Well on our way to the top 8

13 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

On the topic of opposition players....I thought Grundy was actually ok. But his lack of marking reminded me, he's no loss. Tackled hard with around nine...the same as Max and in fact both their basic stats count were similar, including clearances and hit outs, but Max seemed far superior. Surprisingly Max only took three marks...just one more than Grundy. And usually if Max's mark count is low it's not a good sign for the team.

But for us he was again one of the best so basic stats don't always tell the story. Max did kick that beautiful goal and would have had two if AJ didn't touch one. But Max was everywhere as usual and I'm sure there is an unmeasurable, somewhat indefinable, inspirational factor to the other players he provides. He's the sort of bloke that would inspire one to get of the trench. God forbid.

He so deserves a Brownlow. If not as a ruck, then a midfielder and or defender.

I never understood why we went for Grundy. There are all types of rucks, but to my mind one is clearly more valuable than all the others: the contested marking powerhouse. Grundy has never been that.

Grundy versus Max on Sunday was yet another example of most stats being completely unrepresentative and unhelpful for analysis of the game. The stats suggest it was an even contest; most people who watched would agree it was a bath.

15 hours ago, leave it to deever said:

On the topic of opposition players....I thought Grundy was actually ok. But his lack of marking reminded me, he's no loss. Tackled hard with around nine...the same as Max and in fact both their basic stats count were similar, including clearances and hit outs, but Max seemed far superior. Surprisingly Max only took three marks...just one more than Grundy. And usually if Max's mark count is low it's not a good sign for the team.

But for us he was again one of the best so basic stats don't always tell the story. Max did kick that beautiful goal and would have had two if AJ didn't touch one. But Max was everywhere as usual and I'm sure there is an unmeasurable, somewhat indefinable, inspirational factor to the other players he provides. He's the sort of bloke that would inspire one to get of the trench. God forbid.

He so deserves a Brownlow. If not as a ruck, then a midfielder and or defender.

Is Max as good as Jimmy Stynes was?

And has anyone been watching Nibbler this year. Has he been playing and how well? I do know he's a big loss. JJ and Grundy not. Maybe that's why Sparrow played better showing Jordan up.

Every time I see ANB this year he seems to be playing well. High work rate and bobs up for a goal.

Good luck to him.

On 26/05/2025 at 11:03, jnrmac said:

You're kidding yourself if you think contested marks is a benchmark. Very few fwds take more than 1 or 2 a game for a shot on goal. Its great when it happens but its not that often

How about any marks then?

The bar some people have for AJ is sooo low seriously.

On 25/05/2025 at 21:45, DEE fence said:

AJ has presence, and is a great 2nd ruck. I also like his positioning and he runs with the fall of the ball. I sincerely hope JVR comes good, but the way AJ is moving when the ball is on the deck applies pressure that JVR doesn’t bring. He still ball watches, after he feels the contest has past him, AJ keeps moving regardless, it’s valuable. And his nouse to tap rather than take possession should get more credit, kept ball alive. Oh by the could the previous Petty haters (apart from STFU) apologize, all that garbage about him not being invested.

Im certainly not a Petty hater and would certainly never say he is not invested.

But I feel he is over rated. He has had some really good games and some really ordinary games.

I thought last week he often ran around looking for an opponent. He was often pointing and was late to contests.

He did contribute to some packs and disrupted other players in bringing the ball to ground. He also contributed in the last term by having 2 opponents which freed someone up. It meant he often took 2 players away from the contest. Whether this was by design or just an outcome of Sydneys set up I dont know.. we were so dominant that I was not sure what he contributed. other than that.

I have been selecting him as the sub as I feel he can add real value to attack or defence (although I think he is a better more natural defender.) he can add a real alternative weapon as sub to eitrher end and he is not too shabby on the ground. I have seen him lope around and also seen him close ground quickly so has spped and endurance.

There is no doubt he has value which may be why Adelaide expressed interest last year.