Some comments on some of our backs as I see them this year.
Tommy T: Athletic tall body with a decent amount of speed. Can sniff out tries, and starting to back up well at times. Showing improvement in his covering tackles on long range breaks and has a potential passing game (both need much further work). Really needs to further develop positional play, confidence under high balls at both ends and communication from the back. What I would call an emotion-based player, which can make him vulnerable when things aren't going right or team mates are down. Would also like to see him hit the line with more intent and use a bit of leg drive, rather than immediately crumbling at first contact.
Kelly: Given his lack of standout power or blistering speed, it's difficult to know what he will become. I think we all agree he has been thrown into the deep end a bit too early and probably needs more time in lower grades to grow and develop before deciding whether he has a future or not. He does show some good footy instincts at times, and has found the line on numerous occasions, but may not be enough in this modern game. Obviously, some glaring defensive deficiencies have been highlighted this year, but again, may just be a sign of inexperience at this level and need time to develop (may also improve with a bit more meat on the bones). I don't feel comfortable if we are looking to him to fill that centre position for us again next year.
Parker: In the two games he played, and putting the costly Tigpie fumble aside, he did show a reasonable amount of composure and seemed more solid in that centre defensive position than Kelly. He seems to have a greater physical presence and could be a useful weapon in the air at both ends with some time invested in this aspect of his game. I would like to see more of him in firsts, assuming we don't pick up a marquee centre for next year. Feel more confident with him there than Kelly.
Green: Certainly has shown the importance of an organising half to bring out the best of DCE this year. His attacking zone kicking game has been outstanding. He is a very poor defender and doesn't offer much else beyond the basic organising and control of possession. With enough talent around him in other positions that may be enough but would need to do it consistently week in and week out... again, assuming we don't pick up a marquee organising half. Nevertheless, he does need much stronger defenders alongside him to help cover those deficiencies if he is to stay.
Tommy T: Athletic tall body with a decent amount of speed. Can sniff out tries, and starting to back up well at times. Showing improvement in his covering tackles on long range breaks and has a potential passing game (both need much further work). Really needs to further develop positional play, confidence under high balls at both ends and communication from the back. What I would call an emotion-based player, which can make him vulnerable when things aren't going right or team mates are down. Would also like to see him hit the line with more intent and use a bit of leg drive, rather than immediately crumbling at first contact.
Kelly: Given his lack of standout power or blistering speed, it's difficult to know what he will become. I think we all agree he has been thrown into the deep end a bit too early and probably needs more time in lower grades to grow and develop before deciding whether he has a future or not. He does show some good footy instincts at times, and has found the line on numerous occasions, but may not be enough in this modern game. Obviously, some glaring defensive deficiencies have been highlighted this year, but again, may just be a sign of inexperience at this level and need time to develop (may also improve with a bit more meat on the bones). I don't feel comfortable if we are looking to him to fill that centre position for us again next year.
Parker: In the two games he played, and putting the costly Tigpie fumble aside, he did show a reasonable amount of composure and seemed more solid in that centre defensive position than Kelly. He seems to have a greater physical presence and could be a useful weapon in the air at both ends with some time invested in this aspect of his game. I would like to see more of him in firsts, assuming we don't pick up a marquee centre for next year. Feel more confident with him there than Kelly.
Green: Certainly has shown the importance of an organising half to bring out the best of DCE this year. His attacking zone kicking game has been outstanding. He is a very poor defender and doesn't offer much else beyond the basic organising and control of possession. With enough talent around him in other positions that may be enough but would need to do it consistently week in and week out... again, assuming we don't pick up a marquee organising half. Nevertheless, he does need much stronger defenders alongside him to help cover those deficiencies if he is to stay.
