Watching Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt attempt to pass the ball while well within goal-kicking range last weekend made me wonder what exactly our high-profile forwards are paid to do.
Surely their primary role within the team is to kick goals?
It is all well and good to be the team player, the unselfish glamour boy trying to bring teammates into the game, but trying to thread a pass through a crowded forward zone when you are already within the 50 metre arc yourself is surely a recipe for an ugly, moan-inducing turnover.
Yet it happens time and again. I don’t get it.
Surely, if a key forward marks within 50 metres of goal, the percentage play is to have a shot. After all, it is what they are paid to do. It is why they were named up forward in the first place. Yet they continue to shirk their responsibility.
Is it because they have been turned into robots? Are they so ingrained with team rules that they are afraid to take the initiative and actually stamp their authority on the game?
Or has this new era sapped them of their confidence? Are they confused about the role they have to play in these days of sharing the ball around? After all, we all know how coaches like to prattle on about the ‘spread’ of goal kickers they have every time they register a pleasing win.
Has this emphasis on having an even spread scared some players into thinking it is wrong, even against team rules, if they start scoring too many goals?
Maybe a little.
I’m not talking about blazing away from the boundary line when you have two unmarked team mates twiddling their thumbs at the top of the square. That truly is selfish play and unless you are Stevie Johnson, you probably won’t (and shouldn’t) get away with it.
I’m talking about players with goal kicking ability unwilling to take relatively easy shots when well within range.
It is frustrating, especially when the inevitable happens and the ball is sent flying back over their heads as the opposition launch a counter attack.
Midfielders streaming down the ground are no better. These talented players, many with foot skills better than Bobby Skilton, are also falling into the trap of trying to pass off when all their momentum and forward movement should instead be pumped into sending the ball goalwards.
If a player has broken through the lines and is running into the forward fifty area, what is the point of trying to spear a low percentage pass to a teammate struggling to find space?
It works sometimes, but when it doesn’t the results are demoralising. Heads can drop pretty quickly, especially if it has taken a lot of work to get the ball forward in the first place.
The modern player must back himself once more. It is time for the big forwards to stand up and say, “Don’t worry boys, I’ve got this.” It is time for that million dollar midfielder to burst through the centre, lift his eyes and see that the best option is to kick over the congestion, not into it in the vague hope that someone in your colours may get on the end of it.
Put simply, if goals are there to be kicked, kick them instead of farming the pressure and responsibility out to someone else.
Lewis Stewart
Roar Rookie
And you never do that do you pal? It's an opinion, get over it! The bloke can kick the skin off an anvil, but chooses to pass??? All the work to get it up the field wasted. I know it didn't cost us the game. But whats wrong with a bit of goal kicking practice looking towards finals. I'm sure the lads would have appreciated 30secs recovery while he has the shot. Do that against the top sides and they'll make us pay big time.
Cat
Roar Guru
Players make mistakes, get over it, it didn't cost us anything. Simple to sit back with 1000 replays and eons of time and say what should have been done, far different to have to make a split second decision. He either made a poor choice or made a poor kick, these things happen.
Lewis Stewart
Roar Rookie
He did it again! This time from 40m out, slight angle. So annoying.....and the kick wouldn't have gone over a jam tin. It's got me wondering why Scott doesn't get in his ear about it. Anyway, just thought I'd revisit this article, since it's valid almost every week.
Sean Lee
Expert
Hi Bosk, If a player is tucked on the boundary I have no problem with them looking to pass off, it is the ones where a player has marked say 30 - 40 metres out with little to no angle that frustrate me. Passing off in that instance is not making the most of your opportunities, especially if the ball gets turned over and sent flying back over your head! If i was a midfielder or a backman who had worked my guts out to get the ball forward in the first place I would be absolutely ropable!
Sean Lee
Expert
Yeah, that's my point Lewis. Those 'back foot' passes rarely work. Even if the player is properly balanced, the passes are usually rushed or poorly executed. A bloke like Hawkins can really thump a footy and he is reasonably accurate in front of goal. Why these big forwards don't go back, take their time, and do what they are paid to do has me beat. Unless of course it is Travis Cloke :-)
Lewis Stewart
Roar Rookie
I wish Tom Hawkins was a little more selfish at times. If he passes it, he's usually on the back foot and the kick just lollies in the air for an eternity. The intended target gets crunched and the ball gets turned over. Just bloody kick the goal FFS!!
Axle an the guru
Guest
If the forward is within his range,he should always take the shot. I think the players are scared to take a shot now,they dont want to be labled hungry or selfish. Its up to the coach,he tells the players what to do,its team play and play on at all costs.
Bosk
Guest
I would suggest it has less to do with the players 'acting like robots' as you put it and more to do with teams intent on making the most of every opportunity (something that's difficult to do when a player marks the ball 40m+ out tucked near the boundary for instance) and becoming harder for opposition defenses to predict when they go on the offensive. Indeed one of Richmond's biggest problems is that its patently obvious that they look for Riewoldt each and every time they go forward making it dreadfully easy for the opposition to double or even triple team him. Perhaps if Tyrone Vickery wasn't so busy trying to emulate the career of the esteemed J. Watts he might actually be able to present another worthwhile option, if nothing else by creating more space for Jack to lead into.