you need to refresh with every new campaign. a point of difference to confound opposition and inspire team mates. our group have been dragged to hell and back through a variety of injuries to key players, but there are signs, through the failed Collingwood game to the Brisbane triumph, that we are once again hitting our stride at the right time.
here are three crucial points of difference as I see it that might yet take us deep into September:
1) Ruck stability across the ground
In 2019 we had Nankervis and Soldo providing tap advantage, clearance muscle, D50 cover and F50 menace. This year we have been crying out for a dangerous ruck tandem as it gives ruck #1 a critical chop out and, perhaps most importantly, allows us to control the air within both arcs. With Nank back in the side, Chol is free run forward and provide a dangerous attacking option. four goals in Nank's fist game back is no coincidence. Conversely, Nank can drift back and provide that cover he does so well, particularly in the absence of Broad and Balta. This is why playing two competitive rucks has a multitude of positive effects across the ground. With Nank, drifting back, we can afford to play +1 small running/link type, which leads into :
2) Attacking runners / precise ball use from half back
Thus far in the dynasty, we have relied upon Houli, Short and to a lesser extent Grimes to run and deliver from half back. In 2021, which teams setting up deeper across the wings due to the space allowed for kick-in, this is far less effective. As fate would have it, two of our better kickers, Houli and Vlastuin, have been cruelled by injury for much of the campaign. Fate has a funny way of unearthing surprising paths. With the reinvention of the hard-running, highly-skilled Daniel Rioli, the resuscitation of the rugged, sublimely-talented Sydney Stack, and the continued faith in the tough, confident Nigel Mansell, we might just be re-molding a back seven that is much better suited to exploiting the stand rule. Tough competitors who don't lack for speed in congestion and precision in delivery. This is the template for a defence with the ability to convert defence to attack in an instant and improves a defensive unit sorely lacking in this regard in the first half of campaign 2021.
3) A new set of amigos up forward
The re-invention of a back six solidified by Nankervis dropping back and the installation of the deadly smalls Rioli, Stack and Mansell has bled rainbows into the forward zone. As noted, Chol may drift forward without a suitable match up and lethally hit the scoreboard. Secondly, this in turn makes Lynch and Riewoldt more dangerous. If the opposition is eyeing the rearview for Chol, Tom and Jack have much more chance of splitting their minders and presenting cleanly. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Jack was able to find the space to kick 6 against Brisbane. With Chol pushing forward at every opportunity, our ability to score over 100 points was evident for all to see. Finally, the most important element of this current forward setup is the small brigade. The changes in D50 has resulted in Baker being sent to a zone where he first started - the forward line. At a tender young age, he is now the standard-setter of a small brigade that was listless, rudderless just three weeks ago. With increased speed and precision on the ball out of D50, Baker, Castagna and Aarts are now pushing forward to the feet of our talls with much more frequency and intent. Baker is a terrier, utterly determined to trap that ball at all costs. With his svelte, creative passing, he is perfectly suited to the role of forward bulldog. Based on the evidence of the Brisbane game, our forward pressure, the alpha and omega of how we operate, might well have returned, like Lazarus rising.
In short, I believe there signs - just signs at the this point - that every facet of our game is up and running. We were even able to reverse the downward trend of center clearances on the weekend.
And Dusty? Huge out whichever way you slice it. Matchwinner. But my consolation is that Bolton, another matchwinner, can slot into Martin's place. I look forward to the Geelong game with great interest, not because I think we are a strong chance to win, but because we are functionally and structurally looking better than we have since the Grand Final of 2020.
here are three crucial points of difference as I see it that might yet take us deep into September:
1) Ruck stability across the ground
In 2019 we had Nankervis and Soldo providing tap advantage, clearance muscle, D50 cover and F50 menace. This year we have been crying out for a dangerous ruck tandem as it gives ruck #1 a critical chop out and, perhaps most importantly, allows us to control the air within both arcs. With Nank back in the side, Chol is free run forward and provide a dangerous attacking option. four goals in Nank's fist game back is no coincidence. Conversely, Nank can drift back and provide that cover he does so well, particularly in the absence of Broad and Balta. This is why playing two competitive rucks has a multitude of positive effects across the ground. With Nank, drifting back, we can afford to play +1 small running/link type, which leads into :
2) Attacking runners / precise ball use from half back
Thus far in the dynasty, we have relied upon Houli, Short and to a lesser extent Grimes to run and deliver from half back. In 2021, which teams setting up deeper across the wings due to the space allowed for kick-in, this is far less effective. As fate would have it, two of our better kickers, Houli and Vlastuin, have been cruelled by injury for much of the campaign. Fate has a funny way of unearthing surprising paths. With the reinvention of the hard-running, highly-skilled Daniel Rioli, the resuscitation of the rugged, sublimely-talented Sydney Stack, and the continued faith in the tough, confident Nigel Mansell, we might just be re-molding a back seven that is much better suited to exploiting the stand rule. Tough competitors who don't lack for speed in congestion and precision in delivery. This is the template for a defence with the ability to convert defence to attack in an instant and improves a defensive unit sorely lacking in this regard in the first half of campaign 2021.
3) A new set of amigos up forward
The re-invention of a back six solidified by Nankervis dropping back and the installation of the deadly smalls Rioli, Stack and Mansell has bled rainbows into the forward zone. As noted, Chol may drift forward without a suitable match up and lethally hit the scoreboard. Secondly, this in turn makes Lynch and Riewoldt more dangerous. If the opposition is eyeing the rearview for Chol, Tom and Jack have much more chance of splitting their minders and presenting cleanly. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Jack was able to find the space to kick 6 against Brisbane. With Chol pushing forward at every opportunity, our ability to score over 100 points was evident for all to see. Finally, the most important element of this current forward setup is the small brigade. The changes in D50 has resulted in Baker being sent to a zone where he first started - the forward line. At a tender young age, he is now the standard-setter of a small brigade that was listless, rudderless just three weeks ago. With increased speed and precision on the ball out of D50, Baker, Castagna and Aarts are now pushing forward to the feet of our talls with much more frequency and intent. Baker is a terrier, utterly determined to trap that ball at all costs. With his svelte, creative passing, he is perfectly suited to the role of forward bulldog. Based on the evidence of the Brisbane game, our forward pressure, the alpha and omega of how we operate, might well have returned, like Lazarus rising.
In short, I believe there signs - just signs at the this point - that every facet of our game is up and running. We were even able to reverse the downward trend of center clearances on the weekend.
And Dusty? Huge out whichever way you slice it. Matchwinner. But my consolation is that Bolton, another matchwinner, can slot into Martin's place. I look forward to the Geelong game with great interest, not because I think we are a strong chance to win, but because we are functionally and structurally looking better than we have since the Grand Final of 2020.
Last edited:
