08-24-2020, 12:19 AM
I have been in favour of playing two ruckmen but, as I said in the pre-game thread, I was concerned about going into the game with De Koning, Pittonet, Casboult and McKay. My concerns were baseless and all four made solid contributions. However, there are some issues.
Witts is an imposing figure and won the hitouts (and hitouts to advantage). His contribution around the ground was negligible and he didn’t take a mark. Pittonet was very competitive in the ruck contests but had minimal impact around the ground. De Koning was beaten in ruck contests but was influential around the ground and as a high forward. Casboult was used in the ruck more than I expected but wasn’t a success, apart from his marking.
Interestingly, Pittonet spent a third of the game on the bench and De Koning was rested for 25% of the game. De Koning spent time as a forward when not in the ruck but Pittonet went from ruck to the bench. Casboult gave De Koning a spell when Pittonet was off the ground.
I don’t know if that will be the model for future games but can we afford to have two players spending 25% and 33% of the game on the bench? It probably isn’t a major factor with shortened quarters but would having two players on the bench for long periods upset our rotations and the ability of our midfielders to remain competitive?
Witts is an imposing figure and won the hitouts (and hitouts to advantage). His contribution around the ground was negligible and he didn’t take a mark. Pittonet was very competitive in the ruck contests but had minimal impact around the ground. De Koning was beaten in ruck contests but was influential around the ground and as a high forward. Casboult was used in the ruck more than I expected but wasn’t a success, apart from his marking.
Interestingly, Pittonet spent a third of the game on the bench and De Koning was rested for 25% of the game. De Koning spent time as a forward when not in the ruck but Pittonet went from ruck to the bench. Casboult gave De Koning a spell when Pittonet was off the ground.
I don’t know if that will be the model for future games but can we afford to have two players spending 25% and 33% of the game on the bench? It probably isn’t a major factor with shortened quarters but would having two players on the bench for long periods upset our rotations and the ability of our midfielders to remain competitive?
“Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?” Oddball