Toby McLean

[Eastdog]

Has continued on his 2017 form Toby. Bailey Dale was good in 2017 but hasn't quite continued his good 2017 form onto 2018.

[Ozza]

Where do posters think Toby McLean is at?

Predominently being played as a forward this season, after having pretty well establishing himself as a mid during last year. Personally, I'd like to see Toby spending more time in the midfield, as he is a good mover who has good evasiveness and poise which I think we are lacking a bit of this year. Last season his numbers were a career hight (just under) 24 possessions per game, and was one of our leading tacklers at around 6 per game. This season he sits at 16 possessions and under 4 tackles per game.

[Happy Days]

I think that through positional inadequacy and coaching stubbornness he's been harshly restricted as a player. He plays his best footy on the ball but so does Dunkley, and he's a better forward than Dunkley so that's where he plays.

Of course it does nothing to explain why they're both playing significant forward minutes while Wallis, the best forward and worst midfielder of the three, plays the most midfield minutes.

Versatility is killing us, is killing our young mids and is making my head hurt.

[azabob]

If I was Toby McLean I’d be like what the heck is going on.

Against Carlton why wasn’t he in the centre instead of Gowers and co especially since the coaches were not happy with the previous weeks effort.

[azabob]

I think that through positional inadequacy and coaching stubbornness he's been harshly restricted as a player. He plays his best footy on the ball but so does Dunkley, and he's a better forward than Dunkley so that's where he plays.

Of course it does nothing to explain why they're both playing significant forward minutes while Wallis, the best forward and worst midfielder of the three, plays the most midfield minutes.

Versatility is killing us, is killing our young mids and is making my head hurt.

Versatility is killing our team, not just the young mids.

Reading a hell of a lot into what Bontempelli said on RSN I think even the playing group are frustrated with the continued positional shuffling of players.

[Greystache]

Versatility is killing our team, not just the young mids.

Reading a hell of a lot into what Bontempelli said on RSN I think even the playing group are frustrated with the continued positional shuffling of players.

He had an excellent season last year and has been largely ordinary this year. Much like assistant coaches, we seem to throw players around continuously until we find a role they can't perform very well, then rigidly stick them there.

I can't think of anyone in the world who would enjoy being used that way... in any industry.

[ratsmac]

His numbers are certainly down from last year but its not that alarming considering he is in fact playing forward. When he was playing on the ball of course his numbers were better. I think our mids have been pretty good all season except the Carlton game so its not like we are lacking in that part of the ground. There is no need for panic just yet. Toby is playing forward mainly to try retain the ball in our forward 50 an also to hit the scoreboard, so yes he isn't shooting the lights out just yet but hopefully he finds form there before too long. I think we need a player like him there personally. He played forward in our premiership year and he was moved to the midfield since so he should know how to play the role.

Bailey Dale is a player we need to force his way into the side because he plays the forward role we are trialling Toby in well.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

He had an excellent season last year and has been largely ordinary this year. Much like assistant coaches, we seem to throw players around continuously until we find a role they can't perform very well, then rigidly stick them there.

I can't think of anyone in the world who would enjoy being used that way... in any industry.

Maclean plays his best football in the centre and similarly Richards is better suited to defence. Both have been regularly playing out of position which has impacted on their performances.

[Bullies]

Toby needs to play on the wing where he played a lot as a junior.

[MrMahatma]

Versatility is killing our team, not just the young mids.

Reading a hell of a lot into what Bontempelli said on RSN I think even the playing group are frustrated with the continued positional shuffling of players.

What did Bont say?

[bornadog]

What did Bont say?

I posted it in the audio section here

[MrMahatma]

I posted it in the audio section here

Thanks. Interesting listening.

[Topdog]

3 months on and be is really struggling, 7 touches on the weekend albeit with 2 goals

[bornadog]

3 months on and be is really struggling, 7 touches on the weekend albeit with 2 goals

He just seemed to disappear in the first half and bobbed up to kick a couple.

[1eyedog]

Has only been back from injury for 3 games and has kicked 5 goals in that time. Clearly has a new role and next to zero midfield minutes.