Menadue and to a lesser extent Ellis defs played the loose hbf role both in the VFL and when called up to the seniors.
Yes let’s make a point to say he gets some of his possessions from kick ins, not like every other hbf with a reliable boot on them doesn’t get the same.
My point still stands, he is doing the exact role asked of him and that of any half back flanker in the league and doing it well.
No they didn't. Ellis didn't have good use and was never used in a similar fashion to Short. Menadue played some footy across half back but most of his time was spent on a wing. Ben Lennon was a slow forward who played a handful of games down back. Great kick though, one of the best I've ever seen.
No one says he's not playing his role. He has been okay this year and he is playing his role. Always plays his role, thats never been the problem with him.
I guess we remember it differently and maybe not all of the players I named did get a chance at HBF but your claim (which maybe I’m taking too literally tbf) that when playing hbf flank, getting 20+ disposals is almost a given is just not true not just by the players we’ve trialled in that role but across the league too.
And if he is playing the role asked of him and always has and has been ok (think he’s been better than that), then what exactly is the issue? in an underperforming team of 22 players, short has been nowhere near one of the worst, I’d argue he’s actually been one of the better more consistent players (not that that’s saying much for this season). And yet posters will regularly single him out for criticism.
I just think that there’s an unrealistic expectation that every player is going to be at the bottom of packs and winning the contested ball and people see the outside players as easy targets. Happened with Houli then moved onto B.Ellis and now it seems Short has taken over as the whipping boy.
