08-17-2015, 06:37 AM
My view is that we have not had the ability to set or maintain a structure or 'shape' on the field. The best teams are able to maintain a shape, or a distribution of players across the field that supports their style of play and their strengths. Hawthorn do it very well, and they have very flexible players. They mostly attack via their flanks and retain the option of centering the ball deep when their ruckman are forward. This has become more the case since franklin left.
Dockers too, maintain a shape that allows runners to get out the back and attack. They tend to be more perfectionist in that they wait a little more for the right option. May explain why they dont tend to kick massive scores, but are good at keeping the opposition down. West coast's defence has been outstanding this year and characterises shape and structure over individuals. Losing their CHB pre season has not seemingly affected them much.
Looking at this season and previous ones, we seem to lack much ability to maintain shape on the field. Players have a limited ability to run to the right places in relation to everyone else so look confused. Backlines that do this are easier to penetrate. Henderson down back can act as the floating backman, but without a bit more structure we leak goals. A midfield that does not defend so well makes the problem worse. A team that can keep structure under pressure can better retain possession in defence.
If there is a major factor in this it is average coaching and/or players that are not learning.
Dockers too, maintain a shape that allows runners to get out the back and attack. They tend to be more perfectionist in that they wait a little more for the right option. May explain why they dont tend to kick massive scores, but are good at keeping the opposition down. West coast's defence has been outstanding this year and characterises shape and structure over individuals. Losing their CHB pre season has not seemingly affected them much.
Looking at this season and previous ones, we seem to lack much ability to maintain shape on the field. Players have a limited ability to run to the right places in relation to everyone else so look confused. Backlines that do this are easier to penetrate. Henderson down back can act as the floating backman, but without a bit more structure we leak goals. A midfield that does not defend so well makes the problem worse. A team that can keep structure under pressure can better retain possession in defence.
If there is a major factor in this it is average coaching and/or players that are not learning.