I want Nick Martin in the side.
Def in my best 22
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I think Martin for Smith.
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If his engine is good enough.
You just have to pick good form. If he can run out a whole game then drop him in the side. Wing maybe?
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Just like what I assume weâre doing with Wanganeen but I wouldnât mind this guy doing a training block to support our deep forward line rather than just take a normal approach and be a utility just waiting for his chance. I think thereâs some depth to fill a wing or flank role.
We desperately need some support at ground close to goal.
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Agree with that - I think he plays ahead of Dev.
I think a lot of us would have Martin in the side.
Dev and Guelfi are the two I would highlight as guys he could replace right now.
Martin appears to have an ability to play anywhere but would be good across flanks & wings and is naturally already a good proven forward in the WAFL kicking almost 1.5 goals a game.
I would prefer Guelfi remained in the side as a play anywhere guy.
Dev has lost a bit of speed & hunger due to injuries, has the occasional brain fade, gives away a few too many 50âs and can make his fair number of stupid decisions including shots on goal when he could pass to others in better spots.
I hear Dys say he is having a great pre season but I havenât seen it in the intraclub, the saints or dogs matches. I doubt his capacity to return to the old Dev that played a great first season when he arrived.
Dev is small & a reasonably good tackler, but he isnât lightening quick and doesnât provide the pressure I expect of a small forward.
AFL coaches seem obsessed with having a small forward. But I donât think you absolutely must have one to be successful. Guys like Perkins and Parish are well equiped to play this role on occasions, they bring the pressure all the time. They are great tacklers, posses great skills and ball winning abilities plus can rove very well to a high ball and hit a contest off the pack gather the ball and snap goals. They might not be specialist goal sneaks, but neither is Smith.
I would argue that we could have a resting mid across the forward flanks or pockets like these guys, and have Martin in the side instead of Dev. This way we would lose not much but gain more intelligence, better skills and genuine goal kicking ability.
Martin has kicked goals in almost every game he has played for us, irrespective of where he plays or how much he plays. He is efficient with the ball and has more flexibility than Dev.
Yep Martin over Dev. Sorry Dev.
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I cannot see them dropping an experienced player like Smith.
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Yep you are probably right Foxyjim.
But to win a flag we need a healthy risk appetite to find the growth in that lower and middle group of players. The top players will hopefully grow also, or at least hold their positions.
Regretfully though although Dev is experienced he is not a top player and lacks growth. He has gone well backwards since his first Stella year.
To win a flag you need to be more ruthless and this means cutting players that just donât perform consistently enough. Otherwise we are likely willing to accept mediocrity and remain there in a holding pattern.
I would give Dev a block of 5 games to prove himself, show growth and consistency- always providing pressure and tackling and supporting the team by doing the team thing always. If he doesnât perform or his body isnât up to it, he should go.
I donât fancy keeping him on the last past 22.
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The effort is there with Dev, not sure how he can become better player than what he is putting out already.
Although a bit light I reakon heâs one preseason off having one of the best physiques and physical attributes at the club. Great size and mobility, speedier version of Langford.
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Melbourne played a couple of absolute no names ahead of some seasoned veterans last year and won the flag so itâs not without strong precedent.
Bowey Spargo, Sparrow ahead of Melksham and Jones etc.
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Looks like this kid doesnât get a gig in round 1.
Pretty tough call I think. Hasnât done a lot wrong and exactly the kind of player we need.
Hopefully not too long before he slots in.
Maybe right but not necessarily.
Baldwin was basically a lock given the state of our talls so they could announce that without any stress.
Perhaps the last few spots, which Martin would be in the frame for, they still needed to debate as a match committee.
Or they are just gonna drip feed the good news and release a debut announcement video tomorrow for Martin.
Would they have all that carry on if he was the sub? Cos thatâs a possibility too.
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I would have Martin in line for the sub role, if he doesnât get in the first 22, he has shown he can come in and play a decent half in both afl games.
Feels like we are gonna pick Dev and Guelfi ahead of him round 1.
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And Ham.
Sub or not still same excitement for the kid
I still think heâs a chance. Maybe they just giving Baldwin his moment.
And Martin if he is in tomorrow or post main training which would be Thurs I think for a Sat game.
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One day it was Baldwinâs day. Maybe the next, itâs Martinâs day. Would also be an exciting inclusion if the coaches feel heâs ready.
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Not surprised at him likely having to commence in the VFL. Round 1 team should be made of seasoned players who have been in the system since Truck and the coaching team took over. One debutant in Baldwin is enough for round 1 in my opinion.
Wonder if the Stringer news means Nick is currently ringing home with a camera looking on?
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