Opinion Small lock down defender

[The Speaker]

The thing is, it's not like small forwards are kicking bags every week against Fremantle. Wingard's had a day out in each game, but plenty of the best small forwards for each time this year have been quiet against Fremantle.

What is more concerning is how regularly players (forwards, mids, whoever is down there) can crumb a goal against the Fremantle defence. It's not so much locking down one player as locking down a team.

 

[Square Peg]

The thing is, it's not like small forwards are kicking bags every week against Fremantle. Wingard's had a day out in each game, but plenty of the best small forwards for each time this year have been quiet against Fremantle.

What is more concerning is how regularly players (forwards, mids, whoever is down there) can crumb a goal against the Fremantle defence. It's not so much locking down one player as locking down a team.

I agree, I am not sure on the stats but it just seems from the sidelines that we have conceded some really soft goals from stoppages deep in our own 50 this year, including last night. That just didn't seem to be a problem for us last year (except for that one Breust got in the GF - that sticks in my mind)

 

[Docker82]

Bit out of left field but didn't Michael Wood play a bit of defence this year. This thread is probably more discussing next year but an option for the future perhaps?

Anyway definitely need to look at small defender from the second round onwards in this draft. Not sure it's worth a first rounder as small defenders have quite often come from late picks or rookies. Genuinely elite kpps hardly ever do though.

 

[strobe00]

Last night we got lit up by port's small forwards.We've had problems in this area since the great Roger Hayden departed.

Obviously drafting a small defender is probably a priority now!

Who would be best suited from either crozier or mayne at learning this role?

I reckon Croze could possibly do it,quick,agile,penertrating kick.

seemed like a troll. But you seem serious. Still debating whether it is a troll given the two guys you suggested.

No. Crozier will NOT become a lock down small defender. He has a future as a mid and forward. Horrible choice for a target.

You can pick up solid lockdown small defenders later in the draft. Time to draft one late in the draft this year.

brady grey could be an option on the current list. But his kicking likely isn't up to scratch.

Your point is sound though. Spurr has been cod average for a lot of the year in a negating role.

 

[Yoda_]

Kyle Hardingham?

 

[freoextra]

Sylvia? Pearce? Neither have the pace imo. Great disposal though.

Realistically we are going to have a few players who are searching for a way into the team. A bit similar to Sutcliffe who is more a midfielder than a defender, but who has found a niche for himself while our current group of mids are intact.

Crozier; disposal, speed, marking and tackling are all strengths. Is he too good for the backline? Reality is that there is not actually a vacancy in the forward line at the moment, and if he could make a home for himself in the backline he could be a real weapon. Have loved watching Varcoe when he is "on", and I think Crozier could be similar.

Sheridan; to me has not shown the marking and tackling skills that Crozier has, and which I think are important for a defender. But he doesn't have the game to displace any of our current mids, so maybe he could be set the challenge.

Grey; haven't seen him play, but sounds like he has the skill-set for the role, and it also sounds like he has the discipline to play defender.

Duffy; pace and skill, and a bit of x-factor. Does he have the consistency and discipline for a defensive role?

Really enjoyed the summary. If Pearce is such a concern with his delivery and brain farts why not look at Sheridan? His delivery into the forward 50 is a thing of beauty and he is a good kick on goal. What would we lose? Speed perhaps, intensity??

Putting it out there for the D Pearce haters.

 

[Freo Dr]

Have mentioned this is a few times that we need another to fill this role.

We should draft one in the draft if Grey is not suitable or I would consider looking at Leroy Jetta maybe. Has skill, agility and pace to burn. Like Roger things have not worked out for him as a small forward - should be tried as a small defender and would be dangerous on the rebound. WA boy walking away from Essendon so would get him for peanuts - PS draft maybe.

 

[Freo Dr]

Kyle Hardingham?

Yeh - I can just picture him playing on someone like Jakey Neade - and being left metres behind after only a few steps.
Might possibly try Jetta though since he is a freebie.

 

[free at last]

seemed like a troll. But you seem serious. Still debating whether it is a troll given the two guys you suggested.

No. Crozier will NOT become a lock down small defender. He has a future as a mid and forward. Horrible choice for a target.

You can pick up solid lockdown small defenders later in the draft. Time to draft one late in the draft this year.

brady grey could be an option on the current list. But his kicking likely isn't up to scratch.

Your point is sound though. Spurr has been cod average for a lot of the year in a negating role.

Nah,not trolling.I forgot about Grey.

It should be interesting to see what happens if any thing over the summer with this position.

The only reason I suggested Croze, is I wanna see him playing regular footy.

Hopefully he can build his fitness and take Dpearce's role,that's another matter altogether.

 

[MadMac]

Crozier; disposal, speed, marking and tackling are all strengths. Is he too good for the backline? Reality is that there is not actually a vacancy in the forward line at the moment, and if he could make a home for himself in the backline he could be a real weapon. Have loved watching Varcoe when he is "on", and I think Crozier could be similar.

After this season there really should be quite a few vacancies in the forward line. As much as I like Chopper his place as a forward is in serious jeopardy. Without looking at the season stats, I reckon Sonny got him covered for goals in the handful of games he played this year.

 

[Seppo]

This guy went alright on the smalls and been solid down back for Werribee this year. Shame..

 

[beetz]

My vote: Kyle Hardingham

 

[apuchar]

Kyles problem is not pace it is his decision making at times and his kicking. He played well as a backman for Essendon for a while but then started to become a bit ragged. Might just find it hard to maintain a high standard over a long period of time

 

[Lach72]

This guy went alright on the smalls and been solid down back for Werribee this year. Shame..

Rose coloured glasses still working I see

 

[The Black Sheep]

Last night we got lit up by port's small forwards.We've had problems in this area since the great Roger Hayden departed.

Obviously drafting a small defender is probably a priority now!

Who would be best suited from either crozier or mayne at learning this role?

I reckon Croze could possibly do it,quick,agile,penertrating kick.

I've thought for a while that either (or both) Simpson (if he stays) and Croz would be great off of the half back line. Speed and great disposal the pair of them. I could see Simpson taking Johnsons role (although Johnson has the added bonus of being able to play tall and as a rebounder) in a couple of years. However, I don't see either of them being lock down players. More playmakers.

However, I reckon (and I've noticed a few others suggest this) Brady Grey fits the bill. He's been ok as a tagger in the seconds, and has the speed and agility to match it with the smalls. Plus, what better way to learn the role than trying to shut down Duffy, Balla and Son Son at training week in week out? Wouldn't hurt to go after a pacy small defender, but I think we've got a great candidate right there.

 

[ilikepotatoes]

This guy went alright on the smalls and been solid down back for Werribee this year. Shame..

He had a haircut yet?

 

[TheMcManusNose]

The thing is, it's not like small forwards are kicking bags every week against Fremantle. Wingard's had a day out in each game, but plenty of the best small forwards for each time this year have been quiet against Fremantle.

What is more concerning is how regularly players (forwards, mids, whoever is down there) can crumb a goal against the Fremantle defence. It's not so much locking down one player as locking down a team.

Yeah I agree. It's more structural than a specific match up.

Where are we going to fit a lockdown small defender anyway? You'd have to lose one of Spurr, Ibbo or Duffield. So we lose one of our guys who are so good at dropping back and taking an intercept mark or we lose Duffield's kicking (I know he's had a shit few weeks but he was very very good early in the year). I can see an argument that Johnson, Spurr and Ibbo are a bit redundant all in the same back line, but the point remains. Personally I think that a fit Clancee should be given a look in in this role, as his kicking is something we could really use with our new impetus to play on through the middle.

 

[ilikepotatoes]

Yeah I agree. It's more structural than a specific match up.

Where are we going to fit a lockdown small defender anyway? You'd have to lose one of Spurr, Ibbo or Duffield. So we lose one of our guys who are so good at dropping back and taking an intercept mark or we lose Duffield's kicking (I know he's had a shit few weeks but he was very very good early in the year). I can see an argument that Johnson, Spurr and Ibbo are a bit redundant all in the same back line, but the point remains. Personally I think that a fit Clancee should be given a look in in this role, as his kicking is something we could really use with our new impetus to play on through the middle.

I was in love with Clancee's kicking last year. This years been a disappointment but I'm confident he can turn it around.

 

[strobe00]

The thing is, it's not like small forwards are kicking bags every week against Fremantle. Wingard's had a day out in each game, but plenty of the best small forwards for each time this year have been quiet against Fremantle.

What is more concerning is how regularly players (forwards, mids, whoever is down there) can crumb a goal against the Fremantle defence. It's not so much locking down one player as locking down a team.

In general... midfield, forward and in defense, we just don't seem to be good enough at ensuring we get someone front and square to receive the spill from the marking contest. Seem to concede goals quite a bit this way. Also seem to miss out on our share of disputed midfield ball in the same way.

Maybe concentrating on staying oppo-goal-side of opponents, but we're not covering that dangerous space in front of the pack... and with Elvis and MJ missing from the backline, we weren't able to prevent the ball hitting the deck (by marking it). Midfield pressure has been less effective at shielding our defense, and with our two AA KPDs missing the gaps have opened up in defense.

I realise that it's often the smalls doing the damage, but MJ and McPharlin read the play well enough to get bodies to the right spots to ensure we outnumber and win the ball, and ensure that we have enough bodies to cover the dangerous space. Both are also capable of handling mid-sized forwards, and non-lightning smalls too. Structurally and direction-wise their loss has also been damaging.

 

[strobe00]

Yeah I agree. It's more structural than a specific match up.

Where are we going to fit a lockdown small defender anyway? You'd have to lose one of Spurr, Ibbo or Duffield.

Should be Spurr's job. He hasn't been doing particularly well at it this year from what I've seen. Sutty's run and creativity, and his defensive versatility has been too valuable for him to step into that spot. We need an alternative to Spurr, and preferably it'd be a young bloke.

I don't see Clancee being much of an improvement on Spurr... better kick, but a little slower, a little less agile, and quite a bit weaker overhead. No pressure on Spurr as there aren't any real alternatives at the moment. Same reason why Clarke is still being picked in the forward line.

 

[TheMcManusNose]

Should be Spurr's job. He hasn't been doing particularly well at it this year from what I've seen. Sutty's run and creativity, and his defensive versatility has been too valuable for him to step into that spot. We need an alternative to Spurr, and preferably it'd be a young bloke.

I don't see Clancee being much of an improvement on Spurr... better kick, but a little slower, a little less agile, and quite a bit weaker overhead. No pressure on Spurr as there aren't any real alternatives at the moment. Same reason why Clarke is still being picked in the forward line.

On paper yeah that's his job, but in practice I think his role tends to be more that of an intercept marker. Often you'll see him, Duff and Sutty rotate on the small forward so I don't really think it's a matter of Spurr not doing his job - I don't necessarily think he's actually being asked to play a lock down role.

If Clancee does slot into the back 6, which I would very much like, he needs to shed a couple of kg's. I recall him being quicker back in 2012, as he has looked a bit lumbering this year.

 

[Swan Districts Kid]

Strategy to recruit quality small defender:
1. Ask Clem Smith to pick a fight with someone down at Gosnells Hotel (preferably a undercover Freo fan) & leak to The West;
2. Clem Smith to fall down draft order due to perceived behavioural issues;
3. Freo to take a KP with first rounder;
4. Freo to take Clem Smith with second rounder;
5. Publish a press piece where the said undercover Freo fan in step 1. reveals he provoked the fight, unreservedly apologises & is now best mates with Clem.

 

[manpurple]

Not sure we really require another small defender. I think that we need a back line that is not injured. If we think about it, it was the absence of McPharlin, Silvani and MJ that forced our normal small/medium defenders out of position and we were consequently exposed in the small department when we had improved (over two weeks ago) in isolating the tall's.

However, if we are going to pursue this line of thought perhaps people should look at how much mr fixit ie the Gu stood up. Another great contribution by him.

On an unrelated note. RTB said that Walters will spend more time in the middle going forward. I would anticipate that this will mean that both Duffy and Crozier will see more game time as his current role is freed up.

 

[ilikepotatoes]

Strategy to recruit quality small defender:
1. Ask Clem Smith to pick a fight with someone down at Gosnells Hotel (preferably a undercover Freo fan) & leak to The West;
2. Clem Smith to fall down draft order due to perceived behavioural issues;
3. Freo to take a KP with first rounder;
4. Freo to take Clem Smith with second rounder;
5. Publish a press piece where the said undercover Freo fan in step 1. reveals he provoked the fight, unreservedly apologises & is now best mates with Clem.

I don't like the look of Clem Smith, definitely not a first round selection IMO.

 

[Miltz]

What about Mayne playing lockdown on smaller forwards? Manic pressure. Release spurr to hbf and Sutty to wing.