It’s a free twice over.
High contact with one arm, and holding the jumper with the other.
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If Ambrose can get fit, and string some games together - based on recent history this is a big if. He should be able to slot into that shut down defender role, which would allow Francis and Ridley to play their natural game more often.
The more Francis can attack the game the more dangerous we can be
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Exactly. Forwards will always get hold of defenders every now and then.
Even Fletch had big bags kicked on him - I remember Kent Kingsley in particular used to get hold of him time and time again.
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Get Ambrose in.
Zerk-Thatcher to Daniher
Ambrose (or Laverde) to Hipwood
Similar to 2018 when Hurley toweled him up, but Franklin got a goal after a forearm shove to the back of Hurls neck.
Ambrose will come in as a forward this year as a link to the mids/defenders the role that Jones can’t play ATM, Jones should play full forward and Hooker beside him to take the heat off him. Ambrose does all the battering and becomes the target for down the line/kick ins etc.
One thing that is still bugging me about Francis.
He’s taken 1 contested mark all year. (Ridley has 8, for comparison.)
Obviously he’s playing more defensive, and going for more spoils than marks, but he is still getting two clean hands to a few, and spilling them.
Any slight body contact and he’ll spill it.
He really needs to get those clunking hands back to really start having an impact.
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Probably a discussion for the week 5 changes thread - but depending on how Reid goes tonight I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in the mix to take on Hipwood. Him being emergency for last night says the club wants to get games into him sooner rather than later. Frang can go beat up on Joe.
pfffft…what rubbish!
You are talking about BUDDY here mate - the LEGEND the TERRORISER
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I know Reid was a (non-travelling) emergency but to be honest, I don’t think he’s going to be in the frame for AFL level footy for a bit just yet having seen him in the VFL practice matches.
That is absolutely no slight on him either, you see moments at that level where he looks like he has the raw materials of a very exciting tall defender, especially his ball use. It’s just that I think he’s a long term prospect and he’s best served playing VFL this year and learning the systems, gaining confidence in himself after a year out of the game and putting on some size.
Playing as a key defender on a direct opponent and being exposed in battles of strength where if you lose it directly leads to goals is a more difficult and daunting role than say what Cox and Perkins are currently playing where they have a degree of freedom and latitude.
They may give him a game towards the tail end of the season to give him a taste of it but I suspect he’ll benefit greatly from another full pre-season.
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This exactly. The umpiring last night, and let’s be honest, in general, is an embarrassment.
Francis did a pretty good job last night, I thought. He’s building nicely.
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I agree mate and I haven’t seen him at VFL level so can’t comment on his progress so far.
However, Truck has shown a willingness to back in players, particularly his defenders, when us as fans think they may be a while off it/suited to better positions etc.
Not saying I’d be picking Reid, but even having him
named emergency would indicate to me that he might be closer than we think.
since round 1, he has been very very good.
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Has definitely shown more than I expected.
Was worried he was done, but to his (and the coaches) credit, he’s starting to turn things around.
Hope he continues to build confidence.
Lav has gone past ambrose down back. Locks down and is composed with the ball under pressure and has a good field kick and quick hands in traffic to release the outside mid or flanker.
I assume this is why ambrose has been training up forward as it probably better suits his style and large tank.
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Rutten said before the game all 3 defenders would play on Buddy, so I reckon if whoever starts on the snake is being beaten he’ll change it up.
Thought he was about as good as we could have hoped for on Buddy.
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Ambrose has the tank that none of our guys down back do.
But sending him forward probably says more about the depth of key backs we have, which is arguably 1 too many even without Ambrose.
just got a shiver down my spine
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I’d play Francis HBF against the lions and send BZT to Daniher and tell him to bash him all game.
BZT’s our scrawniest back!!
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