Why does everyone in here seem to get hot in the tweeds over Paul Bower? I mean, yes, the site sponsors him which is fair enough but on the ground, he certainly doesn't live up to the reputation that this site affords him. IN pure footytalk terms he is NUTS. (Not Up to Scratch).
He struggles against good opponents, his skills are questionable, his decision making is pretty much confusing and when he does get the ball, he runs around in a panicked state like a rabbit in the headlights. I don't understand why Carlton supporters seem to think he is the panacea for our defensive ills.
Granted, he is better than Thornton which is not saying much, but surely he isn't as good as the reputation people in here heap upon him.
I have seen him 'developing' since his first game against Sydney late in the season a few years ago and I have to say that in my opinion, he still doesn't give us a great deal.

His marking needs to improve, his disposal skills likewise, his defensive efforts against good opponents and his decision making. In my opinion, he tries to do to much with the ball (a-la Billy Bob Thornton) and too many turn-overs result.

What does he do that I don't see yet so many others do??/

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He doesnt get beaten and he runs straight.

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Bower is a work in progress, but a very good one.

See under Russell, J., for further information.

He is a good player. Takes on good opponents and wins mostly and if he loses in the marking contests he makes sure he uses his strengths to counter. See saints game last year.
He attacks and that sets the tone for the rest of the team. Good things happen when he is near. Can turn a game with his attack (see WC game a couple of years back). He is a good mark.
I feel safe when he has it even though his facial expression looks unconvincing. Eyes popping out of his head which leads a lot of people to "dear in the headlights" reference.

Hopefully the MC let him heal right up and he along with walker and hampson will be a burst of energy for us in the second half of the year.

Unfortunately he has only played two games this year. A bit hard to judge.

In both his games he has been great gives us run in the back line and breaks the line.

In my eyes PB is improving every week (injuries notwithstanding). And I disagree that he struggles against good opponents. I thought his games on Franklin and Riewoldt last year were outstanding. Riewoldt did very well early, but that was mainly through v good delivery, and late on Bower was running off him brilliantly.

He has only played 2 games this year, but I thought he was great in both. Already a very good player, and a potential future AA.

That may have been his first season, but wasn't his first game.

Your view might have more credibility if you got your facts right.

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"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

I understand where you're coming from if we took a hot tub and miraculously went back in time to 2007. However the continual development of PB can't be faulted. 3 years ago he'd give me a heart attack every time he took off like a chook without its head. At one stage this daredevil act cost him valuable time on the sidelines as it left him vulnerable to a fierce Geelong tackle.

In 2009/10 PB is now much more aware of the space around him. His peripheral vision seems to have improved and he uses the better option available to him far often than not. His closing speed is fantastic, his centre of gravity extremely good and he has learnt to not chop the arms of the defender - a skill that many of his contemporaries in the backline have failed to master.

PB is also a good reader of the play. He's able to size up early on whether he can leave his opponent and get a fist to a contest to assist Jamison or one of the others.

He is very coachable, which after 5 or so years in the system isn't always a remaining trait once these guys have played over 50 games. His teammates love him. He's loyal and a real team player. Although I don't get 'hot in the tweeds' for PB, I can tell you now that people in football - players, coaches and those who know their stuff - think this guy is actually PDG (Pretty Darn Good).

I think with Bower he looks a bit like a headless chicken on amphetamines when he has the ball, but look beyond the craziness and there is a pretty cool head with a superb engine. I think he could do with another 5-10 kilos on him to be a true machine, but I think he has got massive potential.

Might be time to buy some glasses.

http://www.specsavers.com.au

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dane's trolling again

You can't judge a book by its cover chyna.

Last year, before injury, Bower was a candidate for AA (and that's not from a CFC supporters viewpoint either). So I don't know what you were missing chyna.

This year he comes into the team (underdone) and sets the team alight with his daring dash.

A few people use to say the same about Armfield. Flat chat like a headless chook.

It's not about what they look like, it's a bout how effective they are.

Bower is effective. Very effective. He has shit loads od pace.

I love the way he takes the game on, as do the other previous whipping boys Armfield and Russell.

Not everyone has to have the finess and style of a Peter Motley to be highly regarded.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

True. At last years B&F Bower was coming 2nd after 13 rounds. No one there was surprised one bit.

I guess with Fev gone you needed someone else to point the bone at. I guess PB is as good as any.

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I assume you mean in a footballing sense, and not a "cruising on the Yarra sense"?

interesting thread i dont agree but a friend of mind insists that bower not playing is one of the reasons we are winning, he tries to back this up with stats but i tune out -please tell me he is wrong

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You sure you dont agree kk?

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"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

He's big, strong, quick, shows great lateral movement whilst also able to move ball forward quickly & his skills are improving.

Will be a gun if he can stay fit.............

WOW ......some thread this one..... I think i prefer the one that tells us he's out for 4 weeks more that this one... At least its a little more factual.... Oh well ..... Everyone is entitled to there opinion...

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One of our most important players.

He has great closing speed and the versatility to play on a key forward like Cloke, or a medium/smaller type. Great agility and the ability to get a spoil in.

But it's his line breaking that is also very good - we don't have many in defensive 50 who are prepared to take a risk like PB. He might look like he's running into trouble but he'll draw an opponent and flick it over the top or use his evasive skill to get out of trouble.



I don't understand this - you couldn't find such a contrast in styles - Thornton plays extremely safe football - look at how often he'll bomb it long or chip it sideways and slow us down. Bower will look to play on and move the ball on quickly. Weird comparison.

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