Training Training Thread

[Ordovician]

Is Webster likely to play as a small defensive forward if/when given the opportunity?

I would not have though so.

At BH he plays as mid area runner, mainly outside so that is predominately wing with maybe a bit of a rotation off HBF, and as a utility bench player come second string mid. Yeah, as you can guess it can be really hard to track where BH players, that are clearly not forward 5 or back 6, actually end up playing.

Given that they groom BH players for certain roles often a primary role with at least one back up role e.g. tall forward/back up ruck, winger/HBF/HFF etc., when a player comes in to the seniors they generally play in the position they have been trained to play in at BH.

Thus I would be surprised to see Webster come in and play as a small forward but I would expect to see Sicily play as a small forward/HFF or Litherland play on a small fast forward when they next play senior footy.

 

[Dipper]

or Litherland play on a small fast forward when they next play senior footy.

I'm interested that you mention this, I've seen some people say they see Litherland as a rebounding defender but I just don't see it, I think he's head down run as far as he can then kick the ball as far as he can when he brings it out of defence. He's not the precision ball user that we take as mandatory for anyone playing this role, even Duryea who uses the ball far better has found himself out of the side for this very reason, it certainly wasn't due to his endeavor or one on one play.

But playing the role that Stratton did this year of negating the small defenders seems like his bag, although he doesn't play tall he's still taller than all the small forwards so he can't be exploited by a good marking one like some small defenders likewise unlike some bigger small defenders he's not giving anything up in terms of pace and and he holds his feet very well, so he's not going to be tied in knots by some pacy, sneaky footed little shitbag either.

With Lake gone if they choose not to replace him with another KPD, and really it's only Spangher or Brand, then they may revert to the 2013 set up which would push Gibson and Stratton one step further up in terms of taking a bigger match up which might then create a place for Litherland to play Stratton's role of this year.

I don't generally see a place for him and Stratton unless the latter plays on the third tall/ genuine medium sized forward.

I certainly don't see him as replacing Suckling as has also been mooted, that would be like trying to write on a blackboard with a piece of Camembert.

 

[bris tarangau]

After watching Litherland's interview at Mooloolaba, i just feel that if the kid does not break into the side and play more AFL games in 2016, he might be on the lookout to ply his trade with another club.

 

[Suntory Boss Coffee]

I'm interested that you mention this, I've seen some people say they see Litherland as a rebounding defender but I just don't see it, I think he's head down run as far as he can then kick the ball as far as he can when he brings it out of defence. He's not the precision ball user that we take as mandatory for anyone playing this role, even Duryea who uses the ball far better has found himself out of the side for this very reason, it certainly wasn't due to his endeavor or one on one play.

But playing the role that Stratton did this year of negating the small defenders seems like his bag, although he doesn't play tall he's still taller than all the small forwards so he can't be exploited by a good marking one like some small defenders likewise unlike some bigger small defenders he's not giving anything up in terms of pace and and he holds his feet very well, so he's not going to be tied in knots by some pacy, sneaky footed little shitbag either.

With Lake gone if they choose not to replace him with another KPD, and really it's only Spangher or Brand, then they may revert to the 2013 set up which would push Gibson and Stratton one step further up in terms of taking a bigger match up which might then create a place for Litherland to play Stratton's role of this year.

I don't generally see a place for him and Stratton unless the latter plays on the third tall/ genuine medium sized forward.

I certainly don't see him as replacing Suckling as has also been mooted, that would be like trying to write on a blackboard with a piece of Camembert.

I think you forgot about Frawley

 

[cryptor]

I think you forgot about Frawley

I think he might've been suggesting that they may try to retain the 3 tall (Frawley, Gibson and formerly Lake) setup by replacing Lake with Spangher rather than reverting back to a 2 tall (Gibson and formerly Lake) setup from 2013-14 and simply replacing Lake with Frawley, which would then free a spot for possibly another rebounder or other type.

 

[eldorado]

After watching Litherland's interview at Mooloolaba, i just feel that if the kid does not break into the side and play more AFL games in 2016, he might be on the lookout to ply his trade with another club.

Any idea what the hell his tattoo is?'

Looks Neil Armstrong sitting on the moon...

 

[MrPremiership]

Any idea what the hell his tattoo is?'

Looks Neil Armstrong sitting on the moon...

Its an astronaut

 

[Dipper]

I think he might've been suggesting that they may try to retain the 3 tall (Frawley, Gibson and formerly Lake) setup by replacing Lake with Spangher rather than reverting back to a 2 tall (Gibson and formerly Lake) setup from 2013-14 and simply replacing Lake with Frawley, which would then free a spot for possibly another rebounder or other type.

Yeah basically we had twin genuine KPDs last two years, Frawley/ Lake this year and Spangher/ Lake the year prior. If they don't replace Lake with another but instead play Gibson and Stratton one man taller like 2013 then there's an obvious vacancy for Stratton's small forward shut down role which I could see going to Litherland.

If Brand or Spangher replace Lake then I don't see a place for Litherland barring injuries. I just don't see him coming in as a rebounder.

The fact they went after Carlisle suggests we want to retain the recent set up but nobody knows if Brand will be up to it and Spangher is mighty injury prone to hang your hat on so that's why I think there's a possibility of the alternative.

 

[bris tarangau]

Yeah basically we had twin genuine KPDs last two years, Frawley/ Lake this year and Spangher/ Lake the year prior. If they don't replace Lake with another but instead play Gibson and Stratton one man taller like 2013 then there's an obvious vacancy for Stratton's small forward shut down role which I could see going to Litherland.

If Brand or Spangher replace Lake then I don't see a place for Litherland barring injuries. I just don't see him coming in as a rebounder.

The fact they went after Carlisle suggests we want to retain the recent set up but nobody knows if Brand will be up to it and Spangher is mighty injury prone to hang your hat on so that's why I think there's a possibility of the alternative.

The coaching legend will probably use both options, 'horses for courses'.

 

[WWSD]

I think James Sicily will be the one who breaks into our best 22 and have a breakout season. Last year it was Will Langford, this year it was Billy Hartung.

James Sicily in the team could allow Luke Breust to spend more time in the midfield in 2016.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

I think James Sicily will be the one who breaks into our best 22 and have a breakout season. Last year it was Will Langford, this year it was Billy Hartung.

James Sicily in the team could allow Luke Breust to spend more time in the midfield in 2016.

Yeah I don't see it that way WWSD.

Cegs is obviously a replacement for Hale.

For Lake they will either go a tall so that Gibbo can continue his role as third man up, which has won him to B&Fs, so that would be Spang, Brand or Fitzpatrick for mine; or add an additional medium defender like Litherland; or go with Frawley/Gibbo/Doc/Stratts/Birch with Burgers and Hodge helping out and then put another mid who can play half back, in the squad as well, such as Whitey.

I think with the rucks rotating into the forward pocket and Rough/Gunners/Rioli/Breust/Poppy/Schoey we have enough forwards, we therefore need more mid options to cover our aging stars.

For mine that means that one of Whitey, JOR, Lovell or Howe are the most likely to break into the 22.

And it wouldn't surprise me if it was Lovell, as he finished top ten in the beep test so has good endurance, won the agility test so can weave through traffic and also finished top ten in the goal kicking. Would be ideal for spells in the middle and the forward line when guys like Cyril, Poppy and Breust rotate into the guts.

Just my opinion though...

 

[Thaihawk]

I love all the speculation here. Only wish I could read Clarko's thoughts, and get some idea, but I guess we'll have to wait for the season to get underway.

 

[Ordovician]

He's not the precision ball user that we take as mandatory for anyone playing this role, even Duryea who uses the ball far better has found himself out of the side for this very reason, it certainly wasn't due to his endeavor or one on one play.

TD had a bit of struggle getting his body right last year and I believe that this was affecting his kicking.

 

[HODGEYROAD]

As long as we pick up no Injuries in training I'm happy.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

As long as we pick up no Injuries in training I'm happy.

Have always felt the injuries come once the practice games come and the physical pressure ramps up.

Hopefully with out sleeker running bodies the extra weight on the knees isn't an issue.

Touch wood.

 

[Wundo]

I'm interested that you mention this, I've seen some people say they see Litherland as a rebounding defender but I just don't see it, I think he's head down run as far as he can then kick the ball as far as he can when he brings it out of defence. He's not the precision ball user that we take as mandatory for anyone playing this role, even Duryea who uses the ball far better has found himself out of the side for this very reason, it certainly wasn't due to his endeavor or one on one play.

But playing the role that Stratton did this year of negating the small defenders seems like his bag, although he doesn't play tall he's still taller than all the small forwards so he can't be exploited by a good marking one like some small defenders likewise unlike some bigger small defenders he's not giving anything up in terms of pace and and he holds his feet very well, so he's not going to be tied in knots by some pacy, sneaky footed little shitbag either.

With Lake gone if they choose not to replace him with another KPD, and really it's only Spangher or Brand, then they may revert to the 2013 set up which would push Gibson and Stratton one step further up in terms of taking a bigger match up which might then create a place for Litherland to play Stratton's role of this year.

I don't generally see a place for him and Stratton unless the latter plays on the third tall/ genuine medium sized forward.

I certainly don't see him as replacing Suckling as has also been mooted, that would be like trying to write on a blackboard with a piece of Camembert.

Pretty sure that's how the rest of the comp view Rioli. I'm so glad he's our sneaky-footed little shitbag ;-)

 

[HomerJayS]

Howe is my pick as the break-in (and stay in) young guy this year. Lovell could well play a few. Nice to see Webster getting a good wrap. He seemed to have a promising first year, then his 'incident' became public and injuries followed. I hope they all make it and play in a Premiership for us.

I'm still not convince about O'Rourke. But good a preseason could change that. Litherland has talent but I'm not sure if there's a spot with his size with his kicking.

I have a good gut feeling about our two international rookies too. I would not be surprised if they both play a game at senior level this year (and Glass won't get to MEL until May or June either). I say this because we will need to blood a few of these types soon or we may face the abyss.

Can't wait to see the new guys at Box Hill this year too. Always good to see them 'in the flesh'.

Merry Christmas to everyone!!

 

[Dewnior]

Howe good Woody be if Kiwi holds down a spot next year. Will's more likely and is Miles ahead.

 

[Roger Rogerson]

I am not holding my breath for Litherland to make it. Not sold on his ball handling.

I could see Webcam as playing defensive fwd early days. Smooth mover and instinctive but not really a ball winner so a dog chase car wheel role would suit.

 

[flinchfree]

I am not holding my breath for Litherland to make it. Not sold on his ball handling.

I could see Webcam as playing defensive fwd early days. Smooth mover and instinctive but not really a ball winner so a dog chase car wheel role would suit.

I really hate to agree, because I like a lot of what Lithers does, but his arms and hands look leaden, or made of stone, or something similar so very not at ease. Early in one of his highlight reels on the HFC site for summer training, he watches a ball drop to him and the way he tries to coral it just looks so awkward, he sort of gropes for it and it squirms between his arms almost falling to the ground. Whilst on the lead in kick to to kick drills his arms go to a set position and are so damned stiff, there's just no adjustment available.
Shame - the kid tries his guts out.

 

[Gralin]

A couple of seasons ago Lithers looked like he was going to make it if he settled down, has the tools but just runs and kicks the cover off the ball every time.

That's the big thing that hasn't changed for him, we saw that it's not acceptable with how Langford's year turned out after playing in a premiership.

Both of those boys need to show the decision making required to play for the Hawks, I hope they both do this year

 

[Roger Rogerson]

A couple of seasons ago Lithers looked like he was going to make it if he settled down, has the tools but just runs and kicks the cover off the ball every time.

That's the big thing that hasn't changed for him, we saw that it's not acceptable with how Langford's year turned out after playing in a premiership.

Both of those boys need to show the decision making required to play for the Hawks, I hope they both do this year

The only way I can see him improving is by going up a level and getting certain things out of his game through time in the drivers seat ie. 15-18 games. Not sure he gets that chance in the brown and gold...possibly too competitive for spots. We will know early on if he is the golden child of the coaching staff or is really a depth player. Hope he gets a good run at it and improves.

 

[Gralin]

The only way I can see him improving is by going up a level and getting certain things out of his game through time in the drivers seat ie. 15-18 games. Not sure he gets that chance in the brown and gold...possibly too competitive for spots. We will know early on if he is the golden child of the coaching staff or is really a depth player. Hope he gets a good run at it and improves.

Playing in the Seniors and getting smacked around by Gibbo and Hodge for not following the game plan may be the only way it happens as i hasn't happened at Box Hill I agree

 

[PhatHQ]

I see Gus as a genuine starter if Gibbo is out. Great closing speed, lock down or offensive weapon that could role up to a wing on rotation. His kicking I feel is fine if in space or moderate preasure but he does have lapses that cost him; I see this as a lack of composure that can come from trying to hard. I hope he gets his opportunities to prove himself & settle into a 15+ game season.

 

[Lethality]

I thought Litherland might take Stratton's lock-down role next year which would allow Stratton to be released a bit.