Gee Hartley has gone from chocolates to boiled lollies around here. Cant say I ever thought he was the new Matt Scarlett but he was ok at getting a fist in (didnt he lead the AFL in some kind of stat on this at one stage?)
What was the moment when he became garbage in everyones eyes? Did he get a few bags kicked on him? Buddy did I think?
We might be going a bit hard on him. I thought he was still serviceable?
Itâs not the Hartley thread but, no it wasnât about someone having a good game on him and we all suddenly thought he was rubbish.
He pretty much got worse with every game last year.
Grabbed a handful of jumper at every contest and was really lucky he didnât get pinged for it more.
Itâs a shame because he was amazing in '16.
I personally donât reckon Hartley has been the same since he got his face caved in two weeks in a row, at the end of 2016.
I reckon that (understandably) shook his confidence.
He used to attack the ball in the air more, now he spends too much time trying to scrag and wrestle with opponents, which leads to free kicks.
Hartley has substantially more upside than Ambrose imo, but whether or not he ever fully realises that, is anybodyâs guess.
Big year for both of them.
I reckon the thing that affects Hartleyâs confidence the most is having a secure spot in the team. In 2016 he was basically guaranteed a game every week. In 2017 he played his best footy when Ambrose was out injured and he knew he had a spot for an extended period. Once Ambrose got close to coming back, he dropped off
Hartleyâs problem is his development stalled.
Although he underperformed in 2017 he was still effectively the same player he was in 2016. It was when he was asked to expand his game that the cracks started to appear.
We cant afford to carry to many one dimensional players in the backline so for him to retain his spot heâs going to need to keep developing his game.
Heâs in that game and age range where we should see significant improvement so now it is up to Hartley.
The playing from behind and backing in the punch heâs relied on gets found out when opposition midfield allowed to stream forward and hit up leading targets. Which our poor pressuring midfield has allowed too often.
In saying that means he has to stop playing from behind, and at the very least play shoulder to shoulder & pre-empt where ball will be going but preferably in front.
Like Ambrose I just donât think he reads the play quickly enough to do so and gets done over by his opponent.
Even though Brown is no where as physically big as Hartley I get the feeling they will go to him more often so long as he fit enough to do so. He is a very smart player & provides far more attacking drive / intercepting. Plus can be switched with Hooker in game if needed.
I liked Browns for last year before he got injured.
Heâs far more proactive as a defender which I think Woosha will like.
Definitely reads play better than Hartley or Ambrose and is also very mobile.
Hasnât lived up to my expectations. 0 Brownlows.
Decent chance for a Liston, though.
I honestly cant really remember much of 2016 now but yes he was ok.
Maybe it is just confidence as Peos and Aboods say . The guy has the frame and tools so I hope he can rediscover some confidence.and mojo.
I dont think that will happen.
But maybe the coaches will take a horses for course approach.
Play Hartley on the monster Power forwards, and Ambrose on the gazelle running endurance based tall forwards. If there is not a suitable matchup leave them in the VFL.
Personally I blame Carlisle for this predicament.
Canât help but think how different it might be if Hooker was the first key defender we tried up forward instead of the last. Ah well.
Hahaha⌠as if Hooker will be the last.
Broken scaphoid⌠bone under the thumb.
Out for 2-4 weeks.
WTF is happening down there?
Theyâre playing a contact sport.
Hooker has to play back nowâŚwe need a tight defense against Adelaide.
Hooker back.
Stringer CHF. Do It.
The swear jar is getting quite full.