Ask Robbo: Chief footy writer Mark Robinson fields your questions ahead of Round 15

He was a shock axing late last year after leading Geelong’s midfield for much of the campaign. But Rhys Stanley is enjoying a career-best run and unlucky to suffer that fate again. Mark Robinson takes your questions on the Cats big man and more.

One reader thinks Gary Rohan’s defensive efforts should put him in line for an official award. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos

As we go into yet another footy frenzy, chief footy writer Mark Robinson is here to field your questions about everything AFL.

With the top teams looking squarely at finals, Chris Scott’s work at the selection table is in the spotlight after some odd decisions in past series. Cats fans are still up in arms about Daniel Menzel being dropped for the 2017 qualifying final, and the decision to play Mark Blicavs on a wing in last year’s prelim as Tom Lynch turned the game up forward.

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But the big question this season is whether Scott will keep his faith in Rhys Stanley after leaving him out against Collingwood last year, only for Brodie Grundy to run amok.

At the other end of the ladder, North Melbourne fans are getting frustrated with their squad as their Shinboner spirit is brought into question, with the club now facing a daunting trip to Perth.

And after Gary Rohan’s performance on Friday, the question has been raised – is it time for a defensive player of the year award?

Here’s all the latest questions from the fans.

Rhys Stanley appears to be an integral part of Geelong’s finals run. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos

Robert: Rhys Stanley is absolutely critical to Geelong winning the flag. Chris Scott dropped him for the qualifying final against Collingwood last year and then tried to defend the decision by having us believe Grundy’s 47 hit outs, 21 disposals, five tackles and seven clearances weren’t influential in the 10-point result. Fingers crossed that Stanley doesn’t break down again and Scott doesn’t try to be too clever and outsmart himself. Keep it simple, Geelong is the team to beat.

Robbo: Stanley is having his best season and Scott clearly has faith in his big man. Only Scott knows the reasons behind selection last year – and he knows his team best – but it would appear unlikely Stanley will find himself out of the team this time around.

Heart and soul 💙 #GeelongStrong pic.twitter.com/RlLTqdLPo3

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) August 29, 2020

Ben: Do you think it’s time the AFL had an official Defensive Player of the Year Award? Not necessarily going to a player in the defensive 50, as players in all positions are defending when the opposition has the ball. Gary Rohan would be a great example of this.

Robbo: He would be a terrific candidate. As would Harris Andrews, Brad Sheppard, Matt de Boer. But I like the idea. Rohan was extreme on Friday night. The only defensive recognition in football outside of the All Australian team is Spud’s Golden Fist award.

Larry: How about someone calling out Luke Beveridge on his horrible match committee selection that has completely derailed the Dogs’ season. He’s losing all Dogs fans very quickly.

Robbo: Is he really? And which ‘selection’ are you referring to? Write back next week, Larry.

Joe: Perhaps Zac Williams can go to Essendon? Didn’t Dylan Shiel go there for less money than other clubs were offering? Get Zac to speak to Shiel, that might work.

Robbo: Plenty of clubs will be interested in him and not interested in his pay packet. Essendon might be one of the latter. Carlton has also been linked to Williams who I’m told will be playing in Victoria next year. It won’t be at the Bombers if the asking price is between $800,000 and $900,000

Jake Riccardi has made an instant impact at the Giants after being taken with pick No. 51 in the draft. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

John: How did Essendon miss Jake Riccardi?

Robbo: How did every club miss Riccardi before the Giants came to their senses? Wonder if Mark Williams, formerly of the Giants and who coached Riccardi, passed on his wealth of knowledge about the 20-year-old.

Brendan: I reckon Jake Lloyd deserves a like this week, Robbo. 150 games, is there a more consistent player in the league?

Robbo: Rarely plays a bad game and rarely gets under 20 disposals as the often freelancing distributor at halfback. He was a rookie draft selection in 2013 and a Bob Skilton medallist in 2018. From a prospect to the club champ. Well played.

Wallitj: What are your thoughts on North Melbourne playing Round 17 and 18 in Perth against the WA teams?

Robbo: Not thrilled because it compromises the competition and its integrity.

Brenno: Is North Melbourne worse than Division 5 EFL teams?

Robbo: Chill, Brenno. The spirit at the club seemingly left on the 3.30pm passenger train to Southern Cross a week ago and I’m sure it’s a tough environment for Rhyce Shaw and the players when so many players’ futures are up in the air.

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Originally published as Ask Robbo: Chief footy writer Mark Robinson fields your questions ahead of Round 15