Oxley up forward?

Tannin · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2016 12:26 am

Howe was carp as a forward. Good in patches, not reliable. He won't change by magic just because he's wearing a different jumper now. He's a much, much better player in defence. Yep, he has a bit to learn, but he's showing real talent down back. Leave him there and let him grow further into the job.

Oxley isn't really a defender. I can happily have him playing as an attacking back flanker or a floater, but he's not a core defender and never will be. He is a natural-born winger. Don't mind seeing him have a run on the HFF either, even pinch hit in a pocket, but the open spaces of the wings are his natural habitat.

Sidebottom can play anywhere, and you are always going to want to see him take his turn in the middle, but he absolutely should play forward a lot more than he does.

Howe: back pocket. Every week.
Oxley: wing or flank.
Sidebottom: small forward and midfield, changing with players like Swan, Pendlebury, and Treloar.

1892_ · Joined: 18 Dec 2015

Liked the move of Oxley, he seemed to know where the goals were too. Not sure whether it was a last role the dice type move, but we recruited Howe to play half forward/wing and Oxley could certainly play a similar role.

piedys · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2016 6:54 pm

I just can't find a permanent spot in the 22 for him.
If the injury Gods don't spit-roast us again in 2017, then he's going to struggle for a gig either forward or back...

piedys · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:18 pm

And what's the verdict on this move kids?

John Wren · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:20 pm

jury out until it is tried at the g.

inxs88 · Joined: 17 Aug 2014

given Cloke is averaging 1.2 goals a game and Oxley kicked 2, I would consider it a relative success!

Pies4shaw · pies4shaw Joined: 08 Oct 2007

He provides a great physical presence and should play CHF next season.

Mugwump · Joined: 28 Jul 2007 Location: Between London and Melbourne

thompsoc · Joined: 21 Sep 2009

He was ordinary.
With 3 big guys he may have done better

piedys · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:35 pm

jackcass · Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Location: Bendigo

Don't think either Oxley or Phillips had much impact but they contributed 3 goals between them so I'd like to see them get another week. Shame we're back at Etihad next week rather than on the wider spaces of the G.

Jezza · 2023 PREMIERS! Joined: 05 Sep 2010 Location: Ponsford End

Had very little impact last night, but again we played at Etihad rather than the MCG.

Mugwump · Joined: 28 Jul 2007 Location: Between London and Melbourne

Regardless of the ground, has not had anything like the hoped-for impact. Nothing to lose, though, so persist for this week.

King Monkey · Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 9:37 pm

I'm more concerned about his positioning up forward than his lack of ability to get the pill.
Constantly wanders into spaces that others are about to lead into, bringing his opponent with him.
Not a natural forward, certainly not at this level anyway.

I say keep him on the list, handy depth at half back. Not best 22 though.

thompsoc · Joined: 21 Sep 2009

He is a great kick something which we lack.
Keep playing up forward for a time.