Hocking out for another 5-6 I think.
Damn
Looking at the Melk in the lead up to the return of Heath Hocking, my impression has been that as a tagger he is not as effective as Hocking. But Melk has obviously been mostly playing as a midfielder in his own right, and in some respects has been doing an OK job.
Take for instance the fact that Melk leads the club in inside 50s, with 41 so far. I have some reservation about the quality of these I50s. If he would learn to target these better it would make him extremely effective.
He seems to be rating about 6th 7th or 8th among midfielders on most stats. But I expect him to come under bit of pressure when Heath Hocking returns
Hocking not mentioned in the last two Dr reports, anyone know what his training status is?
Still reckon Hocking is our best tagger (easily).
However, Melks has a good job in his absence. Completely nullified Beams by getting physical or not allowing him any space.
Neither Melksham or Hocking can lock down on the games best but it’s not as important in today’s footy as it used to be.
Neither Melksham or Hocking can lock down on the games best but it's not as important in today's footy as it used to be.
Agree, it seems the lock down type defender is on the wane. As was noticed by Freo losing Crowley… it actually frees up an extra midfield spot for a guy that can win his own ball and help your team.
I think the days of true stoppers only are limited especially as most of the big stars learn to battle through the tag, and good teams learn to block and work against the tagger too.
Hocking may still be in front but I’m not sure it is black and white.
Melk’s value is his attacking play. his ability to limit an opponent is a bonus that he is developing nicely.
Hocking’s value is his body work freeing up our other clearance players. Tagging is a second string to the bow that he had to focus on for a couple of years but he’s moved back into being more of a clearance shepherding specialist instead of a guy who ignores the ball and only has eyes for his opponent. He might get asked to do it occasionally but I think the coaches value his ability to throw his body in the way of Jobe’s opponent than his ability to nullify his own opponent.
Melk's value is his attacking play. his ability to limit an opponent is a bonus that he is developing nicely.Hocking’s value is his body work freeing up our other clearance players. Tagging is a second string to the bow that he had to focus on for a couple of years but he’s moved back into being more of a clearance shepherding specialist instead of a guy who ignores the ball and only has eyes for his opponent. He might get asked to do it occasionally but I think the coaches value his ability to throw his body in the way of Jobe’s opponent than his ability to nullify his own opponent.
Exactly.
I would like to see Melksham moved away from tagging actually. I think he has a lot to offer as an attacking mid. As much as Zaka, easily. Who would take the tag mantle, I do not know.
I thought Melksham was exceptional on Beams on Sunday and I think he gives us something in attack as well (he’s a high risk/high reward player in that regard, his passes either come off spectacularly or fail similarly). I think this is a great little learning period for him which might help him to be a better midfielder overall with a strong defensive side.
The only thing I didn’t like on the weekend was that 50/50 ball on the half back line where he didn’t know whether to run at the ball or stay with Beams, and the dirty kick coming off the wing. Otherwise his game was top notch.
Hocking is soooo far ahead in the defensive midfielder / tagger role, that this thread is laughable.
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Hocking is a better defensive mid.
Melksham should continue his job as the number one stopper.
Unleash hocking to be a more offensive play maker which he is highly underrated as!
Hocking is one of the best taggers in the comp. he is by far our best option.
Melk has always had an issue of disappearing for large chunks of a game, at some points it was large chunks of a season.
Having an important responsibility like this has been good for keeping him constantly involved in the game, and more importantly, constantly in the centre square where he belongs.
Hocking is easily a better shutdown player, but Hocking isn’t there atm, and still won’t be for a while yet. And even when he does, he’s coming from a long way back.
This is gonna be Melk’s gig for the majority of this year imo.
Melk has always had an issue of disappearing for large chunks of a game, at some points it was large chunks of a season.Having an important responsibility like this has been good for keeping him constantly involved in the game, and more importantly, constantly in the centre square where he belongs.
Hocking is easily a better shutdown player, but Hocking isn’t there atm, and still won’t be for a while yet. And even when he does, he’s coming from a long way back.
This is gonna be Melk’s gig for the majority of this year imo.
definitely. good point.
people should take note because Melk and the coaches were copping a lot of ■■■■ for melk’s form as he struggled with a run with role for the first half of last year.
necessary pain for a couple of months last year means Melk is now playing his best season yet as he’s rounded out his game and keeps himself more in the play.
Not Melksham.
jaaake melshkam