TonyK
CibbuanoClarkson unconcerned about Franklin's goal-kicking
July 31st 2008 06:42
HAWTHORN forward Lance Franklin's supposed kicking woes have been 'over-exaggerated', according to coach Alastair Clarkson.
Franklin has booted 77 goals and 61 behinds this season to lead the Coleman Medal race.
But Clarkson said on Thursday he was unconcerned about Franklin's accuracy in front of goal.
"I'm sick of talking about it to be honest, he makes an enormous contribution in terms of the role he plays for our side," Clarkson said.
"The lad's 21 years of age and he's getting enormous opportunity to have shots on goal. "
"That's the most pleasing thing for us. Over time he'll develop more confidence in his goal kicking."
"It's over-exaggerated. If he is getting nine or 10 shots at goal and he is kicking four or five goals regularly, I reckon there'd be 15 other teams who would want a player like him in their side."
Clarkson said the 21-year-old works hard on his kicking in front of goal.
"He works on it tediously here at training with his forward line coaches and at some point in time that's going to translate into a more consistent performance," he said.
"I think if you watch him before the game he usually goes out and has 20 or 30 shots, too, so it's just the positions he's kicking them from and his confidence levels."
"But he's a young kid and he's only played 70 or so games of AFL footy so he'll get better as time goes by."
Franklin has booted 77 goals and 61 behinds this season to lead the Coleman Medal race.
But Clarkson said on Thursday he was unconcerned about Franklin's accuracy in front of goal.
"I'm sick of talking about it to be honest, he makes an enormous contribution in terms of the role he plays for our side," Clarkson said.
"The lad's 21 years of age and he's getting enormous opportunity to have shots on goal. "
"That's the most pleasing thing for us. Over time he'll develop more confidence in his goal kicking."
"It's over-exaggerated. If he is getting nine or 10 shots at goal and he is kicking four or five goals regularly, I reckon there'd be 15 other teams who would want a player like him in their side."
Clarkson said the 21-year-old works hard on his kicking in front of goal.
"He works on it tediously here at training with his forward line coaches and at some point in time that's going to translate into a more consistent performance," he said.
"I think if you watch him before the game he usually goes out and has 20 or 30 shots, too, so it's just the positions he's kicking them from and his confidence levels."
"But he's a young kid and he's only played 70 or so games of AFL footy so he'll get better as time goes by."
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