Player Watch #7: Ben Lennon

Remove this Banner Ad

Lennon's VFL form has been well and truly good enough to play AFL. His issues have been untimely injuries, and he doesn't fit the style of player we have been using. We've got so many fast small forwards, a slower medium marking forward could disrupt the pattern of play.

But to say he is spud is silly. He has stacks of talent, and is showing it regularly now. Unfortunately he is playing VFL. The penny has dropped for him. If he can get his size and strength up, whilst improving his running he could easily become a transition mid, and medium forward. I suspect he will stay with the RFC in 2018 and that is his make or break year.
 
Dr Tigris said:
Lennon's VFL form has been well and truly good enough to play AFL. His issues have been untimely injuries, and he doesn't fit the style of player we have been using. We've got so many fast small forwards, a slower medium marking forward could disrupt the pattern of play.

But to say he is spud is silly. He has stacks of talent, and is showing it regularly now. Unfortunately he is playing VFL. The penny has dropped for him. If he can get his size and strength up, whilst improving his running he could easily become a transition mid, and medium forward. I suspect he will stay with the RFC in 2018 and that is his make or break year.
Click to expand...

I'm probably one of his biggest critics but the posts suggesting he is a spud are silly as are the posts saying he is better than some of our AFL side players.

Clearly he is a decent footballer but the problem is that his deficiencies (and some of them aren't his fault, just genetics) are huge given our game style this year. What puzzles me is that he didn't get played last year when we were terrible which tells a bit of a story.

I am also not sure he worked hard enough in the first 2-3 years of his career.
 
I think Lennon is now a victim of circumstances. Earlier he was a victim of his own making - he didn't work hard enough to change his style of play and do what the coaches were asking of him. Now though, we aren't looking for forwards who can't apply pressure. Townsend has been an asset to the team because he is tough, relentless, tackles and surprizingly agile in traffic. He reads the play well too. Lennon is a one trick pony who is a fantastic kick for goal and a great mark for his size but that's not what we need in our forwardline - infact that's not what we need anywhere across the ground atm. Even our ruckman's games built on applying pressure, tackling, blocking and getting clearances. Its why Hampson will struggle to fight his way back in the team but regardless Lennon just hasn't got the defensive game we need from a forward.

Despite his obvious ability, I think he will be delisted and picked up by another team via the Rookie Draft next year.
 

Log in to remove this ad.

Dr Tigris said:
We've got so many fast small forwards, a slower medium marking forward could disrupt the pattern of play.
Click to expand...

I'd be astounded if this is the selection committee's rationale and what's more - as Townsend past two weeks indicate - is just plain wrong.
I have read so many times this season in relation to players such as Townsend, Lennon, Miles, Batchelor etc. they don't fit into the current game plan and style.
What a load of bulls**t.
There are people who make out as if playing Miles instead of Markov, or Lennon instead of Castagna or Edwards slows the whole team down to a treacle.
If a player was that slow - and had no redeeming qualities - he would never make it onto an AFL list, albeit Lennon has not measured up, let alone proven worthy of a first round pick. If picked, he would not be the difference between winning and losing. Why?
Because the success of the team - as some would have you believe otherwise - is not based purely on the forward pressure and pace of Butler, Rioli, Castagna, Bolton, Lambert, it's about all 22 blokes picked contributing pressure, hustling, harrassing etc. It's nothing to do with their size, it's actually DOING it. I know that seems a novel concept, but that's only because we have a coach who for years preached having one bloke - Jake King - doing all the hustling, harrassing and tackling in the front half. And when he left, he needed to get Steve Morris to do ALL the hustling, tackling, pressuring a-la Jake King.
Bang ... the coach spent six weeks at Harvard and the penny drops, what if you get EVERYONE buying in to the whole forward and around the ground pressure. There is equal parts of pressure applied in defence by the likes of Rance, Houli, Vlastuin, Grimes , as there are up forward and in the midfield by Mattin, Cotchin etc. Yet people continue to believe it's ALL about the small forwards. Taking a small out and replacing him with Lennon, or Townsend as we have seen, means squat ..... but only if the bigger guy doesn't buy in to the game plan. You question how the coach allowed #29 to stand hands on hips and apply zero pressure for so long.
 
Goldust said:
I'd be astounded if this is the selection committee's rationale and what's more - as Townsend past two weeks indicate - is just plain wrong.
I have read so many times this season in relation to players such as Townsend, Lennon, Miles, Batchelor etc. they don't fit into the current game plan and style.
What a load of bulls**t.
There are people who make out as if playing Miles instead of Markov, or Lennon instead of Castagna or Edwards slows the whole team down to a treacle.
If a player was that slow - and had no redeeming qualities - he would never make it onto an AFL list, albeit Lennon has not measured up, let alone proven worthy of a first round pick. If picked, he would not be the difference between winning and losing. Why?
Because the success of the team - as some would have you believe otherwise - is not based purely on the forward pressure and pace of Butler, Rioli, Castagna, Bolton, Lambert, it's about all 22 blokes picked contributing pressure, hustling, harrassing etc. It's nothing to do with their size, it's actually DOING it. I know that seems a novel concept, but that's only because we have a coach who for years preached having one bloke - Jake King - doing all the hustling, harrassing and tackling in the front half. And when he left, he needed to get Steve Morris to do ALL the hustling, tackling, pressuring a-la Jake King.
Bang ... the coach spent six weeks at Harvard and the penny drops, what if you get EVERYONE buying in to the whole forward and around the ground pressure. There is equal parts of pressure applied in defence by the likes of Rance, Houli, Vlastuin, Grimes , as there are up forward and in the midfield by Mattin, Cotchin etc. Yet people continue to believe it's ALL about the small forwards. Taking a small out and replacing him with Lennon, or Townsend as we have seen, means squat ..... but only if the bigger guy doesn't buy in to the game plan. You question how the coach allowed #29 to stand hands on hips and apply zero pressure for so long.
Click to expand...

Hope you're having a great day Goldy.

You see nothing of any value. Many others, including me, see a heap of potential. Several people on this site have said that they have heard Lennon has been told he doesn't fit the current game plan. But also that he has a future in the Tigers if he can keep developing. Either they are lying, or Ben is just not kicking the door down hard enough.

On Townsend, he was brought in as a defensive forward. Ben Lennon is many things. But a great defensive forward is not one of them. He's apparently (I can only go on VFL reports) improved a lot. But given our game plan is based on huge pressure in our forward line. This requires speed and attack on the man. If Ben can improve there, and get that ability to run and be involved up then he adds to our team. But not as a defensive forward. It's when he isn't a problem defensively, and adds that marking and kicking talent around the ground that he gets a gig regularly.

You disagree, so I am talking to myself. But then I do that a fair bit. I'm about the only person I know that can put up with the crap I talk :D:oops:
 
Dr Tigris said:
Hope you're having a great day Goldy.

You see nothing of any value. Many others, including me, see a heap of potential. Several people on this site have said that they have heard Lennon has been told he doesn't fit the current game plan. But also that he has a future in the Tigers if he can keep developing. Either they are lying, or Ben is just not kicking the door down hard enough.

On Townsend, he was brought in as a defensive forward. Ben Lennon is many things. But a great defensive forward is not one of them. He's apparently (I can only go on VFL reports) improved a lot. But given our game plan is based on huge pressure in our forward line. This requires speed and attack on the man. If Ben can improve there, and get that ability to run and be involved up then he adds to our team. But not as a defensive forward. It's when he isn't a problem defensively, and adds that marking and kicking talent around the ground that he gets a gig regularly.

You disagree, so I am talking to myself. But then I do that a fair bit. I'm about the only person I know that can put up with the crap I talk :D:oops:
Click to expand...

What I am saying is he can adapt to the current game plan ... if he's good enough.
I am not ruling anyone out.
Look, I think he's need to work a helluva lot harder on his deficiencies, but every single Tigers player can fit in to the game plan if they do the things required.
As I said, tackling and forward pressure are not the domain of five players, it's done all over the ground and is an essential requirement of EVERY player.
Our smalls are overstated.
 
He kicks his 3 goals a game regular as clockwork in the VFL and is amongst the highest goal kickers. I think he has improved but breaking into our forward line this year has been a tough ask.

I don't know, its easy to stick the boots in, we in the Richmond forums are masters at deriding our own.

Could he embarrass us if we let him go? maybe ... that might be a good thing for both parties.

He is though running out of time ... talls get 4 or 5 seasons to grow into their bodies, (we seem to be expecting Elton to become good one day) mid size half forwards are on a shorter timetable.
 
ARES said:
The talent is there but whether he makes it to the top level has been made harder by the amount of forwards we now have amassed
Good thing is RFC finally seem to have the know how and personal to give these players the best chance to make it
Physical ability is one thing, getting in their heads is another. ..

Townsend until last couple of rounds looked a 2nd tier player...

Just hate how easily some of you disrespect Richmond players
Click to expand...
Fair enough Post as I had a few blokes on the scrap heap before this new look FD got their hands on them.i still think it's not disrespect as posters are allowed to post their opinions.
Astbury
Townsend
Lambert
Castagna
Moore
Broad

I had faith in Butler and I believe Soldo can still make it.
Lennon and Lloyd unfortunately are two blokes that haven't stepped up , whilst Chol and has been terrible this year . Hopefully second year blues.
Elton is too far gone and immersing him in holy water can't save him.
 
Goldust said:
I'd be astounded if this is the selection committee's rationale and what's more - as Townsend past two weeks indicate - is just plain wrong.
I have read so many times this season in relation to players such as Townsend, Lennon, Miles, Batchelor etc. they don't fit into the current game plan and style.
What a load of bulls**t.
There are people who make out as if playing Miles instead of Markov, or Lennon instead of Castagna or Edwards slows the whole team down to a treacle.
If a player was that slow - and had no redeeming qualities - he would never make it onto an AFL list, albeit Lennon has not measured up, let alone proven worthy of a first round pick. If picked, he would not be the difference between winning and losing. Why?
Because the success of the team - as some would have you believe otherwise - is not based purely on the forward pressure and pace of Butler, Rioli, Castagna, Bolton, Lambert, it's about all 22 blokes picked contributing pressure, hustling, harrassing etc. It's nothing to do with their size, it's actually DOING it. I know that seems a novel concept, but that's only because we have a coach who for years preached having one bloke - Jake King - doing all the hustling, harrassing and tackling in the front half. And when he left, he needed to get Steve Morris to do ALL the hustling, tackling, pressuring a-la Jake King.
Bang ... the coach spent six weeks at Harvard and the penny drops, what if you get EVERYONE buying in to the whole forward and around the ground pressure. There is equal parts of pressure applied in defence by the likes of Rance, Houli, Vlastuin, Grimes , as there are up forward and in the midfield by Mattin, Cotchin etc. Yet people continue to believe it's ALL about the small forwards. Taking a small out and replacing him with Lennon, or Townsend as we have seen, means squat ..... but only if the bigger guy doesn't buy in to the game plan. You question how the coach allowed #29 to stand hands on hips and apply zero pressure for so long.
Click to expand...
Bingo.
 
Goldust said:
I'd be astounded if this is the selection committee's rationale and what's more - as Townsend past two weeks indicate - is just plain wrong.
I have read so many times this season in relation to players such as Townsend, Lennon, Miles, Batchelor etc. they don't fit into the current game plan and style.
What a load of bulls**t.
There are people who make out as if playing Miles instead of Markov, or Lennon instead of Castagna or Edwards slows the whole team down to a treacle.
If a player was that slow - and had no redeeming qualities - he would never make it onto an AFL list, albeit Lennon has not measured up, let alone proven worthy of a first round pick. If picked, he would not be the difference between winning and losing. Why?
Because the success of the team - as some would have you believe otherwise - is not based purely on the forward pressure and pace of Butler, Rioli, Castagna, Bolton, Lambert, it's about all 22 blokes picked contributing pressure, hustling, harrassing etc. It's nothing to do with their size, it's actually DOING it. I know that seems a novel concept, but that's only because we have a coach who for years preached having one bloke - Jake King - doing all the hustling, harrassing and tackling in the front half. And when he left, he needed to get Steve Morris to do ALL the hustling, tackling, pressuring a-la Jake King.
Bang ... the coach spent six weeks at Harvard and the penny drops, what if you get EVERYONE buying in to the whole forward and around the ground pressure. There is equal parts of pressure applied in defence by the likes of Rance, Houli, Vlastuin, Grimes , as there are up forward and in the midfield by Mattin, Cotchin etc. Yet people continue to believe it's ALL about the small forwards. Taking a small out and replacing him with Lennon, or Townsend as we have seen, means squat ..... but only if the bigger guy doesn't buy in to the game plan. You question how the coach allowed #29 to stand hands on hips and apply zero pressure for so long.
Click to expand...

Heck of a post but if you take a look at the VFL season Townsend has been absolutely outstanding in the last half dozen games or so. He has probably been our most dominant player consistently. I mean really really good.

You make a good point about players fitting into the game style but it is clear to me that to come in and have a chance to stay in the team at AFL level Lennon had to be in red hot form in VFL.

That's how Towno got in the side.
 
TigermanM2 said:
Heck of a post but if you take a look at the VFL season Townsend has been absolutely outstanding in the last half dozen games or so. He has probably been our most dominant player consistently. I mean really really good.

You make a good point about players fitting into the game style but it is clear to me that to come in and have a chance to stay in the team at AFL level Lennon had to be in red hot form in VFL.

That's how Towno got in the side.
Click to expand...
Towno also changed his game. Matured response from him in the off season and during the VFL season. Lennon for me gets 1 more season on the rookie list if he wants it. I would like to try him as a midfielder before we let him go. He could eventually take Griggs spot if he wants it bad enough.
 
Lennon has been unlucky this year not to get more of an opportunity based on VFL form.
A number of things have made it hard for him - new game style, the emergence of Butler and George, and Caddy (and recently Towno) playing a lot of time in the forward line.
Don't think he'll be at Tigerland next year, but if he is then not a bad idea to try him in a new role eg midfield or wing.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

There is still at least 1 game left for Lennon giving him the opportunity to prove he should be in calculations for the senior team. It would probably take an injury or some incredible VFL form but he shouldn't give up until the fat lady sits on his face.
 
Watched Lennon yesterday and couldn't believe how much bulk he was carrying on his arse. Not only is he slow , but he can't even get off the ground anymore , except for when he's benched. I would seriously consider dropping him as he appears to be sooking it up ( maybe told of his predicament already).
I've seen better playing for the Seagulls in the EGFL.
 
TigerImposter said:
Watched Lennon yesterday and couldn't believe how much bulk he was carrying on his arse. Not only is he slow , but he can't even get off the ground anymore , except for when he's benched. I would seriously consider dropping him as he appears to be sooking it up ( maybe told of his predicament already).
I've seen better playing for the Seagulls in the EGFL.
Click to expand...
Ohh no , Now you have done it .................
 
I didn't notice any sooking up in fact I thought the one good thing was that he wasn't dropping his head( wasn't there admittedly).
But all that aside I think it's best for all parties if ways are parted at seasons end.
 
Wouldn't mind giving him another 1 year deal to be honest - assuming he's on small change. Has had a pretty strong year in the VFL and is young. Just been a bit unlucky we've found a forward mix and game style that doesn't suit him. Lloyd is in a similar position - great year last year but doesn't quite fit our current needs. That being said in Lennon's case, he's been pressing for a place most of the season and we need to have strong depth pushing for places. Townsend has shown someone can come in and do a role. Perhaps Lennon could do something similar next year.

That being said, if I were him, I'd have my manager test the waters to see if any clubs are interested. It could very well be a fresh start is what he needs.
 

Remove this Banner Ad

Player Watch #7: Ben Lennon

Remove this Banner Ad

Back
Top