TOPIC:

I'm sorry, but Ballantyne is not tough. He is a massive downhill skier.

I'm sorry, but Ballantyne is not tough. He is a massive downhill skier.

Think you may have got that one wrong, he was sensational.

Toughness can be interpreted in many ways.
But the boy can play. When his mind is focused on football and not that other silly stuff, he is very good.
Last night he was terrific.

Yes he was very good on Saturday night (in a game that Freo controlled from start to finish).
What about the week before when Freo lost to Port?

It's interesting to look at the career of Steve Milne (considered one of the best small forwards of the modern era) and Ballantynes.


Ballantyne Milne
Kicks av 10.2 9.0
Goals 1.5 2.0
Tackles 3.1 1.7

Ballantyne seems to stack up pretty well from what I can see. Small forwards are always
unpopular with opposition fans. Whenever his name is mentioned to other coaches, they always say he is a player to be watched closely.

I think that you think I am having a dig at Ballantyne. I am not saying he isnt a good player, I am not saying he doesnt have his good games and I am not saying he wont have a solid career. Im just saying that his good games tend to be when Freo are in control from start to finish. I'd say (and Im happy to be corrected on this) that there would be very few games where Freo have lost (havent been in control from start to finish) where Ballantyne has played well.
Im also not saying this is just a Freo thing either. All teams have their downhill skiers. Personally I think Shuey is one too and I am a WCE supporter.

JB wrote: It's interesting to look at the career of Steve Milne (considered one of the best small forwards of the modern era) and Ballantynes.


Ballantyne Milne
Kicks av 10.2 9.0
Goals 1.5 2.0
Tackles 3.1 1.7

Ballantyne seems to stack up pretty well from what I can see. Small forwards are always
unpopular with opposition fans. Whenever his name is mentioned to other coaches, they always say he is a player to be watched closely.

That's a ridiculous comparison Jb.. Milne played 275 games & kicked 570 odd goals, Ballantyne has played about 100 with 140 goals.. He wont get even near Milne.

Not really, Milne will end up infront on goals kicked, Ballantyne, at this stage will be well in front on tackles and kicks. The tackle count is important because of the defensive pressure that is required these days for other players to score, Ballantyne is very very good in that regard. I'm in no way saying he is as good or better, just giving a comparison across the board. I think Ballantyne is much more than a "Down Hill Skier"

I didnt catch the first half of the Geelong match so I can only comment on what I saw and have seen in the numerous other Freo matches I have watched.
I didnt say he only played well when Freo were in front. I said he tends to only play well when Freo are in control of the match.
And I have never once mentioned his disposal numbers so I have no idea why you even bring that up? Give me a little credit, I know he is not there to rack up 30 disposals a game. I know that he could have 10 disposals in a game and still be named in the bests.
But that is not my point. If you dont get that then that is your issue.

DMW (don't mess with) SC A/M!