Loving the form of these QLD players. Thursto had about 90 inside 20's and couldn't create any points and Cronk has turned into an absolute derro in recent weeks.
Apparently NSWmen are leading in every position on form, based on stats this year, except halfback and fullback. I remember there were articles of similar nature a few years ago. They're funny to read simply because you know they're mostly meaningless. I've lost count of how many times in the build up to a game they've claimed Farah is in better form than Smith based on stats, as if that proves something even were it true.
I disagree - it's not just Cronk, the whole sides been out of whack. I think everyone's just trying a bit too hard. I'm certain Billy's carrying an injury - he's nowhere near as sharp as he was at the start of the season. I maintain that Billy is as important to Melbourne as Cam Smith is. That was a big second half for us on Monday. They realised it was happening for them, so they went right back to basics and played it hard, and played it old school. Melbourne haven't played that conservatively... ever. It's what has to happen though - if you're in a rut like they are, you have to go back to basics and start all over again. They're still one of the top sides defensively in the competition, if we hold onto the ball we're going to win games. Even though we haven't won for three rounds - look at the scoreboard. Canberra just held us out and won by 4, Penrith won by 2 and Manly managed a draw. With a bit of fortune, we could easily have played this poorly and still be undefeated. Melbourne will be fine.
Canberra and Penrith legitimately played really fucking well though. Penrith actually deserved to win by more than they did IMO; completely outplayed Melbourne. Kicking a goal might've helped - funny that Walsh kicked 0/3 one week and then 11/11 the next really.
Yeah Farah is consistently better than Smith statistically because he's more creative. Smith is a better player overall of course but you can't measure organisation, structure or general game-management statistically; you have to actually watch them play.
Yeh but it's largely irrelevant to the argument you were making that stats are often meaningless when it comes to form. I'd disagree with that. It's a poor example.
It's relevant for all hookers. It's intrinsic in the position because half of what they do isn't measured. Farah can't out-tackle Smith statistically (and has done at times over the last few years) but that's never going to make me change my mind about who the better defender is; because I've watched and analysed their technique.
