CJ is an out-and-out winger in my books (neither overly defensive or strong in the air), and I'm yet to be convinced of his talents.

I hereby nominate this as statement of the week.

It can't reflect Chris Johnson any better.

Bizz justified having his contract renewed for 2 years in 2004. Unfortunately he had the Club over a barrel. Sign me for 3 or walk to the PSD. I am on the record of letting him walk then.

However, lets get the facts right..... Troy died on December 26 2004. MFC renewed Bizz's contract in early 2005. By end of 2004, I thought Troy had taken Bizz's role in the 2004 EF.

But that's all history as Bizz is with MFC for 2007 and I trust he remains fit and firing. I am just not that confident he will.

Don't contradict Grandpa Simpson!

http://www.footygoss.com/modules.php?op=mo...f3ba9287aa303ee

http://footystats.freeservers.com/Special/2005review.html search on bizzell

I find it confusing that people are comparing Bizzell with Bell and CJ.

I see Bell as a small, close-checking defender (who'll hopefully move into the midfield later on), in the mould of Doggy Brown. CJ is an out-and-out winger in my books (neither overly defensive or strong in the air), and I'm yet to be convinced of his talents.

Bizzell on the other hand, while he isn't much taller than the other two, he definitely plays taller.

To consider Bizzell's possible influence this season, you have to look at the balance of our back-6, and with the cumbersome Holland around a horses-for-courses approach must be taken.

The only definite starters in our defence for every match (pending fitness of course) are Rivers, Whelan and Carroll.

I'll set up 2 scenarios: The first is one where the opposition has a 'gorilla' full-forward (Gehrig, Rocca...):

B: Whelan, Holland, Carroll

HB: - Rivers -

In this scenario, there are 2 free positions for HBFs. The candidates are Bell, Bizzell, Ward, Brown, Wheatley, CJ, Ferg etc. Bell would be my first choice, then the other one comes down to team balance, form etc. In this situation, the more running style players Ward, Brown etc would most likely be preferred to Bizzell to add pace.

If the opposition doesn't have a 'gorilla', then Holland must go:

B: Whelan Carroll -

HB: - Rivers -

This situation favours Bizzell's inclusion more, because he can pinch hit in a tall role if required, yet there is still room for runners.

Of course, this analysis makes one assumption: That Rivers will finally be entrusted with the CHB position and will be told to play on the opposition's best CHF every week. Time will tell.

I like your analysis 'CarnTheDees', & think that he's only in direct comp' with the running & carry backs such as Rivers, Bell, CJ, Ward. Poss' only CJ being a better deliverer..