Will Faz Return to the Backline?

Neil Appleby · Joined: 11 Feb 1998 Location: Melbourne

One of the more interesting side-shows at Collingwood so far this year is the re-modelling of Alex Fasolo. It seems the coaches were never really contemplating using Alex as a defender until well into the pre season. The plan was to use Sinclair, Young, Seedsman or Broomhead with cameos by Reid when needed. Injuries forced us back to the drawing-board. Thus Fasolo went back and did OK, but will he last there?

I've got to be honest here and say I've never really been a big Fasolo fan. He possesses great skills but I always felt he was teasing. He'd pop up and kick a couple of goals and then he'd drift out of the game again. He appeared to be a bit lazy, couldn't or wouldn't work hard without the ball, was averse to the hard stuff and possessed no defensive skills. In short, I saw Fasolo as a bit of a lair; Bryce Gibbs without the pace.

I understand the plan; develop a defensive mindset in the lad, but can he hold down a spot when Sinkers, Seedsman and Co return? More to the point, can he cut it against top opposition? Against the Bombers he was looking all at sea; admittedly he had a few mates there, but I wonder if he can last there when the other boys are ready. If it works and Faz can keep developing that defensive aspect to his game, then it's a win-win.

It's early days and I would definitely give him more time, provided he overcomes his injuries that is. Over the next 8 games we'll see if Faz can hold down a spot against a group of boys who will be banging the door down to get his spot.

slydog81 · Joined: 05 Sep 2011

I dont see Sinkers getting a game over Marley and Seedsman.

Faz's big asset is he is a good mark and has good foot skills.

His defensive skills need some work though.

jackcass · Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Location: Bendigo

Steve86 · Joined: 29 May 2006 Location: perth

if anyone would ever push blair out of a side its faz. Id play him in that forward role with elliot.. stop that. Also in his games in defence faz was often at the bottom of the pack getting the hard ball and dishing out. On top of that he has his kicking and marking with a beautiful shot for goal.

mattys123 · Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Location: Narre Warren, VIC

I think what Fasolo showed in those few games before he got injured (again) was that he is now more versatile than before.

He could play in just about any position we ask of him now, even as part of the midfield.

It's a nice problem to have when you think we have too many half backs (if all are fit).

jackcass · Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Location: Bendigo

regan is true fullback · Joined: 27 Dec 2002 Location: Granville. nsw

The problem with Blair, as well as Ball, is that they have a short set shot at goal. Ball no worries - he bobs up in the forward pocket and saves the day on many occasions. but Blair - it was noticeable towards the end of that third quarter that he was having a couple of shots at goal from too far out.

Similarly Cloke - he took a mark against the behind post and tried to convert it, instead of passing it off. so four shots at goal late in the third quarter with the game already done, which all went in for behinds...
(the fact that I started watching didn't help!)

This gave the Showponies the confidence to dominate the last quarter, whereas four goals would have buried them.

Collingwood has to become more strategic in its goal kicking, like Luke Ball. He doesn't seem to have a shot when he is too far out. Given that we have several goalkickers with flaws, then it would be better if they pass off rather than have a shot when someone is in a better postion.

slydog81 · Joined: 05 Sep 2011

Im hoping Faz continues to get a game somewhere..He is a high draft pick so clearly has skill.

Does he have the tank to run through the midfield or wing at times?

3rd degree · Joined: 22 Jun 2004 Location: John Wren's tote

I think the reason why Faz gets into the side is his disposal,it is very good and he has a strut in him which is good. I agree though Chapman was killing him earlier. He is a work in progress down back and is a natural forward. But for mine the lad is too classy to leave in the VFL.

woftam · Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 12:08 pm

neil · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Location: Queensland

Foot injuries mean he will not have the tank to play mid this year
Down back he has shown a side we have not seen. Yes he needs alot more time to develop down back and may never be an elite defender but the skills learnt will help when he goes forward again

slydog81 · Joined: 05 Sep 2011

jackcass · Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Location: Bendigo

slydog81 · Joined: 05 Sep 2011

swoop42 · Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 2:14 pm

There's a spot in the side for Fasolo for mine.

Whether that be in defence or more likely forward he'll be an asset if he continues to show the improved desperation and work rate he has so far this year.

The thought of a new improved Fasolo alongside Elliott has me salivating.