Ashley Smith -> forward?

[bodazoka]

I don't think he will cut it but I can see having to be more pro active suiting him. He seemed to get lost allot in a crowded defense, especially around the packs, having a clear direction and being the creative one in attack would suit him more.

Still am yet to see him actually use his pace though... IF he can stream down a wing at Nicoski pace and kick a goal I would give him a crack. Having to go super tall in the forward line doesn't give these types of kids a chance unfortunately.

 

[Bleedblueandgold]

Wouldn't mind him being selected as a forward sometime this year esp. since Cripps and Hill have not been doing spectacularly well either.

 

[jaxxon]

Wouldn't mind seeing him on the wing now that Rosa has gone down. Good pace, strong overhead, a long kick. We could do worse.

 

[dewcefault]

We definitely should be giving Smith a chance up forward, it would be a shame to start to develop him there and then cut him at the end of the year

 

[flamingEMBERS]

He should get a game before the seasons out, even if we already intend to delist him. My thinking behind this is that it will be a serious wake up call to the playing group that if Ash Smith is playing well I better work harder!

 

[Marlin01]

It would be a massive win for the coaches, if they can get Smith to fulfil his potential. I'm just about ready to give up on him tbh. He has all the tools, but he's getting very close to list clogger status IMO. If I were the coach, I'd be pairing him up with McGinnity for one on ones and telling them there's only room for one of them on the list. Maybe some boxing would help.

 

[paran]

After Nico's success as a HFF I thought Smith would be similar. The defensive requirements of the forward press means this is a viable option for "failed" defenders with pace. Would like to see him given a go sooner rather than later. I think Cripps could benefit from some time in the mids at East Perth, so seems like a fitting switch.

 

[Chris_6678]

After Nico's success as a HFF I thought Smith would be similar. The defensive requirements of the forward press means this is a viable option for "failed" defenders with pace. Would like to see him given a go sooner rather than later. I think Cripps could benefit from some time in the mids at East Perth, so seems like a fitting switch.

Nico could also crumb and had awesome forward pressure and it would be interesting to see if Smith is capable of that. A player like Nicoski could help out our forward line immensely.

 

[Boohemian]

It's funny (well not really) how Nico will be remembered forever for that one season that he played up forward.

 

[paran]

It's funny (well not really) how Nico will be remembered forever for that one season that he played up forward.

As opposed to the flustercuck he was coming out of defence...
you've gotta admit that forward press was outstanding!

 

[swingdog]

Tell Smith that all he has to do is this:

 

[getgaff]

It's funny (well not really) how Nico will be remembered forever for that one season that he played up forward.

I remember him most for that season yes but he wasn't a bad lock down defender on small forwards in the earlier 2000's. For an individual moment it would be the opening goal of the 2005 GF

Back to Smith but, especially without Rosa he has something that a lot of our midfielders lack and that's genuine pace so if we chuck him on a wing he can give us plenty of speed. That's the frustrating thing with Smith. Great size to play the game and has the speed and long kick to be damaging even through the midfield but if it comes to a hard ball contest you'll find him backing away towards the bench

 

[Lucky Luc]

Has all the attributes to be the next Swan but unfortuantely his lazy attitude & laid back ways make him look more like a lame duck.

 

[flamingEMBERS]

Has all the attributes to be the next Swan but unfortuantely his lazy attitude & laid back ways make him look more like a lame duck.

IIRC Swan had a similar start to his career too. Here's to hoping their careers are identical minus the extra curricular

 

[Empire_Persian]

wasn't Smith at one stage the fastest man ever..........














.....at draft camp?

 

[SpaceClef]

wasn't Smith at one stage the fastest man ever..........














.....at draft camp?

Fastest whitey

 

[WCFaithful]

I've already written Smith off but I am yet to see him play a role forward so I'd be happy to be proven wrong if Simmo gives him a crack up there. If he's as shit up forward as he is down back then its off to the glue factory dressed superbly.

 

[Smotie]

Thought Smith was decent today. Kicked a couple and good link up play. Some good defensive efforts.

 

[ChampRevesby]

Thought Smith was decent today. Kicked a couple and good link up play. Some good defensive efforts.

Agreed. He was also allowed to use his run to get into space which I thought he exploited tonight. So glad Simmo has recognized that he is a natural HF/Winger and played him there no thanks to Woosha.

 

[Sassy420]

Looked good in the role he played today.

 

[Dark Sharks]

Performed better then Cripps has been, give him another crack against Richmond.

 

[Mighty Eagles]

Well done mate, one of better players today.

Brennan, Butler and Hill are gawn, if Smith can maintain this form, he'll keep his spot on the list

 

[Quinz]

Toot toot.

 

[The_Gambler]

Lets not forget Nikoski had a few good games early in his career before injury, one good season followed by a woeful finals series and then for one reason or another never did much after that. Don't pretend that he was a star

 

[ChampRevesby]

Lets not forget Nikoski had a few good games early in his career before injury, one good season followed by a woeful finals series and then for one reason or another never did much after that. Don't pretend that he was a star

Very unlucky with injury. He would have been in the best 22 in 06 GF if he was fit.
He had an excellent 2011, best of his career kicking 41.