Toast Our backline

[S.Patrol.G]

The brilliant thing about the backline is if the opposition are at all hesitant in moving the ball forward there is almost never a one on one. We get smothering team defence to most contests. Superb positioning and a demonstration of the evolution of football tactics. And we do it without sacrificing other attacking positions.

And when there is a one on one, these guys can all defend. That's the huge improvement in Bonner' s game and Howard is a revelation.

All under the coaching of Bassett, who I rate very highly.

 

[Noobz0r]

I have no idea how Pittard forces his way back in given Bonner, DBJ, and Hartlett's form. Handy problem to have, though.

 

[Prison bar Pete]

I've reached a point with DBJ where I have almost absolute confidence he will have some sort of positive influence on the play when he is in the vicinity of the ball: blocking, tackling, competing for it, clearance, precision of delivery to team mates. I am proud to be his 2018 buddy (wipes tear from eye).

 

[sobrave]

Buddy had to engage beast mode and kick a couple of bullshit goals to get 4 on him. Most other defenders would have conceded 8 or 9 in those circumstances.

Wasn't able to watch the game so had it on radio, they said clurey was switched on to him? Did that happen or was it only for a couple of contests

 

[Janus]

I have no idea how Pittard forces his way back in given Bonner, DBJ, and Hartlett's form. Handy problem to have, though.

Pittard comes in for Houston. Jasper is a better defender than Dan and forces the opposition to think about the possibility of more run and carry.

Last year, Houston was a point of difference because he'd slow the play down and was great at retaining the ball with his kick. But since everyone is doing that in our backline now, he's not as important.

Would we feel as safe about our backline if Jasper was in it ??

He's going to struggle to get in for a while I reckon.

DBJ.... Gun.

Pittard was 1st for kick rating out of defensive 50 last year. Not just at Port, but for the entire league.

I'd feel better if he was in the side, yes.

 

[Noobz0r]

Pittard comes in for Houston. Jasper is a better defender than Dan and forces the opposition to think about the possibility of more run and carry.

Last year, Houston was a point of difference because he'd slow the play down and was great at retaining the ball with his kick. But since everyone is doing that in our backline now, he's not as important.



Pittard was 1st for kick rating out of defensive 50 last year. Not just at Port, but for the entire league.

I'd feel better if he was in the side, yes.

I completely forgot about Houston, which isn't necessarily a bad trait in a defender!

 

[PJ Power]

All under the coaching of Bassett, who I rate very highly.

Amen to this.

 

[LP7_]

I think Hartlett is a little unheralded in this back 6. He looks to have hardened masssively (that’s what she said) over the pre season. He was standing in front of everything and took a couple of hits, one from Buddy I remember vividly. Cut them off a fair bit last night and is making better decisions with the ball.

 

[philreich]

I have no idea how Pittard forces his way back in given Bonner, DBJ, and Hartlett's form. Handy problem to have, though.

Premiership teams always have tremendous depth. Right now we're spoiled for choice.

 

[nadsee]

Jasper is a better defender than Dan and forces the opposition to think about the possibility

Not sure Jasper makes our players know what he is thinking.

 

[TeeKray]

Pittard comes in for Houston. Jasper is a better defender than Dan and forces the opposition to think about the possibility of more run and carry.

Last year, Houston was a point of difference because he'd slow the play down and was great at retaining the ball with his kick. But since everyone is doing that in our backline now, he's not as important.



Pittard was 1st for kick rating out of defensive 50 last year. Not just at Port, but for the entire league.

I'd feel better if he was in the side, yes.

Yeah, I don't think Houston has done enough to make himself undroppable at this stage. I'd still expect Pittard to come back through the Magpies though.

 

[Marmozet]

Anyone game enough to start a thread on the main board "When will Port's backline get the recognition it deserves?"

 

[snozulu]

Would we feel as safe about our backline if Jasper was in it ??

He's going to struggle to get in for a while I reckon.

DBJ.... Gun.

It's amazing to think that most of these guys are still so young and inexperienced. They will only get better, a scary thought for the opposition and great for our future defence.

 

[x_les_x]

gonna go out a limb and say dbj will make all australian this year. his attack on the ball harder than a cats head mentality ferocity but still has the composure to hit targets. hes taken his game to another level coming off the half back flank playing backmid. racking up disposals and clearences

absoloutly amazing that guys like himself and housto were considered delistings at one point. goes to show not to go the early crow. what else does out list management team have up their sleeves

 

[Power Raid]

Would we feel as safe about our backline if Jasper was in it ??

He's going to struggle to get in for a while I reckon.

DBJ.... Gun.

Jasper has to learn a new trade on the wing. He’s too risky in defence these days.

 

[Smartys Power]

This backline is one I hope to be watching play together for the next 7-8 years. A bunch of 200+ game players dominating the competition, much like the Geelong back 6 did when they had a hardened veteran in every position.

Yep. The best thing about our backline is how good they already are at such a young age. There’s a bright 10 or so years coming up for these guys.

 

[Doctor Feel]

All very good individually. All very good as a unit. It's the best defensive group we've had at AFL level since 2004.

He knows it too. He knows he's in trouble. Very emotional guy - he got very upset after he did his hamstring and he's beginning to doubt himself. Football is a savage industry.

 

[Andre]

We've 22 H&A games and hopefully three finals. With more players who deserve a spot as a small back then positions, hopefully this is the year we rotate them for games, so everyone is cherry fresh come September, whilst other sides defenses are hitting the wall.

 

[Janus]

Yeah, I don't think Houston has done enough to make himself undroppable at this stage. I'd still expect Pittard to come back through the Magpies though.

Absolutely.

Pittard needs to get back to 2016 form so he and Bonner can carve up. There's a place for him in the side, but only at his best.

No passengers.

 

[Marmozet]

Tiny bit of recognition in the Melbourne papers today

 

[SteppingTiger]

Nat bass is a gun

Yeah, loved her in the Rogue Traders.

 

[sobrave]

Tiny bit of recognition in the Melbourne papers today

View attachment 478282

Please no more matty broadband

 

[Boxx]

Broadbent has played is last game for the Power IMHO unfortunately.

He is not even able to jog laps during training let alone get through a full session.

I reckon he will retire before the seasons end.

 

[RossFC]

Broadbent has played is last game for the Power IMHO unfortunately.

He is not even able to jog laps during training let alone get through a full session.

I reckon he will retire before the seasons end.

Are you mentioning something from training recently? Because he's still a over month away from being fit.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Broadbent has played is last game for the Power IMHO unfortunately.

He is not even able to jog laps during training let alone get through a full session.

I reckon he will retire before the seasons end.

How *en hard was that kick from Wingard that knocked him out at training and he fell over on his ankle?

Gotta be the strangest way to end a career.