jodragon40
Staff
Good read in today's DT about young Sloan. As an old coach that is what you want to read about a yet untapped talent especially his admission about his lack of defensive prowess. Worth a read.
If anyone wants to read content behind a paywall for free, send a PM to me.Good read in today's DT about young Sloan. As an old coach that is what you want to read about a yet untapped talent especially his admission about his lack of defensive prowess. Worth a read.
He's talking the talk. Was in the last off season as well.What we want to hear:
TOUGH ENOUGH
One of the first meetings Flanagan held when he was first appointed head coach of the Red-V was with Sloan.
Together they mapped out a plan for the gifted ballrunner to develop his commitment in defence. It would include boxing, wrestling and repetitive tackling sessions. Sloan’s ill-timed foot injury has forced the sessions to be put on the backburner.
However. Sloan said he had the toughness within to develop the defensive side of his game.
DEFENCE MATTERS
Sloan couldn’t have been more frank when assessing his need to improve his defence.
He has shown flashes of his brilliance in attack with a combined 23 try and line break assists and 22 offloads last season.
He also proved to be one of the league’s fittest players after averaging more metres per game (9.16km) than any player other than North Queensland playmaker Tom Dearden.
But his 67.6 effective tackle percentage ranks among the lowest in the competition alongside Brisbane No. 1 Reece Walsh.
“No, it’s something I do lack, I’ll be honest,‘’ Sloan said.
You would know better than me but they say defence is all about commitment. That is to say, something anyone can fix to a large degree if it's a problem.I hope he has been hitting the tackling bags. Then when he's confident enough run your hardest runners at him one on one. There's nowhere to hide.
Mate technique, commitment are just 2 major requirements. Not everyone can actually tackle one on one in today's fast paced game. These should have been taught many years before you make 1st grade. Confidence is also an important part. As I mentioned above we did many drills back in the day, the bags were used to help techniques and instill confidence. Then we had half pace drills where you use your new technique on a real player, then full pace, 5 yds & 10 yard distances. Then there was tackling from behind half pace/ full pace when your line had been broken. Lastly duo tackling. What I have seen of the kid doesn't instill me with any confidence, even though he can become a match winner if he hasn't manned up by early season he needs to be dropped. Time will tellYou would know better than me but they say defence is all about commitment. That is to say, something anyone can fix to a large degree if it's a problem.
There is this supplementary article. I like what I am hearing from the kid. I also read, other than fullback or wing he'd consider playing 5/8. I have been saying same as he does have clever ball skills as well as vision.Good read in today's DT about young Sloan. As an old coach that is what you want to read about a yet untapped talent especially his admission about his lack of defensive prowess. Worth a read.
Has a few very doable things to work on.There is this supplementary article. I like what I am hearing from the kid. I also read, other than fullback or wing he'd consider playing 5/8. I have been saying same as he does have clever ball skills as well as vision.
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‘Make the position mine’: Sloan ready for No.1 battle amid big Dragons admission
‘Make the position mine’: Sloan ready for No.1 battle amid big Dragons admissionwww.foxsports.com.au
There is this supplementary article. I like what I am hearing from the kid. I also read, other than fullback or wing he'd consider playing 5/8. I have been saying same as he does have clever ball skills as well as vision.
![]()
‘Make the position mine’: Sloan ready for No.1 battle amid big Dragons admission
‘Make the position mine’: Sloan ready for No.1 battle amid big Dragons admissionwww.foxsports.com.au
What is certain, IMO is that if Sloan is firing, scoring points won't be a problem. Even if Kyle Flanno is 5/8.Has a few very doable things to work on.
If he gets that right I think he'll become the fullback we all want him to become.
- Run harder on kick returns.
- Get more involved consistently.
- Tackle much, much better.
Analysis = trueAs I mentioned last season no use scoring and setting up 2 tries a game when the opposition is scoring 4. I just hope he has had 1 on 1 tackling tuition , I would have used JDB because he has a sublime technique
Said the same. Perhaps Jack will be our defense coach once he retires as could not have anyone better. Meanwhile we are placing hope in Young Jr to do a decent job with our outside backs on reading a defense. Heaven knows we need that over any other defensive issue. How many bloody tries did bad reading and leaving their position cost us last season.I would have used JDB because he has a sublime technique
Not as grand a performance tho as Feagai and Rava. Left the kid with too much for one man to do, even for a good defender. Going on his more mature attitude we will see a different Tyrell Sloan this year. There were signs he was adding more steel to his game late in the season.Analysis = true
Last season Sloan played a very big part in many tries. Played a big part in letting more in.
Analysis = trueNot as grand a performance tho as Feagai and Rava.
Hope you're right.Left the kid with too much for one man to do, even for a good defender. Going on his more mature attitude we will see a different Tyrell Sloan this year. There were signs he was adding more steel to his game late in the season.
Not in effort, in technique. He says he does not need to add bulk . Disagree, being bigger will give him more confidence in one on one tackles, returning the ball plus breaking the line when his speed and evasiveness cant.But that doesn't mean Sloan's defence wasn't piss-weak.
Personally I think it was at least just as much lack of effort if not more. Wouldn't even go close to putting his body on the line.Not in effort, in technique. He says he does not need to add bulk . Disagree, being bigger will give him more confidence in one on one tackles, returning the ball plus breaking the line when his speed and evasiveness cant.