.Add to that he has the strength to at least make it a contest with the big forwards.
Ashley Smith -> forward?
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.Add to that he has the strength to at least make it a contest with the big forwards.
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- #28
You really think his decision making is a strength?
I used this as an example to compare him to Nicoski for the purpose of using his improvement once moved forward as an example of how Smith could improve. I think the comparison is justified, as the complaints that people used to make about Nico, panicking with the ball in defense like a deer in the headlights, are very similar to complaints made about Smith.
WRT his performance on Garlett: Sure he did run him down, which was awesome, but Garlett still got 3 goals and 15 odd touches that game, so they broke even at best.
The thread wasn't to attack Smith, it was just a hypothetical. I was just putting up the question (see the question mark at the end of the thread title?) whether or not we would get better use of his apparent strengths in an attacking role, rather than in defense.
Apart from retorting that his decision making is in fact a strength and then discounting all the other points I made, especially the hair and tats comment, you haven't justified why my thread is 'unbelievable'.
Ezuma
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i don't really see a long-term future for smith in the best 22, rather than through necessity at the moment. we have a plethora of flankers on the list, most of whom would rate above smith, whether on terms of current talent or potential.
sheppard is one player who i'd like to see take smith's spot, if a defender should even take it at all. i'd rather see another attacking midfielder rotate through
sheppard is one player who i'd like to see take smith's spot, if a defender should even take it at all. i'd rather see another attacking midfielder rotate through
Eastern Rangers
2015 Worsfold Medalist - Rowen Powell
The problem is you can rate them higher all day and night. Smith has the pace, body strength and positioning to defend well. Sheppard problem is that he can't defend, he's skinny, lacks the lateral movement you are looking for in a guy his size and his position as a midfielder leaves a lot to be desired at the moment. He's years away and would require injuries to get a game this season.
This reminds me of the old Masten threads. Doing all the right things, but not doing them often enough or not quite well enough to be rated by a select few who have favorites (who havn't done jack all).
This reminds me of the old Masten threads. Doing all the right things, but not doing them often enough or not quite well enough to be rated by a select few who have favorites (who havn't done jack all).
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- #31
still missing my point though. it wasn't a thread about finding a replacement for Smith. Shep definitely can't replace him at the moment.
I like Brennan and I'd like to see him in, but I would also like Smith to stay in the team.
If it is indeed the case that Smith could not play well on a wing or HFF in an AFL side, then i'll admit this thread is wrong (like the old Masten slam threads that I always knew were full of shit). Until then...
I like Brennan and I'd like to see him in, but I would also like Smith to stay in the team.
If it is indeed the case that Smith could not play well on a wing or HFF in an AFL side, then i'll admit this thread is wrong (like the old Masten slam threads that I always knew were full of shit). Until then...
GriddleCakes
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Smith's been pretty good in patches so far... we've only faced dud opposition so far this year so it's hard to gauge our players' commitment yet. He seemed to be one of the first to kick into training mode on Saturday, but in 2010 I thought he was quite a standout as one of the few players actually executing skills (esp. kicking) mostly effectively.
At this stage I can't see him being a definite long-term best-22 player -- different to Masten who has his detractors, but was always regarded very highly by the club -- I hear nothing of the sort for Smith, and he seems to me like he'll have his spot in the team for the next few years until one of the younger blokes takes his spot, but he'll always be around.
To the point of him going up forward - I can't see it as too unrealistic an option, looking at Nicoski's turnaround. There's many factors to say he couldn't do it, but there's also a heap to say he could pull it off just as well.
It's whether or not the coaching staff decide it's a viable option
EDIT: Plus with Nicoski back and probably playing another 3-4, it won't really need to be an option for a while I'm guessing
At this stage I can't see him being a definite long-term best-22 player -- different to Masten who has his detractors, but was always regarded very highly by the club -- I hear nothing of the sort for Smith, and he seems to me like he'll have his spot in the team for the next few years until one of the younger blokes takes his spot, but he'll always be around.
To the point of him going up forward - I can't see it as too unrealistic an option, looking at Nicoski's turnaround. There's many factors to say he couldn't do it, but there's also a heap to say he could pull it off just as well.
It's whether or not the coaching staff decide it's a viable option
EDIT: Plus with Nicoski back and probably playing another 3-4, it won't really need to be an option for a while I'm guessing
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- #33
Two years on and I would still really like to see Smith tried as a forward at AFL level.
He's not the same player as Nicoski, but I could see him having a similar impact up forward if he makes the most of the opportunity (maybe not 40 goals a season, but still).
He's tackling slightly more often this season but it's still something he'd definitely have to work on - averages less than 1 a game in the WAFL.
He's not the same player as Nicoski, but I could see him having a similar impact up forward if he makes the most of the opportunity (maybe not 40 goals a season, but still).
He's tackling slightly more often this season but it's still something he'd definitely have to work on - averages less than 1 a game in the WAFL.
I am with you on this. I would like tosee him get 3 or 4 games on a hff to see what he can give us. Has been consistent for the royals. He could well do a Nicoski.
Didn't he kick 2 goals with 20 possessions for East Perth yesterday? What more do you really want from forward pocket/ half forward flanker?
He's had a strong month up forward, surely it's only a matter of time before he gets a call up this season.
He's had a strong month up forward, surely it's only a matter of time before he gets a call up this season.
gsmiths_s
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I really hope he gets given a game at HF before year is out. Seems to have all the right signs at East Perth. Couldn't be worse then Cripps.
Eastern Rangers
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I'd play him, making the transition well enough to survive the end of season review. But needs exposure back at AFL in the new role.
Also want to see the outrage on Facebook, that crap gets my horn on.
Also want to see the outrage on Facebook, that crap gets my horn on.
Ash Smith ? Delist, or tade him if there's a good option.
Thats probably what he needs. Then again, our forward line will be crowded with 18 blokes each game.
Eastern Rangers
2015 Worsfold Medalist - Rowen Powell
I wouldn't. You don't switch a player from defense to attack and then delist them after a season, especially given how he's tracking. But haters will be haters.
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He has been playing well up forward. Presented well on the weekend. Disposal can be a bit off but his run has been impressive.
But I think Hill might be ahead of him in replacing Cripps atm.
But I think Hill might be ahead of him in replacing Cripps atm.
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Shame he looks lazy on the field though
Have him be proactive (forward half) rather than reactive (back line) and he might be more interested? He has to win his ball rather than just negate his man.
I haven't seen how he's played in the WAFL this year so I hope there has been some change in his effort.
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It's just the lackadaisical kicking he does.
It's almost like he kicks it to the opposition more time than not and just goes, oh well!
Eastern Rangers
2015 Worsfold Medalist - Rowen Powell
Sigh.
He will give about 5 good games a year, the rest will be him kicking out on the full, kicking to the opposition, scrubbing it along the deck, fumbling it several times in dry weather under no pressure and failing to lay a single tackle, not sure why you would want that in an AFL team?
