WE must counter the strengths of the opposition week in week out.
Every team has its differences and strengths we must curtail.
Looking at Richmond, another Finals contender we are up against, the paper this morning reports that the 2 new recruits Taranto and Hopper are the contested bulls in their midfield and looking good. We know our contested bulls can match and beat them, as they did against the GWS in 2022.
It looks like Dustin is finally fit and will play a role using his power in congestion.
We shouldn't focus on one player in a team game, but Martin is a proven match winner, and needs to be stopped kicking or influencing goals.
In the past Plowman has taken on Martin in the forwardline, and whilst the weight looks right, Martin does look too fast for Plowman.
I'm guessing someone like Marchbank or McGovern would take on Martin. IMO, Martin would be too big and strong for Docherty, Williams, Saad or Boyd.
Curious.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/news/afl-preseason-2023-stay-up-to-date-with-the-latest-news/news-story/4d143886a7888cff15a6d672fcffdfa9Quote:
Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is ready to bounce back to his best after two injury-ravaged years, according to teammate Liam Baker.
The three-time Norm Smith Medalist is on the verge of completing a full pre-season and looks set to spend more time forward after another impressive showing in match simulation on Thursday.
New recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were standouts in the middle in the 20-minute scratch match and look set to lead the engine room in 2023, allowing Martin to play closer to goal.
Martin looked in supreme physical condition and showcased his trademark power in congestion at Punt Rd after two years marred by a serious kidney injury and repeated hamstring problems.
Quote:
Martin averaged the fifth-most centre bounce attendances per game for the Tigers last year but the moves to bring in Taranto and Hopper saw Martin spend more time forward on Thursday where he will likely join forces with Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, who is on light duties with a foot issue