Sydney I would agree with that list except maybe Waite.

I think if we actually settle him in the forward line, with his experience and tricks I think we could see output from him that we haven't before. He's capable of being a 50-60 forward if he plays every game.

Also Houlihan pre-injury was showing a new side to his game that I thought was the most team oriented I can recall from him. If he gets back into that mould I think he'll end up being more productive than what we've seen from him.

Judd's in a different class from everyone else, as always.

Whilst at the game on Saturday I did notice when we took the Pies on with speed they got caught on the hop.....one way to beat them,with speeding up the game.Alot of their guys are quite heavy in the ar$e which means easy to break away from
Amazing when you look back and compare to now how much speed the blues have,IMO this is going to get us much more wins this season over other normally"stronger" teams that we struggle against.

I noticed that too. Maybe "Speed kills Magpies".

We have some up and coming players with some serious speed that stood out on Saturday:

Armfield, Lucas, Walker, Betts, Curnow, Waite (the pantha), Russell, then there's Murphy and Yarran who seem fast but may be moreso elusive.

Curnow may not make the top 22, but surely the super speedy Judd and Garlett will add even more speed to the first 22.

That's 10 pretty fast players in our first 22. Speed in 2011 can be use as a weapon imo.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

Speed is important but so is hitting targets by foot or hand, some of those mentioned for speed are also capable of some very ordinary turnovers

Speed breaks huddles and zones no worries, but delivery is so important hence why Watson value to the team if he can hold down a spot may become even more valuable.

We are too slow on the kick-ins, just watch how quick the Pies return the ball back into play. This speed is just as much above the shoulders as it is below the hips. I would love to see us with more urgency here.

Good point Bomba re speed of our kick ins.

The players I listed are all good enough imo with their disposal.

I hear/ read too often, and even after Saturday that Armfield's disposal id iffy. Geez I've watched the games about 6 times and I watched Armfield for the whole 2 1/2 hour session on the 6th of January, and I think his disposal is good because he takes care of what he does by hand and foot and knows his limitations.

Some people don't believe ithat improvement happens over time.

What about Walker's shot at goal on the left after 23 seconds af play in the 2nd half against the Pies...I didn't read any rave revues of that effort...which shows to me that he can kick goals on his left foot, at full pace from 40m out.....that's a good kick.

Everyone makes clangers...yep, even Collingwood players...especially when they are pressured by players with pace.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

Of that list I would have absolute faith in Russell, Murph, Lucas and possibly Yarran to keep their heads under pressure. The others, I'm not sure sure.

Speed is critical to beat a press, but I think equally critical are two other factors;

1) Having a plan and having faith that everyone will stick to the plan

2) Skill in executing the plan under pressure


The first is up to the coaches, the second is up to the players.

PS It's incredible the faith Lucas is garnering from us in such a short time. I can't believe he isn't getting the press that some others (eg North kids) are getting.