Lynden Dunn

[brey9186 102]

i think the real battle is dunn vs robbo

dunn's main strength personally is going to be around the 35-50m area, taking grabs, sideways movement, set shots at goals, which robbo plays well (hows his knee btw?)

millers strengths plays to our game plan very well (imagine miller at the doggies, with their pace coming outta the backline, and quick transitions from miller, he would set them up for a big year - maybe to trade for griffen or cooney? )

from the area he plays, he isn't going to kick goals, but by having dunn on the flank or pocket, then moving into the "true" CHF area, space is created not ony for dunn at CHF, but also for neitz around the top of the square, and for yze/davey/ random crumber...

there is space for miller and dunn in the team, both are agile and good speed for a big guys, so we wont be embarassed as if it was ben holland and mark jamar as our taller options

thing is, a midfield spot is probably going to have to be lost for this to happen, greeny needs to establish himself on a HBF to rectify this

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

I was wondering when you'd pop up Freak. For the record, while I don't ENTIRELY agree with you, I totally respect your thoughts on Miller.

In order for the dees to win a flag, the hard decisions have to be made, and while Miller has certainly earned his spot despite a crap year, I'm certain he'll be up for trade if he doesn't improve the fundamentals of his game.

I can't dismiss what you have to say about getting rid of him as soon as possible, as it's a good general philosophy to get rid of average players instead of keeping guys who are ok every so often, but that you have to carry when the going gets rough.

I don't quite share your pessimism yet, but the more I think about it, the closer I get.

[deanox 9,912]

i think the reason you dont trade miller ealry is because of his physical attributes. he has the size, shape and physical abilities that don't come around very often. he does have leadership aplenty also. i think he will do alright when he finds his rhythem. on an aside about miller. i have never seen him play close to goal. i know we have neitz there now, but not forever. he does alright at CHF leading, he is hopeless in the back line. any dnager of him being a natural full forward, where kicking distance isnt a problem?

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

any dnager of him being a natural full forward, where kicking distance isnt a problem?

I don't know about that. It's a problem, just not quite so MUCH of a problem. Neita kicked 5 goals in one match from outside fifty this year while playing as a FF. Besides that I don't hate the idea, but I'm certainly not all for it. Like everyone else I'm worried about what'll happen in a couple of years when Neita retires/declines. It may be early days, but I've always thought Dunn suited the role pretty well. He's got a huge and very straight kick, and he's tall, strong and awesome on the lead and in packs. The ONLY position I've ever seen Miller even look like a player in is as a CHF that leads up the ground handing off to rebounding mids/wingmen/defenders. He's played games there and dominated, but when he's gone deeper forward or in defence he's looked completely lost (except at the SCG).

When you boil it down, what I want is a forward that's strong on the lead and in contested situations, quick in a straight line and can kick around 66% or better. If he's good below his knees, is heavy, is great at defensive forward pressure, or can hurt opponents physically then that's all well and good, but I those things are all bonuses. For example, being slightly short has never hurt Robbo too much as a forward. Miller's fitness, endurance and hardness, coupled with an average kick make him perfect for the more aerobically demanding CHF-midfield role he does already. When Neita retires we're going to have Robbo (for a little while) and we can give a whole host of players time in the square, like Newton, Dunn, Garland, Frawley, or even someone outside the box like Rivers. Also, we could potentially recruit a good future KP forward in the remaining 2 years Neita is going to be relied upon. We're not DESPERATE to play Miller there, but it maight be worth the experiment in the NAB cup or something. As soon as his kicking costs us 3 points, I'll be saying get rid of him though.

[Dee*ceiving 1,674]

As for Dunny he will certainly make life interesting for selectors if he continues to improve. IMO he will challenge for Robbo's spot as much as Miller's.

Agree wholeheartedly Fan.

If Dunn can offer as strong a contest across CHF with bigger and stronger CHBs on him that Miller before seasons end, while I will be very happy i will be totally surprised.

Having said that Dunn is very close to best 22 and will only need a good showing in the NAB cup to prove it. IMO He does have a role to play in the side with or without Miller at CHF. Meanwhile Miller is definitely best option CHF first up. If he turns into a blubbering mess by round 3 or 4 the coaching staff will have to deal with it then.