Is Holland the most unfairly maligned player of all time?

[joeboy 3,166]

He's certainly not the most glamorous , athletic or skilled player to ever grace the field in the red and blue , but for the life of me I cannot understand why Dutchy is always so roundly maligned and derided by , not only those on this site , but also the match committee that gives him such limited opportunities .

He is very rarely carved up by an opponent ,whether in defence or attack ,which cannot be said for many others who continue to be selected ahead of him ,and there is nobody who can argue that he doesn't give his all , which can also not be said for many others in the current side .

While the team is crying out for a defender who can stand the Browns , Roccas , and Fevolas of the world , Holland gives way to undersized Miller , Carroll , and Frawley - none of whom can successfully manage the task ,whilst we are constantly crying out for a large target at CHF ,yet continue to play the undersized and underweight Robertson , Bate , Dunn , and Sylvia .

Where is the logic ?

[Axis of Bob 11,804]

Although I agree that he is unfairly maligned, he is a limited player who is confined to limited roles. He can only play in defence on certain types of key forward (ie, the ones without pace). He would struggle against Brown and Fevola, but will routinely destroy Rocca (much like Nicho did).

The reason he doesn't play as often as you would like is because he gives no defensive flexibility, unlike Carroll or Rivers who can play on various opponents. He is a 'horses for courses'player. As long as you understand that, and I'm sure he does, then he has a role to play.

[Jonesy is the next captain 0]

Put simply yes. He cops so much crap from our own supporters, true I close my eyes when he kicks but his reinvention as a backman is nothing short of admirable. Plus those arms are pretty buff

[diesel 420]

The reason he doesn't play as often as you would like is because he gives no defensive flexibility, unlike Carroll or Rivers who can play on various opponents. He is a 'horses for courses'player. As long as you understand that, and I'm sure he does, then he has a role to play.

That is probably the reason I like him. He comes in does a job, rarely gets beaten badly and goes out again. Seems to cope well with his lot and recognises his limitations (bit like that other punching bag, Godders).

[deanox 9,914]

as a athletic specimen he is perfect isnt he? toned, tall, strong, good mark. he actually isnt a bad kick but has probs in front of goal. but he has played 180 odd games and kicked 150 goals. not a bad career...could get 200...

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

They guy has enough faults to make people think he can't be a league footballer... but the truth is he has strengths that put others to shame.

- He's evidently a team-mate, if you look at the relationship between him and Carroll, which is as strong as any on-field despite being from entirely different walks of life...

- He couldn't try more. Fact.

- He's humble enough to come through when he says he will... just look at Byron for an opposite... And as much as I'd love a Mal Michael or Fletcher type defender, he's been rewarded for his courage and heart, and in the end as a member you have to be happy with that decision by the footy department.

Personally I love the guy, but I concede that I love him because we're not relying on him. What I mean is, Brad Miller is similar as a faulted player who gives his all, but he's younger than 25, and we all had designs on him to be as good at CHF as Rivers is at CHB... Holland is a specialist defender, he's there as a kind of depth, and is respected and listed each year because of it.

So in answer to your question, no he's not the MOST unfairly maligned, but he IS unfairly maligned...

[mick2007 0]

i liked it when they played him in forward pocket with neitz made opposition take a key defender to play on him. We seemed more dangerous when he played there even though his kicking lets him down a bit.

[Real Demon 232]

I have to say I'm a Holland fan!

You won't find too many blokes at the club in better physical shape than him, and I don't ever recall a time when I haven't seen him try or compete.

[Damo 3,355]

I have to confess something worse.

I actually think Ryan Ferguson is probably OK.

I also believe he hasnt had the opportunity to show his credentials.

If we delisted six, he wouldnt be in my list.

But I figure Im one out.

[Rogue 585]

But I figure Im one out.

I definitely think you're in the minority.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Was it one of the Burgoyne's that Holland almost chased down yesterday?

Whoever it was, Benny showed a surprising amount of toe.

[jiska78 3]

his reinvention as a backman is nothing short of admirable.

That's where he played at Richmond before he came to Melbourne. Why Daniher put him forward i'll never know. Alongside Neitz was a good idea, but surely you'd make sure the guy could kick first.

But I agree, he's good for Melbourne but only in certain roles, as mentioned above.