I think Banfield gets a game for two reasons.
One, JLo is trying out a 2 big, 1 mid, 3 smalls forward line instead of our standard 2 bigs and dozen smalls. Banfield is the mid sized, bigger body in lieu of a Sturt or an Amiss and will play until one of them has put on some kgs and got their cardiovascular up to scratch. I think Banners will make way once one of those two other taller players are fit enough, or alternatively if the coach decides to play Fyfe and Brodie forward when they are resting. So I think one of the reasons is that Banners is not really competing with all those other smalls.
The second reason is Freo is becoming a bit like the Australian Cricket team from a few years ago. It became harder to be dropped from the team than it was to get selected. You really had to stuff up multiple times in a row before you finally got the axe. A bad day in the wet doesnt qualify. I dont mind it.
Ultimately though, Im convinced Banners doesnt make our best side, especially in the forward line- (maybe he could tag?). But hey, I thought the same about Acres and he gone up a level and 30 years ago I thought Mundy was too slow and would never make it.
He really has to start kicking those goals from straight in front and not just the impossible bananas and Id say he might only have one or two more weeks to prove his worth. Sturt will replace him after the bye.
