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Easy does it, Nic: Simpson

Started by LF, May 30, 2014, 01:39:33 PM

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LF

http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-05-29/easy-does-it-nic-simpson

NIC NAITANUI is a master when it comes to doing the hard stuff on a football field.

Freakish marks, 360 degree ruck taps, contested clearances and tackle breaking runs all feature prominently in his repertoire.

But West Coast coach Adam Simpson has set Naitanui his hardest challenge yet getting easy possessions.

During his 97 game career, 73 per cent of Naitanuis possessions have been contested.

Given Naitanui faces a dog fight for almost every possession he gets, it means he doesnt rack up big numbers.

Simpson wants that to change.

Although the rookie coach is still eager for Naitanui to win the hard ball, he wants the 24 year-old to follow in the footsteps of champion ruckman Dean Cox by learning how to rack up easy possessions as well.

On average, 58 per cent of Coxs possessions are uncontested, with his ability to read the play allowing him to inflict major damage when he gets the ball in space.

Naitanuis great at hunting the ball, Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.

The challenge for me as a coach is to try to educate him on how to get some of those easy touches around the ground.

Theres no one better to learn that off than Coxy.

Naitanui has averaged just one mark per game this season, with the 2012 All Australian still finding his feet after spending the best part of 18 months battling groin problems.

But Naitanui showed signs he was nearing his best in last weeks loss to Collingwood, with the Western Australian racking up 17 possessions to go with his 24 hit outs.

Naitanui, who resigned with the Eagles for a further five years last week, will have fond memories when he lines up against North Melbourne at Patersons Stadium on Sunday night.

In the corresponding fixture last year, Naitanui took a pack mark in the dying seconds before kicking the winning goal after the final siren

elephants

Could not agree more. Problem is he draws a crowd. Point still stands though, if he makes space and drags two opposition players with him, we will have one out the back.

Sidenote: If he picks up his uncontested possie stats he will be a freakishly good fantasy ruckman.

Mailman the 2nd

Are there many ruckman that do get much uncontested ball?

LF

Quote from: Mailman the 2nd on May 30, 2014, 03:27:31 PM
Are there many ruckman that do get much uncontested ball?

That`s a good question and tbh I don`t know apart from Coxy.

elephants

For a ruckman, NicNat's uncontested ball numbers are well down. I think thats the point more than uncontested ball no.s vs the rest of the comp.

Ricochet

Quote from: Mailman the 2nd on May 30, 2014, 03:27:31 PM
Are there many ruckman that do get much uncontested ball?
Based on this years numbers Jacobs is leading the pack averaging 11.1 uncontested possies a game. Next best is Cox at 8.7 and then the rest are around 7 or under. Averaging 11 is pretty damn decent from Jacobs.