Why Novak Djokovic is now the GOAT
He may not cover the court with the grace of Roger Federer, compete with the doggedness of Rafael Nadal, or hold the uncompromising humility…
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Tennis + AFL Lover Quote to live by: 'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.' Quote to live by: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better."
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Thanks Peter! I was thinking of doing a section on that also but didn’t get around to it. Djokovic has had to play far more noteworthy players in the finals, with Federer getting Bagdhatis and Gonzalez at the Australian Open, Philliphoussis at Wimbledon, and Soderling at the French among them. By contrast, Djokovic has had to play (and I’m only going off memory here so forgive me if I’m wrong) one of the Big 4 in every grand slam final he’s won save for his 2008 win against Tsonga. Again, Novak just seems to stand out from the rest in that regard.
Why Novak Djokovic is now the GOAT
Thanks John! That grass court analogy is one of the best I’ve come across in my (admittedly short) time.
Why Novak Djokovic is now the GOAT
Thanks for the feedback mate. Yeah absolutely, I think Nadal will forever be a thorn in Federer’s side when it comes to the GOAT debate.
The fact that Djokovic has a winning record over all of these players is incredible, especially considering Federer and Nadal, where he was considerably behind until he clicked in 2011.
Don’t know if there’s a more unlucky player than Andy Murray on tour… maybe David Ferrer.
Why Novak Djokovic is now the GOAT
Thanks Mirko, tried to give as much insight as possible, don’t want to be throwing around the GOAT title willy nilly
Why Novak Djokovic is now the GOAT
Yes I think they’ve purposefully overcompensated with forwards and rucks due to their bad luck with injuries over the past few years. Having so many to choose from is definitely a good problem to have.
Highway to the Dangerzone: The Geelong Cats in 2016
I think Blicavs will go forward more than he did last year, but agree that he won’t spend all of his time there. Ability as a midfielder, particularly as a run-with player, is impressive to say the least. I just think that with Selwood, Dangerfield and Duncan there is more room for Blicavs to rest forward for patches, particularly given Clark is out and Stanley + Smith look set for pure ruck roles.
Highway to the Dangerzone: The Geelong Cats in 2016
The three (potentially) would be Stanley, Smith and Blicavs.
Blicavs has shown he can go pretty much anywhere though, so I’d back him moving forward more this year to let Stanley and Smith be more pure ruckman.
There’s also Nathan Vardy, but he has proven to be incredibly injury prone and the Cats see him more as a project forward than a project ruck.
Highway to the Dangerzone: The Geelong Cats in 2016
Thanks for the feedback Gecko.
I think Rhys Stanley was coming good against Port last year with the first half he had, it was out of this world. Unfortunately injury knocked him down but I think he’ll build on that this year. I also rate Zac Smith really highly, and think he can offer so much in the ruck if (big ‘if’) his body is kind to him.
The backline is definitely an area of concern but I think it will hold up ok in 2016. Enright shows no signs of drop-off (in fact I think he surprised even himself in 2015) and I think it will hold up quite well. The loss of Thurlow really is devastating as he was showing so much and was set to take his game to the next level this year. Kolodjasnij is fitting in really well and Bews’ pace combines well with Enright. This is where I think Dangefield can help again, as it allows Guthrie to go back and lend some of his pace to them, and he has always been a good run-with player.
In terms of everything going right you’re 100% on the ball there, everything needs to go perfectly for them in a way it hasn’t over the past couple of years. I just feel that the stars are aligning for them this year, the majority of hteir injury prone players have had their first full pre-seasons in a long time, and the main areas of concern (mid and ruck) have been patched up (to an extent) by the new recruits.
Or maybe I’m just being optimistic…
Highway to the Dangerzone: The Geelong Cats in 2016
Thanks for the feedback. That definitely sounds like a good idea, especially since some of the top five may only be around for a couple more years. Will see what I can do following the Open.
Australian Open men's draw analysis
Thanks Gecko, always nice to read constructive comments for a change.
The rise of the AFL prototype player
I have failed as a journalist.
Geelong vs Sydney: Preview, Prediction, and a bit of Lenny Kravtiz
My opinion is that not all booing are motivated by racial factors, and I strongly believe this.
However, what I also believe is that, whatever people’s intentions when booing, this has become an issue inseparable from race, and for this reason those booing (no matter the reason) should seriously consider the impact this is having on those negatively affected
There is no communal desire to racially vilify Adam Goodes
Thanks for that Chris, World Tour Finals slipped my mind. Definitely warrants mention.
Why Novak Djokovic is now the GOAT