PJ: As a permanent Forward..

[Tolstoys Nudge 1,665]

I really liked what I saw today...

PJ began as a Lead up forward, before he had those injury probs at the Eagles..

He seems to have a really good motor, and if used the right way, could rally be a dangerous figure in the forward line, especially once he gets some support down there..

Hopefully we can afford the luxury of persisting with him up there, my only issue is whether its as a Miller-style lead up, or deep..

I suppose he can be used in both roles, depending on the opposition and who else is playing..

But, im pretty sure this is why he was recruited, and after today surely Bailey hill keep him there for a while..

Thoughts??

[The Backyard Charizard 1,202]

I have had pretty big wraps on this kid for years now and it seems as though the club is finally starting to realise the potential this giant of a man has!!

Will be interesting to see how he goes over the next few weeks.....

[Doggo 32]

I've seen lots of PJ play since juniors, and i think he could play as a permenant forward quite well. He's got good hands, is big and strong and works hard to present. But i also think he could be a pretty good ruckman if given the chance to play the #1 ruck role.

He may not be exceptional at any single role that he plays yet, given he's never been persisted with for any great deal of time in a single position, but i've always believed its more a matter of "when" rather than "if" with PJ.

He's always looked capable, but to date has been cut down by injury everytime he's gotten himself firing. Fingers-crossed he can keep himself fit, because he showed great signs today of becoming the player i believe he could be.

[Rogue 585]

He may not be exceptional at any single role that he plays yet

I think that's the biggest problem. He hasn't cemented a spot anywhere, IMHO.

[Doggo 32]

I think that's the biggest problem. He hasn't cemented a spot anywhere, IMHO.

He definitetly has the scope to become to a very good player in any single position, if given the opportunity to play there for 22 games a year. Whether it be as ruck, FF/CHF or as a gorrilla backmen. I still believe his best position would be as part of a ruck duo similar to the system used at Hawthorn. No single #1 ruckman, but 2 equal ruckman working in tandem, one resting in the forward line.

I think had he not had so many injuries, in particular that shoulder in 06, he probably would have been firmly entrenched in the side by now. He may not have cemented any single position in the side yet, but he's versatile and has obvious talent. And thats more than we can say about our other ruckman at the moment...

[deanox 9,928]

i like him forward, even if thats because i think he is a lovely kick.

[torpedo 33]

I prefer him around the ground. IMO he is best playing on the ball as a ruck, only problem is he cannot actually 'ruck' very well, making him a quality 2nd ruck at best. Due to this I'd like to see him trialled on a wing, where he could play a similar role to a ruck anyway, providing a tall option out of defence and through the middle where we so often break down.

If we can turn him into a useful forward pocket that'd be handy, he's been trialled there plenty of times before though and only shown glimpses, if he is to be effective he needs to regularly kick goals which he hasnt been able to do.

[Yencks 8]

this is going to be a long week

everytime he has a good game he injures himself at training

i am praying it does not happen again

[Rogue 585]

this is going to be a long week

everytime he has a good game he injures himself at training

i am praying it does not happen again

Are you sure?

In a previous season, PJ was also playing a good game versus Sydney interstate, when he hurt his shoulder.

He was also in pretty decent form at the start of this year when he broke his hand (?) - wasn't that in the game vs Geelong?

[mikeod 21]

Especially if we get Naitanui, this has to happen.

He has the strength and speed to play at FF, so I'd love to see him take up that position.