Who is the best tall back option, excluding Jamo, from:

1) Bower
2) Thornton
3) Carlos
4) Austin
5) Hendo
6) White

I personally think its Bower, Austin, Hendo, Carlos, White and then Thornton.

I'd have it almost the opposite.

Thornton
O'Hailpin
White
Henderson
Austin
Bower

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"We used to sit around and talk about how bad the game plan was." Anthony Koutoufides

Hendo
Thornton
Carlos
Austin/White
Bower

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..if you can't be good, be good at it..

1) Doull
2) Silvagni
3) Southby
4) Hunter
5) Deacon
6) Swan McKay

Hang on...

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“When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn't become a king. The palace turns into a circus.”
Turkish Proverb

On exposed form over the last 2 years:

1) White
2) Thornton
3) Bower
4) Henderson
5) Austin
6) Carlos

Purely in terms of talent, I'd have Bower as top of that list.

It really depends on who you match them up with.

Players around 192cm seem to be dwarfs against Brown, Cloke, Dawes and resting ruckmen.

Against Power Forwards:
Henderson (Has the size which would put him ahead of Jamo if he can build up a bit more muscle)
Setanta (Always enjoyed him in the backline, despite his unorthodox style)

Against 3rd Tall:
TBird (right now)
Bower (usually I have him in my best 22 and ahead of TBird then the following)

Austin (he should be our CHB by now...don't know how is body is holding up, so not sold on him...still hopeful)
White (not sold on him yet)

At the beginning of the season I would have had Bower ahead of Jamo too, but like White, I haven't seen enough good form since the preseason when Bower looked unbeatable .

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

What about the poor "2nd tall" that never gets a mention?

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"We used to sit around and talk about how bad the game plan was." Anthony Koutoufides

I'd also like to mention " the 2nd tall".

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

I think Setanta is a bit hit and miss in the backline.

Can really frustrate big power forwards when he's having a good day,
but can also be exposed & caught badly out of position too..

take Thornton off that list, then add up the total games played of the other 5 this year, and it's a scary thought

The big Irishman has a proven record against the big men when given a task to nullify them. Is our best backman for power forwards although not as skilled or poised as Jammo, certainly our best option for them at the moment.

Also believe that Henderson can be the power CHB that we have been looking for...don't know whether he has been tried in the backline consistently to prove his worth but certainly has the build, skill and speed to be very good.

How was his form as a backman for Brisbane?

I'm a fan of Carlos against the bigger bodies because for them to make a difference they will have to get on their bike and take marks on a lead. Sme goes for Hendo.

If T Bird or Austin is one out, the big bodied forwards can afford to have the ball bombed in and a better than even chance to mark it.

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I hope Essendon* folds.

How someone can rate Bower is surprising since he has played next to no footy for a couple of seasons....its pretty clear that after Jamo we are very light on in the tall back department. Hendo and Carlos should not even get mentions as they havent played in these positions regularly....but based on this seasons form you would have to say Thornton second to Jamo and thats about it....

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I dont think we're going to see Santy in the backline again unless things are really messed up.

If Bower can get his body right he clearly has the most potential as the 2nd tall.

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"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

Yeah, agree with that. I think Thornton has been good this year so you couldn't possibly have him behind the others. Clearly, just short sighted, angry people would rate him below any of the others.

Bower has proven himself to be capable of playing at the required level but has obviously been injured for 18 months and can't get in the side.

Setanta has done some good jobs for us but I think his future lies in the forward/2nd ruckman role.

Hendo might have to be the man to head down there. He needs to get fitter, stronger and more desperate to play proper footy. Doesn't look like it in the forward line so the backline may be where he lives, particularly in Jammo's absence.

White and Austin are both very much unproven at the level.

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Don't blame it on the sunshine, don't blame it on the moonlight, don't blame it on the good times, blame it on the WIGGINS!

I think we'd be forced to play Carlos against the likes of Dawes and Cloke for size and agility alone.

Even Pagan used to say that you need a gorilla to play on a gorilla.

Smaller guys get tired stretching all day; but big guys don't get smaller.

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No ones listening till you make a mistake.

I wouldn't take Waite out of the picture either, not ideal to move him but desperate times etc

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1. Bower - the true defender amonst the bunch. In an ideal team he would play Hbf and utilize his dash rather than play onne on one. Clearly out of favor and may not be seen as part of the future plans.

2. White - has he most upside of the group, can play fwd or back. Reads the ball welland is quick but still needs to bulk up. Will be v.good in a couple of years. Like Bower is more suited to HBF or BP rather than key position.

3. hendo and Carlos - both fwds. Only to play in back line in times of crisis.

4. Austin - not up to it unfortunately. Lacks poise and fumbles frequently.

5. Thornton- a true old fashioned defender but decision making is too slow and as a general rule always slows down the play and kicks backwards/sideways. Tries very hard and has been a good servant of the club however when he plays the quarterback role he turns it over too much. Rule of thumb - when t-bird has more than 23 touches we lose because it means that we have lost drive through the half back line and are not playing fast flowing footy

haven't been watching Thornton this year have you cutter?

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Between our dreams and actions lies this world

Seems like we're naming everyone on the list who's ever played on a tall and isn't settled in the forward line or the ruck. In that case:

1. Bower
2. Laidler
3. Thornton
4. Henderson
5. Austin
6. White
7. O'hAilpin
8. Watson
9. McCarthy
10. Dare

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