Swoop
19-08-2009, 12:07 AM
Firstly I'd like to thank Mantis for asking me to post the player profile for this week against Geelong. I have decided to go with Paul Chapman who is likely to return to the lineup after missing the past 2 weeks with a hamstring strain.
Paul Chapman
Slotted behind a star midfield brigade made up of Ablett, Selwood, Corey, Bartel & Ling is Paul Chapman, arguably the most explosive and damaging player of the group. Yet for a side who possesses so much of the ball Chapman provides what the others lack which is the ability to break the lines, penetrate with his kicks & he offers genuine toughness and aggression. He is potentially a game breaker and a proven match winner who often doesn't get the recognition he rightly deserves.
In 2009 Chapman's output has gone to another level and his contribution and increased time spent through the midfield is highlighted by the stats sheet. Season 2009 has seen Chapman already set new career highs for; disposals, kicks, marks, handballs, goals, clearances, inside 50's, rebound 50's & uncontested possessions in a game. He also currently leads Geelong in both kicks and inside 50's and is second only behind Ablett in possessions averaged per game this season.
Luckily returning from injury means Chapman will be likely to spend less time rotating through the midfield and more time up forward however he stills possesses the ability to win a game due to being such a difficult match up for the opposition.
Bulldog Perspective
From a Bulldog perspective Chapman provides many headaches when trying to find a suitable match up as he is strong overhead, quick on the ground, never losses his feet and has a good goal sense. From a match up point of view Lake, Morris & Hargrave all appear to lineup well against Hawkins, Mooney & Johnson yet it is Chapman who will be the one leaving Eade and the match committee scratching their heads.
So what are our options - Harbrow, Gilbee, Addison, Wood, Callan, Contessa?
Harbrow was exposed earlier in the year when pushed close to goal against Geelong and Chapman is far too strong overhead for this to be a suitable matchup.
Gilbee hasn't been playing backline for most part of this season and I don't see why anything would be changing this week.
Addison is a great, tough competitor however his lack of lateral movement concerns me especially with Chapman playing in the forward 50, can Addison go with Chapman out of the goal square if he were pushed deep?
Easton Wood actually possesses all the physical attributes to match Chapman however surely Chapman's experience and footy smarts would work him over especially if they were to push him close to goal.
Finally, despite Tim Callan not being in the side at the moment he does appear to be a suitable match up with his ability to compete with Chapman for strength as well as in the air and on the ground. The one question mark over Callan would be his match conditioning or match sharpness although this may not be such an issue with Chapman returning from a 2 week lay off himself.
So, Chapman is the player and these are the dilemmas we face, go to your cupboard and pull out on your Rocket Eade hat and answer the question, who gets the job?
Paul Chapman
Slotted behind a star midfield brigade made up of Ablett, Selwood, Corey, Bartel & Ling is Paul Chapman, arguably the most explosive and damaging player of the group. Yet for a side who possesses so much of the ball Chapman provides what the others lack which is the ability to break the lines, penetrate with his kicks & he offers genuine toughness and aggression. He is potentially a game breaker and a proven match winner who often doesn't get the recognition he rightly deserves.
In 2009 Chapman's output has gone to another level and his contribution and increased time spent through the midfield is highlighted by the stats sheet. Season 2009 has seen Chapman already set new career highs for; disposals, kicks, marks, handballs, goals, clearances, inside 50's, rebound 50's & uncontested possessions in a game. He also currently leads Geelong in both kicks and inside 50's and is second only behind Ablett in possessions averaged per game this season.
Luckily returning from injury means Chapman will be likely to spend less time rotating through the midfield and more time up forward however he stills possesses the ability to win a game due to being such a difficult match up for the opposition.
Bulldog Perspective
From a Bulldog perspective Chapman provides many headaches when trying to find a suitable match up as he is strong overhead, quick on the ground, never losses his feet and has a good goal sense. From a match up point of view Lake, Morris & Hargrave all appear to lineup well against Hawkins, Mooney & Johnson yet it is Chapman who will be the one leaving Eade and the match committee scratching their heads.
So what are our options - Harbrow, Gilbee, Addison, Wood, Callan, Contessa?
Harbrow was exposed earlier in the year when pushed close to goal against Geelong and Chapman is far too strong overhead for this to be a suitable matchup.
Gilbee hasn't been playing backline for most part of this season and I don't see why anything would be changing this week.
Addison is a great, tough competitor however his lack of lateral movement concerns me especially with Chapman playing in the forward 50, can Addison go with Chapman out of the goal square if he were pushed deep?
Easton Wood actually possesses all the physical attributes to match Chapman however surely Chapman's experience and footy smarts would work him over especially if they were to push him close to goal.
Finally, despite Tim Callan not being in the side at the moment he does appear to be a suitable match up with his ability to compete with Chapman for strength as well as in the air and on the ground. The one question mark over Callan would be his match conditioning or match sharpness although this may not be such an issue with Chapman returning from a 2 week lay off himself.
So, Chapman is the player and these are the dilemmas we face, go to your cupboard and pull out on your Rocket Eade hat and answer the question, who gets the job?