I like your observations about his offensive limitations, but I think you missed the key point in your article. To me it is about forward defensive pressure. We used to have it in spades (Poppy, Cyril etc) but have none now. Ginnivan isn't about it, Watson is too young. If Hardwick can apply huge forward pressure and kick some goals it is a win. I think this is the main reason Mitchell is swinging such a big change.
Thanks Darren, great read. While there's some points you've raised that go to just why Blake is to be tried as a forward, it's still a move that is difficult to understand. There is great comfort in having a defender that each week, can counter players such as Weightman, Toby Greene, Charlie Cameron, Izaak Rankine etc. I just don't see who the player is that takes that role if Blake plays forward. The fact that he played his junior footy almost 10 years ago as a forward is kind of irrelevant, given that he's played almost 150 games of AFL footy as a quality defender.
Given that we have an abundance of speedy defenders - Impey, Amon, S. Mitchell, Weddle and Bailey McDonald - and if Sam wants to set up the defence with these types of players, should the trial of Hardwick as a forward fail, he essentially becomes a surplus and tradeable player, especially given that we have plenty of small forward options in Moore, Watson, Ginnivan and Butler (who is having an excellent pre-season) and to a lesser extent Bennetts and O'Sullivan. Trading Dimma is a scenario none of us would have thought possible six months ago.
I was musing over my best 22 and now Shaemus injured I need another back pocket.
I’m thinking Jars or Hardwick but then , Hardwick, who’s a free agent I think this year is gonna play HFF . So conspiring if Hardwick leaves then that explains a fair bit Sammy training up his replacement, genius Sam , hope he stays !
I like your observations about his offensive limitations, but I think you missed the key point in your article. To me it is about forward defensive pressure. We used to have it in spades (Poppy, Cyril etc) but have none now. Ginnivan isn't about it, Watson is too young. If Hardwick can apply huge forward pressure and kick some goals it is a win. I think this is the main reason Mitchell is swinging such a big change.
Great point!
Thanks Darren, great read. While there's some points you've raised that go to just why Blake is to be tried as a forward, it's still a move that is difficult to understand. There is great comfort in having a defender that each week, can counter players such as Weightman, Toby Greene, Charlie Cameron, Izaak Rankine etc. I just don't see who the player is that takes that role if Blake plays forward. The fact that he played his junior footy almost 10 years ago as a forward is kind of irrelevant, given that he's played almost 150 games of AFL footy as a quality defender.
Given that we have an abundance of speedy defenders - Impey, Amon, S. Mitchell, Weddle and Bailey McDonald - and if Sam wants to set up the defence with these types of players, should the trial of Hardwick as a forward fail, he essentially becomes a surplus and tradeable player, especially given that we have plenty of small forward options in Moore, Watson, Ginnivan and Butler (who is having an excellent pre-season) and to a lesser extent Bennetts and O'Sullivan. Trading Dimma is a scenario none of us would have thought possible six months ago.
I was musing over my best 22 and now Shaemus injured I need another back pocket.
I’m thinking Jars or Hardwick but then , Hardwick, who’s a free agent I think this year is gonna play HFF . So conspiring if Hardwick leaves then that explains a fair bit Sammy training up his replacement, genius Sam , hope he stays !
Love your insights Darren
Ive followed the Hawks for decades but never read and listened to such deep insights as you HI guys now offer on our team.
Go you Mighty Hawks. Brendo