Is our lack of leg speed in the midfield a worry?

[RudeBoy]

With Swan, Pendles and Beams arguably the best mid combination going around, I wonder if this disguises a major weakness in our team - our lack of midfield speed. Once you add McCaffer, Ball, Blair and Sidey into our midfield rotations, I reckon that only Swan out of those 7 midfielders is genuinely quick.

So what's the solution?
As good as he's been, and as courageous as he is, I think it's time we drew the curtains on the career of Luke Ball - except for when it's raining! Adams is much faster, just as fearless and is a better (though not fantastic) kick. I think we also need to find a spot for Josh Thomas. He gives us more flexibility than Blair imo.

Obviously, we're all hoping that Freeman will be available later in the year, but as each week goes by, that's beginning to look like a faint hope.

In defence, we could do with an infusion of pace as well. I'm still not sold on Young, so maybe Sinkers should be considered. Toovey has lost a yard since his knee surgery and maybe Fasolo should take his spot.

Overall, we look a bit one paced atm and could do with an infusion of speed in the midfield and in defence.

[slydog81]

I think Bucks should get some games into BKennedy.

Freeman is meant to be pretty quick too.

[3rd degree]

Josh Thomas will become a Luke Ball clone, why Caolon Mooney will win his next race at Sandown park.

[Scribe]

Leg speed is one of the most horribly-overrated things in football.

Apart from Cyril Rioli, can you name me any lightning-quick blokes at Hawthorn?

Yes, every team requires a few blokes who break the lines and leg speed is a fine commodity to have, but give me the guys who can run all day over the ones who look flashy for 30 metres.

Some of the changes I agree with, but not because of leg speed.

Luke Ball would be well aware that as Thomas and Adams develop, his Collingwood career is nearing the end.

[3rd degree]

[HAL]

Ayuh. That is a generalization.

[AN_Inkling]

How's that saying go: like a Rudeboy with a bone?

If pace is a concern, it's more of a concern on the outside than the inside. Ball's position has the least reliance on speed of any in the team. If we think others have gone passed him (not seen evidence of it yet), then sure, let's replace him, but not simply for a lack of speed. The Saints made a similar mistake.

Adams is not overly quick himself, Thomas I think is more so, but again no speedster. Are we more flexible with Thomas in the team? What position can he play other than inside mid? Blair has played both forward and middle, Thomas has really only ever been a mid. I don't like the mix with Thomas and Adams in the team. Two inside players without great pace, flexibility or ball usage. For the moment Ball is ahead of both till they prove otherwise. Their performances this year have not done it yet.

I'd maybe look to fit in one of Adams or Thomas alongside Ball, but even that's not easy in terms of balance. As you say, we lack a bit of pace, bringing in another slower type isn't the answer.

So, one of Thomas or Adams would be ok if we can fit them in. But what I'm really looking forward to is bringing in the quicker, rangier types who can use the ball: players like Seedsman and Broomhead, or of a slightly different type, Kennedy, Fasolo, Freeman, Karnezis...

[Damien]

Our midfield has been criticised for lack of leg speed since the mid 2000's and then we won a flag. No use having leg speed if you don't get the pill...and ours get it.

[AN_Inkling]

^^Not so much this year. A ranking of 14th in clearances is one of our problems, as the erstwhile David Cloke recently pointed out .

[swoop42]

I agree with Rudie.

There's a whiff of O'Bree circa 2010 about Ball and Blair both in how there playing and those defending them.

I prefer the combination of Adams and one of Thomas or Kennedy.

[Beast]

There's a distinct lack of speed in the whole side if you ask me.
Yes sides like the Hawks aren't stacked with roadrunners but their precise and sharp ball movement more than makes up for it, we can't do that either.

[jackcass]

Marsh, Mooney, Freeman, Broomhead, Kennedy, Sinclair are all quick.... sadly, none of them are in the seniors...

Think our recruiting has identified the issue and tried to address it, just need to be patient.

[AN_Inkling]

Yeah we've definitely drafted for the need. Another focus has been on drafting more powerful kicks for the back half. We haven't yet seen it all come together because of injury, but the stocks are there.

So yes, I'm with Rudeboy on bringing in more pace. I don't think the main position of need is our primary extractor though, and bringing in Thomas or Adams for Ball isn't going to help any. Neither are all that quick and the role does not demand that they be so. There is a case for replacing Ball with a younger player, but it's not over lack of pace.

[RudeBoy]

[melliot]

Plenty of examples of mid paced teams winning flags. Cats won three flags and besides Varco were pretty mid paced.

Winning the ball and quick reactions are more valuable.