The One Trick Ponies

[paddo 0]

Some esteemed commentators on 3AW referred to our forward line players as one trick ponies, or words to that effect, a few weeks ago. Robbo, Neita and Newton can all lead, mark and kick goals, but what if things are not going their way?? You can't really throw them onto a wing or put them down back. They lack the versatility required in today's game.

Look at guys such as Riewoldt, Pavlich and Brown who are capable of pushing up the ground and being really effective. They are high possession forwards. Our three key forwards would be lucky to average 12 possessions a game.

What I'm saying is, sure it's OK when the ball is coming in clean but when the team is doing poorly there doesn't seem to be much they can do to assist.

Hopefully, Matty Bate lines up for us this week because he is one forward who is capable of kicking a few goals, but can also go into the middle and get the footy. I think we've really missed him for that reason.

[mo64 5,284]

Exactly right paddo. Gone are the days when forwards can rely on being spoon fed on the lead. You can afford to have 1 one trick pony in your forward line, but not 3. Our forward set up is non-productive, and needs to be changed.

If we persist with Miller at CHF, Robertson has to go. I'd like to see Dunn given extended time in the forward line.

[brey9186 102]

a forward line of

Sylvia Bate Miller

Davey Neitz Dunn

allows plenty of midfield rotation as well, putting robbo/newton on the bench, or the resting ruckman down there as well can create mismatches too

[deanox 9,037]

newton played most of his juniors on a wing didnt he?

[Adzman 2,086]

I think Dunny needs an extended Run in the forwardline. Lets be honest, he was recruited to be a key forward, why not develop him and see how he goes. In a few years time, Neita and robbo will be on the couch, we need a guy that can take the mantle at this seasons end.

Newton did play outside the forwardline in Jnrs, however I doubt he has the pace to do so at the top level.

[Eastie Boyz 0]

Could be handy as a marking wingman though.

Worth a shot I guess

[Rogue 585]

I think Dunny needs an extended Run in the forwardline. Lets be honest, he was recruited to be a key forward, why not develop him and see how he goes. In a few years time, Neita and robbo will be on the couch, we need a guy that can take the mantle at this seasons end.

Dunn didn't seem strong enough in the contests when he played up forward - reminded me a bit of how Wheatley plays as a backman (which is why I prefer Wheatley playing on a wing).