History for martinb

ballane

martinb

Does make me worry to hear him talk about Piper like that. Actually, it makes my blood run cold. 

Piper last season could play all those positions, but not very well. He could surge forward, but not pass. He could smash home a header, but not control a five metre pass.

Really think your understating his contribution, he offered way more than what you have stated. That was all on the back of only just arriving in a professional environment.
Admittedly injury has probably held his preparation for this season up but on last years efforts he deserves the opportunity to show what he can do and not just the odd game here or there either.   

What did he offer? 
Lad could tackle, was very strong, good in the air, great attacking an aerial ball and good at surging down the touchline. 
I hope he has improved his technique and game reading because positions, especially at higher levels aren’t things you can just bounce around. You need to hone your instincts and specialist abilities for a position. 
He played up front for the last game and couldn’t control the ball or bring other players into the game. He would make runs down the sideline and either give up the ball or send it all the way back. 
I hope these are things that can be improved, but also it’s a hospital pass by the coach to pretend you can be a utility without good technique.

The reason Payney has played all over the park is that he has a decent standard of technique. He can pass long or short, and he can read the game. He can tackle or jockey. He can put speed on a pass or take it off. Just look at how Boxall played for the AWs. And even Payney didn’t go all that well up front.

Don’t get me wrong- I wanna believe, but on a bit of evidence, not Chief’s hyperbole after last season.

And Ballane- I’m not slagging off the lad, just Chief’s bizarre description of him. He’s a utility, but in most positions with many drawbacks. It worries me to hear him described as a kind of superhero.