AFL Finals 2024 Carlton vs Brisbane in Brisbane

[kruddler]

Forget about the statistics.  It's about being able to play the position and fulfil the role.  Cincotta is primarily a defender who has shown that he can carry out a run with role on opposition mids or playmakers.  As often happens with those roles, his opponents are intent on getting away form him and don't defend.  He has been opportunistic enough to punish them on the score board in five games this season.

Cincotta doesn't have the the small forward's skill set and he doesn't apply forward pressure, put blocks on for our leading forwards or crumb the ball when it comes to the ground as well as they do.  He also doesn't have the ability to provide the continuous link up between our forwards and defenders that is Fantasia's role.  Zac Williams has the defensive half forward role that Cincotta held down for a couple of games and he has proved to be more effective, and more versatile.

Unless there's a run with role or a vacant spot for a medium defender, Cincotta misses out.

We have 4 small forwards picked. Williams, motlop, durdin and fantasia. We don't need all 4.

Cincotta doesn't have to play as a small forward. His output matches a small.forward though.

Play Elijah there if you want. Whoever.
Our small forwards don't do the things small forwards are supposed to do like youve listed there, this is the problem to begin with. We are carrying too many passengers there.

Why have we subbed in or out a small forward.
Why have we subbed in or out a small.foreard so often this year.
Are we done with the pressure they've been applying?
Are we done with the blocking and crumbing required? Etc
Is it because of injuries?
No, it's because they haven't been good enough for long enough and have gone missing largely. So they are NOT performing the role that they should.
Now we have 4.

This game is probably the best game for small forwards to play in all year. We have 2x 200cm Giants up forward who will either mark it or bring the ball to ground. If our smalls don't dominate this game, they never will.
Let's see.