Easton Wood

[Go_Dogs]

I think Wood is a very interesting player, going all the way back to being 'a well cooked smokie' draft selection. My question is, what is going to be his best position long term?

At the start of the year he'd been very much pegged by supporters as the great hope to replace Harbrow's run and carry off half back. We knew Wood to be an athletic prospect who likes dashing runs.

My concerns are, he simply doesn't get enough of the ball. Is this because?
a) Trying to concentrate on defence first?
b) Fitness?
c) Lack of instinct to make position to receive?

His defensive ability is also a little concerning. Has lost the ball a few times in the air recently. Not sure if this is because generally he's been playing on bigger opponents and has been more concerned by them rather than watching the ball, because he has shown to be a good mark in the air.

Given Murphy and Higgins now look settled down back (which I like) could Wood move further up the field?

Where do others project him playing, and what sort of role over the next few years?

[Bornadog]

Re: Easton Wood

I thought he had a shocker last night, he was all at sea and didn't seem to know how to defend. We do need some one off the backline to run and carry, but so far this season he has only displayed a couple of flashes. He has still only played around 20 games so has lots of learning to do.

[Desipura]

Re: Easton Wood

I thought he had a shocker last night, he was all at sea and didn't seem to know how to defend. We do need some one off the backline to run and carry, but so far this season he has only displayed a couple of flashes. He has still only played around 20 games so has lots of learning to do.

Did well playing on Jurrah, did you know he played on him for a part of the game?

[Bornadog]

Re: Easton Wood

Did well playing on Jurrah, did you know he played on him for a part of the game?

Yep he did and thats why he was moved

[Desipura]

Re: Easton Wood

Yep he did and thats why he was moved

Are you serious? Jurrah never looked like posing a threat even with him missing a few gettable goals

[Bornadog]

Re: Easton Wood

Are you serious? Jurrah never looked like posing a threat even with him missing a few gettable goals

The reason Wood was moved off him was because Jurrah was beating him, full stop.

Wood was beaten by every opponent last night.

[ledge]

Re: Easton Wood

I dont think he is a defender, gets lost at what to do at times, maybe he is used to go and getting the ball.
Eade might not be too worried about his defensive work at the moment and just try using him on the oppositions worst forward and try and get run and carry off him while he learns.

[Missing Dog]

Re: Easton Wood

I must have watched a different game last nite thought he was okay a couple of blues but the
Kid is still learning the game played under 20 games and will be a very good defender for us for
many years.

[lemmon]

Re: Easton Wood

Wouldnt mind seeing have a run on the ball occasionally, skills are average but the run and dash wouldnt be out of place streaming down a wing. Could replace a bit of what we've lost with Sherman out.

[A dogs life]

Re: Easton Wood

Yep he did and thats why he was moved

Murphy started on Jurrah and only a few had fixed players they played on all night.
Wood did ok & is still learning the game.

[azabob]

Re: Easton Wood

I really like Wood and what he can bring.

We need to remember Wood started concentrating on football in his mid to late teens. Missing the first 8-9 rounds really would have hurt him fitness wise and also continuity wise.

Personally I think we need to stick with him and just play him.

Early on when Eade arrived he played players with a view to the long term such as Hargrave, Gilbee etc and I think the MC should do the same with Wood.

[Mofra]

Re: Easton Wood

I thought last night he was terrible in the first half but did much better in the second.

It's not just the inexperience/20 games which is a factor though - he plays on all types, talla nd small, and each pose a different approach. With Markovic back to help our Tommy as second tall defender, Wood should be able to develop on players on a similar height & build.

He's shown enough to suggest to me he will be a long term player, he will just take time.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Easton Wood

It looked to me like Murphy was on Jarrah just about all night

[Greystache]

Re: Easton Wood

He's been pretty ordinary since coming back from injury after a really promising preseason. We're also asking a lot of him considering he's very inexperienced and struggling for form, he's regularly playing on much bigger opponents and we're also asking him to rebound. I think we either need to free him up to rebound, or get him to play a pure defending role until he finds some form.

[Desipura]

Re: Easton Wood

It looked to me like Murphy was on Jarrah just about all night

You must not have been at the game.