06-04-2015, 03:51 AM
(06-04-2015, 12:45 AM)crashlander link Wrote:Docherty made an impression last year, after a slowish start. However, he didn't look to be elite because he made some very bad errors in close games: he didn't handle the occasion well. The difference this year is twofold:
[1] Increase in poise under pressure.
[2] Consistency
This year he has often been the last man in the chain and done something relatively good under pressure. This year he has not kicked the ball on the full under pressure or not. This year he has had a mention in the votes almost every week. This year his defensive skills and ability to intercept the ball in the air have been on show.
He has stepped up.
I still think he can produce better, but he is one of the few who really appear to care this season. He has been a particularly good pickup. If Brisbane have any more of his type, they will be gratefully accepted.
Many of Doc's issues last year came in big pressure moments in games. After a few of tbem, it looked like his confidence was rocked. He's definitely come through it now but sadly, there have been few times when scoreboard pressure has been involved this year so hopefully he continues to stand up when it does.