I think it's the right time for him to go back forward.

We have enough options down back and in midfield, so we now have the luxury of using his skills closer to goal.

The only concern I have is he's a bit one paced and so I have doubts about his defensive pressure, but if we go witha Hawthron like zone set up that should cover up the not quick Houlihans and even Clokes to a degree.

He's quicker than he looks because he lopes. If you look at him closely you'll see he gets a swag of possessions clear of his opponent. That has led many on this site to bag his defensive side but he has the knack of leaving his man at the right time to make space for himself. When it comes off he's clear and away bit when it doesn't, his man might be the one who benefits.
This is his best position. He's good overhead, one of the best kicks in the league and IMO, the best crumber in the team.
He's got enough time to play 200 and maybe win a premiership if his body holds up.

Hoops is one of those players that times his runs at the ball to perfection. When he roves off a pack or gathers it's usually at full pace whichghives the impression that he is quicker than he actually is. It's a pretty damn good strength to have.

Anyone who can tag Aaron Davey and keep him to less than 5 possessions must have some legspeed!

Go Houlas!!!

Just sit on the fence one day, and watch Houla run against an opponent; he's damn fast...just glides. You can easily miss that when you're in the stands or on TV.

If you think Houla is slow, you don't know what Houla's got under his bonnet.

Disagree. Pagan's game plan was based on exquisite delivery from the forward line and Houlihan and Lappin were two of a handful on the list who could hit a target 8/10 times, hence the reason for their move in the backline. Bringing the ball out from the backline is one of the most important facets of play in any team and where if a team makes an error, results in an opposition goal most times.

Ultimately, Pagan fell on his own sword but you can certainly see why he did it. Incidentally, most good teams in the AFL also follow the same plan, that is quick and reliable set-up of attacks from the backline.

Have you forgotten the days of Glenn Bowyer and Andrew Eccles delivering the ball from the backline already? *Shudder*

As for the topic, great move. I've been wanting him to move into the forward line since '06. Good to see it finally and he'll give us some options up forward and, hopefully, more than a few goals.

On Houlihan and a few others I reckon if the MC have some balls Guys like Houlihan will not get a game if they dont put in 100%.
Some of his efforts at times over the years have been pathetic. Simple as that but when you are the best pass around 40m in the team and have skill you are guarenteed a game.

Hopefully that wont happen in09

For the first time we are truly aiming for finals

And then you have
Anderson
Yarran(raps)
Robinson(raps)
Browne
Grigg
and others who are similar players so we have more depth



Look a fit Houlihan is a bonus.

But when he has to go for the ball he has to do it every time.
I reckon previous efforts that were tolerated will not be put up with in 09

..who says Houla's doesn't put in 100%..?.. ..just because he might not have put his body on the line in a few contests...

..who says Houla's doesn't put in 100%..?.. ..just because he might not have put his body on the line in a few contests [and just a few, ppl do exaggerrate], that doesn't mean he doesnt give his all..near every player out there has at times taken a few short steps..its not always a courage/hardness thing, sometimes a player might ease off, in the hopes the ball might spill out, or to let the opponent get first touch so they can then tackle etc etc.. ..also, playing a person out of position and then complaining at percieved lack of effort is silly too.. ..he plays better as a forward, ergo being dissatisfied with him as a HBF isnt his fault, but rather a coaching issue.. ..as for the players listed, houla's still way ahead of them imo..

Do you reckon he would have done what Anderson did in round 21 last year


I hope if Houlihan is in a similar situation this year he does the same

Personally i hope Houlihan has a great year.


But I dont think I am exaggerrating.

Do you reckon he would have done what Anderson did in round 21 last year


I hope if Houlihan is in a similar situation this year he does the same