I think Logue is a really talented defender, and is at his best when he can play off his man a little, go for his marks and take the game on. The problem he faces is he’s probably not quite as good in that role as Cox, who has absolutely wonderful hands and reads the game just slightly better. You could probably say the same about Ryan, Chapman and Young, who are all playing similar roles, albeit at slightly different sizes and experience.
I’m not sure you can have your whole defence, at all times, playing so loose. In that sense, I feel like the balance of our team would be slightly better if Logue could play as a lockdown defender (something like Hamling used to do), but I don’t really think that’s playing to Logue’s strengths. I suspect therein lies the tension.
Now, I might be wrong about all that – bear in mind I thought Zac Dawson was an important part of our defence for our top 4 run – but sadly I feel like he would be more valuable for another team than he is for us.
As for playing in the midfield, I suppose given the logjam in defence it’s worth a go, especially on a game like Sunday’s, but my gut feeling is these days players need to be able to make super-quick decisions as the ball goes through their hands, and also be aware at all times where their teammates are. I’m not sure with our game style you could plonk someone like Logue in and expect it to work.
