One dimensional midfield killing us

[Mondê 525]

Firstly, this isn't a reaction to the first two games of the season. I've seen this same midfield group struggle since 2007. Moloney, McLean, Jones, McDonald, Green, Bruce, Bartram, Dunn....and then there's Davey. The first 8 names are oh so slow, painfully slow at stoppages and around the ground. Their lack of pace limits our offensive pressure, and leaves our defenders out to dry because of no defensive pressure coming the other way. At least Green and McDonald can hit a target at around about 80% of the time on most occasions. Davey was moved to the midfield to curb this problem in the first place, he's quick, he's creative, he's line breaking. But what you put into one department you take out of another. It's no surprise that our goals have dried up significantly since he's moved up the ground (And Neita retired) Not only did Davey kick goals himself, he often set them up directly, or indirectly from defensive pressure on the oppositions rebounding backline. We dont get anywhere near enough goals out of our midfield. We will get 2-4 goals out of that previously mentioned group each week, on a good day 5. Add that onto the 6 odd goals our lackluster forward line contributes each week, and that's 11 goals per game keeping in mind that this is on a good day.

Is it any wonder we will struggle to win games this season? This brings me to the next point. I know we don't have high expectations of the boys in regards to winning this year. All we really want is for the youth to have a real crack and give us some hope. As soon as James Strauss is available, get him straight in. The kid is dynamite plain and simple. If we can get Strauss, Blease, and Morton up and running in the next 2-3 years we will have gone a long way to solving our one dimensional, slow midfield. We've already seen glimpses of Morton's offensive capabilities. It will mean players like Davey will not have to be taken out of their natural positions to fill holes in the future. Finally I don't usually like targeting specific players but Dunn is such a useless player at the moment. He can't find a position because he is average wherever we put him on the park. Beyond crossroads. Will be delisted at the end of 09' if he doesn't play at least 10 excellent games. Cheers.

[deeflog 679]

Firstly, this isn't a reaction to the first two games of the season. I've seen this same midfield group struggle since 2007. Moloney, McLean, Jones, McDonald, Green, Bruce, Bartram, Dunn....and then there's Davey. The first 8 names are oh so slow, painfully slow at stoppages and around the ground. Their lack of pace limits our offensive pressure, and leaves our defenders out to dry because of no defensive pressure coming the other way. At least Green and McDonald can hit a target at around about 80% of the time on most occasions. Davey was moved to the midfield to curb this problem in the first place, he's quick, he's creative, he's line breaking. But what you put into one department you take out of another. It's no surprise that our goals have dried up significantly since he's moved up the ground (And Neita retired) Not only did Davey kick goals himself, he often set them up directly, or indirectly from defensive pressure on the oppositions rebounding backline. We dont get anywhere near enough goals out of our midfield. We will get 2-4 goals out of that previously mentioned group each week, on a good day 5. Add that onto the 6 odd goals our lackluster forward line contributes each week, and that's 11 goals per game keeping in mind that this is on a good day.

Is it any wonder we will struggle to win games this season? This brings me to the next point. I know we don't have high expectations of the boys in regards to winning this year. All we really want is for the youth to have a real crack and give us some hope. As soon as James Strauss is available, get him straight in. The kid is dynamite plain and simple. If we can get Strauss, Blease, and Morton up and running in the next 2-3 years we will have gone a long way to solving our one dimensional, slow midfield. We've already seen glimpses of Morton's offensive capabilities. It will mean players like Davey will not have to be taken out of their natural positions to fill holes in the future. Finally I don't usually like targeting specific players but Dunn is such a useless player at the moment. He can't find a position because he is average wherever we put him on the park. Beyond crossroads. Will be delisted at the end of 09' if he doesn't play at least 10 excellent games. Cheers.

could not agree more!!!!

[rpfc 28,830]

Outside the first 45 mins, the midfield was awful but they weren't because they are one dimensional - they were awful because they didn't even excel in their dimension.

Now, I don't believe we are as slow as some think but I agree that our midfield is centred around winning contested footy, clearances, and the tackle count. Moloney, McLean, McDonald, Jones, Batram and, to a lesser extent, Bruce and Green, all have assets that should see them, when in form, give us first use of the footy, and winning in dispute contests.

Right now they are not in that sort of form. Added to this is the fact that only Bruce and Green are running hard to provide an option, and with Moloney are taking the game on when challenged. The rest return to their shell they were in last year.

[H_T 3,049]

It all starts with our midfield. Our midfield lacks cohesion and quality through various factors including bouts of injuries (ie Moloney & McLean last year). We had Bruce and Green in there but they're now playing various other roles. The new breed include Jones, Morton, McLean, Moloney, still there is McDonald and occassionally the likes of Bartram and Dunn play a role or two. The ruckmen, well, that has been discussed in full over the past week in other thread(s) - Spencer, Johnson, Meesen, Jamar. In a nutshell it lacks quality. Maybe with Spencer we have hope. To be honest, we have to be 'patient'. There is that word again, I know, it stinks, but it's true.

Those listed above in my first paragraph may only make up 25% at most of our midfield in 3 years time. Drafting the likes of Blease, Strauss, Bail, Bennell to a certain extent, perhaps Grimes will go someway to change the landscape of our midfield, I believe. By the end of this year we will have a clearer picture of what is on the horizon. Still, more quality midfielders (pace and foot skills) and a ruckman will be on the shopping list later this year. Nothing I believe has changed in that regard come October.

Be patient. Stick fat. The wheel will turn, eventually..

[paddo 0]

I like the direction we are taking with the midfield drafting the likes of Morton, Blease, Strauss, Bennell, Grimes and Jetta. Hopefully Buckley comes good because he moves very well and he has the size to be an inside or outside midfielder. Just needs to work on that disposal!!