Nathan Ablett

[Ricardo]

Nathan has had a pretty lean last month of footy, seems to lag behind his opponent a lot, and it doesn't help when he gets a lot of balls fly straight over his head.

If Hawkins was ripping it up in the VFL i would say give Nablett a rest but unless he is injured just leave him.....Hawkins would struggle agains the ultra flood of Brisbane with two-three men floating around him.

What i found odd was in the VFL match he hardly stayed at FF, in or around the goal square, he has the bulk so he should've been there one on one.......although Geelong hardly ever kicked it long into the forward line.

 

[MmkMrMackie]

Facts now mate? Ha ha...keeping twisting yourself up in knots stats man...they might read poorly but you might actually start becoming entertaining.

The FACTS are he is our best option in that forward role at the moment for many reasons. If you want to drop guys on one poor effort thats your opinion...and a wrong one.

You havent taken any consideration of who we are playing next week...what the match ups are...why he actually played poorly today.

Those are the real facts. You are a 'superficial' supporter and your opinions read similarly.

This is the internet, and we are all entitled to our opinion. I know you rate your opinion very highly, and most of the time if I can be bothered reading all the walls of texts that you post, you seem to know a fair bit about the GFC. Don't assume you are the only knowledgeable poster though.

Nathan Ablett has not just played one ordinary game. Although he may have done a few good things, his last month of football has definately been below the standard he can produce. I'm not saying that he should be dropped indefinately. All I am suggesting is a few weeks in the reserves where he will play some good football and regain his confidence. If however he happens to be injured, then given our depth, I don't see why we would continue playing him.

That said though, this is an internet forum, and few of our opinions actually matter, and very few would have any influence on what the club actually does, so there is no need to get upset.

 

[Catsace]

Nablett has played about 20 senior games, and yes by mere stats alone he's not exactly ripping things up. However, he is still a valuable player as a decoy, a man who demands the attention of a strong defender, and also in case it's escaped the attention of anyone, we have won 6 games in a row!!

Apart from Pavlich in a game i think last season, or maybe 2005 has any key forward really done more than kick 4 goals or so against Adelaide? In the context of today's game, Nablett played his role. I watched the reseves game yesterday, and really Gardiner and Playfair are hardly a forward step over Nathan. Just let the winning TEAM keep doing it's job, and everyone can share the spoils in the forward line.

With Chappy getting back into form, Ling now starting to chime in with a couple each game, S.J also attracting attention, we have a multitude of options. Nablett's role is to provide a contest, draw players into/create space for other forwards and chip in with a goal or two as well. The proof is in the pudding, and a tasty 8-3 1st possie on the table makes for a very nice pudding indeed.

 

[Catsace]

Besides, from a supercoach perspective, how about Festival Hall's last two games....10 and 26. Shocking games, i think Nablett has outdone him easily in those last two games. This season has been a poor one for the power forwards of the last few years, Hall, Brown and Tredrea.

 

[WE Are Geelong]

This is the internet, and we are all entitled to our opinion. I know you rate your opinion very highly, and most of the time if I can be bothered reading all the walls of texts that you post, you seem to know a fair bit about the GFC. Don't assume you are the only knowledgeable poster though.

Nathan Ablett has not just played one ordinary game. Although he may have done a few good things, his last month of football has definately been below the standard he can produce. I'm not saying that he should be dropped indefinately. All I am suggesting is a few weeks in the reserves where he will play some good football and regain his confidence. If however he happens to be injured, then given our depth, I don't see why we would continue playing him.

That said though, this is an internet forum, and few of our opinions actually matter, and very few would have any influence on what the club actually does, so there is no need to get upset.

Upset? You must have me confused with someone who is upset mate. I am debating football with you. How do you want me to speak?

You have your opinion...go for it. And I said you go read all the stats you want too. I am just waiting for you to simply acknowledge his value to the team and we need him IN the team presently. You simply wont do that because it doesnt suit your argument so you are now going overboard about his 'poor' recent form.

You have a guy previous state who went to last weeks game and felt NABs game against the Saints was more than adequate particularly from a team point of view. If you are struggling with the concept that stats dont tell you everything...what do you want me to do about it?

What you are saying isnt factual. Its biased and a superficial commentary on how a guy is travelling just so you can be falsely vindicated about something. Only you can answer why to that.

He was poor today I agree. I just dont agree he should be dropped over it right now. If he plays against weaker opposition next week at home and does the same thing....sure drop him then. I just dont believe that will happen.

Poeple agree and disagree all the time on here thats what its about. No one gets it right all the time. What I find ridiculous is when people start exaggerating to support a simple line of discussion which is what you have started to do. If you only focus on the stats then you will be lead to a false conclusion.

We need him in the team right now. If he doesnt improve...sure drop him. One thing you are forgetting is this forward line has functioned the best it ever has under Thompson and you want to change it all of a sudden.

Nathan has been a big part of that so far also being second on our goal kicking tally....why gee thats a stat too!

 

[WE Are Geelong]

Nablett has played about 20 senior games, and yes by mere stats alone he's not exactly ripping things up. However, he is still a valuable player as a decoy, a man who demands the attention of a strong defender, and also in case it's escaped the attention of anyone, we have won 6 games in a row!!

Apart from Pavlich in a game i think last season, or maybe 2005 has any key forward really done more than kick 4 goals or so against Adelaide? In the context of today's game, Nablett played his role. I watched the reseves game yesterday, and really Gardiner and Playfair are hardly a forward step over Nathan. Just let the winning TEAM keep doing it's job, and everyone can share the spoils in the forward line.

With Chappy getting back into form, Ling now starting to chime in with a couple each game, S.J also attracting attention, we have a multitude of options. Nablett's role is to provide a contest, draw players into/create space for other forwards and chip in with a goal or two as well. The proof is in the pudding, and a tasty 8-3 1st possie on the table makes for a very nice pudding indeed.

Wise man.

 

[Catsace]

Thanks We Are Geelong, i'm just happy to see us sitting on top playing a style of footy that could well set the standard for this season, we are 8-3, have won 6 in succession, and even our two most recent losses are against the subsequent 7-4 Hawks and Roos, both by narrow margins in the end. There's no need to really attack any individual in the side, as they are a highly functioning team that seems to be showing the best resolve since 2004, and now has the experience and skills to take things further than then.

As Cats fans one and all, we should just enjoy the ride, it could take us to places that people under 50 y/o would have barely remembered. I'm 39, and am enjoying this season immensely. If Nablett is nothing more this year (Bearing in mind he's just 21) than a Stoneham-esque presence of '97 or even a Trevor Spencer of 1991, he'll be playing his role.

 

[azyboy]

Thanks We Are Geelong, i'm just happy to see us sitting on top playing a style of footy that could well set the standard for this season, we are 8-3, have won 6 in succession, and even our two most recent losses are against the subsequent 7-4 Hawks and Roos, both by narrow margins in the end. There's no need to really attack any individual in the side, as they are a highly functioning team that seems to be showing the best resolve since 2004, and now has the experience and skills to take things further than then.

As Cats fans one and all, we should just enjoy the ride, it could take us to places that people under 50 y/o would have barely remembered. I'm 39, and am enjoying this season immensely. If Nablett is nothing more this year (Bearing in mind he's just 21) than a Stoneham-esque presence of '97 or even a Trevor Spencer of 1991, he'll be playing his role.

Had forgotten about trevor spencer..was he also club runner for a bit??? Was very work man like and rarely beaten. Why not throw Nathan back for a little while...Play him as a loose man in defence or even as a CHB? Reads the play well, will get taken to the ball and his fitness is good. I see no point in dropping him at this stage. Is in a bit of a rut, but will work his way through it.

 

[geelong_boy]

Bloody hell the kid's only played 20 games!

 

[Catsace]

Yep, he joined Geelong in the mid-year draft in 1991, and played the 2nd half of that season. He did his knee i think in pre-season 1992 and never played again, but he was the club's runner for a time also, i think under Ayres. Just a no-nonsense bloke who created a contest. With Chappy, Gaz Jr, Varcoe, S.J and even Ling floating around, contest creation is a vital part. Pressure in the forward line creates opportunities, and that is a major factor behind Geelong's improvement this season. Not as many simple marks to the opposition CHB like last season.

 

[SJ]

Any correlation between Hawkins out of the side and Nathan having less impact on the game? I'd say so.

 

[SJ]

Upset? You must have me confused with someone who is upset mate. I am debating football with you. How do you want me to speak?

You have your opinion...go for it. And I said you go read all the stats you want too. I am just waiting for you to simply acknowledge his value to the team and we need him IN the team presently. You simply wont do that because it doesnt suit your argument so you are now going overboard about his 'poor' recent form.

You have a guy previous state who went to last weeks game and felt NABs game against the Saints was more than adequate particularly from a team point of view. If you are struggling with the concept that stats dont tell you everything...what do you want me to do about it?

What you are saying isnt factual. Its biased and a superficial commentary on how a guy is travelling just so you can be falsely vindicated about something. Only you can answer why to that.

He was poor today I agree. I just dont agree he should be dropped over it right now. If he plays against weaker opposition next week at home and does the same thing....sure drop him then. I just dont believe that will happen.

Poeple agree and disagree all the time on here thats what its about. No one gets it right all the time. What I find ridiculous is when people start exaggerating to support a simple line of discussion which is what you have started to do. If you only focus on the stats then you will be lead to a false conclusion.

We need him in the team right now. If he doesnt improve...sure drop him. One thing you are forgetting is this forward line has functioned the best it ever has under Thompson and you want to change it all of a sudden.

Nathan has been a big part of that so far also being second on our goal kicking tally....why gee thats a stat too!

I'm with you mate. catsace, year of the cat - good posts too.

The thing is, you just don't drop key forwards if they happen to go quiet for a couple of weeks. Key forwards, including guns of the competition will not get the footy every week. No reason to drop them - if anything, the opposite. Dropping Nathan will do him no good, why would he get his hands on the footy more in the VFL than in the seniors?

Play him every match this year, he has been a shining light.

 

[Partridge]

The thing is, you just don't drop key forwards if they happen to go quiet for a couple of weeks. Key forwards, including guns of the competition will not get the footy every week. No reason to drop them - if anything, the opposite. Dropping Nathan will do him no good, why would he get his hands on the footy more in the VFL than in the seniors?

Play him every match this year, he has been a shining light.

To go against the grain somewhat, I'd keep Nathan in the seniors, but I'd also bring in Hawkins. Brisbane don't have big defenders; their only really big defender is Merrett and he'll get Mooney. Ablett and Hawkins will give guys like Brennan and company a lot of worries. We know Brisbane will flood at some point but our midfield should beat theirs, especially at Geelong.

I just think if we play well next week it could be a good chance to help Nathan Ablett and Hawkins regain form and confidence. Brisbane have young players at the moment, they won't be able to match Adelaide's intensity for four quarters. If we play as we have been and move the ball quickly forward I think Mooney, Ablett and Hawkins with the crumbers could really cause them problems. Will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[Tonycam*]

To go against the grain somewhat, I'd keep Nathan in the seniors, but I'd also bring in Hawkins. Brisbane don't have big defenders; their only really big defender is Merrett and he'll get Mooney. Ablett and Hawkins will give guys like Brennan and company a lot of worries. We know Brisbane will flood at some point but our midfield should beat theirs, especially at Geelong.

I just think if we play well next week it could be a good chance to help Nathan Ablett and Hawkins regain form and confidence. Brisbane have young players at the moment, they won't be able to match Adelaide's intensity for four quarters. If we play as we have been and move the ball quickly forward I think Mooney, Ablett and Hawkins with the crumbers could really cause them problems. Will be interesting to see what happens.

sounds good Patridge , but what if Mooney gets a week for the slap. do you think Ablett and Hawk will do ok without Moons up there mate

 

[Brasil2007]

Nathan seemed to be a long way up the ground when I saw him today. I wouldn't be surprised if his instructions were to try to break up Adelaide's defence. I'd agree he hasn't been terrific but at the same time there's a case to leave him in to gain game time and experience. On the other hand, I'd also agree that there's a case for him to regain touch in the magoos.

In the end though I think there'd be a few others changes I'd make before Ablett, particularly in the absence of an obvious replacement.

(Interesting hypothetical argument but I'll eat my hat if Bomber drops him).

 

[MmkMrMackie]

Wise man.

Unfortunate.

 

[Sons_of_a_Gun]

Lets have a look at how the other tall/medium forwards went.

Mooney was great but he kicked the majority of his goals from a fair distance and didn't really get that much of the ball, if he didnt kick straight people would be sayin he didn't really have a great game either.

Welsh got absolutely toweled, didn't kick a goal and didn't look like kicking one.

McGregor took 3 good contested marks and kicked truly. he had 13 possessions but i would think at least a handful of them were in our half of the ground.

Bock who has been setting the world on fire had an awful day he kicked one goal which was at the back of a screamer, if he can take a mark like that he deserves a goal, but other than that what else did he do?

Jericho who isn't a league footballer and he had had no impact on the game.

So NAblett had no impact, big deal. It obviously wasn't the day for the tall key forwards to have an impact. Mooney was great, McGregor was good but no other key forwards even looked like doing anything.

Go Cats

 

[Partridge]

sounds good Partridge , but what if Mooney gets a week for the slap. do you think Ablett and Hawk will do ok without Moons up there mate

If that was the case, I'd bring in Hawkins for Mooney - straight swap. I don't think there is any point persevering with Gardiner or Playfair because they've simply failed too many times. I'd rather take a risk with the two kids. Let's be honest they both look more promising than Gardiner or Playfair ever have. There's plenty of experience around them and in midfield, I'd back them to perform. Certainly Hawkins rose to the occasion in round 3 against Melbourne when he had to. See no reason why they couldn't to it again.

 

[thejester]

If that was the case, I'd bring in Hawkins for Mooney - straight swap. I don't think there is any point persevering with Gardiner or Playfair because they've simply failed too many times. I'd rather take a risk with the two kids. Let's be honest they both look more promising than Gardiner or Playfair ever have. There's plenty of experience around them and in midfield, I'd back them to perform. Certainly Hawkins rose to the occasion in round 3 against Melbourne when he had to. See no reason why they couldn't to it again.

If the photos are any indication, it was a combination of him rising and Carroll falling.

 

[a.f.k.a.y.o.p.]

Did Nathan have Rutten on him? If so, isnt he an All Australian full back?
And arent the Crows supposed to be the best defensive unit in the league?
Who use the Uber-Flood all day?
So no space to lead into - ever?
Anyone suggesting NAB be dropped form this side, other than due to injury, after we have now got 6 in a row, and sit on top of the ladder, must have learned from the Robert Walls School of Football Philosophy.........

 

[crosby123]

Did Nathan have Rutten on him? If so, isnt he an All Australian full back?
And arent the Crows supposed to be the best defensive unit in the league?
Who use the Uber-Flood all day?
So no space to lead into - ever?
Anyone suggesting NAB be dropped form this side, other than due to injury, after we have now got 6 in a row, and sit on top of the ladder, must have learned from the Robert Walls School of Football Philosophy.........

Mooney had Rutten.

 

[a.f.k.a.y.o.p.]

Mooney had Rutten.

thanks - wasnt sure.
remaining comments stays the same though.........

 

[iameviljez]

Stick with him. He is developing and needs the experience.

 

[dmc82]

Give him a rest, bring in Sam Hunt maybe?

No never bring in Sam Hunt... ever. Please watch the Eagles vs Bombers match from a couple of years ago to see just how bad Sam Hunt is. Crumbles under pressure and is of absolutely no use to this Geelong Team.

The thought of putting him as a key position forward would spell the end of our good form and would smack of desperation.

 

[JUBJUB]

Give him a rest, bring in Sam Hunt maybe?

Why would you bring in a defender for a forward ?