MK Eagle
Bencher
The impact on their respective teams in recent times shows the importance of a quality # 1 in todays game.
Nothing against Whare who shows potential, but Snakes presence lifts the players around him to a higher level - same with Slater.
Many appreciate Snakes huge try tally & assists, also defensively the safest last line in the game.
Imo his biggest input is what we dont see - communicating to the players in front of him giving direction, constantly revving the boys up & most importantly - instilling confidence in the 12 players in front of him for 80 minutes.
At Storm always seen Smith as THE key factor with Cronk & Slater just his offsiders. Sure Cronk is good & Slater offers some freakish attacking attributes reserved to just he & Barba, but did not realise his impact on Melbourne was so dynamic till these last few weeks. While Smith is the oil that makes the machine run, Slater is the cog required to give it real impact.
Plenty they dont share like 1 is a grub & 1 is a champion - but when it comes to results - Manly & Storm are 20-30% better with them on the field.
Nothing against Whare who shows potential, but Snakes presence lifts the players around him to a higher level - same with Slater.
Many appreciate Snakes huge try tally & assists, also defensively the safest last line in the game.
Imo his biggest input is what we dont see - communicating to the players in front of him giving direction, constantly revving the boys up & most importantly - instilling confidence in the 12 players in front of him for 80 minutes.
At Storm always seen Smith as THE key factor with Cronk & Slater just his offsiders. Sure Cronk is good & Slater offers some freakish attacking attributes reserved to just he & Barba, but did not realise his impact on Melbourne was so dynamic till these last few weeks. While Smith is the oil that makes the machine run, Slater is the cog required to give it real impact.
Plenty they dont share like 1 is a grub & 1 is a champion - but when it comes to results - Manly & Storm are 20-30% better with them on the field.