T-Bird

[blue healer]

better kick at goal? depends bower can kick 50 plus, t'bird not so much.. about even imo, but we are tlaking about them kicking goals for us to win then we are in big trouble

One goal last week, on the run, from outside 50 and suddenly his goalkicking ability is even with Thornton?......Please.

Bower has kicked that one only this year (4 in a 66 game career) and this season has (from what I can see on TV) spent a fair bit of time in the forward line. I may be wrong but I don't recall him taking a mark down there.

We don't need either of them kicking bags to win but if one plays the third tall and minimises the times when Betts is one (sometimes even 2) out against a taller opponent the knock on effect IMO is more goals overall. It's a lay down misere that Thornton is better suited in this area than Bower.

He has played all but the last 2 years in the backline, has punched above his weight for much of that, and IMO is still better than Bower as the third tall down back. It is no coincidence that in Bower's best year (2009) Thornton was the general in the backline, finished top 10 B&F and was credited on the club website as a mentor for Bower and Jammo.

Went missing in 2010 for unknown reasons and was pilloried on this board for having the temerity to abuse Simpson whilst receiving no credit for taking one of the gutsiest marks running with the ball in the goalsquare in the same game.

There seems to be something not right in his relationship with the m/c as he is first dropped all the time and I'm stuffed if I know why.

As an aside he has kicked 4 goals in 4 games this year, Garlett has kicked 10 in 7 games and he's a goal kicker?

 

[PINNACLE HEALTH]

Should've got rid of Thornton & persisted with Austin.

 

[blue healer]

Should've got rid of Thornton & persisted with Austin.

Now after a couple of games with a weaker side even Austin has gone past Thornton. Must be about time to throw the screen around TBird and end his misery.

 

[Azul]

Bret Thornton is the (new) Blues Barometer?

Hasn't played in a losing side all year.

He and Bootsma are good luck charms. Drop them at your peril.

 

[Coona Blues]

Still has plenty to offer.
Bret Thornton = Matthew Watson

Ratten and co do not understand their psyche. Thornton was burnt out carrying our defense during the dark years. He believes he has established his spot up forward, and is probably right. Unfortunately Ratts has used him at least as much in defence, and the return of Walker pushed T-Bird out. He will not "find form" in the 2's He needs both a challenge and some "love".
Ditto M. Watson, will not learn much in the 2's, burned by being thrown in twice against Magpies and then starved of opportunity. Pre season OK but MC went with Bower who was no better?????????? If Watson going backwards, Ratten whould look in the mirror for reasons.
Some players need an approach other than fire and brimstone.
Nurturing perhaps the word.
The only way Thornton becomes superfluous is if Mitchell "kills it" when he gets on the park.

 

[No1Suspect]

I'd play tbird this week, stretch their defense! great mark and would demand a defender which inturn may allow walker to get off the leash or vice versa..

If I recall correctly even though it was only a pracky match, last year at visy park Thornton was marking everything against this mob.

 

[Peete]

I dont understand MC treatemnt of Thornton either - he was a hero for us against WC in that semi . Cool head. Can take a mark and kick a goal. Rarely gives turnovers under pressure or not - everything Bower will never be.

Watson - the kid has been murdered by someone for some reason....

Our management of developing players? Abysmal truely abysmal.

 

[Blueboys_all_day]

The support for Bower over Thornton makes no sense to me.
Bower constantly makes poor decisions, plays on without thinking and turns the ball over with crappy chip kicks.

In 2009 I thought his skills and athletic potential would serve the team well.. If he could maybe put on a few Kgs to stop being outmarked so easily, then gametime and experience would naturally bring out a bit more composure.

However, 3 years later, from what I can see, he hasnt matured physically or mentally. Thornton is not as gifted athletically, but he is still a better contested mark, more composed ball user and can fill multiple roles with his versatility and experience. At this point in time if Thornton is fit, he should not be dropped while Bower remains in the side.

Finally, I liked Bower's goal against GWS, but they are a team full of kids and twilighters!