News Way forward for big Cat

[Pure_Ownage]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/way-forward-for-big-cat-20110922-1kn9m.html#ixzz3qHlk0Lu8

If anyone is happier than Trent West at the ruckman's elevation to the Geelong team at the business end of the season it is Tom Hawkins.

Hawkins was not in Geelong's top five for contested marks or top 10 for scoreboard impact up to round 16.

Since being relieved of ruck duties to focus on forward-line responsibilities Hawkins's contested marks have tripled and his score involvements have quadrupled, to the extent that over the period he is third in the league for the former and sixth for the latter.​

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/way-forward-for-big-cat-20110922-1kn9m.html#ixzz3qHlk0Lu8

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Great to read, and really important if he (and West too) can keep it up in terms of our chances of winning the flag.

But loved this almost as much:

Football manager Neil Balme admitted yesterday that the change had borne fruit. ''I think it was an experiment we needed to have, and it was probably pretty good for him,'' Balme said of Hawkins's ruck stint. ''But it's also proven hard to be a key forward and second ruck at the same time, that's what we find now.''

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Does this mean from now on we're going to play Hawkins in the forward line and our ruckmen in the ruck! Hallelujah!
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[meto]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/way-forward-for-big-cat-20110922-1kn9m.html#ixzz3qHlk0Lu8

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/way-forward-for-big-cat-20110922-1kn9m.html#ixzz3qHlk0Lu8


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Great to read, and really important if he (and West too) can keep it up in terms of our chances of winning the flag.

But loved this almost as much:
​

Does this mean from now on we're going to play Hawkins in the forward line and our ruckmen in the ruck! Hallelujah!​

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Besides we really needed West to go 2nd ruck and give us the third option tall forward at times.
We're so much more dangerous with West being that ruck/fwd, has allowed Tom to settle into his role, key forward.

 

[you pick one]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/way-forward-for-big-cat-20110922-1kn9m.html#ixzz3qHlk0Lu8

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/way-forward-for-big-cat-20110922-1kn9m.html#ixzz3qHlk0Lu8


​

Great to read, and really important if he (and West too) can keep it up in terms of our chances of winning the flag.

But loved this almost as much:
​

Does this mean from now on we're going to play Hawkins in the forward line and our ruckmen in the ruck! Hallelujah!​

​

No just giving NIC Nat a false sense of security.

 

[Boxhead_31]

Does this mean from now on we're going to play Hawkins in the forward line and our ruckmen in the ruck! Hallelujah!

Fingers crossed that they have given up on playing Hawk anywhere else apart from the forward line he is starting to look a lot more comfortable in his role in the forward line now and you can see his self belief starting to grow

 

[SJ]

Well it wasn't rocket science.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Well it wasn't rocket science.

No it wasn't, but given there were times we'd all feel like the MC was never going to get it (in relation to not putting Hawkins in the ruck) so if they finally have it's definitely a cause for celebration.

 

[topic97]

In the grand scheme of things it probably was just Scotty making sure he had more feathers to his bow should we need to call on the plans B, C, D, E and F.

I know Hawkins isnt anywhere near an ideal choice, but heaven forbid we lose one or two rucks in a game we have a backup......

I am just glad Hawk has gone back into the forward line and had a great impact, cant wait to see him smash some packs tomorrow!!

 

[moond0g]

as much as i agree that hawkins should be playing up forward, i think some of the stuff said on here about how obvious it is and so on might be a bit over the top

yes hawkins is better up forward than in the ruck, however up until not long ago (some might say up to last game even) hawkins was our third best tall forward behind pods and mooney. so it was a matter of pinch hit ruck/part time forward or nothing. it was just a way of being able to get senior games into hawkins.

the real question is whether he would have benefitted more from playing senior games, with only half the time up forward, or playing in the 2's with a full game up forward?

 

[InnocentBystandr]

I think the ruck exercise was a good idea for Hawk. His form improved out of sight before the re-lapse of his foot injury. I think it gave him confidence in his size and physical impact at AFL level. Seems the experiment is over now and I agree that is a good thing, but his experience there gives us an emergency option if required.

 

[RegHickeyStand]

One of the most obvious mistakes Geelong has made. Should never have been used in the ruck like that.

 

[Turbocat]

I thought after last years Prelim and the comments by the Collingwood rucks that we would have learnt.
To be honest at times I think it has been good for Tom but certainly this year with the introduction of the Scott game plan he is much better forward.

West too is not just playing to allow Tom to go forward , he has earned his spot and is important as he is insurance. One ruckman is almost asking for it , the other side would be so encouraged to do what they can to stop him.