R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

[EasternWest]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

With his effort and uncompromising approach to the footy Roarke has the potential to be this team's Matty Boyd or Dale Morris. One of the first penciled in on selection night imho.

I like Roarke a lot but let's not get carried away .

[AshMac]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

With his effort and uncompromising approach to the footy Roarke has the potential to be this team's Matty Boyd or Dale Morris. One of the first penciled in on selection night imho.

I was just thinking today that Duryea has taken on that Matty Boyd style role from 2016 - slightly different game style but the experienced head marshalling the boys that always seems to be a safe pair of hands.

Roarke wa a great on Sunday - that mark he took deep in defence was impressive on a day the ball was slipping through even Naughtons hands.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

Again in another cut throat final, did what he needed to do well.

12 Disposals (6 Contested, 3 Intercepts)
3 Marks (2 crucial one in D50)
1 Behind
3 Score Involvements
2 I50’s
1 R50
13 Pressure Acts
5 1%’s
254m Gained


Like some others. Not blemish free, but he’s taking his opportunity with both hands. The stats show his gut running and getting involved at both ends. The cool head with the mark with 30 seconds to go shows some smarts that we didn’t show in Geelong earlier this season. I hope he’s drawing confidence from taking his moments.

[SonofScray]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

Was so close to an outright win over his opponent. A little composure early and he hits the scoreboard twice, to complement his excellent defensive, blue collar work

[merantau]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

He is doing everything right defensively and could have kicked a couple of goals with a bit more composure and dare.

[Topdog]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

How many smothers did he get last night?

[Happy Days]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

Someone does need to gently remind him that he’s not Eddie Betts, but generally happy with what he’s bringing.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

He has good hands and is double sided like Matty Boyd.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

Does he still surf with Bevo?

No really. He has been great this year. Impressive that he is keeping Wallis, Smith, Scott and McNeil out of the team. JJ as well. It was only last year and he was fighting for a spot with Hayes. Hard work and belief does pay off.

[boydogs]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

His opponent McCluggage was close to their best, but he played OK

He has vastly improved on his deer in the headlights disposal and is really strong and athletic, his ACL's don't seem to be affecting him. Could carve out a career as the next Easton Wood

[Ghost Dog]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

12 touches, 33% by foot in that game, not as great as Matty Boyd yet....


After all the injuries that he's had I'm just happy to see him playing and hope he improves.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

I think Roarke went of script a couple of times and missed easy and better opportunities with team mates. His best footy is that hard running, blue collar footy that is played within his limitations. Which can be very valuable. He’s got a huge job on Langdon we would assume so hopefully that focuses him back to the things he does well. If he can shut Langdon out, run all day, link up, make better decisions forward of centre then he will have advanced our cause by blanketing their main winger, while Hunter can do his thing on the opposite wing.

All the match ups are big. But Roarke shutting down Langdon would be important. Is our boy up for the job under the blowtorch of a GF?

[Bornadog]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

Is it time to reward him with a list spot and a proper contract?

[jeemak]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

You know what I have actually thought the same the past couple of weeks, where's he's gone beyond just keeping it simple and it hasn't worked out for him.

Could be that he's being told to be more expansive in the way that he plays as he gets more confidence in his position in the team, and that's OK. Just has to be mindful that someone of his talents usually should just do the team oriented, first option type stuff and let the more dynamic players on the team do the fancier things.

If he does the job you're talking about and maybe hits the scoreboard then that would be an amazing contribution in a grand final.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: R. Smith is just a reliable player who should be IN every week.

Is it time to reward him with a list spot and a proper contract?

Depends on everything else. He’s one more ACL from being cooked. I’m not against it, but list spots are at a premium. Another good year then it’s a reasonable accomodation.