OK, we have had the positive threads about the best 22 for 2014. Lets look at the flip side for some balance. Not just a who is on the slide or who isn't good enough, but players who might have external reasons to struggle as well.
Who do you think is going to struggle in 2014?
I will open up with what I think is a safe bet, but I think SpecialK cannot be expected to deliver much in 2014. It's almost Feb and over this pre-season the lad has been in a moon boot for months and still has not resumed full training.
He is a ruckmen who plays his best when the he gets significant game time in the engine room. Without a full fitness base I suspect he won't ever catch enough up by the time the season starts, and that will leave him struggling for 2014. I suspect that is why they recruited Wood.
I hope I am wrong!
Good thread, LP.
Just on Kreuzer - I was there the night he did his knee against Freo back in 2010. Even in the paralytic state I was in at the time, it didn't take a genius to work out the long-term implications that such an injury could have for such a big man, especially a big man with great expectations. Seems to have had nothing but trouble with injury since, which is why I think that if he struggles this year, then we will never see the player we had hoped he would be when he walked through the doors at Princes Park as a shy, pimple-faced beanpole.
Sometimes in footy and in sport overall, it only takes a bit of rotten luck and she could be all over. The moon-boot and lack of training is of huge concern.
No it isn't. He will be given time to get back to his best. Why would we get Cameron Wood, if Kreuzer in early in the season was a must need for us. Warnock and Casboult will carry the load, and I expect Special-K to come in when he is ready. Surely the club are clever enough not to let him break again. Yes in ways he will struggle, but if he is used based on where his fitness levels are at, he should come good after the middle of the season.
The Cam-boot could be a precautionary action to avoid further issues. Even Joel Selwood is in one himself to take the weight baring load of his foot after surgery. Don't get me wrong Matthew must be wearing it for a reason, but the club would be stupid to bring him back sooner than he is physically ready to go. It wouldn't amaze me if he is substituting swimming and cycling cross training to help with his fitness levels in the meantime. One could hope so.
Suspect an old agenda item is being re-tabled. ::)
the club would be stupid to bring him back sooner than he is physically ready to go.
Yeah, that hasn't happened at all before.
the club would be stupid to bring him back sooner than he is physically ready to go.
Yeah, that hasn't happened at all before.
Maybe things have changed. Need to be positive. At least Daisy looks 100% ready to go.
How will Scotland go in 2014, or McLean?
How will Scotland go in 2014, or McLean?
McLean is 27 ffs, he won't be hampered by 'age'?
How will Scotland go in 2014, or McLean?
Just fine, dear.
Special K and Jamo appear the two key injury prone types.....
Judd, to a lesser extent.
Seems like the pre season has been remarkably uneventful (touch wood).
Thomas remains doubtful surely to some degree, until he produces ...?
Special K and Jamo appear the two key injury prone types.....
Judd, to a lesser extent.
Seems like the pre season has been remarkably uneventful (touch wood).
Thomas remains doubtful surely to some degree, until he produces ...?
Well he'd bloody well better for that sort of money per year. Otherwise why don't we all throw our membership dollars down the friggin sh1tter.
Relax guys. It isn't all doom and gloom. It just could be the year it all turns around for us. Not all our cattle is ready for the slaughter. Not just yet. Surely I am not the only one in dream land. ;)
Mantis you are not the only one in dreamland, and you can understand where the negativity stems from considering our clubs recent history (just as things look ok everything goes up creek without a paddle) and the fact that Henderson has had to go in for a procedure to release tension (which sounds like double speak to me).
Personally I think we are in for a good year, but it could just as easily go pear shaped and unravel for us so I understand the negativity despite not agreeing with it. This is the cultural issue that our club is suffering from and needs to move past, and hopefully we are taking strides to remedy that.
Relax guys. It isn't all doom and gloom. It just could be the year it all turns around for us. Not all our cattle is ready for the slaughter. Not just yet. Surely I am not the only one in dream land. ;)
Nuh, don't reckon you're in dreamland Green Stick. Like every other side, we need our share of luck re injuries. This being the case (average injury list) then I see our best being top 6 (I stuck my neck out for a 4th finish in our predictions!).
It really is crucial for Watson and Casboult to step up this year. We lose a Henderson, or Waite, or Jamison... without those two stepping up and we'll struggle. Likewise Murphy and Judd in the midfield... Bell and Gibbs must demand more of the aggott and impose themselves more on the game... the WHOLE game.
Success is there for us in 2014, if we REALLY want it and are prepared to do what it takes.
I understand all you guys and can see where in the past things have gone pear shaped just as the potential of a great season has turned into a different reality. I guess my expectations for Casboult to be more genuine and fit, along with Everitt being an instant starter and genuine contributor, leads me to believe we have options. Not to mention again what others have here with Watson needing to step up.
* Then we consider a better Bell than last season.
* A fit and ready to go for the entire season Murphy, with less stress as he won't get tagged as easy now we have Daisy in the squad, helping Judd and Robinson and Gibbs in the middle and putting the score on the score board too.
* Yarran and Garlett having an impact more regularly now that Betts has left the scene.
* Armfield being more hot than cold along with Tuohy showing the same.
* Simpson and Walker doing the damage they have in the past.
* Warnock showing more self belief and confidence in his ability to dominate the ruck more often than not.
* Menzel being more than just a glimpse of hope here and there. Hot and cold as before.
Jamo, Waite and Henderson have been key players for us, but if the all the above falls into place me may go further this season by winning a few of those games we have missed before. Hence not having to depend on Jamo and Waite as much.
I guess I am asking for too much to fall into place, so if the side can show more ticker and heart and lift by just 5% in quality over previous years we are a different side on the score board. I know Judd has ticker. So does Daisy, Simpson and Walker. Maybe this infection can pass its way around the entire side. I'll keep up the hope until I see things fall over for us. ;)
Not having a shot at anyone as our past history has shown different. Before we had Mick, and added Buttifant and Laidley. This uncertain situation could inject a different culture to the side. We are not evaluating now, but assembling a side that can win finals. How many is up to our belief, and hunger for some silverware. Lets pray while we have the chance.
We'll know within the first 3-4 weeks what our culture is like and whether it has improved sufficiently into a winner's mindset or not. I'll be looking for a strong break out of the blocks and a lot of hunger being shown by each player.
MM has had a year to settle and get the boys into his way of doing things and now I am expecting to see strong improvements in the way we go about things pretty much from game 1.
Anticipation beginning to build for me! My years are ticking past now guys, I want to see another flag pdq! ;)
We'll know within the first 3-4 weeks what our culture is like and whether it has improved sufficiently into a winner's mindset or not. I'll be looking for a strong break out of the blocks and a lot of hunger being shown by each player.
MM has had a year to settle and get the boys into his way of doing things and now I am expecting to see strong improvements in the way we go about things pretty much from game 1.
Anticipation beginning to build for me! My years are ticking past now guys, I want to see another flag pdq! ;)
So do I as I am no spring chicken myself. ;)
@Mantis
Carrazzo is effectively a new inclusion as he barely played last season. He alone is capable of being the difference between winning and losing on any given day when up and running.
@Mantis
Carrazzo is effectively a new inclusion as he barely played last season. He alone is capable of being the difference between winning and losing on any given day when up and running.
Carrots and Thomas add two 'new' big bodied, mature and game hardened mids to our midfield mix.
With Gibbs doing more in the guts, takes a lot of pressure off Murphy and Judd.....
@Mantis
Carrazzo is effectively a new inclusion as he barely played last season. He alone is capable of being the difference between winning and losing on any given day when up and running.
It will be interesting to see how Carrazzo gets used in 2014 given Curnow's rising star, maybe Carrots is another who's prospects look far less than certain.
In a swing role, perhaps running forward I'd rather have Curnow on the set shot than Carrazzo. But I'd rather have Carrazzo working on the inside than Curnow. What will the coach prefer?
Decisions, decisions, decisions!
@Mantis
Carrazzo is effectively a new inclusion as he barely played last season. He alone is capable of being the difference between winning and losing on any given day when up and running.
It will be interesting to see how Carrazzo gets used in 2014 given Curnow's rising star, maybe Carrots is another who's prospects look far less than certain.
In a swing role, perhaps running forward I'd rather have Curnow on the set shot than Carrazzo. But I'd rather have Carrazzo working on the inside than Curnow. What will the coach prefer?
Decisions, decisions, decisions!
Some real depth and quality in the mids now?
Core - Thomas, Murphy, Judd, Carrots, Curnow (4th in the F & B?), Gibbs, McLean - plenty of potential A grade material there?!!
Juniors - Lucas, Bell, Cachia, Cripps
Cameos - Yazz, Garlett, Scotland, Holman, the other blond kid (name?), Army, Special K!
@FB
Nick Graham is the other one! Could be quite handy.
Mitch Robinson doesnt even rate a mention, yet he has been handy at winning a few clearances at times.
@FB
Nick Graham is the other one! Could be quite handy.
There is something about him isn't there, he just seemed to slot in so casually last year. Hope he has a great year.
@FB
Nick Graham is the other one! Could be quite handy.
There is something about him isn't there, he just seemed to slot in so casually last year. Hope he has a great year.
Hope you're right about this year JC - he certainly wasn't over-awed in his few appearances last year - in fact showed some poise IMO.
Mitch Robinson doesnt even rate a mention, yet he has been handy at winning a few clearances at times.
Here I was thinking we had a lack of leadership but we have leaders coming out of our ears! ;)
Mitch Robinson doesnt even rate a mention, yet he has been handy at winning a few clearances at times.
Here I was thinking we had a lack of leadership but we have leaders coming out of our ears! ;)
No doubt Robbo is Malthouse's 'go to' man when he's pi55ed off. Not too sure you can have a leader that gets picked on by the coach.
Mitch Robinson doesnt even rate a mention, yet he has been handy at winning a few clearances at times.
Here I was thinking we had a lack of leadership but we have leaders coming out of our ears! ;)
No doubt Robbo is Malthouse's 'go to' man when he's pi55ed off. Not too sure you can have a leader that gets picked on by the coach.
You're right PI2C - they are not leaders but whipping boys. ;)
Good coaches will know that each bloke ticks differently and different things will influence them to play better. Robbo's is obviously getting a serve. ;D
if we can keep Henderson up forward, the team balance looks good. Waite is getting older, injury phone and would be good news forward or back as an extra.
I note that Cameron Giles has height and weight close to Lauchie, Cripps is a big boy 193/91 and Everitt 194/89 could also play CHB.
Pretty healthy options! We are in good shape!
I would like Watson to come through, not sure if he will! Not sure if Bell will have the sophistication and I hope Robinson will - but the year might find them out.
If Casboult can play forward as Cloke does, we will be laughing
if we can keep Henderson up forward, the team balance looks good. Waite is getting older, injury phone and would be good news forward or back as an extra.
I note that Cameron Giles has height and weight close to Lauchie, Cripps is a big boy 193/91 and Everitt 194/89 could also play CHB.
Pretty healthy options! We are in good shape!
I would like Watson to come through, not sure if he will! Not sure if Bell will have the sophistication and I hope Robinson will - but the year might find them out.
If Casboult can play forward as Cloke does, we will be laughing
I like your optimistic attitude and if Casboult can kick straight, we are on a winner. We know he can clunk a mark. Just needs to finish in front of the big sticks.
Interesting that Lucas is not rating much of a mention. Won't be easy for him to break into this side. Last chance. Wasted first round pick?
Or maybe the master of obsfucation at work again. Would you promote someone publically that has no profile is flying under the radar yet at times last year was capable of getting 20+ touches of the footy a game with only the disposal being a cause for concern?
Lucas tidies up his ball use, and he is on his way to becoming a genuine contributer at worst and potentially a game winner. Happy for him to continue going through the motions and come out the other side a better footballer.
Malthouse has form in this regard. When he was at charge at Collingwood all these no name kids would get games until they were ready to emerge as genuine contributers and then they would get a bit of positive press AFTER they started churning out some good performances. We do the opposite, build them up and then they never fail to dissapoint and are universally rejected by the media, supporter base and everyone and all that gets focussed on is how badly they go in certain situations. Consequently the kids feel abandoned and end up another fish that John West rejects. Confidence can be the difference between making it and not. Set them short achievable and realistic targets and only move the goal posts once they run out of things to achieve. Soon enough you end up with players that have developed beautifully or not at all. Which one is up to the player.
Over 30 with achilles tendon problems, Chris Judd 2014 struggler.
Over 30 with achilles tendon problems, Chris Judd 2014 struggler.
Yup, talking about " management of symptoms". He'll play out the year but I reckon we can take out a fork and start eyeing off a place to stick it.
Over 30 with achilles tendon problems, Chris Judd 2014 struggler.
Yup, talking about " management of symptoms". He'll play out the year but I reckon we can take out a fork and start eyeing off a place to stick it.
MM knows that and that's why he's been talking about reducing the burden on Judd no doubt.
Over 30 with achilles tendon problems, Chris Judd 2014 struggler.
Hard to disagree LP..as Krud said on the other thread achillies tend to drag on and I think he will miss more than two games to begin with and may need some time outs through the season to nurse him into the finals.
Over 30 with achilles tendon problems, Chris Judd 2014 struggler.
Hard to disagree LP..as Krud said on the other thread achillies tend to drag on and I think he will miss more than two games to begin with and may need some time outs through the season to nurse him into the finals.
Alistair Brownlee and ultra elite triathlete from England can tell you all about this particular injury. It has followed him for years. Sure he is an Olympic gold medallist and the worlds best triathlete. However it plagues him at one moment of a few months every year in his series.
Over 30 with achilles tendon problems, Chris Judd 2014 struggler.
Hard to disagree LP..as Krud said on the other thread achillies tend to drag on and I think he will miss more than two games to begin with and may need some time outs through the season to nurse him into the finals.
Alistair Brownlee and ultra elite triathlete from England can tell you all about this particular injury. It has followed him for years. Sure he is an Olympic gold medallist and the worlds best triathlete. However it plagues him at one moment of a few months every year in his series.
And Alistair doesnt have 22 opposing players tackling him into the turf each week ...think Juddy will have his work cut out to be at his best with this injury even if he does get on the park often enough..
After years of training in Karate my Missus was cruelled by an Achilles injury that not only finished her state squad commitments but also her Black belt so close and yet so far. Mine was destroyed by a back injury.
After years of training in Karate my Missus was cruelled by an Achilles injury that not only finished her state squad commitments but also her Black belt so close and yet so far. Mine was destroyed by a back injury.
Remind me never to offend you JK. I suspect despite, back trouble, you can still pack a mean punch :)
After years of training in Karate my Missus was cruelled by an Achilles injury that not only finished her state squad commitments but also her Black belt so close and yet so far. Mine was destroyed by a back injury.
Remind me never to offend you JK. I suspect despite, back trouble, you can still pack a mean punch :)
It's all about self defence DU ;) I'm a lover not a fighter :)
It's is absolutely the case that a Crowley tagger type will give Judd the odd "accidental" kick in the achilles at times during the coming season.
If you think that stuff doesn't happen, watch footage of blokes like Brown and Baker.
If a bloke has a perceived weakness, they will test it, that is how the achilles got it's name!
It's is absolutely the case that a Crowley tagger type will give Judd the odd "accidental" kick in the achilles at times during the coming season.
If you think that stuff doesn't happen, watch footage of blokes like Brown and Baker.
If a bloke has a perceived weakness, they will test it, that is how the achilles got it's name!
Robinson has his uses and needs to be one to take a Crowley out if it need be. Robinson and Bell need to be used well and their body strength and sizes need to be taken advantage of. In the case of Robinson, his courage and will to hurt a player.
It's is absolutely the case that a Crowley tagger type will give Judd the odd "accidental" kick in the achilles at times during the coming season.
If you think that stuff doesn't happen, watch footage of blokes like Brown and Baker.
If a bloke has a perceived weakness, they will test it, that is how the achilles got it's name!
Robinson has his uses and needs to be one to take a Crowley out if it need be. Robinson and Bell need to be used well and their body strength and sizes need to be taken advantage of. In the case of Robinson, his courage and will to hurt a player.
I think clubs are now well aware of how Crowley plays and I expect him and his ilk to get a lot more physical treatment this season, I fully expect to hear and read Ross Lyon complaining about how Crowley is being attacked off the ball and manhandled by opposition players at ball ups etc.
I can see the Mark Yeates/Dermott Brereton scenerio happening with Crowley, Hocking etc and being lined up at ball ups and meeting with some physical players like Robinson, Bell and even Kruezer/Casboult etc...good coaches wont allow star players to be kept out of games by this type of negating and I can see the tactics changing this season.
It's is absolutely the case that a Crowley tagger type will give Judd the odd "accidental" kick in the achilles at times during the coming season.
If you think that stuff doesn't happen, watch footage of blokes like Brown and Baker.
If a bloke has a perceived weakness, they will test it, that is how the achilles got it's name!
Robinson has his uses and needs to be one to take a Crowley out if it need be. Robinson and Bell need to be used well and their body strength and sizes need to be taken advantage of. In the case of Robinson, his courage and will to hurt a player.
I think clubs are now well aware of how Crowley plays and I expect him and his ilk to get a lot more physical treatment this season, I fully expect to hear and read Ross Lyon complaining about how Crowley is being attacked off the ball and manhandled by opposition players at ball ups etc.
I can see the Mark Yeates/Dermott Brereton scenerio happening with Crowley, Hocking etc and being lined up at ball ups and meeting with some physical players like Robinson, Bell and even Kruezer/Casboult etc...good coaches wont allow star players to be kept out of games by this type of negating and I can see the tactics changing this season.
Gee I hope so.
I am normally pumped this time of the year, full of optimism about our chances. This year, I feel very pessimistic for some reason. I suspect we won't improve on last year and won't make the 8. Quite a few teams have gone passed us, like 9thmond and the Scum. Lets face it we were gifted a final spot and the Scum should have finished top 4 just about. Judds farked, Hendo's farked, Kruze has done SFA of a preseason. Apparently we had 19 off season ops, equivalent to pre 2012 and we all know how that year went. Only a matter of time when Waitey breaks down and Carrot's calf goes twang. I'm starting to think we should have culled deeper and perhaps traded someone like Gibbs who has delivered little for a no. 1 pick. Just saying.
I am normally pumped this time of the year, full of optimism about our chances. This year, I feel very pessimistic for some reason. I suspect we won't improve on last year and won't make the 8. Quite a few teams have gone passed us, like 9thmond and the Scum. Lets face it we were gifted a final spot and the Scum should have finished top 4 just about. Judds farked, Hendo's farked, Kruze has done SFA of a preseason. Apparently we had 19 off season ops, equivalent to pre 2012 and we all know how that year went. Only a matter of time when Waitey breaks down and Carrot's calf goes twang. I'm starting to think we should have culled deeper and perhaps traded someone like Gibbs who has delivered little for a no. 1 pick. Just saying.
Dude!!!
Upside = Daisy, Cripps, Everitt and Docherty.
Downside = Judd gone early days.
Hendo's not farked and neither is Judd. K-man should be fit and firing along with Waite. Our recruits free up Walker and Gibbs into the mid.
It's is absolutely the case that a Crowley tagger type will give Judd the odd "accidental" kick in the achilles at times during the coming season.
If you think that stuff doesn't happen, watch footage of blokes like Brown and Baker.
If a bloke has a perceived weakness, they will test it, that is how the achilles got it's name!
Robinson has his uses and needs to be one to take a Crowley out if it need be. Robinson and Bell need to be used well and their body strength and sizes need to be taken advantage of. In the case of Robinson, his courage and will to hurt a player.
I think clubs are now well aware of how Crowley plays and I expect him and his ilk to get a lot more physical treatment this season, I fully expect to hear and read Ross Lyon complaining about how Crowley is being attacked off the ball and manhandled by opposition players at ball ups etc.
I can see the Mark Yeates/Dermott Brereton scenerio happening with Crowley, Hocking etc and being lined up at ball ups and meeting with some physical players like Robinson, Bell and even Kruezer/Casboult etc...good coaches wont allow star players to be kept out of games by this type of negating and I can see the tactics changing this season.
You might be right there EB, however with reduced interchange, I can see the old run them into the ground argument coming to the fore. The best way to deal with Crowley, is to push him out of the contest. These days Murphy is tagged first, and so, the best way to fix it is to rotate him in and out of contests and resting in different parts of the ground. Crowley is a good tagger, but now with the reduced interchanges, guys like him will struggle IMHO.
Interestingly enough, this is where Aaron Joseph might have been worth retaining as he is one of those players that can tag a bloke and has good running ability so only the absolute guns will really be able to shake him.
I am normally pumped this time of the year, full of optimism about our chances. This year, I feel very pessimistic for some reason. I suspect we won't improve on last year and won't make the 8. Quite a few teams have gone passed us, like 9thmond and the Scum. Lets face it we were gifted a final spot and the Scum should have finished top 4 just about. Judds farked, Hendo's farked, Kruze has done SFA of a preseason. Apparently we had 19 off season ops, equivalent to pre 2012 and we all know how that year went. Only a matter of time when Waitey breaks down and Carrot's calf goes twang. I'm starting to think we should have culled deeper and perhaps traded someone like Gibbs who has delivered little for a no. 1 pick. Just saying.
Dude!!!
Upside = Daisy, Cripps, Everitt and Docherty.
Downside = Judd gone early days.
Hendo's not farked and neither is Judd. K-man should be fit and firing along with Waite. Our recruits free up Walker and Gibbs into the mid.
Hope you're right mate ;)
I am normally pumped this time of the year, full of optimism about our chances. This year, I feel very pessimistic for some reason. I suspect we won't improve on last year and won't make the 8. Quite a few teams have gone passed us, like 9thmond and the Scum. Lets face it we were gifted a final spot and the Scum should have finished top 4 just about. Judds farked, Hendo's farked, Kruze has done SFA of a preseason. Apparently we had 19 off season ops, equivalent to pre 2012 and we all know how that year went. Only a matter of time when Waitey breaks down and Carrot's calf goes twang. I'm starting to think we should have culled deeper and perhaps traded someone like Gibbs who has delivered little for a no. 1 pick. Just saying.
Dude!!!
Upside = Daisy, Cripps, Everitt and Docherty.
Downside = Judd gone early days.
Hendo's not farked and neither is Judd. K-man should be fit and firing along with Waite. Our recruits free up Walker and Gibbs into the mid.
Hope you're right mate ;)
Mate I'm confident we will be better than last year. How much so still remains an uncertainty.
I've got a good feel about season 2014. Thomas and Everitt bring. ability , experience and athleticism. Mick has settled and has more of a grasp and better support.
If we're all goes well Docherty too may fire , well have some flexibility.
Go Baggers
At the moment there are only 22 spots, so if all four newbies get a run there are going to be some pretty disappointed fans.
But who knows there could be a late rule change!
I've got a good feel about season 2014. Thomas and Everitt bring. ability , experience and athleticism. Mick has settled and has more of a grasp and better support.
If we're all goes well Docherty too may fire , well have some flexibility.
Go Baggers
This is exactly what I hope for. Yarran and Garlett to bring it on now that Betts is gone. Army to have more impact and the season should go way better than the last season. ;) Heres to being optimistic.