Forward Line Woes

[LostDoggy]

Re: Forward Line Woes

Some really good theories and possible solutions guys. I too remember during the Rohde years thinking we would be ordinary for some time but football can turn quickly and players develop at different rates. I'm going with some glass half full thinking and continuing faith in Maccas plan to build something good.

At the moment we just don't seem to have the players and/or the will to break lines in order to create opportunities. At least we now have a team that can win (consistently) the contested aspects of the game.

[Bornadog]

Re: Forward Line Woes

Some really good theories and possible solutions guys. I too remember during the Rohde years thinking we would be ordinary for some time but football can turn quickly and players develop at different rates. I'm going with some glass half full thinking and continuing faith in Maccas plan to build something good.

At the moment we just don't seem to have the players and/or the will to break lines in order to create opportunities. At least we now have a team that can win (consistently) the contested aspects of the game.

I think a big difference from the Rhode years was the recruits from 1999, they really started to show something and you could tell we had some very good kids, but had to wait for their development. I guess the exciting thing will be watching Libba, Wallis, Dahlhaus, Jones, Smith, Roughead and Cordy. Hopefully we haven't over rated them because they play for us.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Forward Line Woes

At one stage Gilbee kicked the ball long off half back on the run. He looked up, he knew where he wanted to go and he opened up the forward line…..and I momentarily thought - wow - there's exactly what other clubs have that we don't. Mids and backs who can hit a target from 60 metres by running and then angling the ball to the right position for a forward to run onto it or mark it. All the good sides have this type of player. We do not. Gilbee at times looked slow and made mistakes but he showed to me what we must recruit at the end of the season.

It seems to me that we just need a couple of very skilful ball users to glue this team together. The lack of this type of player is what makes it so difficult for us to score or to set up free flowing play . The speed (or lack of) at which ball enters the forward line and the lack of distance or precision so many of our disposals have….makes for a crowded forward line that is easy pickings for opposition defenders.

Footballers who can run and kick long and accurately, footballers who learn where to position themselves to make the next possession the most effective, footballers who combine this with endurance and courage. That's what we need from the draft.

And then we might find our forwards can play the game sooner than we think.

[stefoid]

Re: Forward Line Woes

All the forwards really want is the chance to compete one out with their opponent and a bit of space to lead into. Even Wayne Carey had Pagans paddock to work in.

Thats why moving the ball quickly and accurately on the rebound is how most teams end up with a shot on goal these days.

Whereas by the time we get our rebound ball down there, it just gets re-rebounded.

All effort is on us being defensive, defending the ground, defend, defend, defend. Its not winning us games.

And Im starting to think at this stage of a lost year, thats kind of by design.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Re: Forward Line Woes

At one stage Gilbee kicked the ball long off half back on the run. He looked up, he knew where he wanted to go and he opened up the forward line…..and I momentarily thought - wow - there's exactly what other clubs have that we don't. Mids and backs who can hit a target from 60 metres by running and then angling the ball to the right position for a forward to run onto it or mark it. All the good sides have this type of player. We do not. Gilbee at times looked slow and made mistakes but he showed to me what we must recruit at the end of the season.

It seems to me that we just need a couple of very skilful ball users to glue this team together. The lack of this type of player is what makes it so difficult for us to score or to set up free flowing play . The speed (or lack of) at which ball enters the forward line and the lack of distance or precision so many of our disposals have….makes for a crowded forward line that is easy pickings for opposition defenders.

Footballers who can run and kick long and accurately, footballers who learn where to position themselves to make the next possession the most effective, footballers who combine this with endurance and courage. That's what we need from the draft.

And then we might find our forwards can play the game sooner than we think.

It's a funny thing I watched all the game and was thinking the same. We can all see that our guys Will be OK. The poi is getting it o them. I said o the wife after that Gilbee kick if he got it 12 times on the run we would get 9 goals if he delivered into the 50 from them.

At this point of time I see only three guys that as a forward you would be licking your chops to lead with they have the ball (Muphy, Griff & Gilbee). The problem is ones injuried, ones tagged each week and the others played one game.

Go get a couple more of these and we will come good

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Forward Line Woes

There have been some knocks on BMac's coaching and your truly has has a tilt as well. Lots of people were scratching their heads when Gillbee was selected. He had a few clangers but generally I thought he played well. full credit to the MC

[Mantis]

Re: Forward Line Woes

Go get a couple more of these and we will come good

We drafted Tutt & Howard as replacements for the likes of Gilbee & Eagleton... lets hope they come good.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Forward Line Woes

Some really good theories and possible solutions guys. I too remember during the Rohde years thinking we would be ordinary for some time but football can turn quickly and players develop at different rates. I'm going with some glass half full thinking and continuing faith in Maccas plan to build something good.

At the moment we just don't seem to have the players and/or the will to break lines in order to create opportunities. At least we now have a team that can win (consistently) the contested aspects of the game.

I understand the need for development. Persisting with kids even when they are not effective so they learn. Fine. But surely we can throw Lake up forward once in a while to mix it up a bit and try and Jag a few games?

If we can risk it, like to see him down back, and if we are dominating like in Freo with 62% of time in our F fifty, like to see him jog down there and try to make a difference, then sneak back.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Re: Forward Line Woes

We drafted Tutt & Howard as replacements for the likes of Gilbee & Eagleton... lets hope they come good.

Early days but I hope they come good, they are both OK but just need time to get up with the pace of the game. Also I think Wood was just starting to rebound well prior to his latest injury, I think also the quick departure of Harbrow and Ward have been a large hole that we didn't see coming. Those two would be welcome additions into our team at the moment and in our regular 22 each week.

[Dry Rot]

Re: Forward Line Woes

I think DR is pretty spot on.
Point by point I can't see where he's wrong.

The only thing to counter DR's scenario is good recruiting/trading.
Let's hope that's what happens

Thanks. I stand by reckoning we need about 12 players and especially tall chaps who are real forwards.

[MrMahatma]

Re: Forward Line Woes

On the weekend, a couple of times we rebounded well, got to the centre circle and looked up to find all fwds out on the flanks and not one in the centre corridoor.

Our ball movement is definitely a problem, but our fwds don't run to the right spots either. Maybe it's a bit chicken/egg...!

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Forward Line Woes

Wonder if that is the last our backline has seen of Tommy Williams?

[LostDoggy]

Re: Forward Line Woes

Wonder if that is the last our backline has seen of Tommy Williams?

One swallow doesn't make a summer.
He lead well and marked a few against an undermanned backline.
One goal and we saw not much else in terms of forward line nous.
Long way to go.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Re: Forward Line Woes

I was looking at our results this season and we have scored 100+ points in only two matches. Our average score this year is 72.28. So sad to see, considering the ease at which this team once scored.

How do people think we can turn it around and start to put some scoreboard pressure on?

We simply lack two key forwards and apart from Dahlhaus and Dickson quality players at ground level. Dickson and Dahlhaus are first and second year players which means a very inexperienced forward line. It is one of the reasons I have advocated moving Murphy into our attack to provide some class and direction. The loss of Cooney hasn't helped whilst Griffen has been kept in check in recent weeks through constant tagging. Until we develop a quality FF and CHF you can expect that we will continue to struggle.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Forward Line Woes

One swallow doesn't make a summer.
He lead well and marked a few against an undermanned backline.
One goal and we saw not much else in terms of forward line nous.
Long way to go.

Whilst I agree, he did show more in one game than Jones and Cordy have in this entire season.

He would need a proper pre-season/training program before it could be judged, but I think it's a move worth pursuing.