Wakelin

[DaicosForever]

I thinks its time Collingwood should consider Ben Kinnear as a possible third string defender for the second half of the year.
Wakelins half dozen games have been riddled with costly errors
and I'am certainly one for giving a bloke a chance,but I think its becoming costly.Today against Melbourne,Neitz simple couldnt convert. In the spirit of 'giving a bloke a chance' , i think Kinnear should be looked at, as his VFL form suggests he has improved leaps and bounds this year and is more of a long term option then Wakelin.

Just my thoughts after today's great win.



Louis

[afisher]

I dont want to get into the bagging of wakelin, as he was good early (although recently he does seem to create a few oppotunities for the opposition), but I certainly would support giving Kinnear ago. Last year he was great when given a chance , and I cant believe the limited chances that he has been given this year. He a good contested mark, deceptively quick, and a reliable kick.
Give im a go

[AlfAndrews]

I always reckon Wakelin looks a bit too small to be standing key opposition forwards. Is he really a key position player?

**floreat pica**

[DaicosForever]

I agree with ya Alf totally in your opinion of Kinnears Strengths. As for Wakelin, i think he has been used because he tends to create some run out of the back for us but one on one he does give some height and weight away to opponents. As good as he was early his form has dipped and looks totally out of sorts. I think its also an opportunity for Kinnear who has been with us for years to stand up and be counted.MM should give him 12 uninterrupted weeks this year and say prove yourself boy.capitalize on your good VFL form.


Louis

[Spongo]

As much as I am in favor of Kinnear getting a run, I believe that wakelin has been terrific this year. True, he was not the man for neitz, and Kinnear probably would have been. But Wakelin provides leadeship and experience to a very young backline. Apart from the Melbourne game, where I think he was mismatched (ie not his fault) he hasn't really been beaten as a defender. Kinnear has all of the attributes you mentioned but can get panicky and turn the ball over. Wakelin also can, but rarely does, play up forward and pinch hit in the ruck if he has to.

[Millane42]

I agree Spongo - Wakelin is class, a great recruit and adds real depth with run, aggression and he can be put up forward to kick goals, although has yet to do so.

[ytry4]

How many times has he created run off the halfback line? It seems to me that he gets tackled before being able to pinpoint a target... He was pretty good at the start, but he appears to be too slow for most forwards.

Collingwood Forever
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[Broadie]

Don't be hard on Wakes. He's been great for most of this year and one of the reasons why we're 3rd in the least points conceded this year.

Just remember the trot Presti had on the bench a few rounds ago, and look at how he's responded.

Broadie