The Vet wrote:
Dukes wrote:
The last quarter yesterday once again emphasised why we need players of his ilk. At key moments of the game the inability to hit targets cost us chances to move the ball up the field quickly and create scoring opportunities. The turnovers by Morrell and Carrazzo were crucial.
You can't really be suggesting that its Houligan's delivery that is going to save him. His delivery against Hawthorn was pathetic, turnovers, kicks to the opposition and OOB.
No, he's GAWN.
Saying he turns over the ball at times doesn't put him any further behind probably three quarters of the list ... including Mr Courageous Wiggins, the Great White Hope Walker and Our New Midfield Star Carazzo.
If he's played in the forward half where the occasional error isn't as crucial, his creativity can at least be used to create chances for our forwards. Not 50/50 contests but giving them real opportunities to outmark their opponents. Look to the Geelong game in the 2nd quarter (to Fevola) and even the last Bullants game (to De Luca) for proof of what he can do with his delivery into the forward 50. A player that takes risks to create and with the potential to find a leading forward ... I'd keep him - in front of Davies, Clarke, Johnson, Bowyer, McGrath, Bannister, Wiggins, Sporn.
PS Not trying to bag all of our players (espcially the younger ones like Walker and Carazz that have shown us glimpses) but the fact is most on our list have their pros and cons. Houlas is in the same boat but IMO his pros (100 game experience, general skill level, ability to carry the ball and his ability to find the ball) outweigh the cons (perceived softness - have a look at the hard ball get stats - and occasional skill errors - mostly on his left side).