You could argue that Swan would be under a lot more pressure than Carrazzo or Walker when he has the ball.

Walker has been extremely disappointing for a number 2 draft pick.

However I don't think we should trade him, because his trade value would be too low at the moment.

He's been tried all over the field, and whilst showing signs of brilliance everywhere; has yet to show any consistency anywhere.

So yeah, perhaps it is time to throw him in the guts, tell him to win his own ball rather than being a receiver; and use his athleticism to get to every contest.

Perhaps he can model himself on Dane Swan?

BTW which of these Effective Disposal Percentages is Swan, which is Walker, and just for shits and giggles which is Carrots?

78.32%

73.24%

72.20%

I dont see Tex as a crash and bash at the moment unfortunately - if by bash and crash you mean he will dive on the ball, put his head over the ball and stick tackles. Over the last 7 or so weeks he has hardly laid a good tackle and is very apprehenive when going to the ground first in pack situations. There is no doubt he was one of the primary players ratten was talking about not putting their head over the ball or sticking tackles. For someone as quick and agile as walker, he doesnt have an excuse for missing so many tackles.

Personally, I would love to see tex in the midfield, but he needs to satisfy us that he will put his head over the ball and tackle hard. Obv he is apprehensive doing so because of his shoulder issues, but i think it is now or never for tex on this issue - he has to risk further injury to get back in the team.

I didnt see the Bullants game on the weekend - but I would like to know how his tackling was and whether he threw himself at the ball on the ground - these would be the two criteria i would largely be looking at.

Unfortunately, as we have found out over the last 7 or so weeks, in todays football, you cannot afford to have a weak link in the hard ball and tackling stakes.

Unless a change is required, I would give tex at least one more game in the bullies to see if he is satisfying the abovementioned criteria.

I wouldn't be trading Walker. Big mistake, he just needs to be released to the half back-line or wing and let him run!!!

I wouldn't be trading Walker. Big mistake, he just needs to be released to the half back-line or wing and let him run!!!

yep I'd get Andrew Gaze in for tackling advice. Failing that, try Lucas Neill.

If I told you there was a bloke playing in the VFL on the weekend who had 45 possessions as an inside midfielder, and if I told you that this bloke was taken at #2 in the National Draft, has played 100 AFL games, is in his mid-20s, 189cm, 87kgs, is quick, a long kick, can break the lines, and is one of the fittest blokes in the AFL...would you be interested?