#9 John Noble

[Mr Miyagi]

Wish I’d screenshotted comments bagging him as a dud and should be dropped, because I’m seeing some of the commenters here and elsewhere suddenly his#1 fans. I hope people see the players as human and aren’t so abusive in game day threads from now on.

[burnsy17]

He’s certainly unlucky, but at some point depth was going to take a victim or two and unfortunately it was him on this occasion.

Moore, Murph and Beau are all walk up starts, when means with zero injuries to best 25 players, good players are going to miss out.

[Jezza]

Tough one for John. Hasn't missed a game since 2020 so it will be a bitter pill for him to swallow.

I have faith Fly and the assistants know what they're doing in this space.

[RudeBoy]

And another player is going to be an unlucky omission in 2 weeks when Nick Daicos returns.

It's a sign we have a very good side, when very good players lose their spots to even better players.

[LaurieHolden]

Everything indicated it was a selection decided on match-ups. If Spargo was playing, I reckon Noble gets named.

[K]

[Meredith1965]

Sorry mods, I searched but could not find the #9 thread…

I would be interested in other posters’ views on where the last few weeks leave John Noble ? In his shoes, I would be shattered and feeling a bit “used” by my coach. He was good enough to play every game this year, then swallowed the bitterest pill.

Adams and McStay were through injury - it is harder to wear the “not quite good enough” vest, especially when he has been a great contributor in several games this year.

Is the issue his lack of overhead marking, inability to stick tackles, disposal ?

Can he reinvent himself as a midfielder or a small forward in Ginnivan’s role ? Or is he destined to be a fringe player ? Should we expect him to request a trade ?

[piffdog]

Could he be a winger? Good endurance, more of an outside role?

I wouldn't prescribe to the 'used' theory. Someone had to miss out as we got to the end of the season and better players were fit. We don't know if there's something in his game he has been asked to work on and hasnt quite nailed.

[SwansWay]

I’d play him as a defensive small forward. His mistakes won’t give up goals in our defence and he’d create headaches for the opposition defenders.

[Meredith1965]

I just rewatched the game we played vs Brisbane in Rd 22. I hadn’t watched it since as it was not pretty from a Collingwood pov but now I can watch it without vinegar.

I had forgotten that Noble kicked a brilliant goal in the first quarter. He kicked a great goal against Adelaide. He and Hill running back at pace into the 50 would be quite a combination.

[npalm]

Devastating for John but I don't think he needs to change. He was unlucky.
All of our small defenders were injury free and available. We had more defenders available than positions in defense. The best defense in the league. One guy was always going to be the unlucky one to miss out.

[inxs88]

Maybe a future 2nd round draft pick in the 30's might be the best outcome. Hard to see him being first 23 selected next year if we are to blood Allan, Ryan, Harrison and McInnes etc... in-addition to the likely return of Adams and McStay.

[think positive]

i really hope not, id love to see him get a shot in our team.

[lazzadesilva]

The best outcome is for Ginny to remain at Collingwood, have a full uninterrupted preseason and have a great season next year. I have full faith in McRea’s ability to harness lost sheep back into the flock and bring out the best in them. The rest of the options are limited to the above scenario not working and the club making the most out of the situation to benefit them.

[roar]

Not sure he can get over the fact that Fly didn't trust him in finals. Probably needs to look elsewhere.