That happens sometimes with Ticketek guys, wait a few minutes.
molsey wrote:
Effes wrote:
molsey wrote:
Does anyone know if Hammer actually rucked on the weekend, or just sat in the goal square?
Stats Central: Hampson 6.2gls 22dsp 10mks 18H/O
Thanks. That is a stunning game at any level. 22 disposals for him - Hampson at senior level finds it difficult to crack double figures normally. He is either learning the game better or they just ran away from him given his sheer size!
That's the kind of form he had pre-season, and in the fortnight prior to injury. He should be playing next week.
In: Hampson, Lucas
Out: Davies, Ellard
Our biggest problems against West Coast last time around were losing Jamison, Judd and Murphy's understudies being Carrazzo & Gibbs, not enough spread through the middle, Kreuzer being ineffective in ruck spells, and a grand total of 3 marks inside 50.
Thornton was the lone tall in a very disappointing performance. We cannot fool ourselves that Thornton will deliver against a more physically mature and disciplined (not to mention fit as of the second quarter) West Coast defence without serious time up forward from Setanta, spelling with someone else who can take a grab. As of right this minute, that bloke is Hampson.
What's even more brilliant is that Hammer can be counted on to win his share of taps too. Suddenly, we have a forward line that never wilts when Warnock gets tired, we tell the smalls & Walker they can push up and double back to get the crumb rather than providing a leading target, and Robinson can spend his time in midfield rather than having to provide a lead target.
We saw the latter in yesterday's game, and while it worked, it worked on a barely fit 36-year old. We don't have that luxury next week. We've seen the other tactics used sparingly until recently, where Walker has injected some run into midfield very well, as has Jeff. Eddie still does his best work up forward, but we don't need everyone contributing through the middle of the park all the time.
Finally, if we need a 3rd defensively minded midfielder after Carrazzo and Armfield, why not play Joseph or Gibbs in such a role. Or if it's a runner, why not Lucas? The kid has the tank to run all day, and he adds so much to us when we're in possession by virtue of the separation he gets on his opponent, and knowing the right kind of areas to run to as an option. With the extra length through the middle of the park, I'd rather have a kid who will get the space, rather than someone who might milk the space from lax defending.
Yes I know some of you think I hate Ellard, but I was impressed that he was a bit fresher in the legs this week. That being said the coach didn't use him that much, and he had little offensive impact on the game. His kicking was clean, but it wasn't as sharp as I've seen from him so I think he is a massive risk against a hard running opponent. Yes he's a fit bloke, yes he is very disciplined, yes he can do a good job when he's right, except he's not; Lucas in for mine.
Login
Register
FAQ
