One of the things I struggle with is key big men constantly trying to mark the ball in packs.

As a very young lad I remember watching John Nicholls play at the massive height of 6' 2". Sure he could take a mark but his forte was as a tap ruckman. When he rested up forward, he would often direct the incoming high ball into the arms of the Mosquito Fleet, like it was a centre square bounce.

I think (?) it was 'Tiger' Crosswell who wrote that he came on to play one of his first games and ran to the FP. Big Nick was there at FF and Nick said, 'Stand over there son and the next time a high ball comes in I will Tap it to you." Nekminit - Kick, Tap, Goal to Tiger.

Back me up here Mick

Young is not a great pack mark, so why doesn't he work on the Tapping side of his game? He can get higher extension with a one-arm outstretched tap than a two-arm attempted mark. In an inside 50 marking contest, he should play the percentages and direct the ball more, mostly over the back to run onto. That Kaos ball worked well for the Tigers.

We have 55 inside 50 entries and basically bugger all contested pack marks. Play the percentages and let the small forwards Eat.

If the ball is kicked to 30 out and punched forward to 40 out, then the defence has more open space to work in. If it tapped further over the back to 20 out, the defence is under far more pressure to clear the zone.

Call me old school. I miss Big Nick and Tiger.

Regards Cazzesman