Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

[Guest]

I am just looking at creating some discussion on our players, in particular the ones who are not playing to there potential.

I will start by comparing our own Shaun Higgins with Daniel Hannebery.

I've watched Sydney all year and watched this kid go from strength to strength and he reminds me of Shaun Higgins when he first hit the scene at the dogs.

They both have superb foot skills (yes Higgins has dipped but was once lethal by foot, confidence has taken a hiding lately), neither are blessed with pace, both strong overhead, both have had there share of injuries.

Yet we have one who fades in and out of games and the other on the verge of being a star and a premiership player.

Is it simply work rate, and Higgins needs to work on his tank tirelessly, is it simply a case where your teammates make you a better player ( the swans spread is second to none). How can it be that players like Higgins, Cross etc being consistently exposed for pace yet players suh as Hannebery, Sam Mitchell etc are rarely exposed?

[Mofra]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Hannebury is playing an inside mid role, his natural position.

Higgins is forced to play elsewhere because he doesn't get enough injury-free continuity into his game which restricts his top-match fitness, we already have a decent amount of inside mids and he is an excellent finisher which we lack around the ground.

When Cross played predominately in the centre and was getting regular top 3 B&F finishes I don't recall him getting exposed for pace very often.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Hannebury is a gut runner with fantastic courage.

Higgins is an 'outside' player, but he simply needs to improve his tank. His skills were solid this year IMO.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

What hurts most is Hannebury's dad played with us.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

What hurts most is Hannebury's dad played with us.

I always thought his dad could have been good, but if I remember correctly had chronic hamstring trouble

what number did he wear? was it 46?

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

I always thought his dad could have been good, but if I remember correctly had chronic hamstring trouble

what number did he wear? was it 46?

36..

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

36..

cheers,

wingman, ruck rover wasn't he, good pace, nice kick - anyone else got a clearer memory than me

[Bornadog]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

cheers,

wingman, ruck rover wasn't he, good pace, nice kick - anyone else got a clearer memory than me

Didn't he play for Collingwood before us.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Didn't he play for Collingwood before us.

Dont think so, but maybe Im wrong

[Bornadog]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Dont think so, but maybe Im wrong

Sorry, thinking of Mark Hannebery

[GVGjr]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Hannebury is playing an inside mid role, his natural position.

Higgins is forced to play elsewhere because he doesn't get enough injury-free continuity into his game which restricts his top-match fitness, we already have a decent amount of inside mids and he is an excellent finisher which we lack around the ground.

When Cross played predominately in the centre and was getting regular top 3 B&F finishes I don't recall him getting exposed for pace very often.

My thought exactly. While Crossy never was, nor ever will be quick on his feet, his main problem in recent seasons has been being played out of position.
With all the in and under mid kids we have now, and given his age I think it is time for Cross to reinvent himself as a defender for much of the time, with just cameos on the centre, and not on the bl**dy wing for heavens sake!

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Higgins has been accused of being a bit soft on here. And I've had a fair crack at him over years gone by.
One thing that has given me confidence is BMac's endorsement of Shaun's efforts off field.
Injury has been the big obstacle. If Bmac is happy that he is working as hard as he can, then it's good enough for me. The other side is Sherman. You could argue that Sherman is a similar type to Shaun. Possibly as much 'potential' and has been cut from the team for not 'cracking in'. Again, gives me a bit of confidence we are moving in the right direction. Both situations confirmed my gut feelings about both players.

[F'scary]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Higgins only spots are HFF or FP. Don't bother with anywhere else. If he plays a bad game in either of his 2 suitable positions, drop him to the reserves to find form. Easy. All up he is just a good-average player.

[Maddog37]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

I think he is more than that but body issues may always curtail his output.

[Dazza]

Re: Potential, yes it's a dirty word but let's go there

Well, he gets an injury free pre season this season so he should be raring to go next year. I think he's been hampered by injury for most of his career.

Here's hoping he can make the most of his potential. In #19 he was very good. Giving our players other numbers (and making a big deal of it) has been a curse of sorts.

I hope Dahlhaus doesn't stall with the 6.