Matt Dufty

[FlameThrower]

Is Dugan a better fullback, hell yeah. Am I glad Dufty was given an opportunity this year as Dugan won't be, hell yeah.

Dufty was pretty average today. Kick returns were non existent and when it came to crunch he never took on the line...his lack of size may be a concern, but he never backed himself and looked scared to take the line on ...either needs a few kilos on and some more muscle...other teams will just kick to him and they know he won't return and just pass it to a aging Nighty or a slow coach McDonald who never shows any urgency in any kick returns...that's a massive problem.

 

[j0nesy]

He wasn't bad today, I think a few are being a bit harsh. He was obviously under instructions to pass to the wingers and not take any kick returns. He did score a decent enough try and made a couple of decent takes. There were worse out there today.

 

[SEAT 1A]

Dufty was pretty average today. Kick returns were non existent and when it came to crunch he never took on the line...his lack of size may be a concern, but he never backed himself and looked scared to take the line on ...either needs a few kilos on and some more muscle...other teams will just kick to him and they know he won't return and just pass it to a aging Nighty or a slow coach McDonald who never shows any urgency in any kick returns...that's a massive problem.

Fair anough FlameThrower however, he has only played a handful of first grade games.

 

[mickeylane]

Robson should be on the bench next year if they want to rest McInnes as he also can cover 13 or slot into the backrow.

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

Dufty was pretty average today. Kick returns were non existent and when it came to crunch he never took on the line...his lack of size may be a concern, but he never backed himself and looked scared to take the line on ...either needs a few kilos on and some more muscle...other teams will just kick to him and they know he won't return and just pass it to a aging Nighty or a slow coach McDonald who never shows any urgency in any kick returns...that's a massive problem.

Issac Thompson for Illawarra today, looks like MacDonald, same sort of size, but plays with strength and heart.

 

[FlameThrower]

Issac Thompson for Illawarra today, looks like MacDonald, same sort of size, but plays with strength and heart.

Issac Thompson, was he not one of the players farewelled pre game?????

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

Issac Thompson, was he not one of the players farewelled pre game?????

Jesus I hope not, he was the best for Illawarra today.

 

[saintm]

Issac Thompson, was he not one of the players farewelled pre game?????

yes he was...very disappointed his leaving and levi dodd

 

[Life's Good]

Dufty will be fine. It wasn't in him today but he'll learn which he has shown he can do. Him passing before the line is a clear sign of nerves or game plan built on conservative play. I wonder who thought up that strategy...??

 

[saintm]

.

 

[saintm]

Dufty was pretty average today. Kick returns were non existent and when it came to crunch he never took on the line...his lack of size may be a concern, but he never backed himself and looked scared to take the line on ...either needs a few kilos on and some more muscle...other teams will just kick to him and they know he won't return and just pass it to a aging Nighty or a slow coach McDonald who never shows any urgency in any kick returns...that's a massive problem.

Dufty has been instructed to offload on the kick returns. I thought his overall game was solid not great. He still caught all balls kicked in his vacinity, scored a try and backed up but did not get a lot of ball. I thought both our halves were ordinary and the intensity from all the team wasn't there. The players didn't seem to be talking it up and encouraging each other....where as the Dogs were fired up. It was a terrible game of football to watch... wish I hadn't bothered going out to the game. I'm gutted they should have won that game. However, if they can't beat the Dogs then they don't deserve a spot in the finals. All in all I think the whole team played well below par.

 

[gonz]

I think his smart enough as super coach hasn't killed him yet. So off season more courage watch slater clips charge the bell back at pace get bigger stronger

 

[FlameThrower]

Dufty has been instructed to offload on the kick returns. I thought his overall game was solid not great. He still caught all balls kicked in his vacinity, scored a try and backed up but did not get a lot of ball. I thought both our halves were ordinary and the intensity from all the team wasn't there. The players didn't seem to be talking it up and encouraging each other....where as the Dogs were fired up. It was a terrible game of football to watch... wish I hadn't bothered going out to the game. I'm gutted they should have won that game. However, if they can't beat the Dogs then they don't deserve a spot in the finals. All in all I think the whole team played well below par.

Agreed well below par, did not look confident from the get go. Ill prepared and not up to the task...another independent season review will fix it.

 

[Overseas dragon]

Well what can you say underwhelming poor uninspiring. Awful .that's the coach I was referring to of course boy wouldn't it be great to have a coach 9th with the worst coach the world has ever seen .the players should be ashamed ,you guys are on the field .Gareth widdop your the captain ,when are you going to act like one inspire your team get them going your in charge when your on the field .you should give 3/4 of your contract money back sorry guys this is probably wrong post but never mind

 

[j0nesy]

I reckon he had a good opportunity to pin his ears back and have a crack at the line near the end there. It might have been the final play, down the right side, but he elected to throw a pass to the winger. He would have been one on one with a tired fullback. With his pace I would have have backed him to score. Not having a go at him as there was still plenty of work to do, but I don't think he's quite developed the belief in himself at the top level. Great kid and good little player, I hope he gets there.

 

[Carlton]

As I've said before, I think Dufty has potential but he has a number of things he needs to improve before he is a genuine fullback capable of playing in a top team.

His defence is poor, for example, there was one try yesterday where he was close but stood and watched.

I pointed out in his first game that one of his try assists was actually not a good thing as he had the line open and passed instead of going himself. He did the same thing yesterday, he seems to be scared that if a defender gets their hands on him he wont be able to pull through the tackle.

A fullback cannot just offload the ball to his wingers from a kick, he has to be able to do the hard yards himself and make some ground. Whether he was instructed to pass is not the main problem. The issue is I don't think he can do the hard work and make ground.

 

[possm]

I think Dufty has the goods and would do much better under a different coach. It was clear that he was operating under instructions yesterday. Our problems in the backs are:
Macdonald needs to be replaced because he is too hot and cold. When he charged on to a ball that was kicked short and flat he looked the goods, but so often he just does not cut it.

This should have been Nightingale's last season. Now it should be his last season as a regular first grader. In 2018 he may be a good backup for a junior winger with speed.

If we bought Moylan to replace Dugan and moved Dufty to wing, maybe that would be a better short term solution.

 

[Redhoopz]

As I've said before, I think Dufty has potential but he has a number of things he needs to improve before he is a genuine fullback capable of playing in a top team.

His defence is poor, for example, there was one try yesterday where he was close but stood and watched.

I pointed out in his first game that one of his try assists was actually not a good thing as he had the line open and passed instead of going himself. He did the same thing yesterday, he seems to be scared that if a defender gets their hands on him he wont be able to pull through the tackle.

A fullback cannot just offload the ball to his wingers from a kick, he has to be able to do the hard yards himself and make some ground. Whether he was instructed to pass is not the main problem. The issue is I don't think he can do the hard work and make ground.

A bit harsh, considering he's only been in FG for a few games. A lot of the stuff you mentioned will come with time and experience.

It's not a bad thing that he's passing the ball instead of going himself. Showing that he can pass or go himself will always put the defense in two minds.

Dufty reminded me a bit of Quinlan yesterday with the passes from kick returns. He may have been instructed to do that. I'd only be worried about it if it becomes a regular occurrence.

 

[mickeylane]

Ive been the teams biggest supporter and often criticised for my undivided support and optimism - but yesterday was a disgrace - everyone in that team knew what the deal was - win and your in the semis - the team was just not good enough...my observations are simple.. you cant take the same players into next years battles and expect a different result...even the coach should go...Mcguire and Hasler will be sacked this week - maybe a solution w Hasler?

We have to be clinical in our culling of players. even w the arrival of great players in Hunt and Graham we will undoubtedly improve but not to the level to win the comp.

IMO Dufty looks still very uncertain of how to play his role...to my way of thinking we need the below to happen or similar.

• Mciness can't play 80 min anymore - he's not creative enough - good service, great tackler but thats it! We need a rotation of a 2nd hooker coming on the 25th min mark and one that asks questions of the defence - SIGN Michael Lichaa now to play 17.
• Dufty big question mark - throw $750K (Dugans contract) a season at Moylan and throw him at FB
• Nightingale - sorry too slow - sign Curtis Rona or similar speedster
• Need an attacking Right Centre - Brenko Lee available and schooled Lafai yesterday sign him

Changes need to be made - we have plenty in the cap so lets spend it.

Moylan
Mcdonald
Lee
Lafai
Rona

Widdop
Hunt

JDB
Frizzell
Thompson
Graham
Mciness/Lichaa
Vaughan

Simms
LAM
Leilua
Lichaa
Mann

 

[st.phil]

Seemed sheepish in every game when Duges was also in the side.

Regardless, game was lost in other areas...he did ok