Milne - Best Small Forward

[wooly]

I've had a look at his stats so far this year and to be honest there is nothing startling. If he is such a champion you would think he's be the top 10 for SOMETHING

Yeah but we're not talking about a single year, we are talking about a playing career.

[wooly]

Stumbled across an article from Herald Sun writer Jon Anderson, which is virtually the same discussion we are having here:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/whos-the-best-small-forward/story-e6frf9jf-1225855799088

For those who can't be bothered reading it, he ranks Milne fourth all time behind, Brad Johnson, Jeff Farmer and Phil Matera.

[Master Q]

I've had a look at his stats so far this year and to be honest there is nothing startling. If he is such a champion you would think he's be the top 10 for SOMETHING

wooly have an answer this? Surely with Roo gone his stats should much higher.

[wooly]

I've had a look at his stats so far this year and to be honest there is nothing startling. If he is such a champion you would think he's be the top 10 for SOMETHING

wooly have an answer this? Surely with Roo gone his stats should much higher.

I would have thought the opposite; with Roo gone the opposition is able to focus their attention on stopping Milne. Plus with Roo out there it is less predictable where the ball will be kicked, meaning it is more difficult to position himself to crumb effectively.

[Justin Bieber]

Hard to stop a pacey crumber. They find their own ball and somehow find space out of nowhere. Reckon Kosi gets the most attention since he would be their number 1 target up there for marking contest. Milne would then sneak in under the pack for the goals.

[wooly]

Hard to stop a pacey crumber. They find their own ball and somehow find space out of nowhere. Reckon Kosi gets the most attention since he would be their number 1 target up there for marking contest. Milne would then sneak in under the pack for the goals.

Edited my post about 10 seconds after you posted this. I agree it is hard to stop a pacey crumber but with Roo out this is what happens:

1) Less predictability about where the ball will be kicked making it harder for Milne to position himself crumbing (as mentioned above)

2) With Kosi (and Goddard, Fisher, etc) playing Roo's role, defenders (such as those manned up on Milne) are less likely to leave their direct opponents to help their teammates out (because they don't require it)

[Justin Bieber]

Agree with the points wooly. But reckon Milne would be mainly around the big tall targets up forward. He'll get the most opportunity that way. Is not kicked to very often but agree, won't get free as often due to no need to double team.

[wooly]

Agree with the points wooly. But reckon Milne would be mainly around the big tall targets up forward. He'll get the most opportunity that way. Is not kicked to very often but agree, won't get free as often due to no need to double team.

So basically his stats shouldn't change much on past years with Roo out.

[Justin Bieber]

Still not sold on his stats not completely changing :-\. Reckon it has effected his game.

[wooly]

Still not sold on his stats not completely changing :-\. Reckon it has effected his game.

What do you mean? Are you saying his stats should improve with Roo out?

[Master Q]

Still not sold on his stats not completely changing :-\. Reckon it has effected his game.

What do you mean? Are you saying his stats should improve with Roo out?

Still don't really back your point IMO wooly, Roo rarely drops marks anyways.

[Master Q]

Also, does everyone else agree that most of milne's goals are running into the goal square any one could kick except richo?

[Justin Bieber]

Still not sold on his stats not completely changing :-\. Reckon it has effected his game.

What do you mean? Are you saying his stats should improve with Roo out?

It probably has changed his stats from previous years when alongside Roo. Doubt he hasn't changed a whole lot but reckon there has been a change.

Just saying Roo being out has to effect his game. Players are to adapt to their new roles without their leader leading from the front.

[wooly]

Still not sold on his stats not completely changing :-\. Reckon it has effected his game.

What do you mean? Are you saying his stats should improve with Roo out?

Still don't really back your point IMO wooly, Roo rarely drops marks anyways.

What about my second point, about defenders less likely to leave their direct opponents to help their teammates out against Kosi et al. making Milne's role difficult?

My point was that you expect Milne to improve with Roo out (which you haven't explained why), but I'm saying if anything it would make it tougher for Milne due to the aforementioned points. HP's point was a good one: yes Milne may have more oppotunities with more marks dropped, however he won't get free as often due to no need to double team. Am I saying that his stats have decreased? No, I am saying that his ability to play well and kick goals becomes more difficult with Roo out and why I would expect his stats to stay the same or decrease. (I'm going to have a look at his stats through 12 rounds last year, compared to this year and see if he has improved, struggled or stayed the same)

[Master Q]

Roo = Super Super Main Target.

Milne/Kosi = Next Target.