Longer

[degruch]

Longer has to stay in. Real presence in the hitouts and the mids are more confident with him there. As long as he at least negates the other ruckman around the ground he is well ahead of Hickey.

We play Melbourne next.

How will Longer go against Gorn?

He will need to be mean, hurt him. Don't care if he concedes free kicks early, snarl at him hit him hard and hurt him at every contest. That's how he'll need to play him.

Gawn is a great player, but his got a soft underbelly.

Billy absolutely smashed Gawn last time, and Gawn tried exactly what you've suggested Billy do. I don't credit Gawn with an awful lot of intelligence, but I doubt he'll try that again. In any case, I'm sure Longer has enough talent to pull it off with his natural game, let Gawn try work out how to play the contest.

[To the top]

IIRC Gawn conceded 6 or 8 free kicks to Longer at the MCG - and Longer had 10 possessions accordingly more than doubling his career average

With a couple of tall forward options with class it will be interesting to read of how Melbourne and Gawn look to expose Longer's significant deficiencies given Longer is again selected

What is the betting line on Gawn being BOG?

I'll take some!!!

[CURLY]

Just watched that set play to Gresham to kick the winning goal. Absolute brillaince from Longer.

[samoht]

Just watched that set play to Gresham to kick the winning goal. Absolute brillaince from Longer.

That made up for the other Longer hitout that resulted in a goal to Gold Coast (the one that shrodes pointed out).
I think we all agree on one thing - we have very average ruckmen. Not much to cheer about.

[CURLY]

Just watched that set play to Gresham to kick the winning goal. Absolute brillaince from Longer.

That made up for the other Longer hitout that resulted in a goal to Gold Coast (the one that shrodes pointed out).
I think we all agree on one thing - we have very average ruckmen. Not much to cheer about.

Shrodes knows nothing. Hit the ball defensivly is always the prefered option and Longer did that.

[samoht]

Longer hit it to a spot directly in front of their goal ... and they scored. It didn't go to the boundary line (he may have intended it to go there, but it wasn't hit hard enough - and they got an easy goal out of it).

I don't have a preference for either of Hickey or Longer - they are both ordinary. I see them both for what they are.

I don't support either - I support St Kilda and I'd like to see us eventually recruit a good ruckman (one who averages 20 possessions around the ground - someone like Grundy, or the next Grundy).

[nw7]

Billy actually played a good game, he matched it with Witts. I still prefer Hickey in the team. I think Gawn will be best on ground when we play either way, if its Hickey or Longer.

[degruch]

IIRC Gawn conceded 6 or 8 free kicks to Longer at the MCG - and Longer had 10 possessions accordingly more than doubling his career average

With a couple of tall forward options with class it will be interesting to read of how Melbourne and Gawn look to expose Longer's significant deficiencies given Longer is again selected

What is the betting line on Gawn being BOG?

I'll take some!!!

That's right...Gawn, being a class A douche, thought he could run past the ball and cannon directly into his component at each bounce without giving away a free, then went and blubbed to the press that he had no idea what he was doing wrong!

Given Billy's performance last time, I'd say his inclusion in the Sun's game was a warm up for the contest with Gawn...I'd be very surprised to see him dropped. Given neither of our rucks are of high standard, maybe we've resolved to playing horses for courses with their selection?

[To the top]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?

And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

[stonecold]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?

And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

[takeaway]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?

And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

....Sigh ........ You just need to read some the earlier posts in this thread which explain it - it was hit to the only free space available, away from a pack of about 30 players, as part of a set play, as confirmed by Gresham. Steven was heading there too, but was checked. No good hitting to the corridor- was full of players and they would have locked it up.

[The_Dud]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?

And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

Welcome back Billy!

Nice tap. How was the weather up there?

[portosaint]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?

And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

There wasn't a decent midfield on the ground.

Yes it worked. Brilliant goal. Still a low percentage tap.

Considering the ball bounced 2 or 3 times, shall we say it was a sublime bounce?? Because as soon as it hit the ground, Big Bad Bill had no say over where it went. Luck.

Our resident ruckman should know that

[chico2001]

Didnt see the game but did Billy get in a dozen of those beautiful handballs he is known for?

[takeaway]

Didnt see the game but did Billy get in a dozen of those beautiful handballs he is known for?

37 hb actually, plus 18 blocks 7 shepherds & 11 spoils.

[Crossy66]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?


And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

There wasn't a decent midfield on the ground.

Yes it worked. Brilliant goal. Still a low percentage tap.

Considering the ball bounced 2 or 3 times, shall we say it was a sublime bounce?? Because as soon as it hit the ground, Big Bad Bill had no say over where it went. Luck.

Our resident ruckman should know that

Was a set play. Hit it straight into the path of Steven and Gresham in fact would have hit Steven between the nipples had he not have been held by Swallow. Watch again and you will notice that Steven and Gresham took off before the tap. Will also notice GC had the corridor covered. Billy hit it exactly where Billy was asked to hit it.

[Spinner]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?

And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Only thing deluded and dumb is this post.

Longer cleared it to space - because there were 100 around the stoppage behind the back.

Can't even give credit where it is due to Longer. Got the tap and cleared the ball to generate a shot on goal.

What a nonsensical post.... seriously.

[spert]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?

And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Only thing deluded and dumb is this post.

Longer cleared it to space - because there were 100 around the stoppage behind the back.

Can't even give credit where it is due to Longer. Got the tap and cleared the ball to generate a shot on goal.

What a nonsensical post.... seriously.

Looking at the replay, Longer was clearly looking at Steven who was moving toward the goal on the outside and that's where he trying to put it, but Steven was blocked by then and luckily Gresh was following up behind when the ball spilled out, and the rest was history!

[portosaint]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?


And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

There wasn't a decent midfield on the ground.

Yes it worked. Brilliant goal. Still a low percentage tap.

Considering the ball bounced 2 or 3 times, shall we say it was a sublime bounce?? Because as soon as it hit the ground, Big Bad Bill had no say over where it went. Luck.

Our resident ruckman should know that

Was a set play. Hit it straight into the path of Steven and Gresham in fact would have hit Steven between the nipples had he not have been held by Swallow. Watch again and you will notice that Steven and Gresham took off before the tap. Will also notice GC had the corridor covered. Billy hit it exactly where Billy was asked to hit it.

Who said it wasn't a set play?? Low percentage. Very low percentage. The goal was 1000x better than the tap, let's acknowledge Jade for slotting it. He deserves a s*** load more kudos

[Crossy66]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?


And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

There wasn't a decent midfield on the ground.

Yes it worked. Brilliant goal. Still a low percentage tap.

Considering the ball bounced 2 or 3 times, shall we say it was a sublime bounce?? Because as soon as it hit the ground, Big Bad Bill had no say over where it went. Luck.

Our resident ruckman should know that

Was a set play. Hit it straight into the path of Steven and Gresham in fact would have hit Steven between the nipples had he not have been held by Swallow. Watch again and you will notice that Steven and Gresham took off before the tap. Will also notice GC had the corridor covered. Billy hit it exactly where Billy was asked to hit it.

Who said it wasn't a set play?? Low percentage. Very low percentage. The goal was 1000x better than the tap, let's acknowledge Jade for slotting it. He deserves a s*** load more kudos

No one said you said it wasnt a set play - relax! The inference was that it was luck and Bill deserves no credit for it (see TTT post) It was a set play, it was perfectly executed and Billy put it right where Steven would have been if not retarded by Swallow. Was great kick by Gresham and he deserves the Kudos. Low percentage? maybe, but if its the only option and thats were 3 midfielders run to, what did you want the ruckman to do?
Match winning play including the blocking off the ball, cant we just be happy about that rather than try and find a reason to bag a saints player?

[stonecold]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?


And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

There wasn't a decent midfield on the ground.

Yes it worked. Brilliant goal. Still a low percentage tap.

Considering the ball bounced 2 or 3 times, shall we say it was a sublime bounce?? Because as soon as it hit the ground, Big Bad Bill had no say over where it went. Luck.

Our resident ruckman should know that

Was a set play. Hit it straight into the path of Steven and Gresham in fact would have hit Steven between the nipples had he not have been held by Swallow. Watch again and you will notice that Steven and Gresham took off before the tap. Will also notice GC had the corridor covered. Billy hit it exactly where Billy was asked to hit it.

Who said it wasn't a set play?? Low percentage. Very low percentage. The goal was 1000x better than the tap, let's acknowledge Jade for slotting it. He deserves a s*** load more kudos

No one said you said it wasnt a set play - relax! The inference was that it was luck and Bill deserves no credit for it (see TTT post) It was a set play, it was perfectly executed and Billy put it right where Steven would have been if not retarded by Swallow. Was great kick by Gresham and he deserves the Kudos. Low percentage? maybe, but if its the only option and thats were 3 midfielders run to, what did you want the ruckman to do?
Match winning play including the blocking off the ball, cant we just be happy about that rather than try and find a reason to bag a saints player?

Been down this track before Crossy, you are trying to preach to the uneducated, it's above some of their pay grades mate, little tip, don't waste your time, there is a lot of Billy Trolls on here!!!!!

[saynta]

Just one question.

Given it was the final seconds of the game and St Kilda were behind, why was the ball hit toward the boundary?

If St Kilda were behind you wanted the ball to the boundary - aka v Port Adelaide in Adelaide in 2017, remember?

But if we are behind, you want it where Ryder put it.

Gresham, with a goal from the boundary line, made a very, very average ruckman and an even poorer footballer look reasonable in that instance.

What would be the response if Gresham missed from the boundary line because of the degree of difficulty?


And then we get the carry on on here from some.

Deluded and dumb.

Consigning St Kilda to continue its history.

Allan Killigrew and Brian Bowe have something to answer for!!!

Because the first place a decent midfield will set up and cover is goal side!!!!!

Anyone with a true knowledge of good midfield play would know that!!!!!

Not something you can pick up from being a arm chair expert!!!!!

There wasn't a decent midfield on the ground.

Yes it worked. Brilliant goal. Still a low percentage tap.

Considering the ball bounced 2 or 3 times, shall we say it was a sublime bounce?? Because as soon as it hit the ground, Big Bad Bill had no say over where it went. Luck.

Our resident ruckman should know that

Was a set play. Hit it straight into the path of Steven and Gresham in fact would have hit Steven between the nipples had he not have been held by Swallow. Watch again and you will notice that Steven and Gresham took off before the tap. Will also notice GC had the corridor covered. Billy hit it exactly where Billy was asked to hit it.

Who said it wasn't a set play?? Low percentage. Very low percentage. The goal was 1000x better than the tap, let's acknowledge Jade for slotting it. He deserves a s*** load more kudos

No one said you said it wasnt a set play - relax! The inference was that it was luck and Bill deserves no credit for it (see TTT post) It was a set play, it was perfectly executed and Billy put it right where Steven would have been if not retarded by Swallow. Was great kick by Gresham and he deserves the Kudos. Low percentage? maybe, but if its the only option and thats were 3 midfielders run to, what did you want the ruckman to do?
Match winning play including the blocking off the ball, cant we just be happy about that rather than try and find a reason to bag a saints player?

I can and I was....HAPPY AS A PIG IN s***...actually. as were all other saints supporters at the ground, which was about half and half.

[Scollop]

Credit where it's due to Billy. There were several crucial ruck contests in the last 10 minutes that gave us first possession. The boys in the midfield had a spring in their step knowing that Billy was having an impact in that last quarter.

I wouldn't say that Billy was more important than Carlisle, or Steele, or Steven or Ross, or Membrey or Gresh or DMac or a couple of others. His attitude was good and he played his role. Keeps his spot in the team for at least a couple of extra games

[stonecold]

Credit where it's due to Billy. There were several crucial ruck contests in the last 10 minutes that gave us first possession. The boys in the midfield had a spring in their step knowing that Billy was having an impact in that last quarter.

I wouldn't say that Billy was more important than Carlisle, or Steele, or Steven or Ross, or Membrey or Gresh or DMac or a couple of others. His attitude was good and he played his role. Keeps his spot in the team for at least a couple of extra games

Credit where credit is due, exactly, take a bow on giving credit Scolly, well done!!!!!

[saynta]

We won. Billy was a contributing facor. Enjoy .