I disagree. We have been trying to find a spot for Astbury since he came back from injury last year. Even during the Grand Final Hardwick said we look top heavy with Astbury back there. Thats why they through him in the ruck.
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Which (if any)premiership heroes need to start making way?
- Thread starter RoarEmotion
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Disagree. Has been highly skilled and brave.
But he has started running along a parallel with the opponent who has the ball, rather that straight at him.
He is avoiding collision.
No lack of bravery but I suspect a strong desire to avoid further injury.
He wants another flag and possibly intends to retire with four flags.
Hope he makes it but at this point of the season he shouldn’t be keeping a harder body out.
Wonder how a slowing Cotch might go on HBF?
It’s worked for us before.
Agree.
Every premiership year we have some seen some tweaks to personnel. These injuries have given a couple of boys an opportunity to stake a claim. Reckon RCD and Mansell have both shown a fair bit in their own way.
Wether or not we are at that stage yet i fear dimmas loyalty to senior players could really hurt us over the next few years , hopefully Balme is prepared to make the hard decisions if dimma is not..
Its not Balmes call anymore its Dimma's best mate Livingstone's call. Need to hope Dimma is prepared to make the call or else it won't happen
Agree and disagree. Even if you are right on the collision thing, I think you're overstating it but for arguments say lets say you're right, as we stand now, he still brings more in terms of linking up, getting the ball and using it than any replacement we have.
If he declines a bit more, AND we get to full strength, then his spot in the side will be under pressure sure. He's on the decline, its no secret, but there is decline and there's scrapheap, I reckon some are too hair trigger having him on the scrapheap.
Probably should have worded it ‘who is best 22 come finals?’ That’s all it is.
This is the time to experiment - so this thread is important.
I don’t think it’s disrespectful to try CCJ over Astbury, or drop George or Dan for junior or Stack - no-one is talking about throwing out the bath water or retiring people, it’s simply looking for the best combination in 2021 which might be different to 2020.
We have already seen Short, then McIntosh and Caddy not make the big dance at one of our 3 grannies but they still play an important role in our squad at the moment.
Once we start the games after our bye - things and form will hot up.
I don’t think it’s disrespectful to try CCJ over Astbury, or drop George or Dan for junior or Stack - no-one is talking about throwing out the bath water or retiring people, it’s simply looking for the best combination in 2021 which might be different to 2020.
We have already seen Short, then McIntosh and Caddy not make the big dance at one of our 3 grannies but they still play an important role in our squad at the moment.
Once we start the games after our bye - things and form will hot up.
Remember just last week Dimma highlighted that throwing Noah all over the field was hurting his development? What's the other alternatives, if we need some ruck relief?
Throw Lynch on ball? Don't think so. With his PCL history, I'd be nervous about putting him in for anything more than the occasional forward 50 throw in.
Reiwoldt? Nope. No jump for centre bounces.
Marlion? Possibly, but we want him somewhere near the fall of the ball or the handball out.
That really leaves Astbury, or you select differently.
I think, much like last year, we're asking Astbury to do the team thing, given how well he knows the role down back. And Dave, being a true Richmond man, says wherever you need me Dimma.
That let's Balta get back to growing into what he is familiar with, Dave playing out of position for the team, and someone like Broad, in the 22.
You pretty much backed up my argument. Astbury is surplus to the needs of our defence and not good enough in the second ruck role.
Exactly. If they can't find a place for Astbury down back, I don't know why we're persisting with an inferior option in the ruck. Same with Pickett to a lesser extent. Time to see what CCJ has in a like for like swap, which means we don't lose a runner.
Oh ok then , thats a bit of a worry..Don't have a lot of confidence that Dimma will make the tough calls when needed to..
No, I disagree with your argument.
I'm basically saying Astbury is not being moved because we can't find a role for him. It's the opposite. He's moving because he is flexible whereas Balta isn't. We're not playing him to save his career. Where trying to play him there to help the team..
