You campaigners need to lay off Tom Cole

[Donkers]

As it stands and with our new gamestyle I prefer Cole in the side over Duggan. Including the bench I think Cole is playing well enough to hold his spot. Even if that is as the 7th mid picked on the bench.

In 2 years time when our midfield is more developed and Hough is sent back to defence (his best spot imo) Then I think Cole's time will be up, but for now he's best 22, particularly with Hough playing further up the ground.

 

[javaguice]

Love a Luigi look alike on the team. Back off guys.

 

[Farang83150]

I get the passion behind defending a club stalwart like Tom Cole, premiership player, team-first attitude, hard worker and absolutely, those things matter. But sentiment alone doesn’t justify selection, especially as we evolve into a new era where performance, impact, and ceiling have to take precedence over loyalty.


The reality is simple...One good game in ten just isn’t good enough anymore. Not in a side that’s trying to move out of the rebuild phase and into genuine competitiveness. We can’t afford to carry players who are depth quality at best. Yes, Cole’s a solid citizen and has shown courage on the occasion, but footy’s a performance based business. The fact he’s "held his spot" says more about our paper thin depth last few years than it does about his form now.


We’ve got promising kids hungry for opportunity, some with more dash, creativity, and long term upside than Cole. Every game we give to a player who’s plateaued is a game lost developing one who might be part of our next premiership tilt. Defensive accountability is crucial, yes but that’s not enough if it comes with limited rebound, low disposal efficiency, or a tendency to fade when the pressure’s on. Especially if his trump card attribute is a solid B at best.


Cole’s been a warrior, but we’re not in the business of rewarding past service forever. Depth player? Sure. Break glass in case of injury? Absolutely. But a weekly best 22 lock? Not anymore. Harsh? I don't think so.


(And Jamo may be a good bloke but he just can't get on the park. We need another in his spot to develop and keep pushing towards improving as a club)

Could probably use the exact same comments for Dugan

 

[ArdentEagle]

Could probably use the exact same comments for Dugan

Agreed mate.

In-fact, I'd probably have Cole in before Duggan, at this stage.

I suspect McCarthy and Allan will usurp before too long. (Duggo being Co-Cap makes it harder but the paradigm is shifting)

 

[Farang83150]

Agreed mate.

In-fact, I'd probably have Cole in before Duggan, at this stage.

I suspect McCarthy and Allan will usurp before too long. (Duggo being Co-Cap makes it harder but the paradigm is shifting)

Fair enough, I'd have Dugan before Cole though.

 

[kranky al]

LEAVE TOMNY ALONE

 

[BG__]

Tommy goes bang!

 

[Mudguts12]

 

[kranky al]

View attachment 2337489

Cheeky chance for a Cole-man medal?

 

[Mudguts12]

Cheeky chance for a Cole-man medal?

He's on his way now. Also GOTY.