Too defensive going forward?

[FloreatPica17]

We have an abundance of 'defensive forwards' at the moment. Key positions aside, there's only Didak, Fas and Krak who offer genuine class up forward (injury doubts over all these guys).

We've got Goldsack, Elliott, Sinclair, Mooney - even Macaffer and Sidebottom, who have top defensive skills, but questionable ability to hit the scoreboard.
If Lynch/Cloke don't fire, could we be seriously exposed?

 

[The Royal Sampler]

I think MacAffer and Elliott have above average scoring ability with the ball in hand, the problem is neither is a crumber. Elliott is the more elusive/pacy and MacAffer has better bullocking strength, but ultimately they're still similar players and not genuine front-and-centre small-to-medium forwards.

Sinclair can't hit the side of a barn. Fas is a damaging half-forward but not a forward pocket. Mooney doesn't yet have the smarts to play that crumbing role, but there's nothing wrong with his kicking.

 

[SnakePlisskin]

Besides Cloke didn't we get most of our goals from the midfielders .

 

[KJpie]

I think the mix is fine,
The modern game is heavily weighted towards defence on all lines, the poor delivery going forward is more the issue IMO so far. This will improve with the return of a multitude of stars missing/ rested on Saturday and the continued development of the youngsters/ newbies. After Beams break out season in 2012 in the centre I would love to see Swan running of the square as a HF and playing more time as a goal kicking option. Add Daisy to the forward mix occasionally, Krak, Did's if fit and others you have mentioned and our Forward structure should be solid. I also like Kennedy as an attacking small option and see Mooney's strength more as attacking at this stage.
I would be happier if our injury list was nil at the start of the season instead of 10 ATM, however this will provide opportunity, possibly expose new players to the AFL as well as churn out a gem or 2.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

I think MacAffer and Elliott have above average scoring ability with the ball in hand, the problem is neither is a crumber. Elliott is the more elusive/pacy and MacAffer has better bullocking strength, but ultimately they're still similar players and not genuine front-and-centre small-to-medium forwards.

I know that this has generally been true, but this was encouraging to see from him:


I think if he's given proper instruction on what's expected of him in his role, he could be made into more of a crumbing player.

 

[The Royal Sampler]

True, there have been some good signs especially with loose balls in open space. If we can get him at Cloke and Lynch's feet we could have something for sure. His forward pressure equals Sinclair's but his scoring ability is far in advance.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

I think it's important to factor in the impact that guys like Beams (28 goals in 2012), Swan (25), Thomas (22), Blair (17), Sidebottom (14) and other midfielders can have when they're rotated through the forward line. Pendles gave us 24 goals in 2011, so hopefully he can get up into that range again without such an injury interrupted season.

If healthy, you can also tentatively pencil in Fas, Krakouer and Dids for 20 goals or so each. I don't think firepower should be a real problem. Also, since when does Goldy have questionable ability to hit the scoreboard? He kicked 24 goals last year in his first extended run up forward, which I think is pretty solid for someone playing his role.

The real deficit in our firepower last year was in Dawes managing 16 goals (0.7 per game) from full forward. It's not unreasonable to think that Lynch could potentially double that output and kick 32 goals, which he exceeded last year as much less of a focal point in West Coast's set up. If Lynch gives us significantly more than we got from Dawes last year, that has a flow on effect for the rest of our forward line.

 

[rustyg70]

We definately need a small crumber to follow Cloke around the forward 50.
He always brings the ball to ground if he doesn't mark it.
I wouldn't mind seeing someone like Sidebottom, Fasolo or even Kennedy at his feet if he is around the 50m arc, as they are more rover type players, but if he anywhere closer to the goals, that job has to fall to Krakouer.
But they all have to learn one rule.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO FLY FOR THE BALL. YOU MUST STAY GROUNDED AND CRUMB THE LOOSE BALL.
And if we are playing Hawthorn, watch where Gibson is and get ten metres on the opposite side of Cloke,as Gibson will come over the top and try to spoil it with a big punch.

 

[The Royal Sampler]

I reckon Kennedy could do that job pretty well. He's slippery, quick, and has nice footskills. Not much of an overhead game unlike MacAffer and Elliott.

 

[Go_Brad_Dick]

If Goldy can get an injury free year (looking doubtful already) he will be a 40+ goal player, and probably one of the best half forwards in the comp. very underrated player, if he can get body right he'll be a big win for us.

Elliot is looking the goods, much prefer him over Sinclair who has the headless chicken thing going on. Elliot has a serious head on him, reminds me a lot of Beams in his first year.

Fas can only get better..
Caff will get better..

Not much to worry about here, need to work on delivery in to the forward line.

 

[Lockyer24]

One of our bigger worries if not the biggest. The leading by our forwards, spacing/setup and delivery has been second rate for a while. I think we lack a little class up forward too still. We seem to always fashion our goals out of hustle and bustle, after the ball has gone in and out about 5 times.

 

[noideaatall]

Krak! Our forward line visibly improved when he came back last year. Badly need him to stay fit and fire this year. Should be more experience running around there too, so hoping this is actually last year's problem...!

 

[FloreatPica17]

Agree with most of the comments. But I'd just like to see more creative options by foot inside the 50m arc. Big chance for Dids to resurrect his career up forward, I reckon - if he can get on the park again

 

[TradeDraft]

I reckon Kennedy could do that job pretty well. He's slippery, quick, and has nice footskills. Not much of an overhead game unlike MacAffer and Elliott.

I see Kennedy simmlar to Didak in the Forward Line. Has some Tricks and Good Pace

 

[TradeDraft]

We don't play on when we are going forward very much

 

[Cousin of Daicos]

I think Cloke, Lynch, Elliott, Macaffer, Goldsack and Didiak/Krakouer/Fas is a REALLY REALLY nice mix/balance.

 

[cleomenes]

I'm having some doubts about Krakaour. Where is he? Why is he not playing? He is not listed as injured or on leave.

 

[Kirby]

^^ Me too mate. It's very concerning considering how chubby he looked in that opening NAB game.