Unpopular Opinion

[The_President]

Bump

What gives me the s***s is that people's opinions and judgements on players are influenced by players poor efforts when they are playing sore or injured. Bruce was best on versus Collingwood and again in our best players in the match against the Eagles. When he is 100% fit he is easily one of our top players.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-02/ ... m=facebook

If I was a player who was on a contract that had match payments and incentives based on how many games I played, I would be putting my hand up to play as well. It's up to coaches and the footy department to have the balls to say NO!

Josh Bruce was one of the best on ground this year in Round 2 versus Essendon. He apparantly fractured a bone in his spine in round 3 versus Freo and received a corkie in the Round 3 win versus Melbourne. He was basically stuffed and couldn't play footy in that first quarter versus Adelaide and the coach admitted that he shouldn't have played him.

With all the information that has come to hand it is so disappointing that Richo does not have faith in using his young charges who could play a role and at least compete at 100% fitness

Doesn't change anything. Bruce is at best a B grade forward.

Relying on him to be our number one key target in attack is abysmal.

You're right, it doesn't change a thing, you still have bugger all footy knowledge. It's childish to only come out after a loss and repeat such stupidity.

Have been saying this for years now. Bruce isn't that good and if we are relying on him to be the number 1 we are screwed.

[HighettMan]

Bump

What gives me the s***s is that people's opinions and judgements on players are influenced by players poor efforts when they are playing sore or injured. Bruce was best on versus Collingwood and again in our best players in the match against the Eagles. When he is 100% fit he is easily one of our top players.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-02/ ... m=facebook

If I was a player who was on a contract that had match payments and incentives based on how many games I played, I would be putting my hand up to play as well. It's up to coaches and the footy department to have the balls to say NO!

Josh Bruce was one of the best on ground this year in Round 2 versus Essendon. He apparantly fractured a bone in his spine in round 3 versus Freo and received a corkie in the Round 3 win versus Melbourne. He was basically stuffed and couldn't play footy in that first quarter versus Adelaide and the coach admitted that he shouldn't have played him.

With all the information that has come to hand it is so disappointing that Richo does not have faith in using his young charges who could play a role and at least compete at 100% fitness

Doesn't change anything. Bruce is at best a B grade forward.

Relying on him to be our number one key target in attack is abysmal.

You're right, it doesn't change a thing, you still have bugger all footy knowledge. It's childish to only come out after a loss and repeat such stupidity.

Have been saying this for years now. Bruce isn't that good and if we are relying on him to be the number 1 we are screwed.

who says we are relying on him to be No. 1. There's some bloke on the sidelines at the moment who has been desperately trying to get out there with Josh and then there is this other bloke we recruited last year that's also now busting his guts to get out there to play the same structure the CATS, GWS, WCE and the Pies and Tiges are trying to play. And FREO are my smoky for the GF for the same structural reason.

All that B grade crap is just that crap.

[Ghost Like]

You are right, he's not a #1 & does need another big presence to make him viable and valuable in our forward line. Whether that is Battle this year or King next year. If only Marshall had similar mobile rucking partner. Whoever it is, their leading patterns need to be understood & work together to block for each other.

Perhaps next year we might finally address our ruck stocks in conjunction with some quality quick mids who can hit targets.

[older saint]

I would argue our delivery in to the forward line Hawkins, Cameron, riewoldt and Buddy would struggle against a long bomb in and 2 or 3 extra defenders pushing in to the hole. Our game plan entering forward 50 is a obvious as when a pizza boys knocks on the door in a porno.

I actually think Bruce would be better at CHB having the game in front of him

[HighettMan]

You are right, he's not a #1 & does need another big presence to make him viable and valuable in our forward line. Whether that is Battle this year or King next year. If only Marshall had similar mobile rucking partner. Whoever it is, their leading patterns need to be understood & work together to block for each other.

Perhaps next year we might finally address our ruck stocks in conjunction with some quality quick mids who can hit targets.

It's not Battle, Battle is now in the backline, not moving out of there any time soon one would think, why would you, he's our Rance, and who thinks you can just flick a player around mid season or mid game ala Barrasi 1970s style. Just doesn't happen in this era. Battle is a backman, Battle is a backman, Battle is a backman.


And geez I doubt we'll go after a ruckman, midfield depth is where it is at. And the whole ruckman debate is overdone and boring and irrelevant. Marshall is now the man and only need cameo support.

[The_President]

You are right, he's not a #1 & does need another big presence to make him viable and valuable in our forward line. Whether that is Battle this year or King next year. If only Marshall had similar mobile rucking partner. Whoever it is, their leading patterns need to be understood & work together to block for each other.

Perhaps next year we might finally address our ruck stocks in conjunction with some quality quick mids who can hit targets.

It's not Battle, Battle is now in the backline, not moving out of there any time soon one would think, why would you, he's our Rance, and who thinks you can just flick a player around mid season or mid game ala Barrasi 1970s style. Just doesn't happen in this era. Battle is a backman, Battle is a backman, Battle is a backman.


And geez I doubt we'll go after a ruckman, midfield depth is where it is at. And the whole ruckman debate is overdone and boring and irrelevant. Marshall is now the man and only need cameo support.

Agree completely about Battle. Has been great since he went back. Seems confident in himself and I love that he goes for his marks. Moving him forward for an extended period this year seems like a waste unless we plan to move on Bruce or Membrey. We can't have all three and King in the same forward line.

Leave Battle back and let him flourish.

[Toy Saint]

My unpopular opinion is that the coaching staff have done well to get us 5 wins at the bye considering all the injuries.

But I'm extremely critical of that same coaching staff for playing injured or very ill players. Bruce couldn't run against Adelaide as his calf was severely corked (not quite as bad as Geary).

It was very clear that a number of players carried injury and illness into the Shanghai game. The coaching staff must be held accountable for this decision which has virtually sent our club back to the dark ages.

The kids on our list have been drafted for a reason, they can all play. Admittedly they're not as good as seasoned veterans, but I'd rather go with a healthy boy than an injured man.

And if we didn't have enough to field a team in China, I would've preferred to forfeit.

[The_President]

My unpopular opinion is that the coaching staff have done well to get us 5 wins at the bye considering all the injuries.

But I'm extremely critical of that same coaching staff for playing injured or very ill players. Bruce couldn't run against Adelaide as his calf was severely corked (not quite as bad as Geary).

It was very clear that a number of players carried injury and illness into the Shanghai game. The coaching staff must be held accountable for this decision which has virtually sent our club back to the dark ages.

The kids on our list have been drafted for a reason, they can all play. Admittedly they're not as good as seasoned veterans, but I'd rather go with a healthy boy than an injured man.

And if we didn't have enough to field a team in China, I would've preferred to forfeit.

Agreed on virtually all fronts.

Coff and White seem to dominate VFL.. shame both play in the same positions as Geary, Sav, Dmac, Newnes, Webster etc.

If the club is serious, they should look at moving on the in between players in favour of getting games into the younger guys.

[portosaint]

You are right, he's not a #1 & does need another big presence to make him viable and valuable in our forward line. Whether that is Battle this year or King next year. If only Marshall had similar mobile rucking partner. Whoever it is, their leading patterns need to be understood & work together to block for each other.

Perhaps next year we might finally address our ruck stocks in conjunction with some quality quick mids who can hit targets.

It's not Battle, Battle is now in the backline, not moving out of there any time soon one would think, why would you, he's our Rance, and who thinks you can just flick a player around mid season or mid game ala Barrasi 1970s style. Just doesn't happen in this era. Battle is a backman, Battle is a backman, Battle is a backman.


And geez I doubt we'll go after a ruckman, midfield depth is where it is at. And the whole ruckman debate is overdone and boring and irrelevant. Marshall is now the man and only need cameo support.

I like Battle... Probably the story of the year for us. But he has a loooong way to go before we mention Josh and Alex Rance in the same sentence.

[Sombersainter]

Two goals a game is not too shabby for a guy who often plays quite far up the ground. Especially with the midfielders delivering into the forward line so poorly.
He certainly isn't a champion but if Paddy had worked out, he would have been just a depth player.
If King works out, he'll most probably been gonesky.

[saynta]

Two goals a game is not too shabby for a guy who often plays quite far up the ground. Especially with the midfielders delivering into the forward line so poorly.
He certainly isn't a champion but if Paddy had worked out, he would have been just a depth player.
If King works out, he'll most probably been gonesky.

Marshall is the story of the year for me.

[portosaint]

Two goals a game is not too shabby for a guy who often plays quite far up the ground. Especially with the midfielders delivering into the forward line so poorly.
He certainly isn't a champion but if Paddy had worked out, he would have been just a depth player.
If King works out, he'll most probably been gonesky.

Marshall is the story of the year for me.

Good find.

[spert]

Not good enough- has the weapons but rarely uses them. Just plain lazy like a few of his mates out there over the last 4 or 5 games.

[The_President]

Two goals a game is not too shabby for a guy who often plays quite far up the ground. Especially with the midfielders delivering into the forward line so poorly.
He certainly isn't a champion but if Paddy had worked out, he would have been just a depth player.
If King works out, he'll most probably been gonesky.

Marshall is the story of the year for me.

Good find.

Marshall, Billings and Gresh for mine.

All three have one thing in common - They've all been allowed to go out and play on natural instinct and flair this year.

Marshall is playing within his capabilities - He's kind of an undersized ruckman who battles hard when it comes to hitouts, but as soon as the ball hits the ground or just in general play, his natural athleticism and running capacity makes him a weapon

Gresham has been allowed to push into the midfield and play with his natural attacking flair... sure he tries to do too much at times and can stuff up a kick... but imagine how boring our midfield would be without him grabbing a ball from under a pack and sprinting through the middle.

Billings has been released from deep forward and allowed to just play his natural game. He's never going to be an elite, inside midfielder... but he could easily become an A grade winger. When allowed to skirt on the outside of packs and get the release ball, he is a serious talent.


All three clearly have some weaknesses... but when you focus on the things they do really well, and just let them do those things, all three could become genuine top line players.

[freely]

I would argue our delivery in to the forward line Hawkins, Cameron, riewoldt and Buddy would struggle against a long bomb in and 2 or 3 extra defenders pushing in to the hole. Our game plan entering forward 50 is a obvious as when a pizza boys knocks on the door in a porno.

I actually think Bruce would be better at CHB having the game in front of him

I think he'd be better off in that porno!

[freely]

Two goals a game is not too shabby for a guy who often plays quite far up the ground. Especially with the midfielders delivering into the forward line so poorly.
He certainly isn't a champion but if Paddy had worked out, he would have been just a depth player.
If King works out, he'll most probably been gonesky.

Marshall is the story of the year for me.

Good find.

Marshall, Billings and Gresh for mine.

All three have one thing in common - They've all been allowed to go out and play on natural instinct and flair this year.

Marshall is playing within his capabilities - He's kind of an undersized ruckman who battles hard when it comes to hitouts, but as soon as the ball hits the ground or just in general play, his natural athleticism and running capacity makes him a weapon

Gresham has been allowed to push into the midfield and play with his natural attacking flair... sure he tries to do too much at times and can stuff up a kick... but imagine how boring our midfield would be without him grabbing a ball from under a pack and sprinting through the middle.

Billings has been released from deep forward and allowed to just play his natural game. He's never going to be an elite, inside midfielder... but he could easily become an A grade winger. When allowed to skirt on the outside of packs and get the release ball, he is a serious talent.


All three clearly have some weaknesses... but when you focus on the things they do really well, and just let them do those things, all three could become genuine top line players.

"Billings to King" would be a call I wouldn't mind getting used to hearing.

[Scollop]

"All three have some weaknesses... but when you focus on the things they do really well, and just let them do those things, all three could become genuine top line players."

That can be applied to all players really. Dylan Sheil and Adam Treloar aren't exactly in their respective sides for their brilliant field kicking. Same with our very own Jack Steven.

Then you have the likes of Key Position players. Josh Bruce isn't in the team for his ability as a ruckman but his coach has demanded that he devote up to a thir of his time during games as a ruckman in the last 3 years.

When Bruce is able to focus on what he is good at, I think he has shown that he crashes packs well, he takes contested marks and brings the footy to ground if he doesn't, rather than being outmarked, he kicks for goal well and has relatively good accuracy and he competes and tackles well in the forward line for a bloke of his size

[The_President]

"All three have some weaknesses... but when you focus on the things they do really well, and just let them do those things, all three could become genuine top line players."

That can be applied to all players really. Dylan Sheil and Adam Treloar aren't exactly in their respective sides for their brilliant field kicking. Same with our very own Jack Steven.

Then you have the likes of Key Position players. Josh Bruce isn't in the team for his ability as a ruckman but his coach has demanded that he devote up to a thir of his time during games as a ruckman in the last 3 years.

When Bruce is able to focus on what he is good at, I think he has shown that he crashes packs well, he takes contested marks and brings the footy to ground if he doesn't, rather than being outmarked, he kicks for goal well and has relatively good accuracy and he competes and tackles well in the forward line for a bloke of his size

As a second to third option Bruce is fine. But as the number one option he is terrible.

Levi Casboult brings the ball to ground, is pretty athletic for his size and competes well.


If you go back through the forum when it comes to people talking about captaincy or important players that we should pay so we don't lose them, Bruce is always mentioned. This post was never meant to smash him completely as a footballer, rather to just bring some perspective. He is a very average footballer and paying him any sort of big money would just handicap us in the future.

[Yorkeys]

It would mean breaking bad news to senior players. I don't think he finds that sort of conversation easy - when it should be the easiest. Poor form, go to VFL and look for good form. Call me when you find it. Nothing personal, you are a professional and understand.

[derby Street]

My unpopular opinion is that the coaching staff have done well to get us 5 wins at the bye considering all the injuries.

But I'm extremely critical of that same coaching staff for playing injured or very ill players. Bruce couldn't run against Adelaide as his calf was severely corked (not quite as bad as Geary).

It was very clear that a number of players carried injury and illness into the Shanghai game. The coaching staff must be held accountable for this decision which has virtually sent our club back to the dark ages.

The kids on our list have been drafted for a reason, they can all play. Admittedly they're not as good as seasoned veterans, but I'd rather go with a healthy boy than an injured man.

And if we didn't have enough to field a team in China, I would've preferred to forfeit.

Agreed on virtually all fronts.

Coff and White seem to dominate VFL.. shame both play in the same positions as Geary, Sav, Dmac, Newnes, Webster etc.

If the club is serious, they should look at moving on the in between players in favour of getting games into the younger guys.

Not sure Coff has been dominating in the VFL

[Yorkeys]

We have the makings of a pretty pretty goooood side. The key is a coach that can harness what we have and will bring in. And as an aside - are we not so lucky SOS left. Don't say we get all bad luck. Amet B left too. I suspect Bevo would love a crack at coaching Saint Kilda - his eccentricity might fit well with the club, at the very least with this forum which is hardly stereo typical.