Hey
@Woodsie , hope you're well mate. I'm not sure whether a running game is paramount, when you have other attributes to round out your game in today's footy. For example, Cameron Smith averaged 56 metres per game on average in running metres (Cooke 78, Grant 83), but I'd take Cameron Smith as a player in his prime over the other two, every day of the week.
Interestingly enough, despite the disparity in average metres per game, Lachlan Croker scores more "try points" per game than Cameron Smith (Froggy 0.13, Smith 0.11, Cooke 0.14), so if it's offensive numbers, he's ranking up there.
There was a recent article here:
Running game a key for Lachlan Croker in 2022 where Croker suggest he'd like to focus on running more in 2022, but I also think the way Lachy played was somewhat pre-planned by Des (i.e. playing our system / style / gameplan).
One area say Smith (0.18 per game) and Cooke (0.18 per game) had over Croker is forced dropouts, but Croker and say Grant are pretty much on par with each other (0.05 and 0.09 respectively). I'd love to see a focus there, because maintaining pressure today is so important. Our issue is we have two quality, dominant halves that would do most of that.
Another area of improvement (understanding that stats don't always paint the true picture) is try assists. Of the four amazing Hookers I've named, it goes (Croker, 0.15 per game), (Cooke 0.37 per game), Smith (0.39 per game) and Grant (0.43 per game).
Says to me , while Croker is focusing on running as per his article there, if he can refine a) his kicking game, b) his X-factor / involvement - both of which very easily coached, particularly with Monaghan, Randall, Hasler in the coaching ranks, the bridge between Lachlan Croker, and the absolute best Hookers in the game (in my opinion) could be quickly be narrowed in 2022.
Lastly, Croker exudes character, class and determination. We'll see a much more dominant nine in 2022. Where that leaves Karl Lawton and James Segeyaro is beyond me. (sorry for the long post).
