Blue Vain wrote:
Ed had an interesting role on the weekend against Collingwood, Bondi. He didn't play wing, nor did he go into the midfield.
He played a half forward role as a part of a seemingly restructured forward strategy that doesn't rely solely on Harry.
Between Ed, JSOS and Jack Martin, they took 25 marks. Without attending the game, it appeared Ed was used as an outlet kick from the back half. Due to his hard running capabilities.
He also blocked off the switch kicks and 45 degree short kicks into the corridor. He rarely pushed up into stoppages except in the forward 50, instead covering the Pies defenders and not allowing them to run off for the handball.
To my eyes, it was another case of the coaches employing strategies that are significantly different to how we've played the first 2 years under Teague. Too often we have used a Harry or nothing strategy going forward. Now, (like last week in the midfield), we are sharing the load and we're much better for it. We're less predictable (which makes us harder to defend) and we're increasing our avenues to goal. Ed was playing to his strengths. He ran hard, created space and put us inside 50. (7 inside 50's, a game high)
So in the past few weeks, our team defensive structure and application has significantly improved, our forward structure has significantly changed/improved and due to injury, our midfield set up changed completely. (for the better)
All major changes and all significant improvements. My only question is, where the @#$%&! was this in the previous 50 games?
If the current trend continues, Teague has greatly improved his chances of keeping his job. Not because of win/loss but because of how we're structured. The job for the review panel is to see how and from who the changes have occurred.
Talk about observing the nuances of the game.
Ed is a Duracell Bunny. Thoase legs take him places others can only dream of.
Coaches thinking outside the square?
They have found a way to defend and an alternate to enter forward line differently, without the ubiquitous Bomb.
25 marks between 194cm, 186cm and 181cm players in the forwardline ... maybe they weren't all taken in the forward 50, so those 7 inside 50's are gold.
We can't be favourites with all these injuries, but that doesn't make any difference.
Harry may be out next week too.
Have to win this to show some character, some heart, against the odds.