How many Saints have succesfully changed position.

[saintbrat]

http://www.insidefootballonline.com/shaw.html\
Reading this article and watching Rd 1 2001 where BBH took to the back line I have 2 queries

how long did BBH last at full back?

Knowing Fraser was one who did successfully move from Back to front.
have there been other saints to do so?

[shmic_s]

Not sure if you could include Sam Fisher. Was drafted as a forward.
Did he even start his playing career as a forward? But his move to the back line has definately proved to be successful.

[Munga]

The other way way around, Sam Fisher was drafted as a forward, now a champion CHB.

[8856brother]

Trevor Barker
Cowboy Neale
David Grant - Occasionally

[Verdun66]

Round 9 1965 we were playing the reigning Premiers and undefeated Demons at the MCG. Bob Murray was picked at full forward and Verdun Howell in his usual full back position. Players in those days lined up in their nominated positions, pretty much always.

After the toss Verdun moved down to full forward and Murray to Full Back, and confused the Demons that much that they were pointing Verdun up to other end like he'd made a big mistake. He stayed put, as did Bob Murray, and the Saints thrashed the Demons on their home ground which started the Demons slide from power. They were never the same again. Not saying that the move had anything to do with that, but it was a success. Verdun kicked a couple from memory, and Bob Murray became one of our greatest ever Full Backs.

The week after at Moorabbin we played the Hawks and beat them by 81 points, with Verdun Howell kicking 9. He became a utility player after that, being a half forward and half back flanker but handy anywhere. Think injuries had slowed him up a bit, and as he wasn't that big, the move was successful. Certainly Bob Murray became a star. He'd been a run of the mill forward and was possibly on his last chance. Murray was often State full back in the next few years, and took the great grab in the dying seconds of the 66 GF in the last line of defence. Ought to be as famous as Leo Barry or Barry Breen.

I have posted this story before, probably years ago. My Dad did business with Verdun's brother, and Dad got the word during the week of the position change. No betting shops then or insider dealing! So we looked out for it and sure enough that's what happened. I felt very privileged to to be in the know. It all caused quite a sensation at the time, as it was a very radical move. It became the norm in following years, but Jeansey was shown to be an innovator.

I also remember Travis Payze going from an energetic but erratic forward into one of the great Ruck Rovers. Around 70/71 he was about the best in the business, after being a forward that when shooting for goal you'd look through the fingers of your hands covering your face!

Am sure there are plenty more, but there's a couple I remember.

[Con Gorozidis]

i have a poor taste and possibly obvious response to this question.
you know what im thinking

[saintbrat]

i have a poor taste and possibly obvious response to this question.
you know what im thinking

[Verdun66]

Thanks Con....

Made me laugh though.....

[Spinner]

Is it just me or are pretty much all defenders drafted as forwards these days.

I mean, Hudghton and Prestigiacomo were drafted as forwards... And probably coming through the drafting, the 'more talented' players as Dermie has stated play forward in their junior days anyways.

Maybe Hurley Jack Riewoldt Frawley and Talia are a few....


But players like Ben Reid.... Fisher.... Dawson (ruck and forward).... Im sure there are many more. Tarrant. Henderson.

[bobmurray]

I'm sure Sam Gilbert successfully changed position..

Caused him a lot of grief though, in the end.....

[Austinnn]

Does the second coming of Aussie Jones count? Initially a pacy winger, huge slump, after GT's arrival he was recast as a rock-solid defensive midfielder.

That's all I can think of besides Fraser - Kosi's first season was FB, but I think that was just to learn to read the game wasn't it?

[saintbrat]

so does anyone remember how long barry Played at Full back?

[noob]

Aussie Jones. Wing/Half Forward to Half Back.

[ausfatcat]

so does anyone remember how long barry Played at Full back?

around ten games I remember maybe less

[whiskers3614]

Barry Breen,Barry Lawrence?

[ausfatcat]

Barry Breen,Barry Lawrence?

Brett Voss ?

Hudgton was recruited as a forward

Then again in those times (can't believe I am saying that) all the best juniors played forward,and specific backs being drafted were rare

[gringo]

Brett Voss, Wakelins were tried as forwards, Milney was a midget FF in his early career with us.

[SainterK]

Rhys Stanley

[kosifantutti]

Goddard went from official whipping boy to official saviour.

[avid]

Burkey -- Wing to back pocket to rover?

[borderbarry]

Bob Murray was probably our most successful position swapper. Also the great Verdun Howell was picked up as a centreman, not fullback.

[Dr Spaceman]

Goddard went from official whipping boy to official saviour.

To be replaced by Raph Clarke who went from promising first round draft pick.....

[bigcarl]

Bob Murray was probably our most successful position swapper. Also the great Verdun Howell was picked up as a centreman, not fullback.

Gehrig. Went from full back to Coleman medallist in one season.

[GrumpyOne]

I'm still laughing with Muttley.

Thanks Con.

[supersaints]

Val Perovic went from wing (in the days of tall wingmen) to CHB.