Nick's Collingwood Bulletin Board

Josh seems to thrive as the solo ruckman...his performance against Cox last year in Perth was outstanding

I liked the set-up with Shannon Cox relieving Fraser for 5-8mins a qtr, while he isn't going to win many hit-outs, he can at least provide a contest and is good around the ground

Sensational, in conditions that didn't really suit I thought he stood out and was best on ground, loved the way he grabbed the ball in rucking contests on a few occasions to boot the ball forward. He also must be the best ruckmen going around when the ball is below the knees, sometimes you'd swear he was a midfielder. Well done Josh and on your 150th too, we're all very proud of you.

was my best yesterday and even when we were gettin belted in the third he was still dominating. His hitouts were very good too.

Dont understand why he gets so many knockers and calls for him to trade. Hes a star and one of our best.

Seems like his clearances were high and he only had a couple of marks so must have won a lot of the ball around the packs.

Josh definitely seems to like being the sole ruck. It's happened now on a number of occasions.

Could be the solution (at least for this year) to the ongoing ruck problem. Even though Richards is getting better at his hitouts, you still feel like we're going in a player short (round the ground) when he plays. The luxury of having an extra player like Cox around the ground could be a good move. And Rocca to help out here and there as well when needed.

No doubt it's going to be horses for courses, but I reckon it's not a bad idea to have Josh as our only genuine ruckman in the side, given that both Bryan and Richards have failed to grasp their opportunities. It's clear that josh gets into a rythym when he's carrying the ruck load on his own. With Rocca, Travis, Wakes and Cox in the side, it means we've got some support when needed, but it makes us an incredibly mobile fast unit. Naturally, it would be great to have a quality 2nd ruckman to help Josh, but I'm not convinced that we've got one, and i'd rather play good players, than 2nd rate ruckman.

What was the story behind him taking himself off the leadership group? Anyone know??

I think he is a gun too...

he only stepped down temporarily to focus on his own game to get over niggling injuries and to find some form

Josh always plays best when he rucks by himself. If Rocca was fitter, i would love to go back to the days where he would back up ruck, and we could use Josh for 95% of the match.

Magpie Mark wrote:Should be our next captain unless Heater moves beyond the role of half back and into the middle. Then you couldn't deny him.

I'm not against the idea at all. Fraser's a great public speaker, a good onfield example and generally accomplished in all areas. Probably needs to take the game by the scruff, though that ain't easy for a rucking prospect. That said, any of Fraser, Johnson, Heath Shaw, Rhyce Shaw, Thomas (in the long term) or even, dare I even say it, Didak (captain of the Australian Under 17s in 2000 and Port Adelaide Magpies juniors)?

He was sensational yesterday, and really shouldered the load all on his own. Has much to be proud of.

About time to bring this one out off the hot dog trays!

3rd degree wrote:About time to bring this one out off the hot dog trays!

Applies today as it did 3 years ago 3rd.

Several #25 lockers have had to have their doors replaced in recent weeks and Bill Picken is fuming!

Well you either have people that agree or disagree.

The stars haven't been in alignment for Josh. Rucked his heart out a few years ago when the passion and energy was there but had no one to help him out, maybe he was run into the ground by the relentlessness of it all. Who knows?

Now, in my opinion he simply is not the leader people were waiting and hoping for. The guy is a pacifist. Not one mean streak in that body.

I am sure he is a lovely guy.

classic thread, its got-

Josh Fraser, one of my fave players

The hulkster

A little known and long forgotten Gun_der alias