A Potential Shift in Position for Matt Burton
According to Mark Geyer, a simple shift in position for Matt Burton could be the key to getting the Canterbury Bulldogs back to their winning form. The Bulldogs have struggled to maintain consistency since a notable win over the then undefeated Panthers in round six, which many believed marked the end of their slow start to the season. However, that 32-16 victory now seems like an “anomaly” as the team has not managed a win since.
The loss of momentum has led to calls for changes in key positions, particularly within the halves combination and middle forwards. After a 28-12 home loss to the Cowboys on Friday, coach Cameron Ciraldo admitted that the team’s defense was “not good enough” and that the players are “a bit low on confidence.”
“There is a lot of commentary about (their lack of confidence) so we need to make sure we are listening to the voices within our four walls and not everyone else,” Ciraldo said.
Ciraldo also mentioned that he may “possibly” need to make changes to the squad, although his options are limited due to suspensions and injuries. Geyer believes that moving Burton out of the halves could unlock new potential for the Bulldogs.
“I think they have to bite the bullet and put Matt Burton at lock,” Geyer said on 2GB’s The Continuous Call Team.
“I think he is a lock forward … and I don’t think (Lachlan) Galvin is a seven, he is a six. Burton dead set has to be in the middle of the field and they have to use his ball skills around there.”
If Ciraldo were to implement Geyer’s proposed position changes, there would be several options available to fill the role left by Burton in the halves. Sean O’Sullivan has previously filled the role but was playing in the NSW Cup in round nine after returning from suspension. Mitchell Woods and Alex Conti are also potential candidates, though neither has played first-grade football.
Geyer emphasized that despite his call for changes, he does not believe the team has given up entirely.
“Are they trying? Yes, they are trying, no team doesn’t try,” he added.
“No team likes to lose. You can see in Cameron Ciraldo’s press conferences that it hurts him. But Burton just needs to get his hands on the ball more, and I think that has to be in and around the ruck at No.13.”
The Bulldogs will travel to Suncorp Stadium on Thursday to face the Dolphins.
