John Anthony: The Answer

[Chase the Ace]

I thought he was good, he isn't there to dominate. More likely he is there to give us some structure with another tall in the forward line.

Two goals from him is an excellent return.

I don't doubt that, that is exactly the strategy (and a good one it is too).
We just disagree on the what is excellent

 

[Skade]

As well as the 2 goals he got 7 contested marks, which takes a huge amount of pressure off Trav and puts added pressure on the oppositions backs.

 

[Maxyfan]

I think that pack mark that he took was a very good sign. His development is the best of the young forwards and deserves his spot in the team.

How many more goals was he going to kick when Medhurst was taking them all?

 

[adzarani]

I love JA, and am very excited about his prospects.

His body language screams "if I get that footy, it's going through the big ones" instead of the usual Collingwood kpp first couple of games "I hope I don't #### this up" body language.

He seems to have a great old style forwards mentality, I hope he is given every opportunity to develop as a forward.

I also detect a little bit of gameday rivalry between him and Trav which I think is a good thing. Although Cloke ignored him as an option on at leat 4 occasions yesterday which is a concern.

Strange as it sounds, it's been so long since we have had a young forward come into the side who is so focused on kicking goals, who seems to welcome the responsibility of finishing up forward, rather than other forwards we've brought in (including Trav) who are intimidated by it.

Here's hoping he continues to get opportunities in 2008.

 

[The Royal Sampler]

I also detect a little bit of gameday rivalry between him and Trav which I think is a good thing. Although Cloke ignored him as an option on at leat 4 occasions yesterday which is a concern.

Were many of those while Anthony had Rutten on him? Could have been team instructions to that effect if he had Truck on him.

 

[fossman]

most importantly he laid 5 effective tackles, he puts in.

 

[adzarani]

Might have been, 2 were in the 2nd qtr. 1 where the only option inside 50 was JA a got 15-20 mtrs clear on the lead and Trav shanked the kick inboard to Didak (i think?) and resulten in a turnover. The other one was simple a handball over the top on the right flank which seemed like a good option, but Trav went with the long bomb.

Again, it could be anything, team instruction or just a lack of faith in the new guy, or I could be reading into things too much. But it looked to me like there is something there. Even in the last qtr. Cloke was shooing JA to the other pocket and JA kept moving further toward the middle, which seemed to be getting to Cloke a bit. I'm probably reading into it too much, b ut I would love a rivalry between two key forwards hungry for goals.

 

[Somebody]

... To me he is far superior to Rusling in every facet of the game..

Rusling is a bit of a one trick pony but he is much quicker and has very sticky hands, taking marks out front even at full pace. Also started to improve his other aspects to some extent. I actually think despite his current limitiations he is still more valualbe as a forward, just look at him in last year's finals.
But ANthony is making a big difference right now, just adds that extra option that puts so much pressure on the oppo's defence, and can only improve.

 

[King Woodie]

Might have been, 2 were in the 2nd qtr. 1 where the only option inside 50 was JA a got 15-20 mtrs clear on the lead and Trav shanked the kick inboard to Didak (i think?) and resulten in a turnover. The other one was simple a handball over the top on the right flank which seemed like a good option, but Trav went with the long bomb.

Again, it could be anything, team instruction or just a lack of faith in the new guy, or I could be reading into things too much. But it looked to me like there is something there. Even in the last qtr. Cloke was shooing JA to the other pocket and JA kept moving further toward the middle, which seemed to be getting to Cloke a bit. I'm probably reading into it too much, b ut I would love a rivalry between two key forwards hungry for goals.

No. Rivalry between two players on the one team is not a good thing. Especially for key forwards who at times need to sacrifice their own game for the betterment of the team (ie leading away from the other player, or protecting them in the marking contest.)

I doubt there was anyway. Cloke is a team player, and Anthony is as well.

 

[kevind]

Rusling is a bit of a one trick pony but he is much quicker and has very sticky hands, taking marks out front even at full pace. Also started to improve his other aspects to some extent. I actually think despite his current limitiations he is still more valualbe as a forward, just look at him in last year's finals.
But ANthony is making a big difference right now, just adds that extra option that puts so much pressure on the oppo's defence, and can only improve.

The trouble I have with Rusling is that he is so dependent on getting those uncontested maks; one trick pony as you say. Opposition teams have troubles with him when they play their usual FB on him.

As has happened at VFL level, oppositions will soon work out to play a quick half back flanker type who can keep up on the lead, then Rusling has nothing to offer the team. He's a one position player so it's either FF or the bench. He is not good at ground level either so is not able to pressure the opposition. Sure if you can get the opposition to put the slower types on him he will be dangerous, but they will soon wake up to him. His injury prone nature is also a concern.

Anthony on the other hand can play in many positions, win contested ball, and provide pressure when we don't have it. I say persevere with this guy, he is a far better option.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

He drew Ben Rutten, one of the top full backs in the league, and had 8 possessions, 7 marks, an outstanding 5 tackles and kicked 2 goals on him - I don't really see what more we can ask from a kid who isn't even a natural forward.

 

[Dave The Man]

He is not the answer he is just the replacement until Dawes is Ready

 

[Godfrey Jones]

He is not the answer he is just the replacement until Dawes is Ready

who knows dave, he may prove to be a great full forward and we may end up playing dawes in defence. especially knowing mick

 

[Skade]

who knows dave, he may prove to be a great full forward and we may end up playing dawes in defence. especially knowing mick

Yeah, Presti was FF underage.

 

[Snag Breac]

Rusling is a bit of a one trick pony but he is much quicker and has very sticky hands, taking marks out front even at full pace. Also started to improve his other aspects to some extent. I actually think despite his current limitiations he is still more valualbe as a forward, just look at him in last year's finals.
But ANthony is making a big difference right now, just adds that extra option that puts so much pressure on the oppo's defence, and can only improve.

Agree, and love your sig, Somebody.

 

[derro]

thank god malthouse seems to have gotten over the toovey bug. JA looks like an excellent prospect to me

 

[Kirby]

He played very well again.

 

[Optimax]

Yeah, Presti was FF underage.

VHF and by his own admission never a great set shot.

JA would make a very good defender swing man player in the mould of hunter, if he can do that and be better defensively then hunter i will be extremely happy