Our backline... comments

[baconb]

Hey guys,
I'm in the US and will be back in 2 weeks however so I will get to watch the games when Im back.
I just wanted to know how everyone is feeling about the backline I know its been very bad over the last few years and after beating Collingwood! I just wanted to know how it held up...
thanks guys

 

[iRemember87]

Hey guys,
I'm in the US and will be back in 2 weeks however so I will get to watch the games when Im back.
I just wanted to know how everyone is feeling about the backline I know its been very bad over the last few years and after beating Collingwood! I just wanted to know how it held up...
thanks guys

I think our backline was fantastic, and IMO has been the best part of our game for the year. The difference on Sunday was the midfield put more pressure on as did our forward line, so instead of the ball just coming straight back into our backline, the mids and forward put pressure that stopped the flow and gave our backs every opportunity to actually play liek backmen.

 

[Thrawn]

The one thing I noticed about our backline, compared to the last few years is this: a set six.

A back six that isn't swapped or changed every single game... a backline that is set in concrete, thus allowing players to know each other better and gelling much quicker. It was the first time in years that our backline finally worked as a team - usually we had to rely on Thornton to do everything, too much emphasis on individual effort. When backing themselves and are familiar to the playing styles because they are playing as a "mini-team" week by week, their confidence is increased and so is their ability to set up play and watching opposition forwards.

However, there is still a lot to work to go - it's one thing performing well in one game, another thing entirely to do this next week, or for the rest of the season so do not expect miracles from them. I still think we should draft a KPP down back with a big body, and a small, tough and quick small defender... not only will it compliment what we already have, but it will provide us much needed depth.

 

[one eyed bluey]

The one thing I noticed about our backline, compared to the last few years is this: a set six.

A back six that isn't swapped or changed every single game... a backline that is set in concrete, thus allowing players to know each other better and gelling much quicker. It was the first time in years that our backline finally worked as a team - usually we had to rely on Thornton to do everything, too much emphasis on individual effort. When backing themselves and are familiar to the playing styles because they are playing as a "mini-team" week by week, their confidence is increased and so is their ability to set up play and watching opposition forwards.

However, there is still a lot to work to go - it's one thing performing well in one game, another thing entirely to do this next week, or for the rest of the season so do not expect miracles from them. I still think we should draft a KPP down back with a big body, and a small, tough and quick small defender... not only will it compliment what we already have, but it will provide us much needed depth.

Good points
It would be nice to settle a backline like geelong,
I think playing waite down back each week has settled the defense.
Jamison has been a revelation this year but still needs to put on a few kgs, still his going to be a good backman for many years.
Thornton is thriving is his new position taking the 3rd best forward/tall, playing on players his size and weight, meaning he can help out other defenders when needed and run and create.
Young Bower is starting to impress and play some good footy. Has great athletisism, can play tall and small and once again can run off his defender and create, got a lot of class this kid just needs more game time. Real gem though.
Carrazzo getting back to his small defender role, forgetting his dream as a midfielder finally, did pretty well hopefully he can settle down there and really take on the small defender role.
Bannister has also impressed in every game this year and has taken his game to another level. Everyone (including me) wanted him delisted at the start of the year and his come out and stuck to what he does best which is to utilise his tagging abilities and use his run and height to his advantage. In good form.
Who else played down back? Think scotland rotated through their a little bit, gibbs a little bit as well i think? But I would be happy if that core group of defenders play week in week out together as mentioned by thrawn and keep developing from thier. Ideally, I think we've recruited enough small backman, we've got anderson, armfield, browne who can play that role in the reserves so personally i think we should just invest some time with them and they'll come on board as well.
The big irish can also play down back when/if needed.

Overall our defense is shaping up pretty nicely, still very young though but can only get better