Am I missing a thread where Mason was "hated on" over his performance over the weekend? He hardly got a mention in the live thread by the looks of it. I can find hardly any examples of the thing you are complaining about. He had a solid game. I agree with you, there's a good player there.
Nah , it was on a podcast plus the occasional comment I’ve seen . Just unfair . It’s not directed at you . Just making a holistic point in general .
I've tried to like Mason - I really have. But he frustrated the heck out of me on Saturday. He barely passed the ball and there was just no 'result' from any of his touches that I could see. Just a basic 4 or 5 meter hit up and an easy tackle for the opposition. Was that his role? I don't know - maybe. I do agree that he looks like a footballer - but I just don't see him being able to lock down any position. He's young. Maybe this 'middle' rotation will suit him down the track. But he's ressies for mine.
I'm in Mason's corner. Him playing any first grade last year, let alone in positions he is not suited to, was a problem with the depth in the club, not his potential as a footballer. When you throw in guys who are not ready or out of position and it doesn't work out it will draw the ire of fans, something the club needs to reflect on.
It was his role . He was playing 13 . Take his hitups , get a fast roll on , get the defence retreating . Create doubt , so when he does go deep into the line the defence has to account for him so they can’t slide off early . And because he’s zippy it means if he’s doing into at the 4 man (4th in from the edge) it means the middles have to work hard to cover inside . So yes at times it looks like he’s taking shit for hitups sake , but it’s not for that play . It’s for the play in minute 60 when the middles arnt working as hard anymore , and the edges defensively have turned right in to cover for the inside step . And if they don’t turn in , then the inside step should put him through a hole or at worse , generate ruck speed because the cover has had to make a legs tackle , and he’s immediately on his front .
💯 agree
charged only no suspension
Yes agree
I'll put a few observations in the trial thread but it was interesting that the 10 or so mins into half time we played a middle of Mason, Murray & Jack with Haywood, possibly the smallest middle quartet in history.
I was also thinking they will likely get outmuscled due to lack of size.
Had similar thoughts about lack of size & obviously aware the opposition was NSW Cup quality but this could be a great strategy, maybe using the likes of Seyfarth, Twal & Sione instead who are bigger but either very agile & fit or workhorse/effort types.
You would think 14 will be either Hope or Murray.
I tend to agree. given how tight early games are there's a real emphasis on defence and effort then I think Tristan gets the jump as you say. I'd anticipate he'll work on his work in attack thru the week, unfortunately he was a bit of a handbrake and had some moments I'm sure he'd like to have over again.
Too many people expect a 20-year old to be the finished product.
We came home strong in that period . The bulldogs modus operende that one .
Not saying you're wrong, but for me Sione should be our third middle picked and the first choice on the bench.
don't worry I'm with you, but I don't think Benji agrees. I'll be surprised if Sione makes the 19 to start the year if I'm honest, seems as if we're looking for experience and defensive resolve.
