Is Jayden Hunt playing the Neville Jetta role?

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,644]

I find it difficult to judge, particularly on TV, but I suspect Hunt has been given the role of lockdown defender on the opposition's most dangerous small forward. I'm certain he played on Shai Bolton and Jack Higgins and kept both out of their respective games. He was also on Liam Ryan for at least some of yesterday's game. Can anyone who's more observant than me confirm that this has become his permanent role?

Edited May 15, 2022 by La Dee-vina Comedia

[whatwhat say what 22,119]

according to all the coaches, yes he is

doing it very well too

[dazzledavey36 52,735]

Yes and doing a remarkable job.

The fact he's changed his role from an aggressive half back flanker who at times kills us with turnovers, to a defined simple role in locking down the best small forward and attacking at the right time.

Well done Hunty. Crazy to also think that he's never tasted any finals even though he's played over 100 games.

I believe he is also out of contract this year.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,644]

5 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

according to all the coaches, yes he is

doing it very well too

Our coaches or coaches of the opposition? Or both?

[Lucifers Hero 38,974]

I first noticed it vs Port when he kept Motlop quiet.  Noticed again a few weeks later when he kept Bolton quiet and commented about it in one or more DL threads at the time.  Then Breust vs Hawks etc.  He has continued doing it and it is now being highlighted by the coaches and DL are giving him more respect.

He has made the 'Jetta' role his own which is why I do not think he will be dropped when Salem returns.  Others can perform the role but he has been handed it and excelled at it.

My equal #1 favourite player!!

Edited May 16, 2022 by Lucifers Hero

[roy11 3,661]

19 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

according to all the coaches, yes he is

doing it very well too

Steven May praised him on tv the other day too. Doing some good work, being out of contract we'll see if other clubs have noticed too. 

[Lord Travis 10,457]

Hunt has been playing lockdown small defender role this year. He’s gone through yet another change in role where we’re not seeing as much rebound and dash from him, but he’s instead given a defined lockdown role. Credit to him and coaches for reinventing him in a different role than his strengths would logically lend themselves too this far into his career. He’s been superb and has blanketed basically all small forwards this year, including some All Aus level ones in Bolton and Higgins.

Solidifying this new role means he’ll stay in the 22 when Salem returns from injury.

[BigFez 1,440]

I first noticed in the Richmond game.  Bolton is a genuine star and Hunt kept him very quiet indeed.  Liam Ryan had 5 touches yesterday.  He has all the tools to do that role well and I'm stoked to see him performing.  One of my favourites for sure.

[rjay 24,585]

The Charlie Cameron duel in a few weeks is going to a real measure of how far he has come in the role...

[Lucifers Hero 38,974]

1 hour ago, rjay said:

The Charlie Cameron duel in a few weeks is going to a real measure of how far he has come in the role...

I reckon he will do fine.  The trick to playing Cameron (as with most fwds) is to stay goal side.  Jayden has the speed to run Cameron down when he tries to lead for the ball.  And our other small defs back up really well.

Cameron is too good a player to keep quiet all day but he will need to outsmart Jayden to kick big scores..

The problem for us will be that even if we hold Cameron; Bailey, Lyons etc can get free.  Lions have multiple ways to score.