Turned the game in the last quarter when we were getting killed out of the middle. He might be unfashionable but god he puts his body on the line against more nimble opponents. Great work big fella.

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"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." - Gene Hill

Good call and I've been supporting big Barnaby from day one.

He'll never dominate the competition but he's as important to us as nearly any player. He gets a lot of crap from his own supporters who just don't appreciate his value to the side. Almost every time we take him out of the ruck, the opposition gets back into the game.

May not be the best player going around but he's vitally important to us getting to where we want to be.

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Formerly Blues-Back2003.

Also worked on the backline a bit in the first and second quarters. Thought that was a good move.

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Karma

Loyal & Proud

Why the hell he didn't start the last quarter I will never know. It's not like we were that far in front to allow him the luxury of a spell on the bench!!!
Denis, Denis, why do this to me!!!

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C'mon Blueboys!

he was testing your faith in him- and you failed

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Setanta Ó hAilpín 64 AFL Games 45 Goals

Up the Rebels All-Ireland Hurling Champions 2004/2005

I think Barney did a great job against a better ruckman. The main thing is that he held fim where it counted. It sure showed when he was off and Archie was on in the ruck.

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.

How many friggin pathetic bounces did we get slaughtered by? That bounce in the last quarter that went over Arch's head was a shocker and totally set them up for a dead-easy goal.

Having said that I agree - Barney is a real trooper and is starting to exert an influence on games.

People bad Sammy Newman, but Sammy said last season French does everythng right in the cnetre bounces, its the midfield who were not reading him.

Enter 2005 and he is ramming it down there throats ala Harry did, as well as taking marks around the ground and even taking bounces and players on. Welcome to the leadership group Barny. Your a vintage red.

I must admit i wasn't sure about French, but so far this year he hasn't put a foot wrong.

Fantastic to see him taking marks around the ground as well. He's one of many players that looks to have improved significantly from last year.

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When Dick became President, it was as if everyone at Carlton came out of the hailstorm and into the sunshine - Stephen Kernahan

YARRAN!!





.

Barnaby is a gun. He gets a very good share of hit outs and does a hell of a lot of work in the centre after the ruck dual. Is responsible for lots of centre clearances over and above of the initial ruck dual.

We really are a bit thin afterb Barnaby for true ruckman so I hope he stands up all year. Others who do well as pinch hitters ( Prenda and Kouta) could not do the job as full time ruckman so.......Go Barnaby.

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“Before you criticise someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticise them, you're a mile a way and you have their shoes."

excellent game by french tonight against reasonable opposition - his improvment in the last 12 months from statless games to taking important marks around the ground has been remarkable. Looking forward to improvment over the next 12 months

We really need a good back up for him though - de luca doesnt seem to be an option at this stage - hopefully bryan or setanta can step up

I think he is a different player this year. Last year he would often get the 'tap" but it just fell no where near the midfield. That was not the midfield misreading him that was average tap work. This year he is much more directional and giving constructive first use of the ball to our midfielders.
Tonight he was up against Gardiner who was killing them last year before getting injured- more than "reasonable' opposition IMO.
His mobility has always been good but now he is getting around the ground and reading the play much better.
He is a real key to our success so far this year and for the reat of the season, well done Barney

I thought Barnaby was fantastic, and he'd have to have been in contention for the Tuck. The difference between the way the team performed when he was and wasn't in the ruck was fairly obvious (especially in the last quarter).

Agree Bort and others, whenever Barney wasn't taking the centra bounces, the Eagles seemed to get a run on. Not only is he doing a fine job there, his work around the ground, and I mean work, has been much improved this year.

We need to cultivate a back-up though.

I've been one to question, to weep at the lack of a Big man I could be proud of like Big Nick made my dad glow and how Fitzy just lead like a shining gold nuggest and harry and his giraffe runs but well Barney last night I was proud you were a Bluebagger ruckman, you stood tall.

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This type of slight is alien in the more cultured part of the world - Walsh. Its up there with mad dogs, Englishmen and the midday sun!