Markovic 2012

[The Bulldogs Bite]

He had an interesting year. Did he improve on year one? Absolutely. He played 16 games and often had to hold down the FB position due to Lake's absence/form. In a side where the midfield regularly got belted, it wasn't an easy task and against WCE - he certainly got a reality check. However, we all did. He missed a chunk of games after the 100 odd point loss to the Eagles, but did string a few games late.

Strengths? One on one. He actually rarely gets beaten, and is a very good spoiler of the ball. He's got a decent leap but above all else, he usually positions himself pretty well. His disposal is OK and he generally keeps it simple.

Weaknesses? Pace. He really struggles to defend on the lead and got caught out a few times. His decision making is questionable, but perhaps this can be improved given he hasn't played much top level footy.

Markovic finished equal 10th in the B&F - a solid effort for a mature aged key defender.

Moving forward into 2012, what can we expect from Markovic? How will we use him, especially if Lake is fit? How can we best utilise his strengths (body on body defending), and avoid his weaknesses (defending on the lead)? Is he a possible swingman - particularly with no Hall?

Realistically, can Markovic play a part in our side in future seasons or was he a gap filler in 2011?

[SonofScray]

Re: Markovic 2012

I would be surprised if we could get much more improvement from him as an individual football, what we saw is what we'll get. He has some skills that are certainly AFL standard, can spoil well and generally positions himself well to make a contest, or win the ball outright. So-so with his foot skills and decision making in close but reasonably good with the ball while he has some room to move. With the footy he strikes me a very linear type of player. Spoil, get the ball, kick long type of stuff.

He is an OK payer. I like the way he goes about it, but I don't expect a lot from him either. If McCartney can get a really solid defensive system going and have a settled back six, with the likes of Williams and Lake really performing at a level we need then Markovic could excel in that set up. He could be a genuine stopper a la Morris and free up the others to go third man up, spread for the footy when it is won. Im thinking him playing well in a back six really opens up opportunities for Shaggy and Wood to make marked improvements on last seasons form.

[Scraggers]

Re: Markovic 2012

I was very impressed with Markovic this year ... and I see him as a big part of our future in defence. IIRC he played really well on Buddy didn't he???

To form part of a big three (Markovic, Lake, Morris) in a defensive line would hold us in good stead against the bigger bodies in teams such as Collingwood, St. Kilda, Geelong, Hawthorn etc.. but to use him as the swing player I think is wasted ... I think it better that he is used to release Lake forward.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Markovic 2012

Markovic could be our Lonergan - he did a terrific job for Geelong this season in negating the big forwards.

To be fair, Lonergan's good work also had a lot to do with the players around him. If, as SOS says, we form a settled back six with the likes of Lake and Williams in form - Markovic could play the Lonergan role well.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Markovic 2012

Markovic is exactly the type of player that I hope McCartney can teach to go to the next level as an AFL player. He keeps talking about teaching people how to play correctly and I hope it work with him.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Markovic 2012

The big thing for me is his composure. He looks quite calm as he goes about it. for a young lad, that's a good thing.

[Mantis]

Re: Markovic 2012

If Lake and Williams are fit and in reasonable form Markovic doesn't play.

He filled in pretty well this year, but I don't see him as a long term player.

[lemmon]

Re: Markovic 2012

If Lake and Williams are fit and in reasonable form Markovic doesn't play.

He filled in pretty well this year, but I don't see him as a long term player.

No chance of Lake playing as the Scarlett/Fletcher third tall and dominating as the third man into a contest?

[Mantis]

Re: Markovic 2012

No chance of Lake playing as the Scarlett/Fletcher third tall and dominating as the third man into a contest?

I don't see Markovic being able to consistently play on the better players to allow Lake to play this role.

[lemmon]

Re: Markovic 2012

I don't see Markovic being able to consistently play on the better players to allow Lake to play this role.

Fair enough, I would've made the same comment about Lonergan but he's performed admirably, largely in no small part to the extra cover afforded by Scarlett chopping in. If worst comes to worst and Markovic is exposed we do have the ability to change it up with a Williams, Lake or Morris and then the sub comes into play and its not like we lose much drive from the backline, with the form/fitness of Gilbee and Hargrave, Lake becomes just about our most consistent rebounder with Murph.

[Bornadog]

Re: Markovic 2012

Fair enough, I would've made the same comment about Lonergan but he's performed admirably, largely in no small part to the extra cover afforded by Scarlett chopping in. If worst comes to worst and Markovic is exposed we do have the ability to change it up with a Williams, Lake or Morris and then the sub comes into play and its not like we lose much drive from the backline, with the form/fitness of Gilbee and Hargrave, Lake becomes just about our most consistent rebounder with Murph.

I tend to agree, I think we can fit Markovic in with Williams, and Lake. As much as posters want to say that Markovic is not much chop, he was rarely beaten this year. Sure he has his limitations, and he will never be a super star, but he will be solid and reliable.

[jeemak]

Re: Markovic 2012

If we're at full fitness he might only be used on a week by week basis for specific match ups. Williams, Lake and Morris should be enough for tall cover in defense.

If we're struggling up forward and we need a target, which is potentially how the season will play out then Lake might be used forward. This will open up a spot for Markovic.

[Bornadog]

Re: Markovic 2012

If we're at full fitness he might only be used on a week by week basis for specific match ups. Williams, Lake and Morris should be enough for tall cover in defense.

If we're struggling up forward and we need a target, which is potentially how the season will play out then Lake might be used forward. This will open up a spot for Markovic.

I don't like Morris being stretched to play as a tall. He is only 190cm and struggles against the monster forwards. You can say what you like, however, he plays better on smaller players, and we need someone like that.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Markovic 2012

If we're at full fitness he might only be used on a week by week basis for specific match ups. Williams, Lake and Morris should be enough for tall cover in defense.

If we're struggling up forward and we need a target, which is potentially how the season will play out then Lake might be used forward. This will open up a spot for Markovic.

Would Markovic be an option up forward?

Played some junior football as a forward IIRC.

[jeemak]

Re: Markovic 2012

I don't like Morris being stretched to play as a tall. He is only 190cm and struggles against the monster forwards. You can say what you like, however, he plays better on smaller players, and we need someone like that.

I agree that he plays better on the medium to small players, but I also think that Williams and Lake can cover those of quality over 192-194cm well enough, and there isn't many sides that have three players over 190-192cm that can all play. If there is, then Marko can come in and Morris can shut down a small to medium, if we really think he's a better option on the talls than Morris...........