Now I don't know about this at all. It could be just experimental, but I thought Oakley was making a damn fine job of full back, largely through his fitness and some good spoiling. Enda McEvoy, a notorious anti-Biff even said it best in summing up the team last year - he looks like a guy who's going to get utterly cleaned out some day - but two years later and we're still waiting.New role for Oakley?
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Ger Oakley could figure at centre forward for Offaly in the forthcoming National Hurling League after he was tried in the pivotal position against Toomevara in a challenge match in Templemore on Sunday, January 16.
Oakley, who has played in a variety of positions down the years, has been Offaly’s first choice full back for the past two years. But with doubts continuing to hang over Gary Hanniffy’s availability this year, the Carrig & Riverstown man could be about to make a permanent switch to the ’40’.
The match, which ended all-square at 1-13 apiece, also marked the county debuts of Peter Healion and Cathal Parlon. Coolderry’s Barry Teehan will captain Offaly this year with Brendan Murphy chosen as vice-captain.
I could understand this if he was a towering high fielding full back who could win ball against the Barrys and Currans of this world, but he's not - he blocks ball sideways and relies on shepherding lads away from goals. Personally I think he was doing a good job there, and ludicrous though it might sound, someone like Parlon might have been worth a try in that role.