Harbrow and the midfield
Will be an interesting season for Jarrad Harbrow. There was an article in The Age on Friday regarding his life, but there was an interesting paragraph relating to his desire to play midfield this year.

Then, six or seven weeks ago, Harbrow was lifting weights in the Whitten Oval gym when assistant coach Leon Cameron wandered by. "I was having all these thoughts go through my head," Harbrow said, "so I went up and told him I wanted to play more in the midfield. He sort of put it on me and told me that I could do it, but that I have to get a lot fitter. And then something sort of clicked with me. It's not just every training session you have to make count, it's every step you take in all those training sessions."

In 2008 he had some great success playing as a mobile forward. His hard chasing and tackling pressure inside the attacking 50m provided something that has been missing since Matty Robbins retired. The way footy is played these days goals are set up from the backlines distribution, so any pressure that can be made will not only thwart an attacking move, but also create turnovers which can gain your side an immediate goal.

Whilst it would be disappointing to lose that advantage in attack, I love the fact he is putting his hand up to play midfield and not getting complacent. Probably my favourite player at the club at the moment because of his attitude toward the game.

He has the pace to play midfield but as Leon said, it's all about the cardio, which is something you traditionally build up during pre-season before you kick a ball.

Do you think Kosta has it to play in midfield? And if so, can he do it this season?

I think he can progressively become more and more part of the midfield. I think with the pace of the game and the amount it takes out of players the more depth you have of players running through the midfield the better. I would love to see Jarrad having short bursts through the midfield as an attacking player while also spending periods back in his forward pocket sneaking goals. The thing Jarrad will have to look out for while playing in the midfield is that he looks after his opponent as well since he doesn't have to worry so much about it when he's playing forward.

When he cements his spot as a defending forward and nails it down, it would be okay to see him move into the midfield, his speed would be a great bonus to us.

So saying that we have a bunch of taller, fitter kids that are settled there for the moment, I don't see a reason to have to rush matters to put him there. Nothing against Kostya, but I like what he can do for us at the moment.