The Podsiadly Dilemma

[Jimmy Yamazaki]

Pods plays.. He and Hawk stretch the Hawks.. Pods plays at his best against them too.

 

[kilgour]

The JPod has been sensational for us the last two years and has been an important player for our structure. Yet, when he is absent from the team, Hawkins really shines and seems to thrive as the lone forward.

Hawkins has been magnificent in his absence. Walker is doing a amiable job as the leading second forward that applies lots of pressure. I don't think we can play three talls come finals time.

So the dilemma is if JPod is fully fit, do we play him?

must play Pods if fit
Jack's body will not last the way he is playing at the moment
walker not yet strong or good enough, maybe walker will take over from Pods next year
between now and the finals Pods must step up and help jack
remember the way Pods can smash packs (his biggest problem has been friendly fire)
he and jack may tend to get in each others way but that is the feed for our small forwards
Pods is a better contested option up on the wing
pods is faster than jack

 

[Belisarius]

Pods I do not think he will play against the Hawks.

We are playing too well now to take Walker from the team.

And I doubt we could carry all 3 big men in the forward line.

Pods by all accounts played half a game in the VFL and did ok.

Geelong will win more games by having Hawkins one out more often inside the forward 50. It seems when Walker plays this happens more often. Only 3 games I know - but it seems to be working.

If Walker can take a few more grabs leading up the ground and few marks inside 50 and kick a goal - he will be hard to replace.

 

[AM]

Pods plays.. He and Hawk stretch the Hawks.. Pods plays at his best against them too.

Fitting a player into a side purely on the basis of past deeds is a recipe for disaster. In this instance it would probably mean dropping Walker who has been pinch hitting in the ruck thereby forcing Hawk into that role. Hawk has settled in extremely well as our key go-to power forward and our forward half is functioning well with him in that role. The last thing we need is to upset that structure to fit in a player because he’s played well against a team in bygone times, particularly as Hawk’s confidence can so easily wane.

If Pods comes in he must fill the role of Walker and pinch hit in the ruck so Hawk can remain the key power forward.

I say ‘if’ because I maintain Pods hasn’t recaptured his pre shoulder injury form –though one or two disagree- and according to all reports his form in the twos last week wasn’t great.

 

[you pick one]

Fitting a player into a side purely on the basis of past deeds is a recipe for disaster. In this instance it would probably mean dropping Walker who has been pinch hitting in the ruck thereby forcing Hawk into that role. Hawk has settled in extremely well as our key go-to power forward and our forward half is functioning well with him in that role. The last thing we need is to upset that structure to fit in a player because he’s played well against a team in bygone times, particularly as Hawk’s confidence can so easily wane.

If Pods comes in he must fill the role of Walker and pinch hit in the ruck so Hawk can remain the key power forward.

I say ‘if’ because I maintain Pods hasn’t recaptured his pre shoulder injury form –though one or two disagree- and according to all reports his form in the twos last week wasn’t great.

This is the classic damned if you do damned if you don't.I think in Scotts post game presser he was leaning towards Walker playing with West pulling up a bit sore and he made a point of not wanting Hawkins in the ruck, unless they try all 3 I think Pods might have another run in the two's.

 

[Stig_90]

Pods is a definite In vs Hawks.

And for the rest of the season IMO.

Don't get me wrong, I've loved what Walker has done since he has come in, but his influence has been overstated a little.

 

[dazbroncos]

The value of Walker over Pods is in the defensive side of the game for mine - Walker is a tackling machine and whilst not having the same F50 presence that Pods does - he certainly runs harder and chases harder than Pods does.
I guess the question is what is more valuable - getting a clean grab and crashing the pack or keeping it in against the Hawks clearance from F50.

Right now, I'd say Pods has the goods to get it done but Walker has done enough to get a permanent list spot next year and his future looks massive - give he is only 19..

GO Catters

 

[Jimmy Yamazaki]

Fitting a player into a side purely on the basis of past deeds is a recipe for disaster. In this instance it would probably mean dropping Walker who has been pinch hitting in the ruck thereby forcing Hawk into that role. Hawk has settled in extremely well as our key go-to power forward and our forward half is functioning well with him in that role. The last thing we need is to upset that structure to fit in a player because he’s played well against a team in bygone times, particularly as Hawk’s confidence can so easily wane.

If Pods comes in he must fill the role of Walker and pinch hit in the ruck so Hawk can remain the key power forward.

I say ‘if’ because I maintain Pods hasn’t recaptured his pre shoulder injury form –though one or two disagree- and according to all reports his form in the twos last week wasn’t great.

Imo we need Pods up to speed and in form between now and finals should we make it to give us the best chance. I know Walker has been good. But He has played only 3 games so far. Today CS Mentioned that it is a possibility for us to play all 3 against Hawks.

Remember Lots of people wrote of Corey before and he bounced back. I'm tipping Pods to do the same.

 

[Belisarius]

Right now Pods can afford to play another VFL game and get some fitness and touch back.

We can see what Walker can do in a big game up forward. His continual attack on the ball is great and he leaves the forward line more open for Hawk than does Pods IMO.

So maybe play all 3 ??? but if two, Hawk and Walker for me.

 

[David the Cat]

Isn't it good we are having this debate!!!!!!!!

 

[you pick one]

Isn't it good we are having this debate!!!!!!!!

Only wish we were doing the same with regards to backline players as well.

 

[David the Cat]

There's been a bit of chatter ypo...Walker, Gillies, Brown ( Scott said he prefers him in a backline role at the moment!! ) and some talk about looking at Silvagni.....the VFL backline seems to stack up pretty well too...Murdoch looking a ready made replacement for Wojo...Guthrie developing well...

Its all good right now.

 

[you pick one]

There's been a bit of chatter ypo...Walker, Gillies, Brown ( Scott said he prefers him in a backline role at the moment!! ) and some talk about looking at Silvagni.....the VFL backline seems to stack up pretty well too...Murdoch looking a ready made replacement for Wojo...Guthrie developing well...

Its all good right now.

Forget Walker down back he's being groomed as Pods replacement,I like the idea of Brown in the back half could eventually take over from Lonners who along with Mackie and Harry will be around for a while yet so no real rush,yeah your right it's all good.

 

[AM]

Note to PO, don't read any further.

What a Hawthorn supporter thinks of Pods. Gotta love 'em don't ya!!!!!

Let's be clear. I don't like Pods. He hurts blokes with his knees and elbows (Brent Renouf's battered kidneys say 'hi') and gets away with it because he's such a 'feel good' story.

http://is.gd/QRbV5d

 

[David the Cat]

Pods will be devastated.

I know I am

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

Right now Pods can afford to play another VFL game and get some fitness and touch back.

We can see what Walker can do in a big game up forward. His continual attack on the ball is great and he leaves the forward line more open for Hawk than does Pods IMO.

So maybe play all 3 ??? but if two, Hawk and Walker for me.

You could argue that Walker has played in nothing but big games for us since his debut.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Note to PO, don't read any further.

What a Hawthorn supporter thinks of Pods. Gotta love 'em don't ya!!!!!



http://is.gd/QRbV5d

Stopped reading after the words 'Hawthorn supporter'. They are just jealous because he monsters their undersized defenders. Schoey hasn't slept all week!

 

[Berserker26]

Basically if Pods plays he needs to go back to his pack crashing best - just leading hard and cleaning up whoever gets in the way. If he doesn't do this like he used to, back to the magoo's

 

[AlterRob]

Must play.

 

[vinum coupe]

The fact that Pods only played part of the game last week suggests to me that he will be straight back in the ones.
No dilemma for me. Pods comes in. If it's at the expense of Walker so be it.

 

[Hawker55]

Not being a smart arse, but history has shown that having pods and hawk up there really stretches your back-line.

My worry against you blokes is that with Buddy out, Taylor will get a chance to play forward - that has the potential to kill us, especially if Pods is back. Although it might make you a bit too tall down forward? I dunno, I just hope we belt you! (although I think it'll again be a close heart attack game )

 

[meto]

The fact that Pods only played part of the game last week suggests to me that he will be straight back in the ones.
No dilemma for me. Pods comes in. If it's at the expense of Walker so be it.

No at the expense of little boy Motlop who hasn't done enought to warrant selection over Walker

 

[vinum coupe]

No at the expense of little boy Motlop who hasn't done enought to warrant selection over Walker

Meto, Motlop has walker well and truly covered.

 

[meto]

Meto, Motlop has walker well and truly covered.

For what and how?? 9 possessions with no physical impact, quite the opposite when you look at Walker
and you can add tackling presssure to that as well.
I think they've picked Motlop for a wing, lets see how many possessions he can contribute.
The hawk mids will be way to tough for him, he's the ultimate outside/outside player.

Covered? Walker kicks his rear end! In fact I'd prefer they use Motlop in a trade deal while he's got trade value coze he's just never going to give what we'd hope for, just a gut feeling.

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

For what and how?? 9 possessions with no physical impact, quite the opposite when you look at Walker
and you can add tackling presssure to that as well.
I think they've picked Motlop for a wing, lets see how many possessions he can contribute.
The hawk mids will be way to tough for him, he's the ultimate outside/outside player.

Covered? Walker kicks his rear end! In fact I'd prefer they use Motlop in a trade deal while he's got trade value coze he's just never going to give what we'd hope for, just a gut feeling.

Walker got two more possessions, took three marks, got the same number of tackles and didn't kick a goal. Not that much more of an impact last week in what was clearly Motlop's worst game of the season. Motlop has been fantastic for us all season and has played a key role for us in several close wins. I'm just not sure why/how anyone could have a problem with what he's produced for us this year.