So, with two rounds down to observe the use of the sub rule, I thought I'd guauge some views as to how we're using the rule. For what it's worth, I think we have taken the wrong move both weeks.

Round 1: Whilst Petterd had an immediate impact off the bench and the move looked like a masterstroke, it was convenient that the logical player for us to sub off at the time was a small forward. This was made to look even better by the fact that Sydney completely botched their sub by bringing on a dinosaur when fresh legs were needed.

Round 2: Having a small forward as the sub is not a good idea and those asking for Wonna to be the sub this week should consider the balance of the team. Forwards rely on ball from the midfield which is where most of the gut running (and fatigue) happens. Jordan Lewis came on and smashed us and Maric had little impact.

It would appear that the most effective use of the sub is having a player in reserve who can come into the guts and make an immediate impression on the game. The question is, who is the midfielder that can provide this for us? Would Jetta or Jones have been better as sub? Who plays the role when McKenzie and Scully return? Is there another way to use the sub more effectively that I'm missing?

Personally, I think a running player is vital as the sub. That said, I think we played it to perfection last week using Petterd, but the question is did we enforce it too late? We can't forget that this is a new thing for any level of football and to expect our coach to nail it first time is unrealistic - every coach is in the same boat and are all unsure what works best. We used a smaller forward last week and it worked, we did it again with an even smaller forward and it didn't. Swans last week used it with a ruckman - it didn't work, Hawks used it for a runner this week, and it worked! See, a lot of experimenting.

For mine, I think Gysberts in the immediate future is our best bet. I'd like to see him come on mid way through the 3rd quarter, giving him a solid 45 minutes to get in and provide extra run. If he can offer us that, then he gets a full time gig. Then I'd like to see Blease given the opportunity to be our sub. I think in his first couple of games, he'd run his ass off if he was given 45 minutes to get a hunger for senior footy.

Poor Maric, comes on when the Hawks are near unstoppable, and is expected to play a role that could turn the match. Even if we had Judd as our sub we still wouldn't have beaten that team!

I agree that Maric was on a hiding to nothing. The ball wasn't getting down there which is my point. A midfielder in reserve is a safe bet (barring injuries) cos you can always shuffle a Sylvia, Davey, Bennel forward or back depending on the flow of the game. But a specialist sub (i.e. a small forward) can only have an impact if the flow of the game allows it. Midfielders are always in the play.

Not sure that Gysberts is the right guy though. I think we'd be better starting with him and bringing on someone like Jones who can provide 45 minutes of grunt.

I agree that Maric was on a hiding to nothing. The ball wasn't getting down there which is my point. A midfielder in reserve is a safe bet (barring injuries) cos you can always shuffle a Sylvia, Davey, Bennel forward or back depending on the flow of the game. But a specialist sub (i.e. a small forward) can only have an impact if the flow of the game allows it. Midfielders are always in the play.

Not sure that Gysberts is the right guy though. I think we'd be better starting with him and bringing on someone like Jones who can provide 45 minutes of grunt.

My only question is how nearly everyone is whinging that we don't have experienced players out there. Jones, while not a superstar, has played bloody near 100 games, while Gys has played 3. At this stage, we need Jones out there for more than 45 minutes. Plus, as the sub, I want run, run and more run, not grunt on it's own.

Edited April 3, 201114 yr by billy2803

Agree on the experience and that Jones should play more time, certainly with those currently available. Highlights our lack of tough midfielders. When Jordie and Sculls are back we'll have more options. I just think it needs to be someone who can go in and win their own ball in any situation. Would be great to have the luxury of Jordan Lewis in that role.

the Sub will become a specialist role, at the moment they play well and are stright into the starting 18 the following week. One club will make the sub a forward who can come on at 3 quarter time kick a few quick goals and win a match. Of course as long as the sub is not needed early to cover an injury.

Just as an aside, I'm pretty sure Petterd wouldn't have come on and had a big impact this week if he was the sub for the Hawks game - pretty hard to have a big influence, given where the game was at.