What do you think we would have achieved by making a very early decision on Hooker in the 2021 season (ie.deciding not to play him because he wasn’t part of the planning post '21) ?
I get the gist of your general messaging, though I can’t read all posts on Blitz, naturally.
I think this is bad logic, TBH.
He’s never been quick, but he was just quick enough that (when allied to his strength) guys couldn’t get around him.
and now guys can literally go the long way around, and get a good spoil in.
Even if he does get a push off and lead, the average defender still catches up to him.
He’s adjusted his role - he’s not just trying to mark now, just hitting the contest and aiming to take a defender or two with him. Which is… fine, and good on him for doing so, but he’s not exactly irreplaceable. And he knows it, hence the frustrations when he does get a rare opportunity to get a cheapie.
And he’s a complete liability defensively. Which is arguably the bigger problem.
If we’re only going to play Hooker for 8-10 games next year, why exactly are we keeping him on? In my view winning games should not be the focus of 2022, so having him available to try and win 10 games or so doesn’t really help. If he’s playing less than 10 games he’s not really ‘protecting the youth’. If he’s not the future (which he clearly isn’t) then it doesn’t help develop towards the alternative. He’d be taking the spot of someone younger.
Is there any reason for him to stay on if we only expect/plan 8-10 games beyond the fans feel good factor?
good to see your finally paying attention!
I do wonder how much his drop-off was because Wright is back in the forward line (as opposed to full-time ruck or injured) and Jones had improved. May not be coincidence that his best game statistically for 5 rounds was when Jones didn’t play.
Oh, and @Speedy_Gonzales, why do you keep mentioning McKay? Tarrant is the Kangaroos best defender and he was on Wright. Similarly with Adelaide, I’m not sure who was on who but they kept trying to double team Wright, less so Hooker.
Well to be honest if I had it my way I would have a big farewell game for Hooksy and Zaharakis in the last round of this year.
Reading a lot of peoples response here that want him to play on I was trying to find middle ground on what to do. There’s no way he could do another full season.
Next year I would like to see Stewart played back FF and Reid gets a full season as our KPD. Or if they persist with Stewart (who I think is developing well) then push Wright to FF. Not sure what tricks Dodoro has on for the off-season either.
Oh dear. We might as well pack up the Essendon FC right now. No point in turning up next year.
My preference is on winning premierships, not games.
Never seen a club win a premiership without first winning games.
This debtate could be bigger than DKP v Cameron Clayton
No debate. Just friendly banter.
Ben McKay is the number 1 seed back there nowadays. He’s been getting the big jobs for a fair while now. Tarrant’s body is pretty beaten up at this stage of his career. Still a solid player.
Have a look at Hawthorn 2004. Franklin & Roughead, and building blocks for their next premiership.
I’m not sure if North fans would agree with that.
He’ll be lucky to be sub once they replay that Ham mark a few times.
How much has the current up-beat mood of the team based on our win/loss and performance this year effected our re-signings do you think?
9-12%
Never mind all this guff about taking the best defender. (Anyway, DOES he, still ?)
A full forward’s job is to kick goals. When was Cale’s last 5-goal haul ?
Have you included the flow-on effect and positive chaos theory amplitude?
I think only a little bit. I think its more about what we’re doing and how the coaches are going about it.