Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

Is there an unwritten rule that you can't have more than 1 run-with player? Against certain teams that bat deep with potential match winners in the middle (such as yesterday's opponent), Picken should absolutely take a run-with role. Hell, he's one of the best in the business at it.

I've had 24 hours to mull over it and I am still completely mystified by the rationale that a defensice forward with no skill should have more defensive work out into him than an iutside jet like Deledio. That's not even to mention the fact that Picken has completely owned Deledio for 4 years. Just staggering.

I don't quite get what you're saying. That Picken should just be a tagger? His stocks have dropped significantly since he moved down back, that's for sure.

[Greystache]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

I've had 24 hours to mull over it and I am still completely mystified by the rationale that a defensice forward with no skill should have more defensive work out into him than an iutside jet like Deledio. That's not even to mention the fact that Picken has completely owned Deledio for 4 years. Just staggering.

I get what you're saying, and at stoppages around the ground I think you're spot on. The issue is at the centre bounces you're limited to 3 midfielders plus a ruckman. If all your players are purely focused on stopping their opponent from getting the ball you're already paying the game on the opposition's terms and inevitably they will win majority of the clearances. There has to be a balance and you have to back some of your players to win the ball and your ruckman to direct the ball to the area you want. We didn't have either yesterday so we were screwed from the outset.

Just while we're on the topic, why is such a major taking point for everyone in football about the legitimacy of tagging and how much is too much etc? As Dermott Brereton says "do you know what a forward calls a player who's sole focus is to stop you playing to your best and who has no interest in getting the ball themselves? An opponent. Harden up you whinging midfielders"

[Sedat]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

I don't quite get what you're saying. That Picken should just be a tagger? His stocks have dropped significantly since he moved down back, that's for sure.

No, that against certain teams/players (Richmond/Deledio) I'd much rather see Picken terrorising a match winner than some small forward hack. I'd also like to see him played in our forward 50 against certain teams (Sydney for example) so that he can terrorise all those attacking defensive rebounders. And precisely where I don't want to see him is scrapping out rushed kicks from our defensive 50.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

No, that against certain teams/players (Richmond/Deledio) I'd much rather see Picken terrorising a match winner than some small forward hack. I'd also like to see him played in our forward 50 against certain teams (Sydney for example) so that he can terrorise all those attacking defensive rebounders. And precisely where I don't want to see him is scrapping out rushed kicks from our defensive 50.

Ok. No doubt Liam is more an attacking, rushing style of player. He's much better moving in straight lines, using the force of his run to affect the contest. Never really seen him do the careful stop and prop, switch kick kind of stuff a half back must do without turnovers. Succeeded as a forward at local level, then defined himself as a tagger. Why change it now?

[Missing Dog]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

Fremantle played two taggers the other night, I don't see why we can't. Crowley on Stanton and de Boer on Watson. It may have even been three with Mzungu on Heppell.

I think it's something we should at least try. Lower on the inside ball winner and Picken on a winger/half forward. Picken should only move to the back line if there's a player (Rioli type) our back line can't manage IMO.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

It's disappointing to see Picken being played as a lockdown defender. He's one of the worst users of the ball in the league, and like Sedat said, he needs to play a tagging midfield role or up forward.

[Bulldog4life]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

I'd like to see Picken play forward where his ferocious tackling is much needed. He also is quite a handy kick for goal too.

[Maddog37]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

Every player should have a defensive mindset when his opponent is beating him. To tag or not is a good question but it does not have to be all or nothing.

[F'scary]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

He should still be moved to the forward line

Certainly worth a try. There is currently a lot of open spots in the team - a situation which lends itself to a bit of experimentation.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Should Picken and Higgins Swap spots

Does Picken take Dicksons' role this week?

Good kick for goal, defensive mindset etc. Down back doesn't seem to be working for him/us.