The Recovery of Season 2023

[1eyedog]

Someone on here the other day said something along the lines of Liam Jones has just been ok or a disappointment or something and I was like, "wut?".

You're mixing here up with BF.

JJ and Richards off half back have been absolutely outstanding. Jones, Dale, Richards and JJ are the in form defence in the AFL at the moment. I can't think of a player who is teading water at the moment either if I'm honest, maybe Cody and Duryea but the latter has still been solid.

The improvement is across the board. Everyone has lifted again form 2022 levels. A sign the entire group is maturing.

[EasternWest]

You're mixing here up with BF.

Negative. I have never given BF more than a passing glance and certainly not in the last 5 years.

It was definitely on here as this is the only forum I use.

[Bulldog4life]

Negative. I have never given BF more than a passing glance and certainly not in the last 5 years.

It was definitely on here as this is the only forum I use.

I remember too EW. I too was shocked to read it. Come on whoever you are own up NOW

[1eyedog]

Negative. I have never given BF more than a passing glance and certainly not in the last 5 years.

It was definitely on here as this is the only forum I use.

Unbelievable!

[Scorlibo]

Someone on here the other day said something along the lines of Liam Jones has just been ok or a disappointment or something and I was like, "wut?".

Might have been my comment in the JOD debut thread EW?

I said I thought that he's been just okay this year with the caveat that his athleticism and physicality is a huge asset for our defence. In my view he's had a few quiet games where he hasn't had an impact, and the 'just okay' assessment is comparing his output to his last few years at Carlton, where he was a top line defender in the league. Don't get me wrong I've loved what he's brought to the side, he's clearly been our pillar in D50 and outperformed our other keys. Yet he's still below his best. Probably a bit harsh for a veteran who's spent a year out of the AFL and changed clubs, but hey that dominant showing against Norf in the pre season lingers in my mind.

[GVGjr]

Just on Jones, he's definitely popular with the playing group and at just about every session I see Arty talking to the bigger Jones.
He also seems to travel in with Lobb and the two of them appear to be close.
We can look at what he is achieving on the field and be happy enough and as Scorlibo highlights he still might not be at his best yet but the bigger picture also includes his off field contribution and that seems to be a positive as well.

[EasternWest]

Might have been my comment in the JOD debut thread EW?

I said I thought that he's been just okay this year with the caveat that his athleticism and physicality is a huge asset for our defence. In my view he's had a few quiet games where he hasn't had an impact, and the 'just okay' assessment is comparing his output to his last few years at Carlton, where he was a top line defender in the league. Don't get me wrong I've loved what he's brought to the side, he's clearly been our pillar in D50 and outperformed our other keys. Yet he's still below his best. Probably a bit harsh for a veteran who's spent a year out of the AFL and changed clubs, but hey that dominant showing against Norf in the pre season lingers in my mind.

We've found him gang. Let's round up the posse.

[bornadog]

We've found him gang. Let's round up the posse.

Nah, he makes sense

[EasternWest]

Nah, he makes sense

We found two of them gang. Let's round up the posse.

[1eyedog]

Nah, he makes sense

Does he? Jones' numbers are up across the board on his 2020 output and while he is getting two less touches a game than what he did in 2021 his rebound 50s are up and his marks and tackles are about the same.

Also, he had a very in form Jacob Weitering taking the number 1 forwards in 2021 who absolutely killed it so Jones is playing a slightly different role this season than what he did in 2021 (i.e. disposals down but effective spoils up).

Also interesting that Weitering has dropped off significantly since Jones departed.

[bornadog]

Does he? Jones' numbers are up across the board on his 2020 output and while he is getting two less touches a game than what he did in 2021 his rebound 50s are up and his marks and tackles are about the same.

Also, he had a very in form Jacob Weitering taking the number 1 forwards in 2021 who absolutely killed it so Jones is playing a slightly different role this season than what he did in 2021 (i.e. disposals down but effective spoils up).

Also interesting that Weitering has dropped off significantly since Jones departed.

Jones is that big body at 199cm that we have been craving and I actually liked Bruce in there as well for the same reason, ie a brute that can smash packs. We have been too feeble in the backline in the past.

[mjp]

Jones is that big body at 199cm that we have been craving and I actually liked Bruce in there as well for the same reason, ie a brute that can smash packs. We have been too feeble in the backline in the past.

I think we can all acknowledge that to this point Jones output has FAR FAR exceeded what was promised.

I remain concerned about the length of his contract but for mine his performances have been nothing short of brilliant - his willingness to leave his direct oppo to assist his team-mates in the air is selfless in attitude and - well - incredible in it's effect. It also encourages mids to head back to provide support as they KNOW and TRUST that Jones will come over the back and bring the ball to the ground (where they are) rather than going back and being repeatedly forced to compete in the air (clearly not their preferred situation).

[EasternWest]

I think we can all acknowledge that to this point Jones output has FAR FAR exceeded what was promised.

I remain concerned about the length of his contract but for mine his performances have been nothing short of brilliant - his willingness to leave his direct oppo to assist his team-mates in the air is selfless in attitude and - well - incredible in it's effect. It also encourages mids to head back to provide support as they KNOW and TRUST that Jones will come over the back and bring the ball to the ground (where they are) rather than going back and being repeatedly forced to compete in the air (clearly not their preferred situation).

I'm actually MORE pumped about his performances after the way you've described him.

[Axe Man]

I think we can all acknowledge that to this point Jones output has FAR FAR exceeded what was promised.

I remain concerned about the length of his contract but for mine his performances have been nothing short of brilliant - his willingness to leave his direct oppo to assist his team-mates in the air is selfless in attitude and - well - incredible in it's effect. It also encourages mids to head back to provide support as they KNOW and TRUST that Jones will come over the back and bring the ball to the ground (where they are) rather than going back and being repeatedly forced to compete in the air (clearly not their preferred situation).

If we get 2 years at something like his current output and a reduced return in year 3 I would still take that as a massive win.

[GVGjr]

If we get 2 years at something like his current output and a reduced return in year 3 I would still take that as a massive win.

He's such a positive around the group he could easily slide into a welfare type role if he is struggling in his 3rd season.