Whitecross Crossroads

[Pegman]

I like Whitecross, I feel he's one of those players that can play two distinct roles when asked. The negating forward (like on Fletcher), or also that high half forward, ala O'keefe. Provide a real link between defence and the forward line. Have high hopes for him

 

[The Kipster]

I have had my doubts, the problem I see now is keeping the GC and Lions off the radar...

 

[tommyk72]

I agree that Whitecross has taken huge steps this year and hopefully will continue this trajectory for a while longer

I notice that he does a lot better when he doesn't have too long to think about it, ie just acts more on impulse. As others have said, when he plays on immediately he generally takes the right option and is accurate. It is when he has time (such as set shots or previously when he held up play a lot) that he more often doesn't kick or handpass well.

to the coaches and others at the club who have invested wisely and we now have a player on our hands

I'm thinking that this means that Whitecross now has not only natural instincts about football as a game, but the gameplan is now coming a lot more naturally for him as well. I think that we often underestimate how long it takes players to adapt to the plan (particularly as they don't seem to be playing the same game plan at box hill).

People often talk of dropping players after one poor performance in the seniors. It appears that players need a few games to start getting into the swing of things (a la burgoyne last year). Which also makes me think that although Bruce and Bateman didn't blow the game apart last week they should get a couple more games before they get judged too harshly.

 

[skipjack]

Love his attack on the ball.

Always have. Big fan.

 

[Rev08]

Best at the club below his knees bar none (yep, even better than Cyril). That coupled with his ability to move freely in traffic would be why the coaches have shown so much faith in him.

We are just starting to see now that he has some confidence to take the game on exactly what he is capable of.

Will end up being a leader at the club and part of the formidable midfield rotation of Shiels, Savage, Smith, Hallahan, Schneider, Bailey and Lowden...

 

[Ordovician]

I'm thinking that this means that Whitecross now has not only natural instincts about football as a game, but the gameplan is now coming a lot more naturally for him as well. I think that we often underestimate how long it takes players to adapt to the plan (particularly as they don't seem to be playing the same game plan at box hill).

Rest assured that they play exactly the same game plan at Box Hill the only problem is that they can not get away with that full field press style having no equivalent of a Buddy or a Cyril to run down the field in to the empty spaces outside of the defensive 50.

I think what we are seeing with Wx is the fact that for a lot of players it takes four or so years to develop. For example Wx is starting to look ok in his fourth year, Savage is showing a bit in his third year as is Bruest. In contrast Morton is in his fiftth year and has yet to make any lasting impact at AFL level. I suppose that is why we have kept so many players on out list for a good four or five year to prove their worth e.g. Muston, Dowler etc. before delisitng them.

On the upside Wx can kick with both feet which is rare in our team (Mitchell & Schoey excepted), is quite strong and tackles hard, and most importantly he is improving.

To my mind he lacks the true pace required for an outside role like Smith, Rioli (one day when if he ever gets over his hammy's) or even Savage but then he can run all so perhaps he could play some of the roles Lewis has been playing over the years i.e. hard running to space from the wing or HF, provide a linking option and applying defnsive pressure.

Anyway I love his tackling and in the packs and in close where he does have time to think and hestiate as he can when he marks and props.

 

[Hungry Hawk]

Will end up being a leader at the club and part of the formidable midfield rotation of Shiels, Savage, Smith, Hallahan, Schneider, Bailey and Lowden...

.... and Renouf.

 

[Newy Hawk]

His game on Friday night was a true indication of "turning a corner". Was super strong, read the play well.. Tough as nails with some nice hard ball gets..
Hit buddy lace out, took good options and scored himself a couple of goals to boot..

Can't wait to see him fly in September..

 

[flashmanvc]

From the TV it looked like he had Yarran on Friday night. Did a great job in the first half keeping him quiet.

 

[Hawkzzz]

Well done again Whitey. I seem to feel differently when he has the ball in his hands now. Amazing what confidence does.

Vitally Important is that he is hard at the ball/man. That's what you must have during finals.

 

[ACTion Hawks]

Well done again Whitey. I seem to feel differently when he has the ball in his hands now. Amazing what confidence does.

Vitally Important is that he is hard at the ball/man. That's what you must have during finals.

Glad to see your confidenc is up