Knowing when to back your team mates to win the ball and get out the back is a skill, as is knowing when you can have an impact at the contest.
We need players that can get out the back to score goals with our rebound counterattack style. Having Smith in combination with Raz and Tippa and potentially Green will be great.
As long as those players that like to get cheapies are prepared to work hard defensively as well and pressure and harass.
Geelong were prime exponents of knowing when to peel off and back your team mates.
Itâs funny how when your team does it and it leads to a goal itâs âwooohoo you beauty getting into space and getting a goalâ. But when the opposition does it, itâs âwhy the frig are they free and not picked up?â
The outcome makes a big difference.
I agree itâs about knowing when to do it and to do it properly. You kinda hope thatâs what they practice at training so everyone know what their role is. Though during games I do wonder what theyâve been doing a training as they seem stunned at times at what to do next.
Josh Greenâs efforts last year are a good example of a confused (or stuffed up) plan. He was out many times, and instead of honouring the plan, the ball was kicked to a marking contest - him against some defending giant. Same happened to Walla a few times. This was not Green/Walla fault.
Highlight videos donât tend to focus on a bloke gut running defensively to cover a man with nobody near him, or many defensive plays for that matter. Especially if the player in question has a flashy trick bag full of classy goals such as Dev.
Most tackles by a general forward since 2012
Player Matches Tackles⌠Tackles per game.
Luke Breust 144 583âŚ4.05
Jarryd Blair 119 582âŚ4.9
Paul Puopolo 128 570âŚ4.45
Matt de Boer 100 564âŚ5.64
Chris Mayne 117 539âŚ4.6
Devon Smith 109 505âŚ4.63
Cyril Rioli 102 483âŚ4.73
Jamie Cripps 115 478âŚ4.15
in orderâŚtackles per game
Matt de Boer 100 564âŚ5.64
Jarryd Blair 119 582âŚ4.9
Cyril Rioli 102 483âŚ4.73
Devon Smith 109 505âŚ4.63
Chris Mayne 117 539âŚ4.6
Paul Puopolo 128 570âŚ4.45
Jamie Cripps 115 478âŚ4.15
Luke Breust 144 583âŚ4.05
Dawks have 3 on that list. Forward defensive tackles are very valuable. (I just wanted to see at least two Hawthorn players in the bottom half) Smith needs to recruit one or two others to get up this list. Displacing a couple of the forward defenders with our players is very possible.
Rubbish, GWS came to use with a deal we couldnât say no to Pick 11 and next years third for Smith, 24 and next years second. Opened the door wide open to bring the other two in.
Nothing the Western Bulldogs were going to offer would bring the other two in as easily.
The old apology wave, beloved of forwards and drivers. Second in the hall of shame to the âIâll point out someone not picking up a man now Iâve sprayed an easy goalâ.
Smith needs to recruit one or two others to get up this list. Displacing a couple of the forward defenders with our players is very possible.