Pendlebury, Murphy, or Higgins?

[Kramer1]

Everyone's argument against Pendlebury or for Higgins/Murphy is they kick more goals.

In Pendles' first two seasons, he actually kicked quite a few goals from the midfield and was your stereotypical "goal-kicking midfielder".

In season 2009, his role changed. He needed to play a predominently inside game because we only had O'Bree that could do so. Carlton had the superstar Judd with cameos from Hadley. WB had Cross and Boyd. The inclusion of Ball in 2010 will allow Pendlebury to play a more even game both inside and out.

His inside/outside game as a whole is far superior to the other two boys. That's not taking anything away from them because they are both stars in their own right but Pendles is simply better.

Everytime Pendles touches the ball, something happens.

What a load of toss. It's based on a lot more than goals.

I fail to see how Pendlebury's inside/outside game get's him over the line here. Pendlebury averages marginally more clearances playing as you clearly state a more inside role (4.4 against 3.7). Taken over the last two years their clearance stats are identical.

Murphy tackles more (and before you start bleating yes I subtracted the game Pendlebury brokedown early). Also has a higher percentage of contested posessions. Has substantially more inside 50's and only marginally less rebound 50's...oh yeah...also kicks a shitload more goals. And this isn't selecting stat grabbing as in everything else they are practically identical.

I think Murphy shades Pendlebury because for mine he has more impact on the field, that is to say he is a more damaging player. In terms of value to their respective teams there clearly isn't much in it. Anyone suggesting one player is miles ahead of the other is quite simply full of shit.

Oh yeah, and Higgins goes alright too.

 

[sweet_daddy_coconut]

murphy easy! Unlike the other 2 girls he doesnt hang out on the wings awaiting the cheap kicks

 

[pieman123]

yeh instead murphy runs into the forward 50 not caring about his opponent and tries to cherry pick easy goals

 

[Rumblah#16]

yeh instead murphy runs into the forward 50 not caring about his opponent and tries to cherry pick easy goals

Pot.Kettle.Black.

 

[sr36]

I like them all. At the moment I'd probably take Murphy, marginally above Pendlebury and then Higgins, but I reckon that Pendlebury and Higgins have more improvement left in them than Murphy. As a Collingwood supporter I wouldn't trade Pendlebury for either of them, but I expect that Blues and dogs supporters would say the same thing about their players.

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Higgins, seems to have the most improvement left in him.

 

[inflames1919]

God Carlton supporters really need to start watching games that dont involve Carlton. Pendlebury would get my vote here.

 

[Kramer1]

God Carlton supporters really need to start watching games that dont involve Carlton. Pendlebury would get my vote here.

Why?

 

[NYJetsfor2029]

I think Higgins will end up being the best of them, but currently I would probably take Murphy.

agreed, atm Murph, but Higgins in the long run.