didnt someone say he was sore?
If we only require 2 KPD who would you drop out of Hurley/Hooker/Ambrose?
You are too focused on Ambrose, not enough on what his opponents do, or in this case don’t do, which is pretty much nothing. He has been brilliant this season, from day one. He isn’t a midfielder, his job is not to rack up possessions, it is to stop the opposition from scoring, and that is precisely what he does.
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Ambrose isn’t going anywhere, first name on the board this year. Been brilliant
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Claims our defence is good look like they are spot on.
It may well be known as the Rutten Effect.
In December 2018 we were rated 4th best defence. The GWS game spoiled that.
1. RICHMOND
2. WEST COAST
3. MELBOURNE
4. ESSENDON
Now that Cale Hooker has settled down back, his partnership with fellow All Australian Michael Hurley is what ranks the Bombers so high. Much of the scoring conceded in 2018 (ranked 11th) came from a lack of midfield pressure and the arrival of assistant Ben Rutten is said to be doing wonders to the Bombers’ defensive outlook this pre-season. Aaron Francis’ end to 2018 has those at Tullamarine excited, providing the perfect option as a third tall in defence to complement Hurley and Hooker. Martin Gleeson’s return from injury will be important to ensure Conor McKenna and Adam Saad can provide attacking flair.
B: Conor McKenna, Michael Hurley, Martin Gleeson
HB: Aaron Francis, Cale Hooker, Adam Saad
C: David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell, Andrew McGrath
HF: Orazio Fantasia, Shaun McKernan, Devon Smith
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Jake Stringer
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Zach Merrett, Dylan Shiel
I/C: Darcy Parish, Kyle Langford, David Myers, Patrick Ambrose
Now heres the order: In terms of points conceded.
- Geelong 751
- Freo 755
3 GWS 777
4 Adelaide 801
5 Collingwood 809
6 Essendon 818
If the GWS loss ( an outlier) was changed to our average points against (71) for the other games, we would be 3rd best defence. But the GWS blowout caught the whole side unprepared.
The forward line has basically been ■■■■■
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If we only require 2, we will still play 3. None of them will be dropped in current form.
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Also misquoting the wrong person.
Edited quote.
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Was @NimbusWeb
A bit of a slap in the face for the senior guys. Junior guys probably sick of being overlooked for perennial under performers.
That’s an interesting take…
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The main problem in the forward half is “forward half turnovers” the defence is doing really well and the mids are getting back to help out. But the moment the ball gets past the middle we are turning it over too much. Mostly its the last kick inside 50 thats the problem. Our best pressure player down there is Tippa. Smith is out, Fanta draws players away from Tippa, and gives him more room to do his magic, while Fanta himself is a champ when he gets on the park. We need another x factor player down there if Fanta is out. That, is a kid called Mosquito.
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Maybe swap these two.
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This is essentially an elimination final. Loser will not play finals. It’s a real test for our group, as we continually fall over when it counts the most.
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So lucky we get them without big boy in, could be the difference, would’ve thought we’d bring Clarke in if he were, belly would’ve been utterly destroyed.
Ambrose cannot be dropped
Francis was involved in many scoring assists against Carlton. He is our future and will come good. Can’t leave at the end of the year.
We all want to beat the Hawks but we’re not gonna win the flag this year so keep playing our future.
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In terms of forwards Hawthorn usually plays Lewis, the 6’5” one, as well as Gunston and often the resting ruck if Clarkson senses a mismatch.
Which he’d certainly do if we went in with only two tall backs.
So no reason at all to change the Ambrose Hooker Hurley trifecta - rely on Hurley to play small as well if required, which is no big deal.
On the other hand there’s not really a spot for Ridley - unlike the week after when the Weagles forward height makes for an interesting choice between him and Francis possibly.
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Mitch Lewis is another tall forward for Hawthorn. Probably to be picked up by Hurley.
Probably ignored because Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis weren’t particularly tall.
Gunston likes to run his opponent off their feet good luck doing that to Paddy, I hope Paddy destroys the prick.
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Lol potential to drop Ambrose? There’s a running machine by the name of Gunston who gets off the chain due to his running power and people want to drop our best runner and best lock down defender. There’s no better match up for their best forward other than Ambrose.
Stop sniffing glue people
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I thought we were on for half a moment in that game when Jamar went ape and kicked a goal and they didn’t have a picture of him for the big screen.
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