Grant Thomas comments on Kosi

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I don't know where you guys watch the footy from - or even if you view the game live but some of the comments are just so far off the mark as to be amazing.

Against Sydney Kosi was drenched in perspiration every time he came to the bench (yes, we have seats in the AFL Reserve just next to the St Kilda Interchange bench where we sit for every Docklands match) - which was often. His hair was lank and he was absolutely dripping and spent.

I would suggest that this is why Wilkes was named an emergency (along with Clarke and Schnieder and where, on performance, Newnes would have been the other emergency).

Against Richmond I thought Kosi did a power of work INCLUDING directing the ball to advantage when out-numbered and out-sized in the marking contests - because we were monstored in the absence of McEvoy, Stanley and Fisher.

There are a couple of points 1) he is playing at a lighter weight to increase his mobility and probably to also protect his back and ankles 2) I would speculate that his drop off in kicking over the past 2 games may have something to do with being a little short in action during the Sydney game where he definately looked restricted in walking around the ground after the match (as well as totally "done") and 3) I thought that he was just off with his marking against Richmond, getting his hands to many balls but they just did not stick for that vital second.

Obviously having Stanley (and Riewoldt) running around the forward line presents him with opportunities - as does having 2 genuine crumbers in Saad and Milera hovering for opportunity and to provide defensive pressure.

With the chase Riewoldt, Stanley, Milera and Saad give Kosi defends as he has to - blocking players and occupying the space which needs to be occupied to force the rebound to where the side want it.

And to whoever who referred to A. Lockett as fat and passed other derogative opinion - well you had better not encounter Tony because the big fella has a history of dealing with self opinionated imbeciles who make such comment.

I recall one finishing up at the bottom of the stairs outside the "Gold Pass" Room - and a CEO coming off second best, not to mention an Essendon hack whose life was saved by Stu!

So don't ever walk up to Tony and call him fat!!!

Then again, he may just laugh it off these days!!!!!!

Tony was a monster of a man and this, coupled with his amazing pace off the mark made him the champion he was.

Along with his pride in performance.

[SainterK]

I too, must have missed this supposed form slump.

A few people said week before last he had a virus, and looked sick as a dog...explains why he was sweaty and pale.

No issues with his efforts v Richmond, worked hard all night....

Once again I ask, does anyone have score involvement stats that I can access, not just for him, but all the players?

Or do you have to pay?

[SainterK]

Really?

I find it hard to believe he is a party animal.

LIfestyle? Like when he falls off the digger or something?

Kosi once loved a drink. He still does - hell, so do I - but he's a little more mature about when to stop these days. I'm seen him pull the pin on or before midnight a couple of times, never disgracing himself, either - which is more than some of our players.

He's a country boy, that's what they do up there...I wouldn't come down too hard on him about his socialising. I don't think it's cruelled his game. I think part of the team spirit is so strong because a lot of our guys are great mates on and off-field, and a few drinks is part of that.

It's more about his application at training and desire to improve his peak fitness that has been a point of discussion. I think he's turned a lot of it around in his final years. He'll be remembered fondly no matter how he goes from here, even if he is something of an unfulfilled talent.

As for the money he's on, I dare say we probably haven't recieved great value. He's been over $500,000 since 2005, that's an incredible amount of money. He's been loyal, but he's also been exceptionally well paid for output that has varied between outstanding and average.

Ah I see....it was the 'lifestyle' comment that threw me...says something different to me.

I think he's turned it around as well, which is why I linked those articles where Scott included him in the 'most impressed with preseason training' group of players.

I actually like GT in the media, I like his left field opinions on things, but when it comes to commenting on St Kilda players.....it's been 6 years yet he remains unmoveable in his opinions on some of the guys like time froze when he left?

I thought the only reason Kosi didn't enjoy a preseason the year previous, was his ankle surgery, then an infection and more surgery....then he was brought back way too early by Ross.

[BringBackMadDog]

Kosi has been playing good footy this year...

One of the biggest downsides to Benny Mac and Stanley going down, was i knew it would interrupt Kosi's good run, and put him into a position that he isn't suited for.

This will mess with his confidence...

I just want our talls back, and our team back to full strength!!!

We always look for excuses for him. His last 2 weeks have been poor. For some reason he looks really slow again up forward. I aint going to have a go at his performance in the ruck because he just cant ruck but when playing up forward he has struggled.

Not doubting your self proclaimed footy genius, and general know all about everything....but watching the replay it was fascinating to note how the real football experts constantly praised Kosi in the first half for the amount of self-less acts that directly resulted in goals. Kosi is the ultimate team man who always sacrifices himself for the good of the side

[plugger66]

Kosi has been playing good footy this year...

One of the biggest downsides to Benny Mac and Stanley going down, was i knew it would interrupt Kosi's good run, and put him into a position that he isn't suited for.

This will mess with his confidence...

I just want our talls back, and our team back to full strength!!!

We always look for excuses for him. His last 2 weeks have been poor. For some reason he looks really slow again up forward. I aint going to have a go at his performance in the ruck because he just cant ruck but when playing up forward he has struggled.

Not doubting your self proclaimed footy genius, and general know all about everything....but watching the replay it was fascinating to note how the real football experts constantly praised Kosi in the first half for the amount of self-less acts that directly resulted in goals. Kosi is the ultimate team man who always sacrifices himself for the good of the side

Sorry i have that opinion. I think he has looked slow in the last 2 weeks. You obviously think otherwise. And I didnt say he didnt do team things. I dont know where you got that from. If you think he is going as well as before then good on you. Really dont care as I am sure Kosi couldnt give a stuff what i said. By the way hope you havent ever critised a player.

[dcstkfc]

If he's not taking marks he's not doing much. Not sure I buy the bringing down to ground level argument.

[saintspremiers]

Kosi's career has been extended due to our lack of big men depth.

Hopefully he'll be surplus to requirement next season if we can pull off a decent trade or via free agency.

[Richter]

Once again I ask, does anyone have score involvement stats that I can access, not just for him, but all the players?

Or do you have to pay?

http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-s ... koschitzke

Footywire has GC... "goals contributed"... which is goals scored + goal assists

afl stats also has goal assists

http://www.afl.com.au/stats/tabid/73/de ... &teamid=39

[SainterK]

Once again I ask, does anyone have score involvement stats that I can access, not just for him, but all the players?

Or do you have to pay?

http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-s ... koschitzke

Footywire has GC... "goals contributed"... which is goals scored + goal assists

afl stats also has goal assists

http://www.afl.com.au/stats/tabid/73/de ... &teamid=39

Thanks muchly Richter, I have seen those...foxfooty also has a heap of stats for those who like to have a look-see.

However I was specifically after the score involvements, which is a little different again and takes into account the scoring chain I believe, but I think you have to subscribe to champion data?

Shame pro-stats no longer operates.

[Richter]

No worries K. No I have never seen those... another one I want to have a look at is clearance differential.

[Enrico_Misso]

How many top 10 finishes has kosi had in his career?

Pretty sure the answer is just one.
And that was in his first year.

Piss poor return for someone who could have been ...