Gia v/s Aker

[Bulldog4332]

After watching many games this year (and the second quarter from willy on saturday) I have been alarmed at Gia's slow decline as a small forward. I feel he must be carrying a groin or something as he seldom leaves the forward Line. I am a Gia basher as I just cannot forgive him passing to Johno at the Saints game this year. However, he is part of the woodwork and says all the right things. His stint as captain finished with Boyd taking over and I know that Johno has groomed him for captain.

HOWEVER, enough is enough, a small forward must be able to slot goals (yes he kicked one in Darwin) and be super slick in his disposal. Yes there are many here who will point out his goal assists but from my point of view he is not doing near enough. Do we think he will kick 3/4/5 goals in a game - no, will slot the long goal at a crucial time in a final from 45 - no, will he turn something from nothing - no. Can he take turn in the middle - not much recently. Higgins whilst also not doing much is ahead of Gia because if he gets a ball inside 50 will goal more often than not.

So for me it comes down to a really tricky dilemma, Aker can do everthing Gia can do on the field but better. Gia is miles ahead of Aker in team harmony etc. So what should the MC do, Aker with his diminisehd but superior skills or Gia with his solid pure bulldog ethic.

Maybe it is time for Eade to send the MESSAGE, no one is safe and no one is going to stop us.

[GVGjr]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Whilst I agree that Giansiracusa has been down on form for the last couple of weeks, I think his form this season has been quite good. More than happy to stick with him.

[AndrewP6]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

I haven't minded Gia's work this season. I do think we need Aker on the park soon, if he's going to play a part in any September action, but not at Gia's expense.

[Rocco Jones]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

I constantly defend Gia to others but I think it might be due to consistently having lower expectations of him than most of our fans.

There are a few reasons to drop players but I am not sure any apply to Gia.

Despite struggling, I think he is in our best 22.

I definitely don't think he is the in the category of 'learning a lesson' type that can find added motivation after getting dropped.

Then there's the greater good and feeling of the team. Gia seems like one of, if not the most, respected players off field at the club while Aker is well, Aker.

[Flamethrower]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Gia's role has changed recently. He is playing the defensive forward role, often tagging the opposition's "quarterback"/playmaker at the expense of his own game.

Aker plays a different role when he is in the team - high forward. Playing further up the field meant that Jason was kicking fewer goals but having more score assists and leaving plenty of space for Baz to lead into.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Talking off field performance, even though Aker has put himself in an odd spot, I'm not liking the comments Gia has had to say about Aker.

[Missing-Dog]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

... Do we think he will kick 3/4/5 goals in a game - no, will slot the long goal at a crucial time in a final from 45 - no, will he turn something from nothing - no. Can he take turn in the middle - not much recently. Higgins whilst also not doing much is ahead of Gia because if he gets a ball inside 50 will goal more often than not...

Firstly, Gia has often kicked bags of 3 or 4 goals his whole career. Secondly, no he probably won't be the guy who slots the long goal but he most likely be the one who gives another player that opportunity in space and under less pressure. Thirdly, he has been playing a defensive forward role (something we have needed for years) so he has had his hands full with that. Lastly, while I'm a huge fan of Shaun (more so when he's fit) he has been extremely disappointing this year especially when it comes to kicking for goal on the run and I'm not sure anyone can pick on Gia's finishing, seriously he's half man half cappuccino.

I have no idea why people continually pick on Gia, he's always at least okay and sacrifices his game to play an extremely hard role as a defensive forward pocket. As we all have seen when Boyd went down Gia took up his role with aplomb and racked up the stats, the guy is the anti-Aker in many ways, he could demand a spot in the middle but instead he is unselfish and plays his role and works his arse off every week. I guess I just don't see alot to criticize him for.

[MrMahatma]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Aker is a better footballer than Gia. If our team can't put personality aside and we can't pick the best players, we'll never win a flag.

[stefoid]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Aker is working on a kiss and tell book, according to the Hun. Ill bet he slags off Johno.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Aker is working on a kiss and tell book, according to the Hun. Ill bet he slags off Johno.

I read this also. If he decides to go the way of embittered commentator he will very much regret it. Stay positive Aker.


The OP raises some interesting points. If we were talking about 2008 Aker I would agree.
2010 Aker, still has the twitch fibers but will lag a bit now. Close call.
One game at a time now. Gia did ok last week and is more versatile than Jason on game day?
( back, mid, forward )

[chef]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Aker is a better footballer than Gia. If our team can't put personality aside and we can't pick the best players, we'll never win a flag.

Was.

He's not the player he used to be and I would rather Gia any day in their current form.

[chef]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Aker is working on a kiss and tell book, according to the Hun. Ill bet he slags off Johno.

I'm sure he won't let the truth get in the way of what he thinks has happened.

[Curly5]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Talking off field performance, even though Aker has put himself in an odd spot, I'm not liking the comments Gia has had to say about Aker.

What were they?

[LostDoggy]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

For mine Gia is a bit inconsistent - flows in and out of games - looks a little propy at the mo also. That said, he is currently 3rd on dogs goal kicking - can't drop him - especially if Hall doesn't come up this week.

I do think the side needs a freshen up though. Whether Aker is the answer - still unsure. If he does get a game and struggles it will be his last.

[Mofra]

Re: Gia v/s Aker

Was.

He's not the player he used to be and I would rather Gia any day in their current form.

Exactly what I was going to say. Gia is still playing his role - I noticed late in the 3rd & 4th quarters he was directing traffic in the F50 when (presumably) most were too tired to strictly stick to the plan instinctively.

Gia will probably finish inside the top ten in our B&F, Aker wont (even if he wasn't missing games).