bondiblue wrote:
Braithy wrote:
carroll is more of a newman replacement (and an upgrade over boyd, imo), than he is a cowan replacement. the kid could quarterback the backline ball movement for us, while cowan is a more a man-on defender.
in saying that, cowan has been so poor and out of form... carroll showed enough to replace cowan and his role, too.
Word up.
Word perfect.
Completely agree on all points: different players, different roles, Cowan was out of form, but worth backing.
I'd like both of them in our backline. I think they complement each other.
Similarities: both 20yo's and both childhood Baggers, both have suffered injury (don't focus on that too much Sydney Blue) and both can kick well, when Cowan doesnt bomb it blindly which has become a common behaviour this year.
I think Cowan’s apparent form reflects the life of a hybrid defender - particularly one that’s surrounded by teammates that have come via the last chance saloon.
Considering his upbringing in the game as a running half back & part time mid, we can be confident that he’s going to find the balance. He’s a VERY good kick of the footy when he isn’t just hoofing it.
A good team is going to put time into Carroll. Take away the space he’s been given. Southport were 7-8 goals up & purring, West Coast were playing circle work…
He’s got momentum though. It’s a short break into next week, then a good recovery into Geelong before a quick turnaround to Adelaide in Adelaide. If he’s still firing on all cylinders for that Crows game, then he’ll have aced the test.