Training Wednesday 22nd

[frosty]

Maybe we need Hocking and Bird, who are limited offensively and not great ball winners, and a bit slow, but they give us some defensive pressure when the opposition win the ball, and we might struggle for first possession at stoppages with Smack our first ruckman.

I reckon they don’t help much, as although they have a good defensive mindset, neither are quick, and it’s the “spread” from the stoppage and from the contest and the ground that I’m most worried about.

[conjunctivitus]

Uhh… Have you seen Essington?

As a forum we all mentally disintegrate as soon as we show any signs of inadequacy

[chris_64]

Thanks for the report - much appreciated!

I’m fascinated to see what set-up we go with in our backline for round one, especially re our talls. Hurley is obviously a lock but we’ve had different set ups for each of the JLT games.

Personally, I think that Hartley is our next best key defender and then it comes down to match-ups as to whether you go with Ambrose, Brown or perhaps even Dea to take that third tall.

Going by the JLT series, I think our defence looked best against GC with the Hurley/Hartley/Brown combo, although admittedly they didn’t have much opposition to worry about with Lynch not playing.

Either way, I’m really intrigued to see the makeup of our back six and how they go up against against one of the strongest forward lines in the comp.

I’d have thought Hartley is every bit as much a lock as Hurley. Question on who the 3rd tall will be. From DJR’s report of the VFL practice match, Dea has almost played himself out of contention so it a question of Ambrose or Brown. I’d say Ambrose for his genuine lock down capabilities, and his ability to go with Gunstan aerobically and in the air.

The problem with our defence this year is going to be intercept marking power. In our best defensive unit over the last 5 years all 6 defenders could and would zone off and mark when the opportunity arose. The only defenders who did this in 2016 were Dea, Baguley and Gleeson, while Ambrose and Hartley played 95% pure lockdown out of necessity in 2016.

I dont believe we can become a top side if we play even one defender as a pure lockdown, so Hartley and Ambrose will need to morph themselves and add attacking facets to their play.

Which brings me to the question of the running back. In the past, we used Hibbo and Dempsey and more recently Zac Merret and Tippa in this role. The obvious candidates now are McGrath and McKenna. Even Gleeson has obviously been asked to run forward during the JLT. Its going to be a shootout as to who is selected for that role, but McGrath probably will get the nod as soon as he is ready to play AFL level…

[Go_Team_2.0]

I’d say Ambrose for his genuine lock down capabilities, and his ability to go with Gunstan aerobically and in the air.

I reckon he’d be a good match up for Roughy - particularly as he’s been spending time through the midfield in the JLT.

[Milanista28]

Zach Merrett is the best 2 way running midfielder in the competition.

I’m 100% serious as well.

[conjunctivitus]

Right up there.

Hanneberry is very very good and who I would consider to be the best.

[Ants]

Thanks for the report - much appreciated!

I’m fascinated to see what set-up we go with in our backline for round one, especially re our talls. Hurley is obviously a lock but we’ve had different set ups for each of the JLT games.

Personally, I think that Hartley is our next best key defender and then it comes down to match-ups as to whether you go with Ambrose, Brown or perhaps even Dea to take that third tall.

Going by the JLT series, I think our defence looked best against GC with the Hurley/Hartley/Brown combo, although admittedly they didn’t have much opposition to worry about with Lynch not playing.

Either way, I’m really intrigued to see the makeup of our back six and how they go up against against one of the strongest forward lines in the comp.

I’d have thought Hartley is every bit as much a lock as Hurley. Question on who the 3rd tall will be. From DJR’s report of the VFL practice match, Dea has almost played himself out of contention so it a question of Ambrose or Brown. I’d say Ambrose for his genuine lock down capabilities, and his ability to go with Gunstan aerobically and in the air.

The problem with our defence this year is going to be intercept marking power. In our best defensive unit over the last 5 years all 6 defenders could and would zone off and mark when the opportunity arose. The only defenders who did this in 2016 were Dea, Baguley and Gleeson, while Ambrose and Hartley played 95% pure lockdown out of necessity in 2016.

I dont believe we can become a top side if we play even one defender as a pure lockdown, so Hartley and Ambrose will need to morph themselves and add attacking facets to their play.

Which brings me to the question of the running back. In the past, we used Hibbo and Dempsey and more recently Zac Merret and Tippa in this role. The obvious candidates now are McGrath and McKenna. Even Gleeson has obviously been asked to run forward during the JLT. Its going to be a shootout as to who is selected for that role, but McGrath probably will get the nod as soon as he is ready to play AFL level…

I agree intercept marking in D50 is a problem, but short of playing Hooker there (and I think he’ll be more valuable forward), there isn’t really an obvious candidate who can boost this. Maybe Brown, but he’s very inconsistent. I’d also question Bags and Dempsey’s credentials in this area.

I disagree vehemently that you can’t be a top team with lock down defenders. Zac Dawson played in 3 Grand Finals playing that role. Grundy and other Sydney players aren’t amazing rebounders. I really question this statement.

On the running back, when on earth did play Zerrett in the role? He’s always been HFF or midfield. I would like to see McKenna given more opportunity to play this role. Other candidates are Morgan and McNeice.

[pbomber]

Yeah Zerrett goes hard both ways, that’s why he’s our club champion.

[Dean_Solomon]

I think Zac Merrett is ok defensively

If you want to teach a young midfielder how to defend you tell them to watch Zach Merrett play… He is the ultimate role model for 2 way running mids…

[barnz]

Zach would by far have the biggest metres covered stats.

Shows up in the midfield, back pocket, forward pocket, wing, corridor.

EVERYWHERE.

one of the most perplexing sentiments? statements? i’ve seen on blitz.

[Houli_Dooli]

If i was doing a top EFC 10 like Mike sheahan top 50. ie prediction of who our best 10 players will be at years end it would be

1 Z Merrett He is the real deal. just hope he can build on last year.
2 Dyson Heppell - hoping he will rediscover his form from when he was a top mid of the comp.
3 Joe Daniher - His potential is huge hope he gets close to discovering it this year think 60+goals
4 Darcy Parish - his work rate and intensity is great, think he will elevate his game this year
5 Orazio Fantasia - will be one of the best small forwards in the comp
6 Michael Hurley - pillar of the Defence
7 Cale Hooker - think he will still be influential as a forward this year
8 Jobe Watson is a quality player will be a testament to the development of the young guys above.
9 Travis Colyer - Really hoping he has a good year. we need his spark and speed.
10 David Zaharakis - really hoping he can step up with the extra midfield support and get off the leash.

Still expect Stanton, Kelly, goddard etc to contribute well.
Im not sure how lid off to go with Tippa yet, I am interested in seeing how much midfield time he will get this year. His forward craft is great.

I guess im expecting big development from Daniher, parish and Fantasia.

Also hope McGrath, Francis come on as well, as they have a high level of talent as well.

[ivan]

I’ll play

1. Zerret
2. JD
3. Fanta
4. Jobe
5. Hepp
6. Hurley
7. Hooker
8. Parish
9. Tippa
10. Colyer

[choppsuey]

I disagree vehemently that you can’t be a top team with lock down defenders. Zac Dawson played in 3 Grand Finals playing that role. Grundy and other Sydney players aren’t amazing rebounders. I really question this statement.

Tom Lonergan has how many premiership medallions?
It’s lock down defenders that allow you to use your more attacking talls for intercept marking and then delivery up field.

[Bully]

I agree intercept marking in D50 is a problem, but short of playing Hooker there (and I think he’ll be more valuable forward), there isn’t really an obvious candidate who can boost this. Maybe Brown, but he’s very inconsistent. I’d also question Bags and Dempsey’s credentials in this area.

I disagree vehemently that you can’t be a top team with lock down defenders. Zac Dawson played in 3 Grand Finals playing that role. Grundy and other Sydney players aren’t amazing rebounders. I really question this statement.

On the running back, when on earth did play Zerrett in the role? He’s always been HFF or midfield. I would like to see McKenna given more opportunity to play this role. Other candidates are Morgan and McNeice.

Spot on.

[SplitRound]

I disagree vehemently that you can’t be a top team with lock down defenders. Zac Dawson played in 3 Grand Finals playing that role. Grundy and other Sydney players aren’t amazing rebounders. I really question this statement.

Tom Lonergan has how many premiership medallions?
It’s lock down defenders that allow you to use your more attacking talls for intercept marking and then delivery up field.

Tom Lonergan has 1 premiership medallion.

[Azza]

Think Ryder is the big loss here (sorry to bring up old dirt). Always sticks with me a comment Leigh Mathews made one night how a quick mobile ruckman makes your side look so much faster being able to cover the dangerous space…Ryder was perfect (and now in his prime)

[chris_64]

Thanks for the report - much appreciated!

I’m fascinated to see what set-up we go with in our backline for round one, especially re our talls. Hurley is obviously a lock but we’ve had different set ups for each of the JLT games.

Personally, I think that Hartley is our next best key defender and then it comes down to match-ups as to whether you go with Ambrose, Brown or perhaps even Dea to take that third tall.

Going by the JLT series, I think our defence looked best against GC with the Hurley/Hartley/Brown combo, although admittedly they didn’t have much opposition to worry about with Lynch not playing.

Either way, I’m really intrigued to see the makeup of our back six and how they go up against against one of the strongest forward lines in the comp.

I’d have thought Hartley is every bit as much a lock as Hurley. Question on who the 3rd tall will be. From DJR’s report of the VFL practice match, Dea has almost played himself out of contention so it a question of Ambrose or Brown. I’d say Ambrose for his genuine lock down capabilities, and his ability to go with Gunstan aerobically and in the air.

The problem with our defence this year is going to be intercept marking power. In our best defensive unit over the last 5 years all 6 defenders could and would zone off and mark when the opportunity arose. The only defenders who did this in 2016 were Dea, Baguley and Gleeson, while Ambrose and Hartley played 95% pure lockdown out of necessity in 2016.

I dont believe we can become a top side if we play even one defender as a pure lockdown, so Hartley and Ambrose will need to morph themselves and add attacking facets to their play.

Which brings me to the question of the running back. In the past, we used Hibbo and Dempsey and more recently Zac Merret and Tippa in this role. The obvious candidates now are McGrath and McKenna. Even Gleeson has obviously been asked to run forward during the JLT. Its going to be a shootout as to who is selected for that role, but McGrath probably will get the nod as soon as he is ready to play AFL level…

I agree intercept marking in D50 is a problem, but short of playing Hooker there (and I think he’ll be more valuable forward), there isn’t really an obvious candidate who can boost this. Maybe Brown, but he’s very inconsistent. I’d also question Bags and Dempsey’s credentials in this area.

I disagree vehemently that you can’t be a top team with lock down defenders. Zac Dawson played in 3 Grand Finals playing that role. Grundy and other Sydney players aren’t amazing rebounders. I really question this statement.

On the running back, when on earth did play Zerrett in the role? He’s always been HFF or midfield. I would like to see McKenna given more opportunity to play this role. Other candidates are Morgan and McNeice.

I get what you are saying Ants, but although Zerret was not playing as a defender, last year he won Best Defender at the Crichton, because he backfilled that role. He ran down into deep defence and collected the ball at stoppages and chaos ball over and over again, ran out of defence and kicked to players upfield. This was in addition to Tippa and Conors runnjg defender roles in the games they played.

[Ants]

Stanton has done a lot of that in the past, I can’t remember him being called a running back. And Zerrett probably got the defensive reward because of how many tackles he laid around the contest.

[Warlock_Paul]

I think Zac Merrett is ok defensively

He pretty much leads our pressure acts every week and is always high in the tackle count. He pretty much sets the standard in there. And of course, unlike Hocking and howlett, he racks em up consistently while he does it

[johncoleman10]

I have never been to the new facility and have to go out that way tomorrow. Can someone please tell me if one can just walk in for a look around ? I was trying to find out if they train tomorrow and what time.Probably the training sessions are closed though ?