Quote Sal Paradise="Sal Paradise"No no - not Hardaker back to centre, that would completely stifle the side of attack he was on. Also Watkins looked great going forward, less good under the high ball. We really lack centres of quality in our game - just give him the ball, problem with that is Sinfield would have to improve the speed and accuracy of pass to the right.'"
Not saying Watkins should remain at FB long term, but Hardaker WAS better at right centre rather than left centre.
As good as Ablett is in many ways at centre, if Watkins had been in the same position at RC against Melbourne, those same runs that Ablett had early on (more than Watkins has had probably all season to date) a lot more would probably have come of them !!!
We have more choices to cover Abett's absence in the pack (Ward or Clarkson) than we have to cover Hardaker's absence in the backs, so I'd probably stick with Ablett in the centre and Watkins at FB.
Ideally I'd like to see Sunley or Watson on the bench in the event there might be the opportunity to give him a run.