skeptic wrote: ↑Sat 15 Apr 2023 12:20pm
The debate is more about the actual efficacy of Cordy in the structure.
You are correct in that the role he’s playing is one of relief ruck and tall forward and that there’s no one else that fits the bill other than Campbell that could specifically do that.
However…
Cordy’s hit out returns so far
1
7
4
8 with Owens getting 5 that same match
Marks -in no particular order
0
6
0
1
And he’s kicked a total of 4 goals, 2 of them v the WB
The value that you’re getting from him to me looks fairly negligible to this point it time. He was almost entirely unsighted vs Freo bar the first and last 10min runs of the game…
Had a good game vs the Dogs when the team dominated
Was shelved vs Essendon
And did a little bit vs the GC
After round 2… I think we were all hoping that whilst no one was expecting match winning performances, we’d see more in the way of a direct or offensive contribution (possessions and directly being involved in play) as opposed purely defensive one (chasing, competing).
It doesn’t look to me like that’s happening and if that’s the case… personally I’d rather trade off for something else. Campbell has arguably earned a go in that type of role otherwise yeah, I still would prefer Coops getting a go as mid forward pushing up the ground. He obviously can’t do what Cordy is doing but I don’t know that we’d be missing on that match by having Owens or Caminati jumping in the ruck.
Just to be clear… not saying that will happen. Merely a personal preference.
I’ve always said… the biggest flaw of RTB V1.0 is overvaluing the contributions of his role players. To this point in time… Cordy has escaped a degree of scrutiny because we’re winning but I think if results had gone the other way vs Freo and Ess… critiques of his contribution would be harsher.
I could be wrong but I think the distinction is somebody that not only has the desired physical attributes and is skilled at competing at 'center bounce' hitouts, but also a player who has also trained solidly at center bounce setplays. The latter is what I think is the bottom line for Lyon, he is dogmatic in his coaching philosophy about "you play the way you train".
It's why I have asked the training watchers if they have seen anyone other than RoMa, Cordy and Heath and Campbell train the center bounce set plays.
I don't think Owens has attended a centre bounce ruck contest and I would be shocked if Lyon risked him there.
Essentially if they don't train it, you wont see it in a game.
I'm guessing there is absolutely no chance Sharman will ever attend a ruck contest of any type at AFL level while wearing the red white and black, if you want to know why I think that watch the replays for his first 2 games last year before he was dropped, he was attended some ruck contests and was absolutely rag dolled and I am still embarrassed for having had to watch him be subjected to that situation on prime time TV. So that is one of the reasons I say Sharman is way off the pace, he has incredibly limited tricks outside of a mark and kick for goal.
I agree that Cordy most likely wont be around when we might next be a premiership threat, but right now the only way I can describe why he's getting is a game is because beggars cant be choosers and the next best options at Sandy are struggling at Sandy and aren't part of the future.
I totally agree, Cordy will be subject to absolute vitriol in our first loss, in fact I'm getting in early and blaming any loss he plays in solely on him.