Adam Chatfield wrote:
Blue Vain wrote:
bondiblue wrote:
Adam Chatfield wrote:
We are still tinkering at the edges and figuring out what works best.
We are coming from a side which had gone 4-43 before Teague took over, so I think Teague is showing some loyalty to the guys who have at least got us to the point of being competitive.
I don’t agree with this whole throwing out the baby with the bathwater philosophy either, we are 4-6, not 0-10.
Injuries to McGovern and McKay have hurt us, and we do need more pace in the midfield, for sure.
Issue was when we’ve tried quicker smaller guys in the midfield we simply can’t get the ball at all, as we are out muscled. It’s possible the guys we need in there simply don’t exist on our list currently. Dow will get another go but has shown very little to this point.
I’d like Fisher and Cuningham running through there more and Kennedy can rest forward more as we know he is a good mark.
SPS in defence, I’m not a huge fan either.
Are Fisher and Cuningham the quicker smaller guys that can't get the ball?
Fisher's numbers in the middle have been good, before Teague and in the first half of round 1 before he got injured.
Dow turns 21 this year. He's had over 500 kicks and kicked 13.19, or something like that in 40 games. He is only going to improve, and he's quick. His stats are as good as the ones the media is singing their praises to in the Freo midfield. Interesting: perception vs reality, or we are hard task masters.
I think the main problem you alluded to is because we don't have the cattle to lay a defensive role in the midfield, and our classy young players are just that, and they need to be developed....and I don't think the adhoc 12 v 12 praccy games are condisive to development, well not the type our kids need.
I agree. In his first year, Paddy Dow was averaging more contested possessions, clearances, inside 50's than players like Cerra, Brayshaw, Worpel, Jack Graham etc.
Yet many of those guys are now playing midfield and progressing. Why? Opportunity. Teague last year played the older guys to get wins on the board. I'm not overly critical of that (Although I posted concern at the time) but it will stifle development if it continues.
To be fair Dow did get injured which prevented further opportunity.
But he was rubbish in practice matches and round 1, and most of last year.
We are playing 3 guys who have played 3 games or less tomorrow, so we are giving guys opportunities. Philp got a go earlier in the year too.
You sound like you've stamped Dow's papers.
Dow wasn't rubbish in round 1. He played well last year as an 19yo
The team allowed tigers a 42 point head start. He lacked the leaders around him 20yo should expect support from.
Whilst he didn't get too many disposals, he gained metres and got involved with a lot of physical stuff.
You shouldn't expect a 20yo to carry our team to the promised land. He needed support around him. It didn't come.
He got caught a couple of times trying to bust through opponents in the middle; that's his role.
I was rapt to see he tried to do that, but his young 20yo body didn't allow it, plus he got injured.
It was obvious Dow needed to build some more strength and muscle to add to his blistering speed.
He has skills. He has ability.
The young players you mention (Willo, TDK, Cotterell, Honey) didn't leap frog Dow.
Dow has played only one game since his injury and got BOG.
The young guys play diffferent positions to Dow, and they have had a string of good games in the ressies, which is normal given they weren't injured, when Paddy was.
There's no pressure for Wliiamson's spot, and whilst that's the case, despite his average form lately, he's safe to develop his game in the ones.
Its not all black n white.
We shouldn't be too hard on 20yo kids, or 21 or 22.
Lets see how Dow's peers Cerra, Brayshaw and Sarong go today.
Unfortunately for Dow, he wont be there to show his wares against them because Teague wants another game under his belt despite being a class above in his BOG effort last week.
Lets get real here, and remind everyone
Paddy Dow doesn't turn 21 years old till 16 October 2020
He is still only 20yo.
He has the world ahead of him. He has already achieved a lot.
Not fair to write off 20 yo kids just because the coaches through him to the wolves at 18yo.
Some thought that was wrong of Bolton to do that.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
