Strauss and Bennell as shut down defenders

[master bate]

A lot of talk every week about what these guys are doing with ball in hand and whether they deserve to get a game. The prevailing view is that Bartram is a much better lock down defender and that Tapscott should be back pretty quickly.

It's almost impossible watching on TV and just as hard live if you get caught up in the game when at the ground (like I do), but I think they are doing a more than serviceable job defensively.

Bennell played on Garlett, Jetta and Krakouer in a 3 week stretch. I think he did a pretty good job on very classy players. Today he moved around a bit I think on Farmer for a lot of the second half.

Strauss has had lesser types, spending time on Zaharakis, McCarthy, Clancey Pearce, Hislop, even a bit on Miller late in todays game.

Personally I think both are doing a very good job, and whilst aren't shutting players out completely as our talls often do I've been more than happy with them defensively.

 

[Theseventhhamster]

I thought Bennell had some great passages of play and figured he got a bit of it until i saw the stats at home. He is making much better defensive positioning now after some time in defense.

 

[Tulip]

I'm not big on Strauss tbh. He's alright but is warming Tapscott's place at the moment

 

[Crimson Azure]

Bennell really stuck to his man today, I don't think he made a lot of tackles but he really seemed to be close to his man & ensure there was pressure on him whenever he got the ball. Very happy with his endeavour today.

 

[The Professor]

I'm not big on Strauss tbh. He's alright but is warming Tapscott's place at the moment

Strauss is an interesting one.

I love the skill set he brings to our team but not sure of him as a footballer though.

At the moment, he's solid. he's not been fantastic but he's done what is required.

He's not hurting us so i say stick with the kid. If he clicks it will be a massive plus for us. Bartram can do a job but with Strauss's ceiling, he must be given a chance over Bartram.

 

[melbournemartin]

Don't forget Nicholson. We have Bartram, Strauss, Nicholson, Macdonald, Tapscott, Morton and Bennell all fighting for 3/4 positions. Morton may be tall but he plays short. I reckon any one of them could get towelled up by a quality small forward.