While Harry Taylor, Jake Carlisle and even Ben Reid are deservedly applauded for their ability to play back and forward, there is one who continually goes unnoticed.
This man is Carlton’s Lachie Henderson. But surely after Saturday night will begin to receive some well deserved recognition.
After being drafted as a first round pick from the Geelong Falcons to the Brisbane Lions, Henderson found himself at Carlton as part of the controversial Brendan Fevola trade.
Although at times Henderson has frustrated Carlton supporters with some inconsistent footy, in 2013 he is repaying the faith in grand style.
Just some of his stats for the year include:
– Averaging just under 15 possessions a game, when often playing as purely a shut down defender.
– High profile scalps such as Jack Riewoldt.
– Averaging seven marks a game. To put this into perspective, Harry Taylor averages eight and Travis Cloke averages nine.
– Has kicked 11 goals this year, after no more than three games as a permanent forward and having small stints up forward in approximately five games.
Stats don’t show some aspects of Henderson’s game which are most impressive, such as orchestrating many of Carlton’s counter attacks from defence, along with his ability to purely lock down on a team’s number one forward.
Henderson’s ability to play forward and back will be crucial to Carlton’s finals aspirations this year, and while he is not yet at the elite playing level of a Taylor or Carlisle, is well on the way.
Jsteel
Roar Pro
Could argue he didn't even miskick it, Yarran assumed he was going to kick it 60m over his head off one step.
Macca
Guest
Watson didn't look too bad on Saturday night Mic but the SAints aren't exactly over endowed with tall forward class.
Mic
Guest
As a one eyed Carlton supporter, I was rapt with the Henderson deal a few years ago. Living in Brisbane , I saw a bit of him when he was just a kid and you could tell he was going to be a star. Is just starting to fulfill his potential, and will get a whole lot better yet. Agree with Macca, we've got a few other big blokes who should and probably will, improve like Lachie has.
Macca
Guest
I reckon it was the first time all year he had miss kicked the ball too JSteel.
Jsteel
Roar Pro
Fair call, but many supporters in general still don't rate him particularly highly. Didn't help for about 3 weeks after Carlton's loss to Essendon Bruce would bring up that misguided kick to Yarran every second time he got the ball.
Macca
Guest
Watts could still be a good player and no doubt boyd will be too but it takes a number of seasons for those bigger blokes to get going, look at Hawkins, look at Minson, the blues will have to wait 4-5 years for BOyd to hit his straps - Kreuzer and Gibbs are just entering their best seasons.
Macca
Guest
You are right TOm that Commetti in particular wraps him up, but not many people would be happy for their club to pick him up despite his fantastic record over the past 2 seasons (injuries excluded).
Chairman Kaga
Guest
Problem is with going for a Boyd. How do you honestly know he would be a better player than Watts, or say Sam Rowe. You just never know when they are still playing in underage teams. Put them up against men and it is a different game. Watts as an example is just not good enough to make it. Melbourne were dudded there.
Chairman Kaga
Guest
The only reason Voss is still coach is because SE Qld's footballing public is ignorant. If he was a coach in a football state he would have been gone a couple of year's ago.
TomC
Roar Guru
Good player, but I don't know if he'd be called underrated. Every time I watch the Blues the commentators are enthusing about how good he is. Which is fine, but I reckon there are a few other good key defenders out there who don't get the same plaudits.
Macca
Guest
Geez Dingo - The Lions have knocked off North, Geelong & Essendon this year Voss must be doing something right.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
As a Lions supporter, it does certainly annoy me to see Lachie's development over the years, while Brisbane struggles to develop a strong key forward! Bloody Voss....And now he's going to be extended a new contract!!! So damn frustrating!!!!
Andrew A
Guest
Henderson has been solid this year. Carlton's most reliable key position player this year by far.
Chairman Kaga
Guest
When Carlton did the swap deal, it was for a ten year player. We actually did a great deal with the Lions. How many games did Fevola play for them? You hear certain cretins in the media talking about Josh Kennedy for Judd was a dud deal. You have got to be kidding. Why do people think we even go to the finals a couple of times in the Judd era? He dragged us over the line so many times. Kennedy was always going to be decent, but he is flakey and has taken too long to develop. We have Sam Rowe who will be just as good if not better with decent luck with injuries and confidence from getting game time. Henderson is doing well. His consistency is growing and if the clowns around him begin improving like he has been then Carlton will hurtle up the ladder. Ignore the chicken little brigade. They sell news by crying tsnuami so that is why they constantly are screaming.
Macca
Guest
Henderson performance as a forward this year makes more of a mockery of those calling for the blues to trade Kreuzer & Gibbs in order to get Boyd. The blues only need Watson or McCarthy to stand up down back and henderson can go forward (especially with McInnes going so well) but if they don't they only need Casboult, Rowe or Mitchell to come on and they have the forward role covered. Surely the odds of 1 of those 5 (2 would be fantastic) and being able to keep 2 quality players is better than going for broke on Boyd.
Mark
Guest
Takes a very good grab, underated ATM.