Laidler a forward?

[Mat0369]

I just read this on the Herald Sun site.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/teams/carltons-jeremy-laidler-could-prove-the-solution-to-the-sides-forward-problems/story-e6frf9k6-1226622953991

These are some quotes from the article which I found interesting

Laidler was a vital cog in defence under former coach Brett Ratten before hurting his knee last year.

But the left-footer has struggled to impress Ratten's predecessor Mick Malthouse, who left him out of the NAB Cup grand final and two of the first three home-and-away games this season.

"Mick spoke to him about looking at different positions and adding another string to his bow," Webster said.

"Jeremy grew up as a junior playing forward, so this week we were able to give him the opportunity to play a key position for us and he performed really well."

Laidler's demise has puzzled many Carlton supporters. In 2011 he ranked No.1 at the club for spoils, No.2 for intercept marks and third for intercept possessions.

I have highlighted certain parts

I was wondering why he did not play the NAB Grand Final and match fitness returning from injury was the word. Well from this I gather it was straight omission. I have no problem him going forward and trying to gain some form or to 'add another string to his bow' as they might be able to swing him forward late in games and use him like West Coast used Adam Hunter (although Walker should be the man for this if they insist on playing him back). My problem is that he is such a vital part to the Carlton back half, that when he is not there, they leak goals. He needs to come back ASAP and play on a back flank. Laidler also does not have the build to play key position forward. He would effectively play as a medium sized forward since he sits under 190cm.

[BB67th]

I have no idea why he is not playing at the moment. He is a very good intercept player and runs very well off the back flank. Obviously Mick doesn't rate him at all. Maybe he looks for another move at the end of the year?

[Mat0369]

It is frustrating from a fans point of view, especially when you see spuds like Joseph getting a game and a string of bad performances from a few other guys in the team (Kane Lucas) yet Laidler who is critical to the teams structure down back ( a defense that has conceded over 100 points in the straight games) can't get a game.

[Noz]

One would think you would play guys like Laidler and Duigan in the team ahead of Davis and Bootsma

[RiOtChEsS]

relatively excited about him as a forward prospect, completely concur with the discussion above, should be in our team already, he can clunk the pill so if he is a reasonable shot at goal we could at the very least use him as a swing man like The Cats r doing with Harry Taylor...

[BB67th]

One would think you would play guys like Laidler and Duigan in the team ahead of Davis and Bootsma

Mick has always been one to have favourites and those that he doesn't like. I doubt we will see much of Laidler or Duigan this year and definitely not both at once unfortunately.