Lets not forget it was Cotch and Jack that discussed what they could do at the end of 2016 to ensure the likes of Daniel Rioli and his generation could taste success as they didnt believe at the time they would see any. Cotch would always be a team first person.
-
IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
Trent Cotchin (Merged)
- Thread starter Gordietiger
- Start date
We could have done what Hawthorn did and move those flag heroes out the door for the start of last year but I’m so glad we didn’t. These guys have given us a once in a generation look at a strong era with 3 flags in 4 years. Probably not going to happen again in our lifetime.
Soak it up, let them play out time on their terms. All 300 game, one club players. I’m loving it.
*takes sip of tea from St Francis Bourke mug*
Soak it up, let them play out time on their terms. All 300 game, one club players. I’m loving it.
*takes sip of tea from St Francis Bourke mug*
Agree with that.
Just not sure it has been a wasted year. The development of players is not the same. Some, like Sonsie, may need that year of seemingly stagnated development. It then becomes a question of how much Sonsie wants to be the top line AFL player he has shown glimpses of. Has this "wasted" year driven his hunger to succeed?
Will be interesting to see how he goes over the up coming preseason and into 2024
Agree on both counts. But in our three most competitive games before finals, (Melb, Dogs and Port-all with more midfield speed than us), it wouldn't surprise or hurt our chances if he was either made sub, or managed.
I tend to agree with snake on this one.
There are 2 questions to ask.
1 - Does playing Cotch (and Jack) impact development on others - I think this is a resounding yes however...
2 - Can those players that potentially would be seen as replacement, provide what Cotch (and Jack) are doing right now - I'd say the answer on that one is a resounding no.
We'll be pushed into making these changes for next year anyway as you'd think both Cotch and Jack would retire at the end of the year, but at this stage, whilst we are still trying to make finals, you play your best team.
As others have mentioned too, Sonsie would have been the logical replacement to replace Cotch in the 22 this year but he hasn't had a good year.
I agree with your answer to 1). But I think your answer to 2) is way off.
It is totally a guess as to the value a developer is going to offer.
Banks, Bauer or Coalthorpe .. all might kick 3+ in a GF just like Jack Graham did in similar circumstances in 2017.
I dont reckon Jack is keeping anyone out of the team. We have resorted to playing Pickett as a "tall forward" due to Bauer's injury, and Ryan and Miller's struggles.
Probably similar to Cotch, you could argue guys like Clarke or Rioli could be in the team, but i dont reckon either are suffering from playing some games in the VFL. As you say, the one who we thought would be demanding a spot- Sonsie- has struggled, and is best off working his way thru his struggles in the VFL.
I think we have too many slow or just not quick mids in the team. Once we start sticking them forward it all goes to *smile*. Our team balence has suffered since hopper came back in. Yes, I think Trent is taking a spot but it’s not another midfielder’s spot, it’s another runner or forward. But he won’t be sitting any games out and I have accepted that.
A viable replacement for team balance would be Short.
If we cant win the Grunt Ball with Taranto, Hopper, Prestia and Dusty then is Cotch23 going to help?
But Cotch23 can still drive desire and lead the team first approach. Big moments, big impacts.
If he plays well against Melbourne and Port he goes again. Cotch24.
If we cant win the Grunt Ball with Taranto, Hopper, Prestia and Dusty then is Cotch23 going to help?
But Cotch23 can still drive desire and lead the team first approach. Big moments, big impacts.
If he plays well against Melbourne and Port he goes again. Cotch24.
I think the experience of Jack was of great importance and almost got us over the line in last years semi-final loss against Brisbane. That performance also had me convinced that a further contract for him for this year was the right way to go.
On reflection I think with our players beyond say 31-32+, that it is important to look past previous performance and take into account the advice of performance experts as to the possible level of drop off in a particular player's speed and stamina, that is likely to follow if a further years contract is offered. Jack being a case in point.
In short if Cotch wants to go on I think that the same sort of independent evaluation should apply to him also.
In Trents case it is not too much of a jump to consider that Dimma may want him at GC as a playing coach next year, - to help out with a group who are on the verge but have never played finals.
Cotch himself may want to stay on, rather than retire, to keep that option open.
Cotch himself may want to stay on, rather than retire, to keep that option open.
Clearly Jack is keeping someone out of the team. The question is would that player be doing any better or would that player benefit or suffer in terms of his development, if he had the opportunity to play now rather than later.
As I see the answers to both questions can only be guess work.
Jack has been a champion, but not any more. Full forward is a key position and especially so under our chaos game plan.
There has to be someone there who can mark or be relied on to contest and attempt to bring the ball to ground. Jack is still one of our most determined and one of our hardest. But unfortunately the reality is that he is no longer able to meet these requirements.
So while I respect those who think he should be allowed to go on I personally would prefer the full forward opportunity be going now to a Bauer, a Cumberland, a Miller, or a Ryan, - in the absence of possibly better alternatives like (the injured) Lynch or Gibcus.
Of those who are available is it likely they could do any better at this stage of their careers? Or benefit from having been given the opportunity.
Wrongly imo, it is beginning to look like will never know.
9 possessions in the midfield & another missed goal.
Book in the farewell game please Cotch. It’s time.
Book in the farewell game please Cotch. It’s time.
Could be last home game at the ‘G against North - then a final farewell at Port where they might let him do the coin toss!
Just a faint hope he goes into another final - but yeah the end is nigh
Yep, don't know how some think he can go on next year.
I have it on relatively good authority that He and Jack will both retire end of the year.
Ziebel has nominated that as his farewell game. They never miss us #lolnorf. Bet they’ll win it.
<
the 2025 draw.
|
Kane McAuliffe
>
