frank dardew wrote:
I havent been thrilled with the performance of Durdin and Motlop but think you are too harsh on them given their age and the number of games they have played -very much learning the caper
Still very young and I think they have shown signs that each may make it
Agree none of our small forwards have express pace and that is a problem
Owies Motlop or durdin -Durdin has more pace than the other 2
We also struggle for half forwards martin and cunningham rarely fit and JSOS has had a pretty ordinary season but doesnt help when he never stays in one position
I think thats why they want Gresham he is more a hff opportunist having said that Im not really wanting him and certainly at 700 Forget about it
Forward line needs work to grg dynergird right but also drlivery into the forward line is an issue too
I don't mean to be hard on them,. Truly. I love what they bring to the table. They have a bit of spunk.
I agree with all your post.
But the small forward role is just one part of our team's structure, but one we have been chasing since Garletta and Betts ran amok, and back in those days, 10 years ago, it wasnt the norm to have 2 smalls.
What I've been consistent with all year, is that I thought our small forwards were a huge worthy investment when we drafted them, because finally we have pace to bur again. Owies doesn't, nor does Fisher. What I have learned is they are not possessed with express speed and elusiveness great small forwards possess. I'm dismayed. After 10 years, this is what we've got and also chasing Gresham.
I have also said I am not been a fan of play 3 or 4 small forwards, let alone 2 unless they are class (like the abovementioned), but if we are trying to win games (and Im not blaming them solely for our bad trot) the we certainly shouldnt be developing first and 2nd year players in games worth 4 points, when we have developed smalls Owies and Fisher.
There's times we have played all 4 small forwards Owies Fisher and the developing Motlop and Durdin. Two is plenty.
I dont think Gresham is a huge upgrade for 600 or 700K. Its the same old carlton. Get the best.