Filling the Small forward position has been an ongoing quest for Carlton since Betts and Garlett left the club.
The return of Betts is just a temporary band aid to help expedite the development of potential small forward specialists: Fisher (pick 27) Durdin (pick 31) and Owies. We have options, and Fisher is almost proven for that role imo.
The opinion of most fans is that Gibbons is a midfielder rather than a small forward: a role which requires great acceleration, repeat efforts, ability to lay a strong tackle, put body pressure on opponents, blocks, smarts, creativity and of course a couple goals a game. Gibbons lacks the acceleration, and because of that the repeat efforts with that weapon to create spillage. Gibbons is Ok, but imo depth.
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/934766/analysis-how-s-corey-durdin-tracking-in-the-vfl-In reference to Durdin:
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As Head of Development Luke Power told Carlton Coaches’ Corner, it was his willingness and tenacity in getting at the opposition which shone through for the coaching staff.
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“His ability to close space, put body on and put himself right into tackles is amazing for a player of his age. He’s got a hunger to pressure and get after the opposition, which is something we’re very excited about.
“It’s his closing speed that really stands out so much.”
One instance which clearly stood out in the second quarter of the weekend’s game was a triple effort from the first-year Blue.
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For Power, it was the perfect example from a player who he believes displays a selflessness beyond his years.
“It’s not something we see once a game from Corey, we see it multiple times,” he said.
“We call it ‘manic pressure’ and when we’re coding manic pressure after a game he’s usually got 10-12 instances of this.
“The thing we love about Corey is he’s so selfless with his attitude, which is a rare trait for such a young player. He likes to put blocks on and buy time and space for his teammates, and also his ability to get after the opposition is something we’re looking forward to seeing.”
All the qualities we are looking for in a small forward specialist: manic pressure, selflessness.
Interesting interview with Lions small forward specialist highlighting his resurgence as a small forward after a slow start to 2021, he identifies the need to conserve enery to have it ready to explode when needed. That playing midfield forward gassed him. Interesting, and makes sense. Means the midfield depth has to be spread across the team, leaving the Small forward as the opportunist next to the big kahuna.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/612326/the-move-that-had-lion-gassed-and-why-he-s-happier-in-front-of-goalQuote:
"I didn't have the start I wanted," Cameron told ABC post-game.
"I played in the midfield at the start of the year and I was gassed when I went forward so I spoke to Fages and said 'can I just play forward and just try and get my looks from there'.
"When I was playing in the midfield and coming forward, I was already tired and didn't bring any pressure.
Fingers crosses the 3 we have serve us well for the next decade, post Betts