I get the impression that we are now being very cautious with our soft tissue injuries and are now looking to 'manage' our players through the middle of the year to freshen them up for the finals. This also gives our fringe players more of a run and a chance to prove their worth should they be needed. This is the positive about having some depth.
My understanding is Waite, Laidler, Curnow, Duigan could of all played if it was a final but we are being extra cautious and that is great. Don't be surprised to see some of our big names have a rest over the next few weeks. Guys Like O'Keefe, Austin, Armfield, McLean, AJ, Lucas, White, Watson etc may well all be given a taste over the rest of the season. It is 25-30 players that win a premiership not just your best 22. This is more apparent with the 3 man bench. Player management is vital!
It is also becoming obvious that we are finally playing a more mobile side which is the best way to beat any floods or presses. In defence you need only two key talls. With numbers dropping back the priority is the run out of defence to beat the flood. We are better off playing someone like Gibbs on Lynch for example because he pushes up the ground for his marks and Gibbs will beat him on the ground and create run and attack. This why a top class player such as a N.Reiwoldt is struggling atm. It is also why Yarran, Duigan & Touhy are becoming so important. With Kruezer fit he can now drop back and assist if needed. Up forward both the attacking and defensive abilities (along with pure pace) of Betts, Garlett, Walker make us a tough match up. This is also the reason I believe Waite will be damaging off a wing. He can run and carry but drop back or forward on any talls and is almost impossible too match up on going the other way.
All good!
