I agree. They may not win you the flag, but, without these types playing consistently, you don't even make finals. When the oppo midfield starts to dominate, we need them to be really good defensively at centre bounces, forcing a secondary stoppage. As soon as that happens, 6-6-6 is out the window and we can bring up extras to create more congestion until we get the play on our terms.
Ross was a third round pick for a reason, he isn't perfect by any means and has flaws in his game that need refining. However he is giving it everything he has got and is definitely improving so I don't think we can ask much more at this stage of his development.
no, we need both at the moment, but i was thinking more long term.
All footballers are limited in some way Carter. Ross is showing very good signs and has improved even since the start of the season. Deserves a shot in and under which is his natural position and is showing very good signs for a young player.
The ability to get the ball, absorb the tackle pressure, get his arms free and dish it off - not something we’ve seen much of from our mids - and he’s started doing it more lately. He’s also shown he can deliver the ball well. He’s got a long way to go but he has improved this year and with more games he should continue to improve. He works hard and seems pretty robust. I’m changing my thinking about Jack.
Due to salary caps and the draft, I think you will find most premiership teams do in fact have limited footballers in their ranks. Look at Melbourne, I wouldn't say Neal-Bullen, Spargo and Sparrow are super stars but like Ross they have a crack and play their roles. If he keeps improving as he is and is left to develop in the role he plays best, I would expect him to be pretty competent in 12 months time. We have to remember he has still played under 10 games as an inside midfielder at the top level.
No surprise a young fella with only a few games under his belt will appear slow and uncertain.
