West V. Mummy

[Tommy the Cat]

As I dont get to any games having move over 2,000 kms from Skilled Stadium about 20 years ago (but still never miss a game), I wonder if you guys could help me.

I thought West rucked pretty well last weekend although he could have done more around the ground, then I see he's been dropped for Mumford.

I gotta say I was a bit surprised, as I thought West played better than Blake.

I dont get to see the VFL games but I would appreciate any feedback from you guys, is Mummy playing better than West atm, or is Bomber just rotating his players for the future.

Are they both making inroads on Blake as I reckon he has been average so far this year.

Cheers

 

[kriso182]

Mumford was clearly the better ruckman during the pre-season with 3 best on ground performances in the VFL.

http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-118-0-0-0&sID=108945

West only got a game last week because Mumford was injured. Now Mumford rightfully gets his go this week.

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

As I dont get to any games having move over 2,000 kms from Skilled Stadium about 20 years ago (but still never miss a game), I wonder if you guys could help me.

I thought West rucked pretty well last weekend although he could have done more around the ground, then I see he's been dropped for Mumford.

I gotta say I was a bit surprised, as I thought West played better than Blake.

I dont get to see the VFL games but I would appreciate any feedback from you guys, is Mummy playing better than West atm, or is Bomber just rotating his players for the future.

Are they both making inroads on Blake as I reckon he has been average so far this year.

Cheers

Blake has been good this year, still improving, but plays the link role fairly well now; does things basic, but does them well. His effective taps are right up there and he even scored a rippa goal against the Dawks on the halftime siren after a contested grab. Will never be Ottens, but he is doing more than is asked in my opinion.

Mumford didn't play last week d/t a calf strain, before that had a good game in the 2's playing CHB and on Rocca (whom he destroyed). A lot of people have been talking him up over the pre-season saying he is ready to step up. Will contest everything; Will Minson like, and is a big unit.

West has been coming along nicely too. More of a pure ruckman, a bit short with a great leap. Is starting to use his body a lot more to hold ground and is competing very well in the ruck contests. Zero possession game was probably not acceptable given his large amount of gametime last week, but he did do a lot better defensively on Fraser than Blake.

I think Geelong have done the right thing, Mumford has earnt his opportunity, West is unfortunate, but the reality is that Mumford has a bit more presence about him and will provide a bit more around the ground - hopefully even some contested marking! Regardless, i think the Cats have developed some solid ruck depth which will hold us up well this season. It would not suprise me to see Blake get rested mid-season, as his workload over the last 2 years has been immense.

Interesting times, looking forward to seeing Mumford again

 

[macca69]

Given Mumford's age, he has to either be promoted at the end of the year or delisted?

With West, Blake, Ottens and Simpson on the senior list is there room to promote him?

 

[Selective Retention]

West v. Mumford. One stays, one goes. Pick another young one (ideally a ruck/forward) before the GC comes in and skims the draft of talent.

 

[DanA]

Given Mumford's age, he has to either be promoted at the end of the year or delisted?

With West, Blake, Ottens and Simpson on the senior list is there room to promote him?

No question he will be promoted in my mind. The only reason in mind he wasn't promoted last year was because we were worried about our draft picks with GC coming in in 09.

He's passed West and watching him play I actually think Mumford may have passed Blake as well. I'm expecting big things from him.

 

[DanA]

West v. Mumford. One stays, one goes. Pick another young one (ideally a ruck/forward) before the GC comes in and skims the draft of talent.

I say hold them and off load West to the GC. He's good enough to play AFL footy and as a backup ruck he's one of the better options out their for the Gold Coast. We could get good value for him.

 

[Tommy the Cat]

I say hold them and off load West to the GC. He's good enough to play AFL footy and as a backup ruck he's one of the better options out their for the Gold Coast. We could get good value for him.

given your guys opinion of Mummy and West's age, would we be better to let Bake go to the GC ?

I just dont see Blake reaching the heights of say Ottens

 

[Selective Retention]

Blake is a genuine #2 ruckman, who can still get a little better. The other two haven't proved anything.

 

[Mooney_d'King]

No question he will be promoted in my mind. The only reason in mind he wasn't promoted last year was because we were worried about our draft picks with GC coming in in 09.

He's passed West and watching him play I actually think Mumford may have passed Blake as well. I'm expecting big things from him.

Wow, big raps there! I hope you're right.

 

[DanA]

Wow, big raps there! I hope you're right.

It's hard to call because VFL is such a step down from AFL and Blake is obviously AFL proven. But to give you an idea he's having the kind of impact in the VFL that Nathan Ablett was having just before he became a regular in the AFL.

 

[noclashjumpers]

Of the two, I like Mumford. Granted, West appears to be the better athlete, but Mumford is a more natural footballer.

He's a decent kick, good over head and reads the play pretty well. I've seen him do good work up forward and also dropping into space up back.

The big question is his fitness. If he can get that sorted, and by all reports he's had a great pre season, then I reckon he'll leap ahead of West if given the chance.

 

[rizzo]

I'm a West man myself, so it is hard to look at this situation with two eyes.

I was shocked that West got dropped for Mummy, especially considering Mumford missed last week in the VFL with injury. Not many people come straight into the senior team without atleast 1 game in the VFL.

That being said Balmey made a very good point on SEN today. He said the club saw both West and Mumford as even prospects and the club cannot split them. He also said they were two different ruckmen, which I totally agree with. Reading between the lines of what he said, it seems Ottens may not be to far away and the club needs to make a decision. By the sounds of it Mumford and West will both be given one game each to see how they go. If there is a second with one of them then we will see.

He mentioned West was very unlucky to get dropped and he did everything that was asked of him. Either way, I doubt both will be at the club next year. One will stay and the other will go.

 

[Exhale You]

I thought West played better than Blake.

Blake is a genuine #2 ruckman, who can still get a little better. The other two haven't proved anything.

Correct.

At this stage i'd prefer Mumford to West as the third choice ruckman.

Mumford's got a stack of upside given he's only now really getting his body right (he weighed about 125kgs when he first came down from Bunyip) and has only really had two years of professional coaching (whereas others have years in elite squads before being drafted).

I also feel that Mumford is developing a versatility that very few men of his size have, and when you couple that with his natural aggression, you've got an awful lot to work with.

 

[Eudes]

A lot of big wraps on Mumford in this thread. I don't get to see any of the VFL games so im a bit excited to see how he goes on saturday now.

Unlucky for West though. I like his game & the way he goes about it. No possies is pretty poor though in a game of footy. Im not to sure, but it kind of makes me think he may of been out of position more often then not.

I don't know. Let's just hope Mummy does his bit

 

[Knife Wrench]

If people haven't seen this: http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/75168/default.aspx
Apparently Bomber wanted West to stay in.

 

[Whit3y]

The other two haven't proved anything.

yep agreed, so lets not talk them up just yet aye

 

[Turbocat]

..
That being said Balmey made a very good point on SEN today. He said the club saw both West and Mumford as even prospects and the club cannot split them. He also said they were two different ruckmen, which I totally agree with. Reading between the lines of what he said, it seems Ottens may not be to far away and the club needs to make a decision. By the sounds of it Mumford and West will both be given one game each to see how they go. If there is a second with one of them then we will see.
..

Interesting that you mention this Rizzo , I was thinking along the same lines. The Ottens injury being minor probably gives them only a game or two each and come the end of the year a decision must be made on Mumford.

West looks althletic. The thing I would say is at 198 West is smallish but one could think this could be an advantage around the ground yet a no possession game sort of kills this theory. his palming looked good but the group looked as if the were not used to roving to him.Mumford on the other hand being more of a footballer sounds a very good fit as a #2 guy. Mumford being used in different position in the VFL, is interesting.How good would it be if we could have three talls in the side , however with our like of Mackie and Taylors kicking ability its probably unlikely unless Milburn makes way.Maybe Milburn up forward and Mumford down back for a couple of weeks after all Dasher is probably playing his last season.Why not try to get along without him but still have him there is we need to swing him back.

At this stage I haven't really seen enough of West/Mumford to have a fav. If Mumford can dominate a quarter , put it down Jimmys throat or hit it to Gazz to create a goal ,show a bit of agro or take a couple of big contested pack marks , if he can just do something outstanding it may be enough for us to think he has the talent worthy of being on our list. Who knows , maybe if he can just nullify an opponent that will be considered enough to list. I think West is in a tough spot , cause if we trade him we do get something for him whereas a Rookie is worth nothing if we don't list him we lose him for nothing. The rules being what they are we always struggle to find enough spots for players to list and a Rookie means another spot ,so I doubt we would keep both.

 

[meto]

Mumford was clearly the better ruckman during the pre-season with 3 best on ground performances in the VFL.

http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-118-0-0-0&sID=108945

West only got a game last week because Mumford was injured. Now Mumford rightfully gets his go this week.

Even if he wasn't the numbers weren't flattering in fact the number 0, difficult to hide, even if you look the part!!!
I honestly was a West supporter, but now I believe I've seen enough and I don't think the passion is that great.
Now its Mumford's turn, fitness will not be a worry the guys been keeping up with the tall forwards at CHB, he got pace for his size and plays out a full game. A key defender or even forward role could be possible a la
Will Minson of the bullies.
Also trying to compare either Mumford or West to Blake is a joke, Blake is so far ahead of either of them in the rucking role is an insult to the guy who's played final series, this year put on 5-10 kilo of muscle and is among the best centre bounce rucks in AFL.
And tough, you don't see him sidelined to injury at all, I've noticed how quick he spots his midfield with handpasses, he's now a big asset at a club thats struggling to develop its taller player group.
Trade Westy, he won't deliver, and look at some other talls.

 

[catswhiskers]

My two bobs worth.

When I watch an inexperienced player I look for point of difference. For something that will allow the player to make their mark at AFL level.

West is built like the AFL prototype for the 2000's. His strength should be gathering possessions around the ground by getting to the right spot. Being proactive rather than reactive. So far in seven or eight games he has failed to do this. He has improved his leap which has helped him improve his ability to contest the centre bounces but this seems to take him out of the contest once the ball hits the ground (Blake has this problem too).

Mumford in a couple of games has shown me he is better able to read the game (gets to better spots), is stronger in the air and he has awareness after the centre bounce contest to produce a second effort in the middle of the ground (like Ottens). To my eye he is the keeper.

Why West hasn't been at CHB in the twos is a mystery. He is the perfect candidate for such a position. Maybe if the Mummy shows he has it (the number three ruck position) this game, West will be sent out to mark players like Rocca in the twos to see him in that role.

 

[Tommy the Cat]

If people haven't seen this: http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/75168/default.aspx
Apparently Bomber wanted West to stay in.

I saw Bobmer interviewed on Foxsports this morning,he said he didn't get his way during selection, the match committee thought Mumford offered more around the ground and can play other positions.

Be interesting to see how he goes tonight, but gee West is a bit stiff, so much potential imo.

 

[Selective Retention]

Who else is on the selection panel? It's a bit messed up that the coach doesn't get the final call on a player, I guess he uses up his credits selecting Byrnes. I'm not a big fan of West so I'm looking forward to seeing the mummy.

 

[rocker_oz33]

l think is year could be the last for one of them..?west has been on the list for a little while now for only 6 games.but there could be a spot for both if mummy can hold down CHB

 

[Exhale You]

What'd we all think of Mummy tonight?

I was impressed.
He adds some real grunt and physicality to the team, works his ring off, has a good defensive side to his game (6 tackles) and has real versatility, something that very few men of 200cm possess.

I don't know how Brad Ottens is travelling, but i hope Mummy gets another go next week, especially considering we're up against Brisbane, who's ruck division has been decimated (Clark and Brennan are likely to be their entire ruck division).

 

[alfy2]

Was decent tonight. I liked what I saw him do late, take a leading mark in the forward line. Potential there.