My point isn't that Thornton is finished, far from it. My point is that Scotland has changed his game style from 2009 to 2010 - and yes he's had a full pre-season and looks a treat - and he's just standing out on the field. I think to start the game v. the Cats he was on the wing v. Bartel and I was worried by the match-up. Sure match-ups change through the game but he was a clear leader, was great in congestion and great in space. his hard running forward created three goals to mind. Really good to see. 2009 was Scotland's first year since joining the Blues that he wasnt in the top 10 in the B&F and it could have marked the decline, but no worries at all here. BIG thumps up.

Thornton on a few occasions against Brisbane went in board with 20 metre chips that got cut off and led to turnover goals. Thornton is naturally a slow airy kick and needs to watch this with the increased pace in the game. That said I'd have him in for the spoils and key defensive matchups over Waite and White any day. he did himself no favours with a listless effort in the Bullants, whereas a true leader would have dominated and demanded a recall. As it goes he's going to have to wait for Ratten to be concerned about a key forward (eg Brown) to bring him back, or an injury.

Jamison and Bower have gone past Thornton as tall defenders. If you're main reason for keeping Thornton in the 22 is he is a better spoiler in the air than Waite or White I think you're clutching at straws.


And you're point about Brown is off the mark too. Ratten said after the Lions game Bower had been pencilled in for Brown from day one, so assuming Jamo gets Fevola, that means Thornton is NOT considered for either of the two power fwds.

Seriously, Thornton is not in the top 2 key defenders now, he is slow, virtually jogs when he tries to run, goes in circles, chips sideways and back, isn't capable of going fwds like Waite. If Thornton gets back in the team we are headed backwards

Bret Thornton (ankle) - test

One thing is for sure, Thornton is not happy. He was in the Hasset room before the game and was doi ng autographs. Did not want to talk to the kids and seemed n a bad mood. My son does not like him anymore after being brushed off.....

You might be correct in the fullness of time Virgin Blue but I'm not convinced as yet. For many good reasons Thornton has been set aside to work on a few things - that much is clear. Equally as clear (to me) at the start of the year he was in our best 22. His stats demonstrate he is very good at finding the ball and beating his opponent and I don't think he is being passed over as yet. You might be right.

I dont believe Bower would be able to hold Brown as Bower cant hold Bradshaw, who isnt as good as Brown. I'd still have Bower in my 22 given his dash and ability to hold the very athletic types for sure, meaning in my 22 a few others have to make way.

As for the sideways bit I think there are strong parallels between the acid put on Scotland last year (you put it to fitness in another thread, I think there was more to it - the guy was pirouhetting) and Thornton this year. Scotland is coming up trumps which is great to see. Thornton has to demonstrate a turnaround of his own to get his spot back, no doubt, and his job in the Bullants was pretty poor for mine. If he doesnt demonstrate that then he'll be out as you say.

I dont think we should a) write him off or b) revel in seeking to write him off.

Seems like people are now putting Thornton in the same basket as Wiggins...

At this stage if I were to bring one of those players in the team I'd rather wiggins than thornton. Dont have thornton in my 22 as we have better defenders atm (wiggins isnt in my 22 either)

Imo, its actually the improvement of russell that has pushed thornton out of the team - russell is rapidly improving as a 3rd tall/medium defender option + offers a lot more run, quicker disposal (through the air)+better tackling than thornton.

You might be correct in the fullness of time Virgin Blue but I'm not convinced as yet. For many good reasons Thornton has been set aside to work on a few things - that much is clear. Equally as clear (to me) at the start of the year he was in our best 22. His stats demonstrate he is very good at finding the ball and beating his opponent and I don't think he is being passed over as yet. You might be right.

I dont believe Bower would be able to hold Brown as Bower cant hold Bradshaw, who isnt as good as Brown. I'd still have Bower in my 22 given his dash and ability to hold the very athletic types for sure, meaning in my 22 a few others have to make way.

As for the sideways bit I think there are strong parallels between the acid put on Scotland last year (you put it to fitness in another thread, I think there was more to it - the guy was pirouhetting) and Thornton this year. Scotland is coming up trumps which is great to see. Thornton has to demonstrate a turnaround of his own to get his spot back, no doubt, and his job in the Bullants was pretty poor for mine. If he doesnt demonstrate that then he'll be out as you say.

I dont think we should a) write him off or b) revel in seeking to write him off.