Mick Malthouse ponders how AFL clubs should utilise ageing superstars

Mick Malthouse has had questions over Nat Fyfe since a decision dating back to AFLX. Now that his performance has dropped, what should the Dockers do with him?

Malthouse golden oldies piece art

Perhaps the two most vulnerable clubs from last year’s final eight are trying something that I don’t think will work.

Damien Hardwick at Richmond and Justin Longmuir at Fremantle are both in a difficult dilemma with ageing former captains. Once superstars of the game, no longer providing as much value in the midfield, what do you do with Trent Cotchin and Nat Fyfe? Play them forward?

That certainly wouldn’t be my answer.

Past North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell was courageous, but struggled through the midfield last season and found himself playing forward, which didn’t help his game.

In steps premiership coach Alastair Clarkson and immediately plays him at half-back, where he excelled in round 1.

You are found out less in the backline.

You get a better look at the game playing back so it’s easier to read the play. You can still use your natural football instinct to get into the right position, especially if you’ve lost some pace, whereas forward of the ball you still need zip about you to be a target.

Playing back will extend Ziebell’s career, in a team that needs his experience.

Jack Ziebell was back to his best in the backline for the Kangaroos. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

From outside we don’t get the whole picture, and clubs have a much better view of the analysis of worth, contribution and impact of its players.

We know Cotchin and Fyfe are fighters and have enormous pride, but even so, it’s a big call from their coaches to resurrect their careers in the forward line.

They are not Gary Ablett with speed and freakish skill. He was an exception to the rule.

They are not Patrick Dangerfield or Dustin Martin with the strength and power, and height and marking ability to worry defenders in the air.

The mind wants but the body can’t deliver, and frustration sets in.

I’ve noticed that with Cotchin in the past couple of years. He becomes undisciplined if things don’t go the way he wants. Hardwick might feel like he owes Cotchin the chance, but with Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper recruited to slide into the midfield, where does that leave Cotchin?

His sheer guts and determination will assure that he’s competitive, but will he be game changing or contribute much to the score line playing forward? Yes, it’s a team effort, but if he becomes a passenger, then what?

After such a magnificent career, I wouldn’t want that for Cotchin. I’m not sure he’s played back before, but I think Hardwick needs to at least try him there.

He did it with Daniel Rioli who was just a cameo star on the forward line, but is now one of the league’s premier running backs.

Cotchin will spend less time in the thick of the midfield this year for the Tigers. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fyfe is different.

I questioned his team-first mentality a few years ago when he elected to play injured as the poster boy for AFLX. The Dockers had to begin the season proper without their captain while he nursed a shoulder injury, aggravated in the pre-season comp.

He’s a dual Brownlow medallist so there’s no denying his football ability, or how hard he plays. So, Longmuir, as a young coach, is in a precarious position with a former captain who is adored by the Freo fans but failing as midfielder and carrying injuries.

Football loyalty works both ways, but then it doesn’t.

Perhaps the Dockers should have tested his currency because his saleability right now would be next to zero. Yes, it’s harsh, but it’s a cutthroat game.

Fyfe has never been a reliable kick for goal so playing him forward to extend his career won’t help a team trying to play finals. Has he got the run and ball skills to add value to the team as a half-back? Perhaps Longmuir needs to find out.

If something is failing, you can’t procrastinate. Move quickly to plug the holes or your boat will fill with water.

Fyfe struggled as a pure forward for the Dockers in their first round loss. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Like Sydney, which needs to find an alternative up forward for Lance Franklin.

He can’t be the panacea for the Swans this year, but rather, become one of many.

His lack of discipline when he gets frustrated and angry has already led to a one-match suspension. He’s old enough and experienced enough to know that head-high contact will always receive heat from the match review officer.

There is no doubting that Franklin is a champion. He is still capable of bagging multiple goals, but he is a marked man. When he is on fire the team is on fire, so suppress him and suppress the team. That’s part of the reason he has failed in finals.

He has always found it difficult to mark above his head, and now he’s finding it difficult to bend because of his back issues.

But with the number of talented kids coming through at Sydney, Franklin could still be the icing on the cake. Not in the backline like I’m suggesting for Cotchin and Fyfe, but by playing a minor role forward, with another tall option taking the lead role.

Franklin will miss Sydney’s clash with Hawthorn due to suspension. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Survival depends on adaptability.

Scott Pendlebury is a classic case. One of the smartest players going around, you won’t see him play forward too often.

He adds value to Collingwood’s midfield by playing a cameo role, and is extending his career by playing half-back, where he can still direct traffic. He’s not quick, but he slows the game down, and his reading of the play is second to none, which is why it works so well.

For the sake of the Tigers and the Dockers, and for the pride of two brilliant contributors to our game, Pendlebury could be the perfect template for Cotchin and Fyfe.

Originally published as Mick Malthouse ponders how AFL clubs should utilise ageing superstars