You can pretty much mark him down for a poor performance on Monday, then. I am a firm believer in the Footy Show Curse - that it's very difficult to play well the week you appear on TFS.
If Jamar is going to become our big forward, he damn well better learn how to kick for goal. That is one aspect of his game that is definitely "B-Grade".
"I want no-one in our forward 30. That's our space to lead into." Could that be the instruction that a few of our boys are misinterpreting? We're exciting when we do this right, but when our forward structure falls over, we look like a rabble.
Actually, I was thinking about Patty Ryder. Ryder was all alone inside 50, somehow inexplicably drops a chest-mark. Strauss picks up the ball and tries to take him on. Gets caught holding the ball and costs us a goal. That's certainly not the only time he did something poor. In a win, most players are going to do something you like, but for me, James Strauss is not a defender and should be put in another position.
The Good
Nicholson and Howe's debuts
Stefan Martin's single-handed demolition of the Essendon triple ruck threat
Brad Green's return to form and (not coincidentally) the forward-line
Jared Rivers record-breaking number of back-line marks
Lots more
The Bad
James Strauss. I seem to be one out here, but I can count the number of good things he did on one hand. Almost always lost his one-on-ones (the Jetta debacle springs to mind) and kicked it out on the full at least two or three times
The mini Essendon comeback in the final quarter
The Ugly
Max Gawn's kicking for goal
Liam "cherry-picker" Jurrah's first-half avoidance of the hard ball
In my opinion, Jeremy Howe and that Nicholson kid were two of the biggest positives to come out of this game. Two first gamers who were not overawed by the situation and were able to display good footskills and a real willingness to do the "team things," as they say.
The ball moves pretty quickly when it's being hit on the pointy bit by a clenched fist. Players who can get into position to perform such an action should be used in that manner. Basketballers-cum-ruckmen , red-headed wingmen with poor turning circles and Nathan Jones can all do that with great efficiency, despite their wonky kicking.As long as they stick to their roles, they can have a place in almost any team. IMO, of course.
I remember him playing on from a point kick-in and making it about two metres before getting caught - against North Melbourne of all teams. Not disappointed to be rid of him.