Stokes and Johnson

[Duskfire]

In recent weeks they both seemed to have been playing up the ground a bit more; Johnson in particular. Noticed he had a few possessions around the backline throughout the game and a bit of a presence throughout the midfield. You guys think its of a conscience decision by the coaching staff for them to do that, or something the players themselves are just doing naturally?

 

[Cohzee]

I'd say hes just doing it because he can. He is such a smart footballer (most of the time) the coaching staff would let him do what he wants.

 

[Rosso]

I'd say hes just doing it because he can. He is such a smart footballer (most of the time) the coaching staff would let him do what he wants.

Being super fit obviously has a fair bit too do with it as well. I noticed over the past few weeks Johnno has backed himself to outsprint his opponents rather than just relying on his fancy footwork. Thank god for end of season medical reports that said he could play continuous games thanks to his dodgy ankles, otherwise he'd be ripping it up for the Pies or Dons and that just doesn't sound right.

Stokes has more confidence and has reached the point where he expects a game, not hopes for one. Good signs.

 

[Barabbas]

Being super fit obviously has a fair bit too do with it as well. I noticed over the past few weeks Johnno has backed himself to outsprint his opponents rather than just relying on his fancy footwork. Thank god for end of season medical reports that said he could play continuous games thanks to his dodgy ankles, otherwise he'd be ripping it up for the Pies or Dons and that just doesn't sound right.

Stokes has more confidence and has reached the point where he expects a game, not hopes for one. Good signs.

How would they feel about rejecting him now? Would have been a bargain.

 

[YOTC]

How would they feel about rejecting him now? Would have been a bargain.

Imagine watching him doing all these special tricks for collingwood. Ugh makes me sick thinking about it!

 

[Rosella]

Imagine watching him doing all these special tricks for collingwood. Ugh makes me sick thinking about it!

Which is exactly why I never wanted him to go. Don't think they tried that hard really. Collingwood supposedly rejected him because of his ankles. Well, hey, he hasn't missed a game this year due to injury.

 

[Barabbas]

Which is exactly why I never wanted him to go. Don't think they tried that hard really. Collingwood supposedly rejected him because of his ankles. Well, hey, he hasn't missed a game this year due to injury.

All that time when we were cutting him slack because we thought he had dodgy ankles Turns out he was just a lazy pisshead Glad he turned it around.

 

[CF]

Johnson has been playing up the ground all year since his return. It is not something new. As stated above with his fitness he can run to HB no problems.

As for Stokes I think it is more of a case of him being rotated through the middle rather than playing up the ground from the HFF

 

[MmkMrMackie]

Yeh, I'd say that Johnson is just making more of an effort to run with his defender this year. His fitness is much higher than it used to be.

 

[hoody]

Just to balance the ledger, all the backmen except Egan have kicked at least one goal this season.

 

[Rustybugles]

Being super fit obviously has a fair bit too do with it as well. I noticed over the past few weeks Johnno has backed himself to outsprint his opponents rather than just relying on his fancy footwork. Thank god for end of season medical reports that said he could play continuous games thanks to his dodgy ankles, otherwise he'd be ripping it up for the Pies or Dons and that just doesn't sound right.

Stokes has more confidence and has reached the point where he expects a game, not hopes for one. Good signs.

Not so much outsprinting his opponent as his ankles still hamper his speed but being able to shortcut and sense where his opponent might run to or which way he'd turn - and other than the odd obvious SJ blunder, he was always dangerous. A good game. Stokes is a wonder to watch - has become indispensable. Sat next to a former North player yesterday who was full of praise for him - "How did that kid get there?" - exclaimed a couple of times.

 

[Rosella]

Stokes is a wonder to watch - has become indispensable. Sat next to a former North player yesterday who was full of praise for him - "How did that kid get there?" - exclaimed a couple of times.

He's a tough little critter.