Training 2020 Preseason
- Thread starter Harris Specter
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Let’s be honest Lynch was a horrible kick at timesYou'd assume goal kicking. Could probably get a better boxing coach
Dalions
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There is more to being a forward than just kicking for goal, if he can help with body positioning, contested marking, leading patterns, creating space for others Etc, etc. Then his experience will be invaluable.
Maybe read the post I was responding to for some context.
Nunez
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Why are you so defensive?
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And?
Royboy1961
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Lynch has an interesting career as he played Centre half forward and kicked badly from memory kicked double the amount points as goals from set shots then the next year he played full back for Fitzroy and became an all Australian at a very young age. Soon after he was offered a 10 year contract for Brisbane and got chronic fatigue. Despite this illness he could still play football which was remarkable. He then became a full forward but stayed within 20 metres from the goals. Because he stayed so close to goal his kicking accuracy improved.
Hardly defensive but
Nunez
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Certainly one of the moments of the year last year.
Could re-live this one over and over.
Could re-live this one over and over.
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Maroon Monsoon
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Maroon Monsoon
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You're totally right but at the same time he owned that 20m area from the goal. Couldn't be moved with a bulldozer, and he retained soft hands despite the level of contest he faced. Fair to say he was a specialist but bloody good at what he did, game has changed a lot but watching the old footage of him playing is a masterclass of old school Ff play.
I'm the context of what he can contribute to the current team, he was a fantastic straight kick within the two 45 degree angles from goal. We had mixed results from set shots in that area so I hope he can provide some coaching that let's blokes like Dan, cam and hippy turn the corner and discover some more consistency. Won't mean the world but maybe 2-3 goals each over the course of the season, could provide an edge if we're chasing the top of the ladder
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Okay buddyDefinitely defensive. Smile more friend
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They already have a specialist goal kicking coach so I believe Lynchy will be there for other mentoring of our list.
Caiphus
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Sure his kicking at the beginning of his career wasn't great but he definitely improved. His main weakness was his ability to mark above his head imo. His action was decent as a kick and I could teach a bit about the mentality taken to improve year in year and shake the mental blocks that cause perfectly adequate skills to break down under pressure.
Anyone questioning Birchall’s abilities only watches Lions games, or has only watched AFL for the past 2 seasons.
Jury was out on the recruitment of McCarthy. Yes he’s younger than Birchall, but I’d argue the side on paper looks more impressive with him over McCarthy; and that’s no disrespect to McCarthy.
Jury was out on the recruitment of McCarthy. Yes he’s younger than Birchall, but I’d argue the side on paper looks more impressive with him over McCarthy; and that’s no disrespect to McCarthy.
I cant remember seeing a player that could wrestle his opponent off the flight line of the ball then drop off into the hole and grab the mark in that split second the ball arrived. I don't think we have a forward yet that could go near that style unless they sought about adapting Payne to the forwards. Loved watching Lynchy, that grand final against Port where he was swinging like a rusty barn gate was after he tore his hammy in the first minute or so, he knew he was done and wanted to take someone with him. I reckon we could feel the wind from his missed punches in the crowd where we were.
I’m not sure you understand what some of us have been discussing.
No ones questioned his skills.
What we’ve been discussing is if his athletic abilities have declined, and if this will have an effect on his game.
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I can’t imagine Birchall being fit for round 1.
From what I saw at training last week, he appears a long way off the pace from a fitness perspective.
He Bundy and Robertson were in 1 re-hab group and they were doing some sprints at one stage and Birchall’s sprints were barely a jog. It didn’t appear to be a directive for him to go slow just that he was well off the pace and struggling.
I might be wrong, but I doubt we will see him before round 4-5 at best.
Pretty much what I’ve been saying from the preseason sessions I’ve been to as well.
His kicking has been elite, but otherwise he looks slow and not fit.
But what does my take mean hey? I’ve only followed AFL for a couple of years, and just watch the Lions (not true).
Birchall has played 8 games in the last 3 years. In his prime he was a very good player and an important element in the Hawks premierships. With that said to think that recent evidence is not best evidence of what we can expect is ignoring the effects of injury and aging (and reality). He might well come back and provide us with great leadership in the backline and some important games but I can't see him suddenly being the player he was 5 years ago.
McCarthy had a horrendous injury history but was 7 years younger when he joined us. We hoped he would make a contribution but did not expect a lot. He was a very solid player for us last year. He worked hard, made things happen and kicked 20 goals. He was good but not a star. Birchall could be good as well if he overcomes his injuries but I don't think he will be the star he was.
Birchall's just turned 32 but had barely any football for 3 years . I take on board what others think re his fitness , some guys look like that and can get going by the time the season proper starts . I really don't see why we would've taken him if he was well past his best and half a crock. We hardly need any more leadership ,we've got 9 of them . The games I saw him play last year he seemed to be running in to a bit of form.
Interesting to see how he shapes up.
Interesting to see how he shapes up.
I'm 43, and feeling really damn old now reading how Birch is past his best at 32. Has he had a hip replacement or something? Not particularly fussed if he's fit for round one to be totally honest, I'd rather our club take a long term approach to his return to senior footy. I certainly think he'll be an elite contributor to our team if he stays injury free. Our medical & conditioning staff have the runs on the board over these last three years & the football department also have a history of making sound trade & draft decisions. Can't wait to see how this one goes in 2020 & beyond.
