To the top wrote:In terms of Gilbert being "over the last 2 years in the mid-field has been largely mediocre", my recall is that we saw very little of Gilbert in both 2014 and 2015 because of injury - and when he returned very late in 2015 he was swung into the mid-field.
In 2016 we are 2 games in.
So is the quoted summary a tad harsh?
Given the problems with our defence, I would rather see Gilbert back there than Webster or Geary, neither of whom are up to the mark and never will be.
I dont really want this conversation to be side-tracked by arguing over Sam Gilbert because he is just one bloke and I am talking more about the bigger picture approach to how we have handled the transition of the side and the so-called 'rebuild' in general.
For what it is worth - Gilbo played 11 games in 2015.
This is how Inside Football saw it:
11 Melb Welcome return after long absence. OK but tired at the end. 5
13 WB Lined up on resting talls. Some good work marred by two terrible turnovers. 4
14 Ess Lined up in defence on Hooker and did OK. 5
15 GWS Could not contain Cameron early and well beaten. 3
16 Rich Got his hands on the ball a lot in first term, but many turnovers. 4
17 Melb Plenty of touches in first three quarters but off with quad strain late. 6
18 Groin.
19 Frem Useful game but nothing more. 5
20 NM Began well on Cunnington but then had lessened impact. 5
21 Geel Made an impact on game as a midfielder. 6
22 Syd Started in attack and not the worst. 4
23 WCE Started well enough but overrun like others. 4
In fairness, I also should add that Rd 1 2016 v Port they gave him a 7 - which was his first 7 since Rd 22 2013. So that is a +ve.