Lukas Webb in 2018

[mjp]

His kicking for goal seems pretty good, and kicking inside 50 is pretty good too.

Yes...but kicking is his least useful skill...because he cannot get the ball.

I know that sounds appalling but the kid just can't get the pill...how skilled he is? That is such a secondary issue at the moment.

[bulldogtragic]

Yes...but kicking is his least useful skill...because he cannot get the ball.

I know that sounds appalling but the kid just can't get the pill...how skilled he is? That is such a secondary issue at the moment.

That's the dilemma with Lukas. We seem to be running out of roles he can play for that very reason. So I was trying to think of a role that doesn't involve a lot of touches, but can use his skill set to advantage. I think the last role left is medium forward. Or perhaps, there's no role for him right now.

[hujsh]

He seems to at least have have smarts/nouse in the forward 50. If he's only getting a few touches a game but being damaging with them, helping create space for other forwards and working hard defensively then it might be a good fit.

10-15 possessions with 1-2 goals as a forward looks a lot better that 10-19 possessions as a mid.

[ledge]

He seems to at least have have smarts/nouse in the forward 50. If he's only getting a few touches a game but being damaging with them, helping create space for other forwards and working hard defensively then it might be a good fit.

10-15 possessions with 1-2 goals as a forward looks a lot better that 10-19 possessions as a mid.

Maybe he could cover for Dickson as his career is nearly over. ( not being smart , just injuries and age becoming a factor)

[bulldogtragic]

He seems to at least have have smarts/nouse in the forward 50. If he's only getting a few touches a game but being damaging with them, helping create space for other forwards and working hard defensively then it might be a good fit.

10-15 possessions with 1-2 goals as a forward looks a lot better that 10-19 possessions as a mid.

The block two weeks ago to let Tommy Boyd get a clear lead out (and goal) was a very good non-stat. I'd like to see others do that as when Tom spends 90 seconds a quarter up forward, he's double or tripled teamed or blocked himself.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Hasn't Webb primarily been played as a half forward in the AFL over the past few years?

I agree he hasn't shown an ability to win much of the ball in senior level, but I'd also argue we have played him out of position. Half back looked his more natural position as a junior and as a first year player but he's never been played back since.

[Ozza]

The block two weeks ago to let Tommy Boyd get a clear lead out (and goal) was a very good non-stat. I'd like to see others do that as when Tom spends 90 seconds a quarter up forward, he's double or tripled teamed or blocked himself.

90 seconds up forward? Surely Tom was just following the other ruckman down there if we allowed the anomaly of Boyd being in the forward 50.

[bornadog]

Yes...but kicking is his least useful skill...because he cannot get the ball.

I know that sounds appalling but the kid just can't get the pill...how skilled he is? That is such a secondary issue at the moment.

I can't see him making it as an AFL player - I hope he does, but looks like another compensation pick gone wrong (pick 27 which we got for Higgins)

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I can't see him making it as an AFL player - I hope he does, but looks like another compensation pick gone wrong (pick 27 which we got for Higgins)

We lost big on this one.

Once again, we played Higgins out of position as a half back when it was clear he was a half forward who could take turns in the midfield.

Perhaps there's a bit of hindsight in this one, but we didn't entice Higgins to stay so there's no wonder his performances improved when he went to a club who wanted him and played him in his preferred position/s.

[Smads57]

He is a good contested mark on occasions....

[bornadog]

We lost big on this one.

Once again, we played Higgins out of position as a half back when it was clear he was a half forward who could take turns in the midfield.

Perhaps there's a bit of hindsight in this one, but we didn't entice Higgins to stay so there's no wonder his performances improved when he went to a club who wanted him and played him in his preferred position/s.

Higgins fell out with BMacc and wanted out.

[Greystache]

We lost big on this one.

Once again, we played Higgins out of position as a half back when it was clear he was a half forward who could take turns in the midfield.

Perhaps there's a bit of hindsight in this one, but we didn't entice Higgins to stay so there's no wonder his performances improved when he went to a club who wanted him and played him in his preferred position/s.

He spent most of his early years as a forward who would take occasional stints in the midfield. His lack of defensive accountability and work rate meant we had to move him, especially as we had several senior players who were equally as bad (Johnson, Gia, Cooney etc.) His defensive efforts as a halfback were equally poor mind you, and I for one was happy to see him go (and still am with hindsight)

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I can imagine Webb playing that half forward role if he develops his opportunism. If he takes a leaf out of Macrae's book and just places himself in good positions to receive a 15 mtr pass. With ball in hand he has the kicking skills to goal and to pass. He has been contesting in packs for Footscray so knows how to borrow under but what about learning the Lolly Bamblett way of blitzing at speed through and past packs and taking the ball with you? Maybe Webb can develop that sort of skill if played as a half forward.

[Mofra]

I can imagine Webb playing that half forward role if he develops his opportunism. If he takes a leaf out of Macrae's book and just places himself in good positions to receive a 15 mtr pass. With ball in hand he has the kicking skills to goal and to pass. He has been contesting in packs for Footscray so knows how to borrow under but what about learning the Lolly Bamblett way of blitzing at speed through and past packs and taking the ball with you? Maybe Webb can develop that sort of skill if played as a half forward.

I think 'placing himself' in the right spots is his issue. He just doesn't seem to be able to get to the areas to attract the handball receives.

Unfortunately positioning as a mid at AFL level is somewhat innate - you have it and it can be developed, or you don't and you will struggle to make it.

[mjp]

10-15 possessions with 1-2 goals as a forward looks a lot better that 10-19 possessions as a mid.

I know right - but the trouble is no one in footy can actually DO that. Until the weekend, Eddie betts was going at less than a goal per game. So giving him a forward line role actually makes his life harder rather than easier...