Mattner

[bluey17]

Is wasted playing down back, or as a tagger. Should be used more as an attacking wingman. Discuss.

 

[birdmanptr]

Is wasted playing down back, or as a tagger. Should be used more as an attacking wingman. Discuss.

Neil Craig said that they want him to end up as part of the midfield but has not done a full pre season for 2 years now.

 

[Mong]

I agree.

I was under the impression that he was used in defence mainly to cover for some injuries to regular defenders, particularly medium sized ones such as Hart and Torney. And as such expect (hope) him to now return to the wing.

One thing that has surprised me since he's been in defence is his marking ability. He's taken some really nice contested marks back there. But on the negative side his tackle count has dropped and he really hasn't been able to use that outstanding part of his game as effectively in this position.

But, as I said, I agree with you. I think his pressure on opposition midfielders is currently being missed and I believe his long kicking down the middle is more valuable to the team when it's going forward into the 50 rather than out from half back.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Seems to be a real confidence player. Against the Hawks he pulled down a good mark early and followed it up with a few more plus a couple of trademark runs where he brushes aside tacklers like they were witches hats.

Other games you barely know he's out there. 90 minutes last week and was down the bottom of the stats sheet. He doesn't seem to instinctively back himself yet. Will be an extremely damaging player when he does though.

 

[lunacy]

Seems to be a real confidence player. Against the Hawks he pulled down a good mark early and followed it up with a few more plus a couple of trademark runs where he brushes aside tacklers like they were witches hats.

Other games you barely know he's out there. 90 minutes last week and was down the bottom of the stats sheet. He doesn't seem to instinctively back himself yet. Will be an extremely damaging player when he does though.

MADDOG (39) is certainly one of my favourite players, he has it all; explosive speed, aerial ability, evasive ability, tackling, long accurate kick, courage and a footy brain. He could really destroy teams, but unfortunately he just doesn't find enough of the ball.

Because he is one of my favourite players I really keep a close eye on him. The one game where he got 30+ disposals this year he was BOG (that's how destructive he can be). I just don't know why he doesn't get enough of the ball (even when he plays on the wing).

I have also noticed (and I'm not focusing on last week, I have noticed this over a couple of seasons), when the crows are down, Mattner has a shocker. Reilly is the same. Unfortunately when where struggling they both always play bad. I hop they can learn to play well in big games, because neither of them do at this stage.

Reilly is my favourite player but if I'm objective I think he really has to play a blinder to keep his spot in the side.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

I have also noticed (and I'm not focusing on last week, I have noticed this over a couple of seasons), when the crows are down, Mattner has a shocker. Reilly is the same. Unfortunately when where struggling they both always play bad. I hop they can learn to play well in big games, because neither of them do at this stage.

It's a real chicken or the egg question. Are Mattner and Reilly down because the other players aren't bringing them into the game or are we struggling because Mattner and Reilly are down?

When Mattner has a good game, we win. Does this make him a front runner or a match winner?

 

[lunacy]

It's a real chicken or the egg question. Are Mattner and Reilly down because the other players aren't bringing them into the game or are we struggling because Mattner and Reilly are down?

When Mattner has a good game, we win. Does this make him a front runner or a match winner?

Good question. I think a bit of both actually. Maybe not front runners, but maybe just don't have the confidence or realisation that they have actually arrived as genuine AFL players. I think with Reilly maybe he doesn't quite have the work ethic at this stage (barr a few great hard working games). Mattner has never really found a lot of the ball even on his great games. His great games are so good because of his potential match winnning traits not because he wins so much of the ball.

Good call re crows winning when Mattner and Reilly play well... I really think they can be that good. The problem is they both lack consistency and the ability to find the ball. Knights not as good, but the area he has over these to is his ability to find the ball.

If they had that ability they'd be a real threat to opposing teams.