We should be teaching them how to defend in their current position. You don't need to learn how to defend in defence! Were Puopulo, Gunston and Cyril played in the backline at Hawthorn? 
Wasn't Poppy a back pocket player at first?
You're right Yeahright. However, the others mentioned never played back. 
You know what I'm trying to say though! 
No I don't
Let me help you since you don't. Hardwick is obsessed with playing forwards down back to learn to defend. Then they swap them back and forth not settling in any position.
Examples are:
Ben Griffiths: Played forward as that is the position he played as a junior. Then he spent a year down back. Then he is banished into the reserves. Then he is played as a part time forward and part time ruck. I would argue if he left him up forward and backed him in, he would be a better forward now.
Ben Lennon. AA under 18 forward. Played forward a little then played in the backline as a half back flanker. Then as a forward again. Then I don't even know - ? winger/ hbf and hff in the same game. I would argue that if you left him on the hff or forward pocket and let him play there consistently we would see a far more settled player.
Todd Elton: Played as a forward as a junior. Played initially forward by Hardwick. Played one senior game. Banished to reserves and then was thrown down back and he was brought back for one senior game as a backman and then dropped again. Then played as a forward...
I think this is a poor development scheme for forwards and one that Hardwick has employed. That is what I'm trying to say. Get it now?
