We need Ottens

[hobart cat]

what Sandilands did to Blake and Mumford highlights the fact that we need Brad back in the side and fit.

Geelong's midfield is being made to work way too hard because they aren't getting enough good hitouts to advantage.

tonight was the first night it was so dramatically apparent.

Blake/West/Mumford are not up to it yet (Blake ok as a chop out only) and to give ourselves our best chance to win games we need Ottens.

if he comes back sometime soon - and im not holding my breath - then you will see us go to a whole new level, book it!

 

[Jef Costello]

you might be on to something there

 

[Redemptionin09]

If we'd have had Ottens Freo wouldn't have got near us

 

[hamG]

Has the other Simpson produced anything yet this year? Lets hope he keeps growing.

 

[CF]

Just remember that Otto wont be cherry ripe when he comes back as his overall fitness will be down. So I wouldn't expect him to come on and perform like he did late last year. He will take a few games to start hitting his straps.

 

[scottydeewah]

Correct Catman. And I have no doubt the coaches will ease him into it too. Would be very surprised if he didnt have 1, maybe 2 runs in the seconds to try and get some game time into his legs.

 

[catswhiskers]

Ottens is one player who will come straight in to the ones. He will play a support role for a few weeks. The amount of time West/Mumford have spent on ground is perfect for getting the conditioning he needs. The Blake/ Ottens combo will be an improvement until it becomes an Ottens /Blake combo.

Blake just needs to watch this replay carefully and remember that he must make good body contact at each centre contest when the opposition ruckman is winning.

 

[Hood007]

Please Bradley, come save us...

 

[Chappy 35]

there is alot of talk about him comming back next week, I wouldnt be surprised at all if he didnt come back untill after the break, to give him more time to recover.

 

[foxdog50]

Yeah agree with you there... So when is he due to come back???? We should give Mummford anther crack next week,u cant judge him on 1 game. Give him another go Bomber...

 

[Big Nasty]

How many ruckmen have had best on ground performances against Blake?
Hurry back Ottens.

 

[GIMP2]

Yeah agree with you there... So when is he due to come back???? We should give Mummford anther crack next week,u cant judge him on 1 game. Give him another go Bomber...

Agree....it was mumfords first game.....i thought he leaped pretty good against the towering sandilands. He'll get better with more game time. Blake however was disappointing....totally beat and frustrated in the end.

 

[Tay29]

What frustrated me to no end was Sandilands getting 10+ clearances and Blake was not in sight to tackle or put any pressure on the guy. Blake is never going to be a stand out #1 ruckman. He's only going to be good as a #2.

 

[SOSBenny]

Sorry to intrude, only posting because I agree whole heartedly! I dunno how many times I said it last night, "Jeeezzzz...Geelong could really do with a fit Brad Ottens right about now!"
While big Sandilands was good last night, I can't believe how much sun everyone is blowing up his arse over here today! I think they are all kind of forgetting that he was playing against a back-up ruckmen who is being asked to step up, and a bloke playing his first game!!
Brad Ottens would have totally nullified Sandy last night!

All in all, great character shown by your lot last night, first chance I've actually had to see them play on television since the GF!
Kind of reminded me of the Round 7 game you had against us last year...coming in on a good winning run, coming up against a team with nothing to lose, at that stage! Difference is you answered the challenge from the hunter, we didn't...and look what has happened since then!

 

[rocker_oz33]

brad ottens is the X factor the cat really need a fit n firing otto in the second half of the season

 

[cat_fanatic]

We have survived unbelievably well without the big feller. Mumfords work after the tap is what impressed me. Actually applied pressure and tried to tackle unlike Blake who looked completely bewildered and lost.

Ottens inclusion means another 5 or 6 clearances a quarter, which translates into less midfield defensive work and a quicker path to goal.

 

[Brasil2007]

We have survived unbelievably well without the big feller. Mumfords work after the tap is what impressed me. Actually applied pressure and tried to tackle unlike Blake who looked completely bewildered and lost.

Ottens inclusion means another 5 or 6 clearances a quarter, which translates into less midfield defensive work and a quicker path to goal.

Mummy seemed very agile for a big bloke. Far more like a midfielder than a ruckman.

As for Blake, he is what he is, and he's the best we have right now. His kicking has improved out of sight (as in he actually kicks the ball now) and yes has some stuff to learn but not every player is going to be AA in their position. Having said that I would have liked to have seen him hit into Sandilands more - there were a number of contests where he neither touched Sandi nor the ball and that isn't acceptable at this level.

 

[cat_fanatic]

Mummy seemed very agile for a big bloke. Far more like a midfielder than a ruckman.

As for Blake, he is what he is, and he's the best we have right now. His kicking has improved out of sight (as in he actually kicks the ball now) and yes has some stuff to learn but not every player is going to be AA in their position. Having said that I would have liked to have seen him hit into Sandilands more - there were a number of contests where he neither touched Sandi nor the ball and that isn't acceptable at this level.

Not disputing the fact that Blakey has improved beyond sight, nor am i suggesting that every player needs to be AA (although we are half way there). Everyone knows that if you tackle the ruckman once he takes possession from the bounce, its holding the ball and yet Blake didnt even make an attempt. If your being beaten in the taps, surely you would concede and go for the tackle to avoid an easy opposition clearance?

 

[sexyhunk]

is no coincidence the most influencial players in our last couple has been the opposition rucks...sandilands and jolly

 

[SunKing]

doesn't get any easier with charman and leuenberger next up. still think you guys will win easily though.

 

[winty]

is no coincidence the most influencial players in our last couple has been the opposition rucks...sandilands and jolly

What has staggered me the last two weeks is that Jolly and Sandilands have been loose in defence, but where the hell has Blake been?

All we needed was for Blake to venture forward. That would have either made the other ruckman accountable, and if he chose not to be, we could've used Blake as an option. As mentioned before, his kicking has improved, so he might've been able to slot a couple of goals at the most, or at the very least made sure Mooney and Hawkins were one out against their opponent, not having to battle their opponent and the opposing ruckman.

 

[Brasil2007]

What has staggered me the last two weeks is that Jolly and Sandilands have been loose in defence, but where the hell has Blake been?

All we needed was for Blake to venture forward. That would have either made the other ruckman accountable, and if he chose not to be, we could've used Blake as an option. As mentioned before, his kicking has improved, so he might've been able to slot a couple of goals at the most, or at the very least made sure Mooney and Hawkins were one out against their opponent, not having to battle their opponent and the opposing ruckman.

He did seem to go forward a couple of times but the supply wasn't great. There was one where he probably ought to have gotten a free kick for in the back on the half-volley.

CF21 I agree, and hopefully (?) Blake will learn from this week and improve.

Who is our ruck coach at the moment by the way?

 

[winty]

Who is our ruck coach at the moment by the way?

I think Brendan McCarthy, the midfield coach, also coaches the rucks. Would be the shortest ruck coach in history.

 

[cozdawg#09]

What has staggered me the last two weeks is that Jolly and Sandilands have been loose in defence, but where the hell has Blake been?

All we needed was for Blake to venture forward. That would have either made the other ruckman accountable, and if he chose not to be, we could've used Blake as an option. As mentioned before, his kicking has improved, so he might've been able to slot a couple of goals at the most, or at the very least made sure Mooney and Hawkins were one out against their opponent, not having to battle their opponent and the opposing ruckman.

Agree completely. Last night Blake left Taylor to fight it out with Sandilands in a one-on-one which resulted in a freo goal. Even Jimmy had to compete with him at one stage. Just not good enough from Blake. I get the feeling he's lazy and feels like he doesn't have to work hard to stay in the team, he should be dropped for West this week and have West and Mumford in the side as at least they work hard for their spots.

 

[Rik E Boy]

what Sandilands did to Blake and Mumford highlights the fact that we need Brad back in the side and fit.

Geelong's midfield is being made to work way too hard because they aren't getting enough good hitouts to advantage.

tonight was the first night it was so dramatically apparent.

Blake/West/Mumford are not up to it yet (Blake ok as a chop out only) and to give ourselves our best chance to win games we need Ottens.

if he comes back sometime soon - and im not holding my breath - then you will see us go to a whole new level, book it!

Agreed. I thought it was evident in the Port match also.

regards,

REB