Sydney's Big Spend on Gun Forward

[bennyfabulous]

Maybe we could get Buddy Franklin, i heard Chris Pelchin just resigned from the Hawks. Maybe a deal would be easier to broker now.

[Bas]

we should allow some or all of that for protecting our players aginst GWS.

See, the gin epidemic is spreading. Holy Juniper berries Batman !!!!!!!

[Bas]

Mitch Clark is actually quite disappointing as a key forward. His best games have been when he's played in the ruck, such as in 2009 when the Lions lost Leuenberger and Charman for most of the year, or when he's given a licence to roam around the ground like he did last week against the Crows.

On League Teams last night they were talking about him going home to become a back up at Freo as a ruckman to the Sandi man.

Taylor Walker was the other mentioned in the terror article but I think after the last few weeks he's projecting himself as Fev off field rather than on.

Just a lazy article from a journo who caught the news about Bradshaw and thought that article would pay for a few cartons of beer.

The days of the "gun" full forward are but a memory just like ruckmen without teeth.

[Melbourne_Blood]

If we have 1 million spare in the cap at the end of this year, we should allow some or all of that for protecting our players aginst GWS. No use buying Mitch Clark if we've got no money to counter offer them stealing Reid, Rohan, TDL ,etc. etc.

[dimelb]

Gerard Healy reckons we're one KP forward short of a gun team. In this story on Sam Reid:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/gerard-healy-lauds-young-swan-sam-reid/story-e6frf9jf-1226067585164

[Legs Akimbo]

Things have changed. A structured forward line is a liability and a structure that operates primarily through a single full forward is more easily nullified than one where there are a range of options. That's why Damien Hardwick said Reiwoldt needs to kick less goals this year if Richmond is to have a better season. The dogs have actually lost scoring effectiveness since BBB joined despite his kicking 80 goals last year. Short memories - doesn't anyone remember the frustrations of everyone kicking to BBB while other options (often White) were left open? With defensive zoning, it is much harder to be a leading FF. Honestly, I reckon even Plugger would struggle now.

Which is not to say our forward line isn't fundamentally @@@@@@. It is. However, I think we have the answers on our list and this article is crap. I have come around to White as a backman. I'd have him as FB (like a point guard, he'd understand that concept). Reg is our half back / sweeper because despite what some on here thing, he is a beautiful kick. Mal fulfills a similar role. Having said that, with Johnson there too, one wonders if we are not one big man surplus... GWS anyone?

TDL is ideally suited as a forward and I understand he has had his issues, but he brings a lot to the table - flair, skill and defensive pressure. So a forward line of TDL McGlynne, with Bird, Parker, Jack etc. rotating into the forward pockets and most importantly, Reid at CHF and Johnston on a flank (he's the right size and shape for a 2nd / 3rd forward and in this day and age, 2nd / 3rd tall forwards are really rather important. Add to the Everitt, Kennedy (a medium sized forward in his own right) and of course Goodes floating forward to create havoc and there is an unpredictable and possibly potent combination there.

But they need to get TDL in there to create forward pressure and they need to get the rotations right with the right blend of size and skill in the forward line. I also wonder about how much of our issue is delivery. Reid needs to work on his kicking to fulfill his role as CHF link man a la Reiwoldt senior and we need to develop MORE structures, set plays and game plans which the players understand and can implement.

All good in theory anyway. I guess what I am feeling is that we have the sausages, but we are missing the BBQ.

[johnno]

Reminds me of that movie....The Great White Hype.

Good movie...hehe

[Bloody Hell]

In a word White..Another word - physicality.. He is the great White hope.

Reminds me of that movie....The Great White Hype.

[Go Swannies]

Come back Barry! All is forgiven!

Strap Baz and Braddy together and we might be able to cobble together an FF?

[Hartijon]

I agree

Come back Barry! All is forgiven!

[magic.merkin]

I agree about White. We're all frustrated, but that's only because we've seen snippets of what he can do. Unless there's some miracle trade to be made, we should hang on to him because our forward line is a real weakness. We can't afford to weaken it more. If we want to aim for youngsters through the draft, they won't be ready for a few years. If we don't mind missing a few years of finals, then that's the best way, but otherwise we need to stay patient with the group we've got.

All that said, If some big key forward wants to come live in the 2nd best city in Australia, all offers welcome.

I agree

[magic.merkin]

Would rather go after Tom Hawkins than bringing that cancer to this club.

Fair enough, but then we'd have him and Jesse not quite making it yet.

[Jeffers1984]

I just have this itch, that they may feel it may be time for a Fevolution.

Would rather go after Tom Hawkins than bringing that cancer to this club.

[andyn]

Play all 3(White, Reid and Johnston) there......and LEAVE THEM THERE!!!!!

I agree about White. We're all frustrated, but that's only because we've seen snippets of what he can do. Unless there's some miracle trade to be made, we should hang on to him because our forward line is a real weakness. We can't afford to weaken it more. If we want to aim for youngsters through the draft, they won't be ready for a few years. If we don't mind missing a few years of finals, then that's the best way, but otherwise we need to stay patient with the group we've got.

All that said, If some big key forward wants to come live in the best city in Australia, all offers welcome.

[johnno]

Play all 3(White, Reid and Johnston) there......and LEAVE THEM THERE!!!!!