that they are very close in terms of 'player Vs player' i.e. irrespective of position etc. I might even give it to Hodge if I was being generous.

Defensively however, Scarlett with 4 AAs this decade as FB has to get the nod for the purpose of this thread, which after all did draw the comparison in view of the fact that they both play in the backline.

"Hodge by a long long way" would be like me saying Scarlett is WAY better than Glass as a pure stopper.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Stoke had OP late in the season, simple as that. Thompson was reportedly very angry at him at 3Qtr time during the GF, suggesting that Stokes had declared himself fit, when he infact was not. Most people are aware of this.

And most Geelong supporters are pissed at Thompson for not making a tacticle move in this area. It stuck out like dog's balls that Hodge was way too good for Stokes on the day, but nothing was done about it. Someone with height and marking ability, like Bartel or Ling should have been moved onto him when it became apparent Stokes was essentially dead wood hanging off Hodge's bootlaces.

It was actually after the first quarter, and as we know Thompson had words with Stokes, but do we know 100% it was because Stokes had declared himself fit, or are we just running with what the commentators made up on the spot?
If he was in fact under such duress, why would Thompson have put him on Hodge, and kept him on the gorund...let alone pick him? Are you suggesting that Thompson is that tactically inept?

To suggest that Hodge only beat an injured opponent is bollocks. he had a hand in nullifying 17 inside 50's for Geelong. And that's not counting the ones he influenced by simply being in the Geelong mids minds as they attempted to deliver the ball to a forward.

 

[Kaiser Powser]

So you didn't see the second half of the year season??

Yet you suggested that the only reason Hodge won his position was because his opponent was injured?

I saw the second half of the season and I would still suggest Scarlett is a far better defender. Would you disagree?

I didn't suggest the only reason Hodge won his position was because his opponent was injured, Hodge would have won the position on his counter attacking alone. I simply suggested it was a poor example to use when trying to highlight someone's defensive game. You would be far better refering to a fully fit and in form forward opponent. Scarlett's resume in this category is as long as your arm.

 

[ripitup27]

Really? You're not trolling?

I reckon, being as objective as I possibly can, that they are very close in terms of 'player Vs player' i.e. irrespective of position etc. I might even give it to Hodge if I was being generous.

Defensively however, Scarlett with 4 AAs this decade as FB has to get the nod for the purpose of this thread, which after all did draw the comparison in view of the fact that they both play in the backline.

"Hodge by a long long way" would be like me saying Scarlett is WAY better than Glass as a pure stopper.

He's trolling. He hates Geelong and he's shown it on many many threads.

 

[Silvagnis]

This isn't the best poll.

I mean Hodge is not a key defender, he is a half back flanker/midfielder.

H beat his opponent on GF day because his opponent Stokes could not even break into a run due to OP.

In the earlier game last year Hodge cost Hawthorn the game by twice slowing the tempo when they needed quick movement, on the second occasion he then proceeded to turn the ball over.

So there you have two games, one good, one bad. It would be unreasonable to judge Hodge based on the second example as he simply made a couple of errors, even the best do. It would also be equally unreasonable to judge Hodge's defensive game purely on his effort in the GF, yes he killed his opponent, but his opponent was a dead duck to begin with.

In terms of defensive game Scarlett is that far ahead it is not funny, looking at all aspects and things even up a lot more. But please those Hawthorn fans suggesting that they are even close defensively are delusional.

Fantastic post.

Anyone who thinks Scarlett is a stock standard full back and not an elite player is on something.

Scarlett has always been a gun defender, but has provided more rebound out of defense in the past two seasons whilst still beating his opponent. Scarlett slaughtered Port with his run out of the backline in last year's GF and was close to BOG. Scarlett looked like the second coming of Bruce Doull in that game with his run and creative play as a defender.

I believe they're related.

Stokes was beaten and didn't look his usual self in the GF, but Rooke was beating or breaking even with his man and forcing Hodge to play closer to home with his attack on the contest. I still don't know why Bomber moved Rooke off Hodge when he was being dragged wide to the boundary line and away from the centre corridor.

Scarlett wouldn't be troubled by Rooke if they lined up on each other.

Scarlett beat Buddy, so don't colour his brilliance with the argument he had one or two teammates helping him out in the GF. Scarlett held his feet in a great one on one contest with the player who had beaten two or three players all year with his strength, size and pace.

Scarlett sent Buddy to ground with a great bump before peeling off him.

I hate these polls because I'd like both in my team.

Horses for courses..

We probably need Hodge a little bit more than Scarlett because we still lack a big bodied midfielder who can kick well and score goals.

 

[PORTBOY]

I was old enough to see hawthorn beat geelong in the 1989 grand final as well Claude. Scarlett is no better than a good AFL player. Not great or a star.
I enjoyed watching Scarlett try to play on Buddy last year. he was out of his depth and it was embarrassing watching him play for free kicks at every contest. Buddy has him coverded for speed, strength, agility, ability and easily on skill.
I rate Josh Gibson a better defender than Scarlett. He gets the big jobs and always does well. Who cares what Scarlett did all those years ago when he played as a permanant full back, the past is the past.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

I saw the second half of the season and I would still suggest Scarlett is a far better defender. Would you disagree?

I didn't suggest the only reason Hodge won his position was because his opponent was injured, Hodge would have won the position on his counter attacking alone. I simply suggested it was a poor example to use when trying to highlight someone's defensive game. You would be far better refering to a fully fit and in form forward opponent. Scarlett's resume in this category is as long as your arm.

You said "I simply pointed out that all the Hawks fans who refer to his negating of Stokes as evidence of his defensive skills, should probably find a better example."
Hence, why I asked did you watch the second half of the year.
Hodge didn't just play that role in the GF and dominate. He did it against much better players and forward lines.

 

[Claude Balls]

I was old enough to see hawthorn beat geelong in the 1989 grand final as well Claude. Scarlett is no better than a good AFL player. Not great or a star.

Just a good AFL player. No better than players like Rick Ladson and Trent Croad? I reckon 4 AAs as FB from 9 years this decade suggest he is a bit better than just a good AFL footballer. Would you disagree?

I enjoyed watching Scarlett try to play on Buddy last year. he was out of his depth and it was embarrassing watching him play for free kicks at every contest. Buddy has him coverded for speed, strength, agility, ability and easily on skill.

Embarrasing?! Free kicks at every contest? Forgive me for calling you 6 years old before... I don't know what it was that gave me the impression you're a delinquent.

BTW, Franklin has most people covered for all those things. Though his goal kicking accuracy might raise a few questions about skill. Scarlett is a great kick by the way.

I rate Josh Gibson a better defender than Scarlett. He gets the big jobs and always does well. Who cares what Scarlett did all those years ago when he played as a permanant full back, the past is the past

Keep up the good work Einstein.