Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

[Mantis]

Re: Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

This has been an interesting read. Clearly there are different POVs, but after all this how does our midfield compare with the rest of the comp?

Top 4? 4-8? 9-12? Bottom 4?

There was a thread on the main page of BF about this very topic. The author of that thread had us in the 9-12 bracket which is probably about right.

To jump up the list we need Cooney, Griffen, Higgins and Ray to really come on to give us a bit of flair and class that is required.

We have cake in West, Cross and Boyd and now Hudson we just need the cream on top.

[Dry Rot]

Re: Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

There was a thread on the main page of BF about this very topic. The author of that thread had us in the 9-12 bracket which is probably about right.

.

If that's a fair rating, and adding in an unproven forward line and a backline missing a CHB then we're probably not looking at finals action unless Cooney, Griffen, Higgins and Ray really step up this year.

[Mantis]

Re: Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

If that's a fair rating, and adding in an unproven forward line and a backline missing a CHB then we're probably not looking at finals action unless Cooney, Griffen, Higgins and Ray really step up this year.

I wouldn't think our forwardline is unproven. Yes Minson is a bit of an unknown, but we have added Welsh from last year who is a proven performer. We still have Johnson who is an elite small forward and we will hopefully get a better return from Akermanis, Murphy and Hahn who will have more confidence in there bodies this year. Kicking goals wont be a worry. We do need our forwards to chase a little harder this year having a fit Aker and Harbrow will help, but we need the likes of Higgins, Johnson and Murphy to lift there efforts in this area.

We do need a CHB and the sooner Williams and even Everitt return the better, but I think our developing backline is ok. We may struggle for the first 4 to 6 games, but hopefully a few players step up so that we can get by.

Our midfield is the one area we can move forward quickly. Cross, West and Boyd are very good players who need there roles more refined this year and yes we need the players you mentioned to step up, but from what we have seen in the pre-season I am pretty confident they will.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

Paul Couch kicked 203 goals in 259 games.
Greg Williams kicked 217 goals in 250 games.

They were both good kicks.

Tony Shaw is a premiership captain and Norm Smith medalist.
Brett Kirk is a (joint) premiership captain.
Robert Harvey hasn't kicked a ball over 40 metres in 15 years.

[wimberga]

Re: Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

So I suppose our Midfield is basically made up of

West Boyd Cross Cooney, and then rotating thrugh would be the likes of Hahn, Aker, Gia, Higgins, Griff?

[Dancin' Douggy]

Re: Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

Tony Shaw is a premiership captain and Norm Smith medalist.
Brett Kirk is a (joint) premiership captain.
Robert Harvey hasn't kicked a ball over 40 metres in 15 years.

Have to admit they are good examples SS.
If Cross (and I'm not saying he can't or won't) develops the on field presence and leadership of Shaw and Kirk, and if he can start to break tackles, weave through congestion and play direct purposeful footy like Harvey great too. Maybe that's what his future holds.

I think this thread has morphed into a for or against Cross/West argument.

I'm not against Cross or West, I'm against the idea of having clearly defined 'inside' and 'outside' midfielders. Where the 'inside' players aren't expected to have strong foot skills, and the 'outside' players are groomed to wait for someone else to get the ball to them.

If Gilbee could teach Cross how to kick like him, we'd be laughing all the way to September. If Cooney , Griffin, Higgins etc were capable of getting the footy like Cross and Westy as well, we'd have an incredible midfield.

[westdog54]

Re: Our best midfield (if we didn't have to worry about other positions)

After the StKilda game I thought it timely to bump this thread.

I don't think the likes of Griffen and Cooney can be accused of not being willing to win their own ball.

DD, please don't take this as a dig at yourself as you made some very good points at the time.

I just think its worth reminding ourselves that some of our pups are really starting to grow up, and that Cross will have a role to play for many years to come.

A thought just occured to me, how would this be for our 2012 starting midfield:

Cordy, Griffen, Cooney, Hill

The mouth waters.