The Pies problem - Swan a top midfielder

[Tarkyn_24]

The Magpies ultimate stopper to a 2008 premiership has to be the fact that the midfield is often one sided and, whilst generally consistent, lacks a game breaker. This has to be noticed when you have a player of Dane Swan's calibre being the first player tagged each week.

Whilst Pendlebury is a gun midfielder who will go places, he isn't ready to shoulder the responsibility of a number 1 tag, week in, week out. Sparky still lacks the motor to play 100% game time, or even remotely close, in the middle. When Heath doesn't play off the half back flank, we miss his dash and dare, and Didak has value only as an occasional midfielder who can use pace to determine a game.

Lockyer, Burns and O'Bree have been serviceable, and their consistency is what put the Pies within a goal of the 2007 premiership, but they can't shoulder the load themselves. The Pies must look at improving this area of the game to consider themselves serious contenders.

[Chaddy chaddy bang bang]

I also think that there midfield is not very accountable.

It seems that opposing midfields get a ton of it against collingwood? I know they really dont tag heavily and they back themselves (which is a great attribute) but maybe to man up a little more might be a slight factor.

Also i was at the Carlton Collingwood game, and Swan butchered the ball all over the place. I think your prime mover has to be super efficient, like Heath is.

For what its worth. I'm a typical blues fan, and hate the pies! But they continue to impress, if they had of knocked off us and North then there confidence would have been sky high, and thats when they are most dangerous.

I also think that Rocca is a bit of a dead weight, such a big lad but the difference from his best and worse is huge, hopefully for you guys Cloke really hits his straps, because he should improve alot this year.

Anzac game will be a ripper.

[Snatcher01]

Originally Posted by Chaddy chaddy bang bang

I also think that there midfield is not very accountable.

It seems that opposing midfields get a ton of it against collingwood? I know they really dont tag heavily and they back themselves (which is a great attribute) but maybe to man up a little more might be a slight factor.

Also i was at the Carlton Collingwood game, and Swan butchered the ball all over the place. I think your prime mover has to be super efficient, like Heath is.

For what its worth. I'm a typical blues fan, and hate the pies! But they continue to impress, if they had of knocked off us and North then there confidence would have been sky high, and thats when they are most dangerous.

I also think that Rocca is a bit of a dead weight, such a big lad but the difference from his best and worse is huge, hopefully for you guys Cloke really hits his straps, because he should improve alot this year.

Anzac game will be a ripper.

I'm a massive Travis Cloke supporter but i don't know he won the beat and fairest last year, he has bucket loads of talent but has been dissapointing thus far.

[Chaddy chaddy bang bang]

Last year Cloke gunned it, his hands were like glue, and kicked a bag or two as well, I think he was deservant of the B&F, as for this year though, I think from here on in it will be a long one for him, they seemed to be a little unsettled at the mom, + there midfield isnt half as effective as what it was last year!

Need burns for some crash and bash style!

[Snatcher01]

Originally Posted by Chaddy chaddy bang bang

Last year Cloke gunned it, his hands were like glue, and kicked a bag or two as well, I think he was deservant of the B&F, as for this year though, I think from here on in it will be a long one for him, they seemed to be a little unsettled at the mom, + there midfield isnt half as effective as what it was last year!

Need burns for some crash and bash style!

totally with you on that one pal, why is it we can not get our captain fit to play, he definitly adds that physicalitity into our side that we are dearly missing at the moment.

[Chaddy chaddy bang bang]

Originally Posted by Snatcher01

totally with you on that one pal, why is it we can not get our captain fit to play, he definitly adds that physicalitity into our side that we are dearly missing at the moment.

Yeah look, Hees as tough as nails (Burns) maybe the age factor is really settling in, for he has been the "bulldozer" in your midfield for a long time.

His body is probably just not as capable anymore! As much as i hate the pies (being a blue boy) I would love to see Burns get on the park again, and consistantly!

Or he might be throwing the season so the blues can get him cheap (Judd style) hahaha, nah Burns is yours Mick Maguane didnt work for us, so Scotty wont either.

GL with burns mate, theres nothin worse than the best players not playin the game due to injury. Seems like theres a bit of a "curse" on the captains at Vic Park, at the mom? See ya in a few weeks.

[Snatcher01]

Burns is back in town boys, best on ground performance against the Saints!!! Fighting fit big fella.