Forward line woes

Mr Miyagi · Joined: 14 Sep 2018

I don’t read Robbo and the Hun anymore, but I’ve got a feeling he might actually be right for once. Article today about our “damning” forward line stats. Key forward is the big issue, but also cohesion. Fly referred to Billy being a captain in the forward line. Are we lacking leadership there?

Magpietothemax · magpietothemax Joined: 28 Apr 2013

stui magpie · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 1:33 pm

I'm no fan of Robbo, but even a stopped clock........

This is what he said.

MatthewBoydFanClub · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: Elwood

See my comments about Tom Wilson. Totally unfair but then we talking about Robbo here, who's a moron.

Mr Miyagi · Joined: 14 Sep 2018

Oliver and Ginnivan are kids learning, one a rookie. It’s harsh on WHE because he would have kicked the sealer if Cameron hadn’t spoiled the mark — but he’s more a winger and linkman than goal kicker. Dunno why Robbo said Cameron is developing, how long has he been in the system now? He’s a backup ruck, not a key forward. Henry, Ginnivan, Wilson just need more games. in the meantime we need WHE and JDG to step up, and Sidebottom playing more forward.

Pies2016 · Joined: 12 Sep 2014

We’re the only team in the comp who doesn’t have ONE competent tall forward ( 196cm + ) Even the Kangas have Larkey and the Hawks have Lewis and they were both late picks.
You solve so many situations by having a key forward who takes a strong mark. The kicks inside don’t have to be pin point and you can develop a plan for the smaller forwards, knowing the big bloke will draw two opponents on frequent occasions. It’s a double whammy because not only would a quality key forward average over 2 goals a game but he would open up additional opportunities for those around him.
I’m sure it’s the main talking point in all list profile conversations, so I have no doubt it will be a focus. The real interest lies as to whether the “ solution “ proves to be a ready made quality forward or a very early pick who has all the tools to succeed over the long term. I doubt If we could land a quality forward, particularly if we keep DeGoey, so the draft looks most likely. It’s a young list, so at least the timing is in sync. No one said rebuilding was ever going to be easy.

23 YIPPEE!!! · YIPPEE 23!!! Joined: 24 Jul 2019

yep its kruger then what been an issue for years too the forward line i feel our back line is starting to show fatigue too

Lazza · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Pies2016 · Joined: 12 Sep 2014

MatthewBoydFanClub · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: Elwood

Mihocek plays tall. No issue there. Kreuger is about 196cm and 95 kg. It's as much about weight as it about height. With forwards it's about being pushed off the ball. Kelly and McMahon are the right height but still have a bit more weight to put on before they make it as forwards. Then you have Begg who already has the height and weight to play a key forward role, but at the moment he's too young. Johnson and Wilson are that midrange height and weight to play a third tall forward role. Cox and Cameron are essentially ruckmen who can play cameo roles in the forward line. Hawthorn in their premiership years played Hale, who's essentially a ruckman, in a key forward role, but they had a very mobile forward in Roughead who could take the pressure off Hale. The Western Bulldogs have English, who can play as a key forward in his younger formative years. However English is being groomed as a full time ruckman as he gains fitness to run all day. It's as much as finding the right combination to play in the forward line as it is about a formula of must playing two tall forwards of a particular height.

Mr Miyagi · Joined: 14 Sep 2018

I keep forgetting about Will Kelly. Anyone know how he’s tracking?

Raw Hammer · Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Location: The Gutter

Mr Miyagi · Joined: 14 Sep 2018

Pies2016 · Joined: 12 Sep 2014

We’re averaging 92 points per game and conceding 86 points. ( and yes, it’s a small sample but it’s also the fifth highest aggregate of all clubs )
While our front six personnel aren’t elite individually, those 92 points suggest the connection between the mids and the forwards is much improved on 2021. Conversely, we’re coughing up to many points and defensively, we haven’t been at our best. You would think the addition of Maynard and Roughead will tighten it up but right now, we are conceding to many points per game.
92 points will win you most games of footy but the challenge will be to maintain the rage as the opposition go to work on us.
Alternatively, it’s not a big ask to start conceding less points either.

robevpau1 · Joined: 25 Mar 2008