The discussion on Ethan is interesting and also quite civilised for some reason. I like his style and vision - funny quote for someone who wears glasses.............. ok I digress! Maybe I'm looking for a defence for the lad, but to me his little brain farts when he finds himself in midfield is because he doesn't expect to be there. it's almost a case of "oh shit I need to get back to the goals. Where the hell is my man off the shoulder?" He looks around a few times before rushing to lay the ball off and get back. If a runner stayed with him - maybe that's what is supposed to happen, it could be effective. I'm just glad to see him back on the field. His strength has never been questioned. Blaine needs to be there too. Could he play a defensive role, so that when Ethan makes his run, he just slots back in as the cover? If this becomes reality, remind me to do the lottery numbers (again)!
I feel bad for Blaine because he has endured so much criticism on here some was his fault and some was not. He put in an exceptional performance against Dublin and even before that he was showing signs of improvement even last year. He wasn't in goal for Monaghan and it goes to show you how much he genuinely was missed - no harm to Magill a young lad with a future I hope. Didn't Benny Tierney let in 3 on his debut?
At the same time I guess we are being hypocrites as we have criticised McGeeney for not making the changes when needed. As hard as it is on Hughes management have to be cut-throat with the players, if we want to win these changes have to be made, it is the nature of the game regardless of its amateur status. Hughes is limited in the distance he is able to kick the ball, is hesitant and kicks the ball away needlessly at times. Sure, some of these things can be worked on but when we are on the cusp of having a real quality team that can challenge for honours if you have limitations you are going to be cut from the team. Undoubtedly there will be chances for Hughes again in the future so he just needs to stick at it and make himself better.
I have exactly the same thoughts about Rafferty as you Jim about Rafferty, I need to watch the game again but he soloed the ball up the pitch and one of the players were caught with possession and Rafferty didn't know what to do. That could have been costly. That being said Rafferty does have a physical presence in goal, high balls in and he should be able to cope with them and has a huge kick-out to go with it. Not a fan of him going forward, perhaps once he settles in goals and starts getting confident in that a roaming role can be introduced. Does anyone know if he was roaming forward against Mayo?
