Gardner digs in for win
THERE may be varied opinions about the origins of his new nickname ‘Plugger’ but what is not up for debate is the fact Ryan Gardner looks very comfortable as a key forward.
Six goals for Geelong in Saturday’s 70-point victory over the Northern Blues in the VFL might suggest that is a fairly big understatement, but the goalkicking just topped off what was a superb afternoon for the 21year-old.
Until last week Gardner had been used solely as a key defender, but he has adapted so well to his new role that teammates couldn’t help but look to him when they went inside-50 against the Blues.
More often than not Gardner was either taking the grab or providing a contest that brought the ball to the ground, and he said it was pleasing to play his part in such a dominant win.
“I didn’t expect to slot six, I just thought I’d go out there and do the best I could to try to make a contest, which is what the guys have told me to do,” Gardner said.
“Playing that deep role they were looking to kick long, that is our game structure, to try to just get it in there and today I was just lucky enough to get on the end of it.”
Gardner has been earmarked for a key defensive post from the moment he arrived at Geelong, but breaking into the Cats’ backline at AFL level is notoriously difficult for young players.
So after a chat with VFL coach Shane O’Bree, it was agreed that the Tasmanian would move into attack to see what he could offer the team there. The only thing they can’t agree on is who came up with the nickname, with Gardner denying O’Bree’s claims he compared himself to Tony Lockett.
“It’s kind of stuck now, all the boys are calling me it so I’m just going with it,” he joked. “But I definitely didn’t say I was Plugger.”
Gardner knows his move forward could be the break he needs to crack a senior debut at some stage later this season, but he is keen to keep a lid on the excitement, instead focusing on trying to produce consistent performances instead of one-off moments of brilliance.
“I’ve played there (in attack) for two weeks now and having that mindset that I can go back when I need to as well is the key, because I know that I can play at both ends and that was why Cheesy (O’Bree) put me forward, because he wanted to see me be able to play at both ends and hopefully add another string to my bow,” Gardner said.
“It’s a settled backline (in the AFL) at the moment but things change from week to week so I’ve just got to be ready I guess and playing consistently and doing that is the only way I can. But I’m not really too worried about selection, I’m just more worried about playing good footy.” Solid contribution again without standing out, Parsons gathered 21 possessions and took seven marks. Kicked a goal which capped off a decent day at the office, and his nine disposals in the final term showcased his endurance, which is one of his best attributes. Always fascinating to see him at the huddles because while he seems reserved from afar, he is one of the most active in terms of providing constructive feedback to teammates and ensuring everybody is on the same page in regards to team structures and set-ups. Has now had a month of footy and was strong around the ball and on the outside against the Blues, finishing the match with 20 disposals, 10 handball receives, three tackles, three clearances, four inside-50s and two goals. Looks to have plenty of dash when he finds space but isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty either. If a senior debut comes his way it could be as a small forward that spends a bit of time as part of the midfield rotations. 4.0 8.2 12.5 16.8 (104)
0.1 2.6 3.8 4.10 (34) Gardner 6, Abbott 2, McLachlan 2, Narkle 2, Parsons, McMullan, Smith, Dobson. Harman, Pearce, Palmer, McCabe. Gardner, Horlin-Smith, Parsons, McLachlan, Abbott, Atkins. Blakey, Graham, Wilson, De Koning Hill Mullett.