Joe Misiti never chased and tackled any opponent. A dual premiership player, brilliant finals performer, and a marvellous centreman for his entire career. Wasn't a noted goal kicker, but set up many goals himself.gringo wrote:Stanton's stats are misleading. The bulk of his possessions were cheap, meaningless touches around the half back line. His disposal under pressure is still very poor and he has no interest in manning up when the ball is going the other way. Unless Essendon have the ball in their hands, he doesn't put in. Needs to pull his head out and realise the game isn't about him getting possessions. I was reasonably happy with his game yesterday, but to say he's a top line midfielder in the AFL is completely inaccurate. He may get there one day, but he must be prepared to work when we don't have the ball and improve his disposal under pressure.
I'm unsure where you get the fancy idea that midfielders chase and tackle their direct opponent. You rarely ever see it anywhere. That is why midfielders are assigned "taggers". Stanton is not a tagger....he is most likely to be tagged if he continues his ball getting and running ability.
Not really sure how you judge a player's performance. If he gets 30 possessions, then his direct opponent hasn't bothered to chase and tackle him (one would assume). As for cheap kicks in the backline.....well, if we have possession, then we can set up an attack from anywhere on the field.
As far as I can see, Stanton has improved his disposal. I would like to see him kick a couple of goals occasionally, but as I pointed out, Misiti was not noted for that either. As for his disposal being "poor under pressure".....well blow me down, fancy stuffing a kick up when you are under pressure. How many effective disposals have you seen from a player tackled by Alwyn Davey?.....
