10-08-2021, 03:06 AM
(10-08-2021, 02:52 AM)LP link Wrote:If you already have Cripps, Walsh, Cerra and perhaps even Hewett in the grunt midfield mix rotations, you need complimentary pace in there. Starting with too many slows in the mid at once dooms you to losing momentum. So we need to find a way to keep some pace in their along side players like Cripps and Walsh.
Kennedy and Ed might be better as rotations with Cripps and Walsh, not in rotations with the running types that surround them.
How you then do that, off the bench or out of the FP or BP is up to the coaches to manage, but at least commit to being competitive or holding ground in all rotations so the momentum doesn't swing violently.
While I was all for Teague's game style, one of my big criticisms of his setup last year was that too often we ended up with all slows or all skinnies in the midfield. It can't happen, it makes it too easy for opponents to counter our tactics.
Some examples, Nic Nat or Blicavs ruck against De Koning, both are heavier and stronger than De Koning. We have Cripps, Walsh and Ed at ground level around De Koning. Nic Nat or Blicavs can win the ruck and still beat Cripps, Walsh and Ed to the footy over 10m!
The midfield will be rotated no doubt. But we have a LOT of slow midfielders. They will all need to be given time in there. I just hope Stocker is given plenty of time in the midfield.