Why the Roos are ahead
July 21st 2010 16:39
Sourced: The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
by Darryn Perry
THIS season has been dominated by a super-talented Clarence and it is odds-on that the premiership cup is headed to the Eastern Shore yet again.
The Roos have even improved from last season and, while that might sound improbable, an analysis of their undefeated record makes it hard to argue against.
So where has the step-up come from?
While we all marvel at their star-studded line-up, there is something less tangible that makes them better than the rest.
Clarence is unsurpassed at winning the contested ball and in today's football that's what splits good teams.
The Roos gauge their performance on key defensive indicators the number of tackles laid and other defensive pressures.
These are known as the "one per centers" and Clarence is preconditioned to perform them regularly.
The Roos' midfield is littered with state players such as Jackson O'Brien, James Baker, Cameron Thurley, Trent Whitelaw plus ball magnet returnees Matthew Geappen, Ben Setchell and a potential 100-plus AFL gamer in Josh Green.
It is little wonder they are superior at winning the contested ball.
Ruckman Drew Westfield has enjoyed a stellar season and his standing in the game has skyrocketed.
His ability to hand-deliver the Clarence midfield first crack at the Sherrin forces opponents on to the back foot immediately and the Roos' high skill level makes it difficult for the opposition to get the ball back before the Roos score.
Veteran back Cameron Blight controls the backline with conviction and repels opposition forward thrusts with aggressive spoils and unrelenting pressure.
Rohan Swan, Greg "Popeye" Sharman and Aaron French provide great support.
Up forward, the Roos have multiple avenues to goal with a gun centre half-forward in Matthew Drury plus livewire Trent Standen, and youngsters in Charlie Riewoldt and Brad Coad.
However, the loss of playing coach Brett Geappen from full-forward is a massive blow and has certainly eased the pressure for the back halves of other contenders.
Maybe come finals time the brains trust will slot Tasmania's best player in Cameron Thurley at full-forward to overcome Geappen's loss.
To bring down Clarence, other teams will have to beat them at their own game.
by Darryn Perry
THIS season has been dominated by a super-talented Clarence and it is odds-on that the premiership cup is headed to the Eastern Shore yet again.
The Roos have even improved from last season and, while that might sound improbable, an analysis of their undefeated record makes it hard to argue against.
Clarence celebrating their 2009 Premiership over Glenorchy, pictured Coach Brett Geappen, and captain Nick Paine
So where has the step-up come from?
While we all marvel at their star-studded line-up, there is something less tangible that makes them better than the rest.
Clarence is unsurpassed at winning the contested ball and in today's football that's what splits good teams.
The Roos gauge their performance on key defensive indicators the number of tackles laid and other defensive pressures.
These are known as the "one per centers" and Clarence is preconditioned to perform them regularly.
The Roos' midfield is littered with state players such as Jackson O'Brien, James Baker, Cameron Thurley, Trent Whitelaw plus ball magnet returnees Matthew Geappen, Ben Setchell and a potential 100-plus AFL gamer in Josh Green.
It is little wonder they are superior at winning the contested ball.
Ruckman Drew Westfield has enjoyed a stellar season and his standing in the game has skyrocketed.
His ability to hand-deliver the Clarence midfield first crack at the Sherrin forces opponents on to the back foot immediately and the Roos' high skill level makes it difficult for the opposition to get the ball back before the Roos score.
Veteran back Cameron Blight controls the backline with conviction and repels opposition forward thrusts with aggressive spoils and unrelenting pressure.
Rohan Swan, Greg "Popeye" Sharman and Aaron French provide great support.
Up forward, the Roos have multiple avenues to goal with a gun centre half-forward in Matthew Drury plus livewire Trent Standen, and youngsters in Charlie Riewoldt and Brad Coad.
However, the loss of playing coach Brett Geappen from full-forward is a massive blow and has certainly eased the pressure for the back halves of other contenders.
Maybe come finals time the brains trust will slot Tasmania's best player in Cameron Thurley at full-forward to overcome Geappen's loss.
To bring down Clarence, other teams will have to beat them at their own game.
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