As we all know, one of our biggest weaknesses is our poor use of the footy from defence. Our turnovers resulted in 10 of Essendon*'s 13 goals.

If you have a look at the Western Bulldogs, they have guys like Harbrow, Gilbee and most recently Griffen who use the ball brilliantly out of defence and have a huge involvement in setting up goals.

Brisbane has Drummond, arguably the best kick in the league. He hits targets consistently over 50m and again sets his team up.

Geelong has Enright, Mackie, Kelly and co. who again use it very well and rarely turn the footy over.

I could go on and on, but it all begs the question - who do we have?

Armfield shows promise but his disposal is scratchy. Walker can't hit targets. Anderson too. Grigg can be used at half back but he too turns it over.

It's time we play Gibbs at half-back along with Scotland. Maybe Waite or Bower would play at CHB alongside Gibbs (I'd prefer Bower as he uses the footy better). Gibbs has great vision, he reads the play well and is a beautiful kick. He is a playmaker and IMO is better used behind the ball. He should have that quarterback role in our side and other defenders should look to give it to him as often as possible and let him set up our attacks. He would give us so much more stability, creativity and drive out of defence. Thoughts?

Is also solid overhead, so when he gets dragged back to the goalsqaure as he inevitably will, he wont get found wanting like an armfield.

Yeah maybe...........

but i'd still like to see him as a lead up Half Forward.............
as Teddy's Son said.........solid over head.......and good running at it........!

AND.............can kick a 55m goal...........!

AND........played forward as a 17 year old...........!

AND....................................GIBBS........!


kindest regards tommi

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that'siti'mnotchangingthistagain......!

I have been saying for a long while I would like to see him play a Goddard/Hodge type role across HB.

He has actually gone back there a few times recently only to be moved back to the midfield a few minutes later.

Maybe with Judd back this week he may get a go at it. Will enjoy the larger ground at AAMI I think.

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

We're waiting for Rhys O'Keeffe to come on, but questions linger on his injuries and aptitude. Certainly no doubting his talent. I guess that's where we went wrong with Chris Johnson. Too small to defend in the air, too costly his disposal coming out of defence. I'm comfortable with Scotland ending up with the ball and would be happy to throw the mature Simon White in the deep end, although that backline might be too tall.

Problem is - without saying it - you want Bryce Gibbs to play a Luke Hodge role. I just don't think he's that type of player. Happy for him to run back there and help out, but not there permanently with a defensive tag playing on him thwarting his offensive talent.

I think Mr Pagan tried him in the back pocket when he first arrived

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Cheats never prosper (except in the AFL)

Again what's the beef with Armfield? How many times on Saturday night did he get beaten one-on-one? Complete exaggerated crap is the perception that he continually gets beaten. He's playing in defence, obviously he's going to get beaten on the odd occasion. Apologies, but how many grave mistakes did Russell make that directly resulted in goals?

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--------------------------------------------------------"The only one that could ever love me..."

I agree i think Armfield did really well. IMO his pace is such an asset in the backline the way clubs are pushing up filed

U dont get the feeling Lucas is going to be given every opportunity to cement a spot across HB ?

Our coaching staff have even indicated this, and he should add little run and class out of the back half, teaming up with rusty.

+1

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"It was like calling your ex girlfriend after a night on the booze, just a really bad decision".

WTF??? Sack Pagan! Oh...wait.....

You make way to much sense

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I see you watching me watching you.