Yeah but it doesn’t really mean anything. They have Rankine at FF despite him playing his highest rated games in the midfield, and Holmes at HB despite his success this year coming from a move to the wing/mid. Also Naughton who hasn’t played for like 4 weeks?
They’re just taking the highest rated players and making them fit onto a field
Congratulations Zach, what a consistently great player you are. Looking to have gotten even better as you age and taken on the responsibility of captaincy. You are an inspiration to all.
(I’m sure he won’t read Blitz, but what the hell)
With the outstanding season Merrett is having, baring injury, it’s difficult to see anyone else being consistently good enough to take the Crichton off him this year. Gaining him his fifth Crichton.
Five B&F’s draws him level with Hird* and at age 28 and 8 months, is young enough, and certainly good enough, to perhaps add a few more.
Dicky Reynolds and Bill Hutchinson are the pack leaders with 7 B&F’s each… Ya probably know this already.
*Hird most likely would have won more B&F’s, however his career was cruelled by injuries… Again, something ya should already know.
One of his worst games.
Too much handballing. And lost his composure in the third (I kind of get it).
Over use of handball by he and others stifled our ability to capitalise on momentum, particularly in the second term.
Carries the team on his back and when he doesn’t we lose by 40 points
Doesn’t get called out enough but lately he’s efforts have been really poor.
At the start of the year he was laying bone crunching tackles and chasing players down now he’s throwing a hand out at opposition players in token efforts.
What happened to his first half of the season form?
He’s dropped right off. Not good enough for a captain. The fact that we love him shouldn’t mean he avoids the heat he deserves.
Had probably the worst 10 minutes of his career either side of half time. 3 unforced errors for 3 cats goals.
He’ll know, and he’ll be filthy on himself
If there’s anyone I’d back to respond next week it’s him
Moving on
He is getting tagged every week. Simple as that. The tag is massively back in vogue and Merrett is just about the number 1 target for tagging in the comp due to (a) our reliance on him and (b) he is not as effective as dragging his opponent forward (ala Bont, Heeney etc).
He’s got so many credits in the bank at this point, he could put together an awful 10 weeks, and I’d still just go “ehh, I guess everyone eventually hits a down patch”.
It appears Zac is spooked by Geelong last couple of years.
Its no wonder we didnt stand a chance last night when your leader is doubting.
It’s a factor, sure. In the same breath, it’s also a cop out. Harsh, but we hold the captain to a higher standard and right now he’s a captain that isn’t currently delivering.
Yep.
Might be because he is copping the tag each week but its been a few weeks in a row where I have seen some poor efforts from him.
Last night he was a literal momentum killer a few times when we were out going forward.
He is a champion, and will be fine but last few weeks down on his usual self.
He lost his composure a few times last night for sure. Cant blame him with the shithouse umpiring. Its hard to shake a tag when your team-mates are ■■■■ weak in supporting you.
That being said Zach had a few efforts which were hardly inspirational last night.
Hes a champion and will bounce back.
Worst game for some time
Tag or no tag he’s efforts weren’t there last night or for a few weeks and the rot starts at the head.
If the players see him half arsing it then they will do the same
Lately he’s been copping a heavy tag. Its up to him and his teammates to work through dealing with a tag.
Iam not disputing the tag at all but the tag doesn’t stop effort
I don’t think you’ll find many ‘friends’ who don’t think Merrett is putting in sufficient effort. He’s carrying the club almost.
Merrett will be better supported when Parish gets back. It forces the opposition to choose which one to tag / run with.
With our current setup, Merrett is the obvious choice.