He doesn’t have to be the one being creative with his kicks.
Beat his man. Help out the other defenders. Hand the ball off to those who can pull the trigger on the riskier kicks.
His confidence with ball in hand himself will only come with experience. Fact is he is still just finding his way in a new role.
But other players may go past him based on his lack of attacking prowess. Francis for example if he plays defence.
Does Ambrose have a disposal issue? I haven't really seen it.Sure, he isn’t taking the most attacking options, but I haven’t particularly noticed him coughing the ball up regularly.
His long kicks are usually high and floaty, however overall his disposal is unadventurous but generally ok
He was in Hirds best 22, Bombers best 22 and it seems he is/will be in in wordfolds best 22. Plays his role which is stop the oppositions best key forwards and if you look at his stats from last year he done that expectipally well. Who gives a ■■■■ if doesn’t attack from defence, we have Kelly, Hurley, McKenna, Goddard, Hartley, Gleeson, McGrath who can launch attacks from defence
How long did it take the MCG curators to find Hawthorns Brad Hill when we beat them R2 a few years back ?Tackle of the century from Paddy!
How long did it take the MCG curators to find Hawthorns Brad Hill when we beat them R2 a few years back ?Tackle of the century from Paddy!
Buried him so deep he resurfaced in Perth
He was in Hirds best 22, Bombers best 22 and it seems he is/will be in in wordfolds best 22. Plays his role which is stop the oppositions best key forwards and if you look at his stats from last year he done that expectipally well. Who gives a ■■■■ if doesn't attack from defence, we have Kelly, Hurley, McKenna, Goddard, Hartley, Gleeson, McGrath who can launch attacks from defenceHe played plenty of games under Hird and Bomber but he was also in and out of the team a bit during that time and often played because he was flexible and willing to play a role. It wasn't until last year that he found his niche and even then he has Hurley, Hartley, Brown and potentially Hooker to compete with for a spot. I like the guy, and would have him in ahead of Brown right now, but he's going to have to keep improving to become a first choice player week in, week out.
If you can be bothered reading the 2016 article below, you could gain an insight into the transition of both Talia and Adelaides backline from a lockdown based defence to an ( at least in part) intercepting defence. Given that last year we ran 2-3 lockdowns, because of the volume of incoming, we should be able to afford to set up a zone more often, and cut down the emphasis on lockdown. IMO it will go one of 2 ways, Ambrose will have to learn to zone off and intercept or just play lockdown and be replaced by a Brown or Ridley.
In the case of Talia, he was a career defender who transitioned from 100% lockdown to intercepting. Its part of the career path of a lot of defenders, like Fletch for instance, he became the prototype exponent of this form of defence.
Soon we will find out whether Harves and Dan Jordan are moving more to the intercepting defence model.
Talia changing with the times
Katrina Gill September 2, 2016 12:36 PM
“Footy has evolved since 2014 and I’ve kind of evolved with it,” Daniel Talia 2014
Adelaide defender Daniel Talia believes he’s a different player to the one that earned All Australian selection for the first time in 2014.
On Thursday night, Talia received his second All-Australian crown, named at centre half-back of the 2016 team. He was one of three Crows to earn the nod, with Eddie Betts earning back-to-back jackets, and first-timer Rory Sloane bestowed the honour of being named vice-captain.
Two seasons ago, Talia was recognised for being the premier lockdown defender in the competition.
The 24-year-old, who’s conceded an average of only 1.2 goals per game this year, is still among the most difficult players to beat one-on-one, but has added a greater offensive element.
Talia is averaging 16 possessions (up from 10.6 in 2015) and six marks (up from 3.7) this season.
He’s also ranked eighth in the AFL for intercept marks – a statistic the All Australian selectors took into strong consideration when choosing the backline, which features the top-two intercept marking players in the League, Jeremy McGovern of West Coast and Richmond’s Alex Rance.
Talia said the best defenders were expected to do more than just defend these days.
“Footy has evolved since 2014 and I’ve kind of evolved with it,” Talia said.
“I think I’ve become a bit more of a team player, looking after other guys, and because of that I’ve probably got a bit more of the ball myself.
“There have been some subtle changes in my game, mainly playing off my man a bit more and going for my marks. Being a bit less lockdown in general.”
The changes have been reflected across the Crows backline.
Under new coach Don Pyke, Adelaide is the third-best intercept marking team in the League and has scored more points from defensive 50m launches than any other side.
“It’s a big credit to (defensive coach) James Podsiadly and ‘Pykey’. They’ve brought in a different system and structure,” Talia said.
“You’ve probably seen all of our defenders’ stats and involvement in games have gone up. It’s something we coached all pre-season and have worked really hard on at training.
“I feel it’s helped me take my game to the next level, and a number of the other backs too.”
Another Crows defender in career-best form is Rory Laird.
Laird, 22, has been nominated but ultimately overlooked in the past two All Australian teams.
Talia expected his teammate to continue putting his name in front of selectors for years to come.
“Lairdy hasn’t even played 100 games yet, so he’s just going to get better and better,” Talia said.
“He’s really backed himself with his attacking side of the game. Along with Brodie Smith across that half-back line, he gives us heaps of drive.”
Adelaide’s current back seven has only one member, Kyle Cheney (27), over the age of 25.
Talia said the group was improving as a collective.
“Kyle Hartigan’s been amazing this year, with the way he’s come into the team and played consistent footy. He’s beaten his opponent regularly and sometimes played on the best forward all day and beaten them,” Talia said.
“Jake Lever in his second year, how good’s he been? He’s getting a lot of the ball and improves with each week. Then we’ve got guys like Luke Brown, Rory Laird and Brodie Smith who are young and continue to get better. Kyle Cheney has been a ripper this year as well.
“We’re a really close group in the back six or seven. I love playing alongside all those guys.”
The Adelaide backline’s next challenge is against the multi-pronged North Melbourne attack.
The Kangaroos could welcome back tall forward Jarrad Waite from injury for next week’s Elimination Final at Adelaide Oval. Talia said the Roos had plenty of match winners in their attacking half.
“They’ve got a lot of tall options and they float through different positions, so you’re never really manned up on the one player,” he said.
“They’re also pretty tough to out-mark, guys like Waite, Ben Brown and Drew Petrie compete really strongly. We’ve taken a lot of marks throughout the year in defensive 50, but we’re going to have to be on our game to do that and stop their tall forwards marking the ball.
“And then there’s the small forwards, like Brent Harvey and Lindsay Thomas, who get to the feet of those big guys.”
When Ambrose came out of contract last year, I was kind of surprised that he only got 1 year.
I suspect that we are getting incredible value, thanks to his loyalty, for what is a resilient player, a player who does whatever is asked of him.
Oh and I think his physical attributes make him very useful to a list that is sub-par in terms of running power/endurance. I am tired of watching us get run over late in matches, as we have in recent years.
I’ve never been a big fan of the kid at all. He’s a very limited footballer.
But, he does stopping very well. I’ve come around on him a bit.
I don’t see him as a long term option unless he can add some strings to his bow though.
He’s good at stopping but as a player he drops too many chest marks and fumbles too much for my liking. It might not be his player kicking the goals but no doubt there’ll be goals kicked against us due to this.
Could be good trade bait for a club short on defenders
I've never been a big fan of the kid at all. He's a very limited footballer.But, he does stopping very well. I’ve come around on him a bit.
I don’t see him as a long term option unless he can add some strings to his bow though.He’s good at stopping but as a player he drops too many chest marks and fumbles too much for my liking. It might not be his player kicking the goals but no doubt there’ll be goals kicked against us due to this.
Could be good trade bait for a club short on defenders
i agree, but I also think he will improve immensely over the season. Last year he basically got thrown back and told what to do. This year he got to train with the back ms through preseason, he will play with Hurley directing and improve each week.
If he can tighten his game to reduce the errors, add in some support on the offence his value could be immense. IMHO He is worth persisting with.
To appreciate having Ambrose as a defensive option, we need look no further back than the 2014 elimination final where we had to rely on Ariel Steinberg to curb the influence of Ben Brown.Being able to take a key tall out of the equation in a final can be the difference between winning and losing, and I don’t think Ambruise has a reputation for coughing the ball up or poor disposal, just not providing enough counter attack.
I can tell you now I would have settled for not enough counter attack on the 6th of September 2014 when we were 33 points up early in the 3rd quarter.
What a farking capitulation that was. Could have been one of the great nights at the footy.
He was in Hirds best 22, Bombers best 22 and it seems he is/will be in in wordfolds best 22. Plays his role which is stop the oppositions best key forwards and if you look at his stats from last year he done that expectipally well. Who gives a ■■■■ if doesn't attack from defence, we have Kelly, Hurley, McKenna, Goddard, Hartley, Gleeson, McGrath who can launch attacks from defenceHe played plenty of games under Hird and Bomber but he was also in and out of the team a bit during that time and often played because he was flexible and willing to play a role. It wasn't until last year that he found his niche and even then he has Hurley, Hartley, Brown and potentially Hooker to compete with for a spot. I like the guy, and would have him in ahead of Brown right now, but he's going to have to keep improving to become a first choice player week in, week out.
I think his only competition will be Brown and at the moment I feel the coaches rate him ahead of Brown.
Clearly Hurley is our main man back there and I think after last year Hartley will get a spot but I suspect He and Brown will battle it out for that last spot, but as it stands I think Hurley and Ambrose are our two starting KPD. Unless we have injuries or James Stewart is demanding Hookers spot by kicking bags in the VFL I doubt we’ll be seeing him back there
To appreciate having Ambrose as a defensive option, we need look no further back than the 2014 elimination final where we had to rely on Ariel Steinberg to curb the influence of Ben Brown.Being able to take a key tall out of the equation in a final can be the difference between winning and losing, and I don’t think Ambruise has a reputation for coughing the ball up or poor disposal, just not providing enough counter attack.
I can tell you now I would have settled for not enough counter attack on the 6th of September 2014 when we were 33 points up early in the 3rd quarter.
What a farking capitulation that was. Could have been one of the great nights at the footy.
I’m getting p1ssed off just thinking about it
To appreciate having Ambrose as a defensive option, we need look no further back than the 2014 elimination final where we had to rely on Ariel Steinberg to curb the influence of Ben Brown.Being able to take a key tall out of the equation in a final can be the difference between winning and losing, and I don’t think Ambruise has a reputation for coughing the ball up or poor disposal, just not providing enough counter attack.
I can tell you now I would have settled for not enough counter attack on the 6th of September 2014 when we were 33 points up early in the 3rd quarter.
What a farking capitulation that was. Could have been one of the great nights at the footy.
I’m getting p1ssed off just thinking about it
Fark you guys. There goes my night.
To appreciate having Ambrose as a defensive option, we need look no further back than the 2014 elimination final where we had to rely on Ariel Steinberg to curb the influence of Ben Brown.Being able to take a key tall out of the equation in a final can be the difference between winning and losing, and I don’t think Ambruise has a reputation for coughing the ball up or poor disposal, just not providing enough counter attack.
I can tell you now I would have settled for not enough counter attack on the 6th of September 2014 when we were 33 points up early in the 3rd quarter.
What a farking capitulation that was. Could have been one of the great nights at the footy.
I’m getting p1ssed off just thinking about it
Fark you guys. There goes my night.
It was Wannabe Jr’s second birthday, we had just cleared out the crowd at home to watch the game and then it turned to sh*t… fark…
He was in Hirds best 22, Bombers best 22 and it seems he is/will be in in wordfolds best 22. Plays his role which is stop the oppositions best key forwards and if you look at his stats from last year he done that expectipally well. Who gives a ■■■■ if doesn't attack from defence, we have Kelly, Hurley, McKenna, Goddard, Hartley, Gleeson, McGrath who can launch attacks from defenceHe played plenty of games under Hird and Bomber but he was also in and out of the team a bit during that time and often played because he was flexible and willing to play a role. It wasn't until last year that he found his niche and even then he has Hurley, Hartley, Brown and potentially Hooker to compete with for a spot. I like the guy, and would have him in ahead of Brown right now, but he's going to have to keep improving to become a first choice player week in, week out.I think his only competition will be Brown and at the moment I feel the coaches rate him ahead of Brown.
Clearly Hurley is our main man back there and I think after last year Hartley will get a spot but I suspect He and Brown will battle it out for that last spot, but as it stands I think Hurley and Ambrose are our two starting KPD. Unless we have injuries or James Stewart is demanding Hookers spot by kicking bags in the VFL I doubt we’ll be seeing him back there
In my opinion I think he is mainly competing with Dea, medium sized defender who needs to be able to play tall and/or small week to week
I would prefer Dea as he provides more rebound and is still very effective defensively even if he is not quite as “lock down”
He was in Hirds best 22, Bombers best 22 and it seems he is/will be in in wordfolds best 22. Plays his role which is stop the oppositions best key forwards and if you look at his stats from last year he done that expectipally well. Who gives a ■■■■ if doesn't attack from defence, we have Kelly, Hurley, McKenna, Goddard, Hartley, Gleeson, McGrath who can launch attacks from defenceHe played plenty of games under Hird and Bomber but he was also in and out of the team a bit during that time and often played because he was flexible and willing to play a role. It wasn't until last year that he found his niche and even then he has Hurley, Hartley, Brown and potentially Hooker to compete with for a spot. I like the guy, and would have him in ahead of Brown right now, but he's going to have to keep improving to become a first choice player week in, week out.I think his only competition will be Brown and at the moment I feel the coaches rate him ahead of Brown.
Clearly Hurley is our main man back there and I think after last year Hartley will get a spot but I suspect He and Brown will battle it out for that last spot, but as it stands I think Hurley and Ambrose are our two starting KPD. Unless we have injuries or James Stewart is demanding Hookers spot by kicking bags in the VFL I doubt we’ll be seeing him back thereIn my opinion I think he is mainly competing with Dea, medium sized defender who needs to be able to play tall and/or small week to week
I would prefer Dea as he provides more rebound and is still very effective defensively even if he is not quite as “lock down”
Some overlap in players they might play on. But generally Ambruise and Dea are alternatives who will depend on the attributes of the opposition.
Ambruise’s standout qualifies are negation, strength, endurance and that can manage to control even a ruck size player. I don’t see Dea playing on a Roughy, Riewoldt or even a Buddy. These type of players are most likely why Ambruise will get games, this frees up Hurley and can keep Hooker forward.
Brown and Francis are the players who he is competing with at the moment and they too all have different strengths, and potentially the other 2 might both play swapping forward and back, which adds more dimensions to the side.
But if you want to lock down a monster forward with mobility and endurance, then Ambruise is your man.
Wannabe Jr had no more disposals than McGrath that night.It was Wannabe Jr's second birthday, we had just cleared out the crowd at home to watch the game and then it turned to sh*t... fark...Fark you guys. There goes my night.What a farking capitulation that was. Could have been one of the great nights at the footy.I'm getting p1ssed off just thinking about it
Just saying.
The guy is both the fittest AND the strongest player in the club. He’s probably also the most aggressive. The upside if the coaches can improve his offensive game is pretty large. I think people underestimate what we have in this guy.
The guy is both the fittest AND the strongest player in the club. He's probably also the most aggressive. The upside if the coaches can improve his offensive game is pretty large. I think people underestimate what we have in this guy.McGrath or Wannabe Jnr?