Bagging Matt Keating!

The continual bagging of Matt Keating (and consequent applause of Kevin Kingston) by some of the dimmer bulbs on this forum is becoming a bit of a yawn. Let it be known that I like Kingston and would be happy to see both he and Robson in our colours next season as able back-ups. Nonetheless, I'm a fan of MK and I thought I'd outline why. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts...First of all, MK is playing good football. His defense is very strong and overall organisation is improving every week. He obviously idolises Cam Smith and Robbie Farrah as he often attempts the Farah 'show-and-go' or the Smith dummy through the ruck and dummy half kick. Problem is, he hasn't the skill set of either. But that's okay. Farrah and Smith are the two best hookers in the country so to emulate them and fall a little short is no great failure.Secondly, Kinga plays a different role - a 'dart from dummy-half' role similar to PJ Marsh, which so many Eels fans continue to fawn over to this day. Nathan Friend is the best in the business at performing this type of hooking role and while it serves the Titans reasonably well, Ennis, Farrah, Payne, Smith and in the past Buderus have demonstrated that it's not the only way a 9 should play.Whether or not KK proves a revelation at halfback is yet to be tested, but to not test the KK/Morts combination would be extreme folly. Should the combination bear fruit, then we'll have 4 points from which to originate our attack next season in KK, Morts, Hayne and Mateo. Few teams have such a 4 pronged luxury.Look at the Cowboys at present! Some of you want Thurston - and rightfully, he's the best in the world, however, that team relies ENTIRELY on him. He is the only real point of attack with Bowen battling injury over the last 12 months and now Aaron Payne out for the season. Shut down Thurston, you've shut down the Cows. The Saints will come unstuck for the same reason, maybe not this season, but in the coming seasons as they only have one attack point in Soward. (Note, when I refer to attack point, I mean someone who can originate a play. Obviously, as good as certain outside backs such as Inglis is, they're individuals and do not conjure team based play).The reason Melbourne Storm have been the most dominating team over the last 5 years is that they have the points of attack in Cronk, Smith and Slater - and now they have Finch. Cronk isn't Thurston's arsehole, yet they've continually been the better team in that time.IMO, you've got to look at the painting from afar to appreciate its beauty. It's not always about a key focus, rather, how it all comes together. To that end, MK performs his role, albeit a lesser role than that of the rakes at some other clubs, yet it allows other points of attack to prosper.It's MK's second full season in 1st grade. Let's judge him next year as DA's Grand Plan comes more clearly into focus.

Replies

1Eyed Eel August 5, 2009 at 12:52am

Well said Bourbon. And as I've said, you've only got to look at the stats and our impressive metres gained numbers to realise that Matt does really well in keeping his forwards rolling forward.

Add to that he's a tenacious little defender with a high work rate and that he can kick from dummy half and I'm more than happy to go into next year with him as our 9.
DazDingo August 5, 2009 at 12:59am

I think he's maturing quite well... A great little defender.
JJM August 5, 2009 at 8:31am

im prepared to wait and see him develop for another year and see how his combo with his brother goes.

Remember it took Ennis about 3 full seasons before he blossomed at the broncos.
Clint August 5, 2009 at 8:58am

Well put and I agre to an extent. I like Matt Keating, but from watching Kingston this year he just looks a little faster, sharper and more creative. Matt Keating doesn't really have that many moments in the game where he can dart out and really worry defensive lines and make them second guess, they look like they always have him covered, where Kingston looks to catch them offguard on a more regular basis. I think MK has a fair bit to go till he emulates whats expected from a great dummy half but it is only his second year so bagging him out isn't going to make him any better.
- gat61 > Clint August 5, 2009 at 9:58am
  
  Michael Ennis is actually smaller than MK... he also has a higher work rate than Michael Ennis... and as of next year MK will be playing the full 80 minutes.
  - Hindy#11 > gat61 August 5, 2009 at 1:50pm
    
    According to Official websites MK is 177cm and 87 kg and Michael Ennis is 179cm and 88kg.
  - Pugger > gat61 August 5, 2009 at 4:57pm
    
    I wouldnt count on MK playing 80mins next year. If Kingston is no longer at the club I think Anthony Mitchell will come off the bench.
- Tim > Clint August 5, 2009 at 3:02pm
  
  Kingston troubles the line because he comes on when the forwards are tired...
- Dan_Ref > Clint August 5, 2009 at 6:10pm
  
  i also like kinga, but i agree with tim, maybe it is just because he's up against fatigued forwards. nonetheless, the rotation works a charm.
  
  i say kingston > keating
Clive August 5, 2009 at 10:19am

Iv been very critical of MK but im prepared to give him more time to develop.My main gripe with him is that his service from dummy half is sometimes slow and the passes of the mark and that he also chooses to go from dummy half when we have made a half break.Other than that he is a great defender,hes always trying his guts out and he seems like a good guy and team man.