Monday, February 24
Carlton v Adelaide
Etihad Stadium 7:10PM
TV: Fox Footy
Don't have Foxtel but wouldn't mind it for this coming match. I really want to see Dylan Buckley take on Eddie Betts so we can see how far he may have come as a player and also in his new role as a small defender.
Need to bring in a few of the big name players too, Crows will be a far more polished opponent than the Kangaroos were.
If Dylan can negate Eddie that will be a huge tick and probably cement him In the squad for future challenges like Cyril. I doubt however yet that he has the arsenal to pick him off for 4 quarters. If he fails early days I'd like to see MM give him Yazz or Walker. Wouldn't complain if Robbo was sent in to give him some physicality.
Greg Swan doesn't think Eddie is going to play. Said on 3AW last night that Eddie told Yarran and others he's not playing.
Greg Swan doesn't think Eddie is going to play. Said on 3AW last night that Eddie told Yarran and others he's not playing.
How convenient for him. ::)
Makes sense.
He's shown the Crows a few tricks ...they don't need to see anymore before the season starts
and...
Betts v Carlton for the first time is a game that will draw a bit of interest.
It needs a bigger stage than a pre-season game.
Personally if I were the Crows, I would ensure that Betts plays. Figure out whether or not if we know how to stop him, AND figure out how to prevent that from happening when it really matters.
At the end of the day though it could be negative for them. We might show everyone how to beat Eddie and that could be disastrous for the Crows.
I expect him to do well this season and next, and that will be it for Eddie though.
Hope Thomas and Kreuz get up for this game.
I ll be wondering down after work for a bit of a look.
Personally if I were the Crows, I would ensure that Betts plays. Figure out whether or not if we know how to stop him, AND figure out how to prevent that from happening when it really matters.
At the end of the day though it could be negative for them. We might show everyone how to beat Eddie and that could be disastrous for the Crows.
I expect him to do well this season and next, and that will be it for Eddie though.
Well if anyone knows how to stop Eddie it should be us! ;D
Personally if I were the Crows, I would ensure that Betts plays. Figure out whether or not if we know how to stop him, AND figure out how to prevent that from happening when it really matters.
At the end of the day though it could be negative for them. We might show everyone how to beat Eddie and that could be disastrous for the Crows.
I expect him to do well this season and next, and that will be it for Eddie though.
Well if anyone knows how to stop Eddie it should be us! ;D
But if we do, we'd be silly to show it in a meaningless match.
Hope Eddie Plays as it will show us where we are at.
He only performs against lesser teams does Eddie :o
Personally if I were the Crows, I would ensure that Betts plays. Figure out whether or not if we know how to stop him, AND figure out how to prevent that from happening when it really matters.
At the end of the day though it could be negative for them. We might show everyone how to beat Eddie and that could be disastrous for the Crows.
I expect him to do well this season and next, and that will be it for Eddie though.
Well if anyone knows how to stop Eddie it should be us! ;D
But if we do, we'd be silly to show it in a meaningless match.
Probably won't even need to worry about him as apparently he's unlikely to be playing this game anyway, from previous posts.
Malthouse in his radio interview initially said that Buckley would take Betts. He then went on to clarify that Buckley would be one of several defenders who would play on Betts.
Malthouse also said that with the revised NAB format, it is more important that players get as much game time as possible (2 to 3 games) and he doubted whether coaches would rest players. In that context, it will be interesting to see whether Betts was pulling his former teammates' legs.
@DJC
If he plays great, I'd like to see how a few of our guys go on him tbh. 8)
I hope Eddie plays. I would love to see how our small defenders handle him, especially when they should know how to handle him. I would love t see Buckley get the job.
Eddie will beat up on Buckley and if I was the Crows I would be hoping that matchup happens.....Eddie is very strong in the body and a good contested mark for his lack of inches and I would be going for a taller mobile defender
Eddie will beat up on Buckley and if I was the Crows I would be hoping that matchup happens.....Eddie is very strong in the body and a good contested mark for his lack of inches and I would be going for a taller mobile defender
MM was saying that he would rotate a few blokes on Eddie, if he plays. And Buckley would be one of those to further help him learn a stronger defensive side to his game. Makes good sense. Better to do it now than when 4 points is on the line.
I would be going for a taller mobile defender
Anyone specific in mind EB?
Eddie will beat up on Buckley and if I was the Crows I would be hoping that matchup happens.....Eddie is very strong in the body and a good contested mark for his lack of inches and I would be going for a taller mobile defender
The types we have that will most likely play on him (Walker, Tuohy, Yarran) can smash him going back the other way. Eddie's not really used to following his man up the ground and defending. Walker could run him off his feet.
Yup, history says any reasonable small forward causes us headaches but practice match so it doesn't matter.
Eddie can play on emotion though so an opportunity to get rid of some nerves if he plays, I'd rather him carry that into the season...
I would be going for a taller mobile defender
Anyone specific in mind EB?
Zac Touhy ...or Andrew Walker...
I'd rather him carry that into the season...
I agree. rather he stews on the emotion of playing against us during the week of the real season rather than getting it out of the way now. Love him but hope he flops against us
CARLTON v ADELAIDE
Monday, February 24
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 7.10pm AEST
CARLTON
2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 4. Bryce Gibbs, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 8. Matthew Kreuzer, 9. Kane Lucas, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 16. Patrick Cripps, 17. Sam Rowe, 21. Josh Bootsma, 26. Andrew McInnes, 28. Tom Bell, 29. Heath Scotland (R), 30. Jarrad Waite, 31. Luke Reynolds (R), 33. Andrejs Everitt, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood (R), 37. Jaryd Cachia (R), 38. Jeff Garlett, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 41. Levi Casboult, 43. Simon White, 46. David Ellard
No Eddie Betts in the Crows Squad.
I would be going for a taller mobile defender
Anyone specific in mind EB?
Zac Touhy ...or Andrew Walker...
None made the cut for this week....including Eddie!
I would be going for a taller mobile defender
Anyone specific in mind EB?
Zac Touhy ...or Andrew Walker...
None made the cut for this week....including Eddie!
Unfortunately that's because Tuohy & Walker copped injuries last week. Hopefully nothing serious.
CARLTON v ADELAIDE
Monday, February 24
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 7.10pm AEST
CARLTON
2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 4. Bryce Gibbs, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 8. Matthew Kreuzer, 9. Kane Lucas, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 16. Patrick Cripps, 17. Sam Rowe, 21. Josh Bootsma, 26. Andrew McInnes, 28. Tom Bell, 29. Heath Scotland (R), 30. Jarrad Waite, 31. Luke Reynolds (R), 33. Andrejs Everitt, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood (R), 37. Jaryd Cachia (R), 38. Jeff Garlett, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 41. Levi Casboult, 43. Simon White, 46. David Ellard
No Eddie Betts in the Crows Squad.
Players missing... Judd, Carrazzo, Henderson, Walker, Tuohy, Armfield, Warnock, Graham, Doherty, Temay, Giles, Holman, Johnson, Byrne, Sheehan, (Duigan).
Kreuzer in! Great news.
I notice (unless Ive read incorrectly) that 206 isn't playing. Will be great to see a Wood Kruiz ruck combo in action, along with seeing Thomas in action for blues for the first time.
CARLTON v ADELAIDE
Monday, February 24
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 7.10pm AEST
CARLTON
2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 4. Bryce Gibbs, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 8. Matthew Kreuzer, 9. Kane Lucas, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 16. Patrick Cripps, 17. Sam Rowe, 21. Josh Bootsma, 26. Andrew McInnes, 28. Tom Bell, 29. Heath Scotland (R), 30. Jarrad Waite, 31. Luke Reynolds (R), 33. Andrejs Everitt, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood (R), 37. Jaryd Cachia (R), 38. Jeff Garlett, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 41. Levi Casboult, 43. Simon White, 46. David Ellard
No Eddie Betts in the Crows Squad.
Players missing... Judd, Carrazzo, Henderson, Walker, Tuohy, Armfield, Warnock, Graham, Doherty, Temay, Giles, Holman, Johnson, Byrne, Sheehan, (Duigan).
Glad it isn't a real game with all that class missing.
Dale Thomas is set to play his first game for Carlton and Matthew Kreuzer will be a welcome return after being selected to face Adelaide in the NAB Challenge clash at Etihad Stadium on Monday night.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dale-thomas-to-debut-for-carlton-against-adelaide-in-nab-challenge-20140222-3394g.html#ixzz2u3TagyXL
Players missing... Judd, Carrazzo, Henderson, Walker, Tuohy, Armfield, Warnock, Graham, Doherty, Temay, Giles, Holman, Johnson, Byrne, Sheehan, (Duigan).
Glad it isn't a real game with all that class missing.
Five players listed are class. The others aren't in our starting 22.
The inclusions of Simpson, Kreuzer, Thomas, Garlett and Jamison offset any deficit from the excluded.
Players missing... Judd, Carrazzo, Henderson, Walker, Tuohy, Armfield, Warnock, Graham, Doherty, Temay, Giles, Holman, Johnson, Byrne, Sheehan, (Duigan).
Glad it isn't a real game with all that class missing.
Five players listed are class. The others aren't in our starting 22.
The inclusions of Simpson, Kreuzer, Thomas, Garlett and Jamison offset any deficit from the excluded.
I'd back in 2 more to be best 22.
Out: Simon White, Luke Reynolds, Kane Lucas
Substitutes: Heath Scotland, Patrick Cripps
CARLTON: Final team
2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 4. Bryce Gibbs, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 8. Matthew Kreuzer, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 16. Patrick Cripps, 17. Sam Rowe, 21. Josh Bootsma, 26. Andrew McInnes, 28. Tom Bell, 29. Heath Scotland (R), 30. Jarrad Waite, 33. Andrejs Everitt, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood (R), 37. Jaryd Cachia (R), 38. Jeff Garlett, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 41. Levi Casboult, 46. David Ellard
Go Blues!!!!!
Listening to MMM this arvo over here in Adelaide and Steven King and Rucutio we're pumping up the crows like there was no tomorrow and bagging Carlton at every opportunity.
They couldn't speak highly enough of Betts it made me sick.
They thought Thomas was past it and would offer us nothing and we have a hopeless list that holes all through it.
They said we have lost our way since sacking Ratten...yuddy,yuddy yaaaa.
Made me want puke >:(
Go Blues
Oh, and they also spoke like getting Gibbs to Adelaide was just a matter of process...purlease!
Adelaide is a very parochial and small town isn't it? Apologies to all our fans there.
Not a high scoring 1st term: 20 odd minutes in and we've kicked 1 goal 2 behinds and they've kicked 1 goal 1 behind.
5 possessions to Daisy.
Not a high scoring 1st term: 20 odd minutes in and we've kicked 1 goal 2 behinds and they've kicked 1 goal 1 behind.
5 possessions to Daisy.
Carlton 2 - 3 - 15
Adelaide 1 - 1 - 7
Goals to Curnow and Casboult.
Watson looking good, needs to carry into the real season lol just kicked a massive torpedo from FB as I was typing.
Not a high scoring 1st term: 20 odd minutes in and we've kicked 1 goal 2 behinds and they've kicked 1 goal 1 behind.
5 possessions to Daisy.
Carlton 2 - 3 - 15
Adelaide 1 - 1 - 7
Goals to Curnow and Casboult.
Close to quarter time and we've missed a few we should have kicked (Bell and Wood), for example). 6 possessions to Wood. Will wonders never cease!
Quarter time:
Carlton 2 - 4 - 16
Adelaide 1 - 2 - 8
It would be nice to see what is going on, but.... ::)
Our mids have been getting plenty of it, Bell has 8 possessions, but not many 'points' - must be missing targets.
Interested in how Daisy is looking.
Like last week, the frees are going 5 - 2 against us. We just don't get rewarded for our work.
Centre breaks we are also down one - that was one of our big strengths last week. No Warnock?
Baby Blues went down to Frankston at Visy Park.
Blues 13 - 6 - 84
Frankston 19- 14 - 128
Carlton 4 - 4 = 28
Adelaide 3 - 3 - 21
Lots of scoring early in the 2nd. It was 1 point the difference just a second ago, but Menzel goaled to give us some run and confidence.
Jacobs winning in the ruck: twice the taps of Wood and Kreuzer together.
Robbo has done nothing so far. Has he been on the ground much?
Cripps on - he was a sub. Who has gone off?
Even the 'commentary' on afl.com.au is talking more about Gibbs and Adelaide rather than the action. Fair dinkum, what a joke!
Almost 12 minutes without a goal. We are 2 points ahead.
Cripps on - he was a sub. Who has gone off?
5 possessions in 5 minutes. Wonder what he is actually playing like?
Thomas 13
Gibbs 12
Murphy 13
Bell 11
The Prince breaks the deadlock with a goal.
Carlton 5 - 5 - 35
Adelaide 3 - 5 - 23
All the subs are one, for what it is worth.
The Prince breaks the deadlock with a goal.
Carlton 5 - 5 - 35
Adelaide 4 - 3 - 23
All the subs are one, for what it is worth.
Half time with that score. A quarter of 2 halves?
Special K made considerable inroads into Jacobs' ruck dominance and the frees have evened up somewhat, but it looks like we could do better in the centre square (we really did last week).
4 - 3 = 27.
Thomas subbed off. Commentators panning the poor skill level.
4 - 3 = 27.
Thomas subbed off. Commentators panning the poor skill level.
Must have been looking at my Maths skills tonight. I am a Maths teacher, but I stuffed up Adelaide's score twice. ::) ;D :o
Thomas: 13 possessions, 5 marks (all in the first quarter) and 4 tackles. Happy enough with that.
Cripps 8 possessions in about 12 minutes.
Cripps looks good, he replaced McLean in the 2nd qtr. Judd compared him to Jamison for size!!
Mclean & Casboult subs at start of 2nd half.
Then who is playing key forward?
Adelaide started with a goal. Back to 2 points the difference.
Then who is playing key forward?
Adelaide started with a goal. Back to 2 points the difference.
McKernan now has 2 and we are 4 points down.
2 centre clearances to 9: no wonder we're struggling. Seriously, we couldn't buy one.
Another one to the Crows. We have too many guys not getting a kick and we can't get the ball out of the middle.
Doesn't sound like we are doing very well even though we are not far away on the scoreboard. How is Daisy doing ?
What's up with our new jumpers? They seem to be curling up on a few players, noticed Scotto and Buckley look like they are wearing a white belt :-\
Run out of gas by the so8unds of things. he started very well but his possession rate has dropped a lot.
Goal to Scotland. Now only 5 points down.
Daisy looks ok, seems to be getting involved around the ground. Haven't seen anything spectacular from anyone so and so.
Blues 48
crows 47
Off the ground goal for Kenny.
Liking what I've seen of Buckley, Watson, Cripps, And Menzel.
Daisy looks ok, seems to be getting involved around the ground. Haven't seen anything spectacular from anyone so and so.
Blues 48
crows 47
Off the ground goal for Kenny.
Yes!
Gibbs 22 possessions
Murphy 20
Thomas 15
Bell 15
Everitt 14
Oh Kruiz !!!!!!!! First game back after injury granted.
But Preferring 206 as 1st Ruck, and Wood as backup.
Centre clearances:
Carlton: 3
Adelaide: 11
Although we are only 1 down on total stoppages.
Should say although it's a practice match and we accept that the pressure on the ball carrier is much lower, I'm seeing Murph doing pretty good. Throwing himself in and happy to crash when needed
Ellard goal blues up by 7
Should say although it's a practice match and we accept that the pressure on the ball carrier is much lower, I'm seeing Murph doing pretty good. Throwing himself in and happy to crash when needed
Leland goal blues up by 7
Ellard?
I was going to ask what happened to him and he pops up with his first possession for some time.
Must admit, he has made them count today.
Back to 1 point.
Seems every time I go to post someone scores, all I need to figure out is the keystroke sequence that makes us score ;)
Should say although it's a practice match and we accept that the pressure on the ball carrier is much lower, I'm seeing Murph doing pretty good. Throwing himself in and happy to crash when needed
Leland goal blues up by 7
Ellard?
I was going to ask what happened to him and he pops up with his first possession for some time.
Must admit, he has made them count today.
Yeah, $&@#n autocorrect.
Back to 1 point.
Seems every time I go to post someone scores, all I need to figure out is the keystroke sequence that makes us score ;)
Yeah. Hope you can do it soon. We need a few more scores.
Unfortunately Jenkins kicks one for the Crows - just about the only kick he's had. Back to 1 point.
3/4 time:
Carlton 8 - 6 - 54
Adelaide 8 - 5 - 53
Wood had a better term in the ruck - up to 20 hit outs, but we've still only had 3 centre clearances.
Rowe's not up to it back or fwd. Casboult miles ahead of him.
Waite subbed out, Yarran in the rooms hobbling.
Rowe's not up to it back or fwd. Casboult miles ahead of him.
My kitchen table is miles ahead of him.
3 to McKernan - playing on Rowe?
I don't expect Sam to be with us in 2015. I'm not sure Caboult will be, but Rowe will not.
3 centre clearances to 15! No wonder we're behind!
16 points down now.
Rowe's not up to it back or fwd. Casboult miles ahead of him.
My kitchen table is miles ahead of him.
Have agree about Rowe, NFI idea about your kitchen table ;D
16 points down now.
Not looking good. Can't buy a centre clearance. How are our forwards supposed to get the ball when it always comes the long way (if it comes at all)?
Cripps will player round 1, looks a player.
On a negative though we still have no one to kick goals :(
Cripps will player round 1, looks a player.
On a negative though we still have no one to goals :(
Our forward line is totally fictional.
Murphy had had 7 possessions in 10 minutes this quarter, but we still can't get the ball out of the middle.
Cripps was standing Dangerfield at the last centre bounce, they looked like twins :o
The fat lady is starting to clear her throat, 23 points down and no semblance of cohesion in sight.
Murphy still down
3 centre clearances to 17.
Wouldn't worry too much Crows just looking for preseason wins and playing harder last qtr.
Happy we got some games into our young guys.
30 points down, ring the bell, this one is all over.
We've added 1-point to our three-quarter time score.
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
At least we know that we can't really afford to have McLean, Curnow & Cachia in the midfield all at once. We also know that we can't afford to see much of Rowe and Bootsma anywhere on the field - hopefully MM has seen the same thing.
And Kreuzer needs to take some marks.
Cripps was standing Dangerfield at the last centre bounce, they looked like twins :o
He wouldn't have been there in a H&A round which clearly shows that MM is using these scratch matches as he should.
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
That is a worry, but then we don't know Buttifants training load now and practice game strategies.
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
That is a worry, but then we don't know Buttifants training load now and practice game strategies.
true - but I suppose running around in circles on the park will put more miles in their legs < me being positive
King reckons we need to rebuild, I'm sure that's why we have a $1M coach FFS. Lucky he gets it wrong more than he gets it right.
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
If it was for points we wouldn't have rested Gibbs who was one of our best. The difference in the two squads we have fielded also shows that's not a consistent factor.
Concerns for me:
Rowe - No good (got out run by Rutten FFS and gives away silly frees)
Bootsma - No Good
McInnes - No Good. Looks slow and also gives away silly frees
Buckley - Quick but tries to do a little too much. Having said that, cant strangle natural desire to take em on.
Fringe guys who should do a lot better when fighting for a spot but they just dont.
Overall, didnt really seem to be trying. At least DT got through a game.
And Kreuzer needs to take some marks.
Granted first game back but struggled to outmark Sloan on the wing at one point.
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
Quite happy not to have them peaked on Feb 24.
Result is totally unimportant at this stage.
Not overly concerned, we had more than a few of our best out and it was more about getting games time into players. But must admit am getting restless waiting for signs that Kruiz is getting closer to being a key component of the side.
One point up at the start of the last quarter and lose by 38. Something doesn't sound good. I didn't watch the game, but I assume we will have far more negatives as feedback than positives in this game.
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
Quite happy not to have them peaked on Feb 24.
Result is totally unimportant at this stage.
yeah I know, but we should beat these bananas anytime anywhere
I didn't go to game
I didn't watch the game on TV
Listened to 5 minutes on SEN
I got a full top Membership and will go to all games though
However, as I said before.....we wont make the 8 this year....
Considering who has been out for our two games and who was rested in the final qtr of both games... seems we're just getting games into blokes... experimenting.
But... this is not a habit to repeat. Our next hitout against the Dishlickers is especially important in terms of who fronts and how we finish.
Ps. Anyone else having trouble posting due to site server probs? Tried to post this a few times but was informed the server was overloaded.
Meh. Maybe Barker was coaching. Take nothing from this game too seriously.
Watched the game...
Can Krooze take a contested mark?
When can we have a non bias commentary team?
When can we be rewarded for tackles?
When is MM going to unveil his forward structure and his forward plan, because it still looks like Ratten is still coaching.
When are we going to teach the ruck men they have to tap it to OUR players?
When as a team are we going to get good foot skills?
I know it is preseason but gee the quality was just not there.
PS. Loved Wattos game.
One point up at the start of the last quarter and lose by 38. Something doesn't sound good. I didn't watch the game, but I assume we will have far more negatives as feedback than positives in this game.
Waite, Gibbs and Yarran (ankle?) were subbed at 3/4 time. Cripps, Cachia, Ellard and Buckley spent a lot of time on the ball.
Everyone will say the negatives so I'll throw up a few positives...
- Watson was very solid in the first half to 3/4 time. He's slow, though, so he needs Everitt, Bootsma, McInnes or White to help out. I think he'll definitely play the first 3-4 rounds as a defender...
EDIT: He had 13 1%ers, more than double anybody on the ground.
- Daisy's ankle didn't break! Looked pretty good at times and found plenty of the ball.
- Cripps did some good things. He'll need time but he'll be in the "Best 22" next year.
- Buckley is a live-wire. Goes pretty hard at it for a small bloke, just needs to lower his eyes more. (as does everyone else in the team)
- Menzel will be a gun player. He doesn't do much wrong, he just needs to make an impact for 4 quarters. Not just 1-2.
- Casboult had 100% goal kicking efficiency from set shots. ;D
No mention of Gibbs?
No mention of Gibbs?
Gibbs was close to BOG when he was rested in the last term.
Prepare for many more 4th Qtr blowouts……as evidenced last 2 NAB games..
Ran into a pretty well connected Magpie guy the other day who was happy to see the back of Buttifant….said they had to double training loads Nov-Jan after he left to get them back to AFL std…
Nothing worse than hearing what a great guy the head of fitness/training is…he should be the most hated guy in the club like the chief handicapper at a golf club should be pushing them to breaking point every night at training…..
Very worried by our ability to run out games this year…hopefully proven wrong but worried…this was a strength for us last year we can't afford to lose
I think we have been primarily focussed on getting some game time into our younger players, with some back-up from our seasoned guys. This I think was a big factor in our last quarter fade outs, but nevertheless it is a bit of a concern. If we continue to see it after a couple of "real" games I will be a lot more worried.
Interestingly, Kingy was prognosticating that we are really not up to much and that the club has already decided on starting a rebuild from scratch! Doesn't think any of our current players are likely to become big stars of the game. Gee!
Bootsma can sit next to me....no idea
Bell needs to be very careful of Cripps sneaking up on him.
Rowe offers nothing.
Casbolt offers slightly more than Rowe, but only JUST slightly.
Waite hasn't had a kick in the 2 weeks so far.
Krueser's first week back. Benefit of the doubt. (Was awful!)
Cachia, Curnow, Everitt were non events.
Thomas will be a class act.
Will Henderson, Walker, Judd, Warnock, Carrazzo and Tuoy make that much difference??? Probably not.
Not worried at all about blokes like Waite and Murphy not making a statement, they have been around the block and are proven performers.
Dead worried about fringe players like White, Casboult, Ellard, McInnes, Bootsma and Rowe not tearing opponents a new one during the NAB Cup. These guys should be motivated to show their wares, but instead they look like they are chasing a bus they cannot possibly catch! We need to put this into perspective in regards to players we de-listed, traded or lost versus those we kept. These duds might be shooting themselves in the foot, but they are putting a noose around the neck of some MC members as well, and ripping the hearts out of supporters.
Bootsma…just don't get this continued faith…see he got a tat offseason..maybe to look tough?
He still looks like an under 19 kid that has turned up at the wrong game and we keep playing him..
Remember how Jack Riewoldt laughed at him last year and kicked 3 in 5 minutes on him..even though we won……must be someone on the list with a bigger body surely……
12 year project player?..shopped him around offseason…no interest..says it all
Results dont matter but Individual perfomance and improvement does....
Newbie Positives.....Thomas and Cripps...the former showed his class and the latter while lacking endurance shows enough to be a rnd 1 chance.
I thought Buckley was ok in terms of ball attack but wastes the footy with lack of maturity but that will come with experience but still shows enough.
Negatives:
Looking for improvement in players but hard to find.
Rowe....some decent spoils but not enough to be a senior 22 player...lacks reading of the play nous
McInnes....defends ok at times but leaves me with that nervous feeling when he has the footy or its indispute on the deck.
Casboult....not enough, no way is he the answer up forward...one goal and a couple of marks but like Rowe just doesnt get to enough contests or lead to the right spots.
Kruezer.....cant mark the ball, teases you with the odd grab but just drops too many he should take...as a forward you can forget it.
Jacobs beat both him and Wood in the hitouts that mattered and we were slaughtered at the clearances....
Gibbs....went off at end of 3/4 for a shower, hopefully to get a decent haircut and remove that headband he stole off some little girl....didnt really have much impact IMO..
Murphy ....went well and worked hard.
Bell...won some footy, ran past some footy, wasted some footy......not good enough from one of my favs who much is expected of...
Curnow....didnt see a lot of him...
Cachia...saw less of him than Curnow...
Bootsma.....that rnd 4 or 5 draft pick that West Coast offered is looking pretty good.
Jamo....picked up some cheap kicks but wasnt impressive, misses his mate Henderson.
Simmo....battled..
Brock, spent time on the bench and had no influence.
Yarran...some ok things before he was injured..
Jeffy...flashed into play a couple of times but the Crows no name defenders played him close....
Everitt...did some good things but got caught with the footy and looked a bit slow as the game was trench warfare rather than open running and man on man like he prefers...
Waite.....well beat by Talia
Menzel...what he did was classy but not enough...
Ellard...honest player and earned his money with three goals.
Wood....ok around the ground but lacks palming ability vs a quality distributor like Jacobs...
Watson...reasonable down back but lacks a yard of pace, will play rnd 1 for sure...
Gibbs....went of early for a shower, hopefully to get a decent haircut and remove that headband he stole off some little girl.
With all due respect EB I think you are letting your personal opinion of appearance deflect from the actual performance. Gibbs was very good tonight (more so than Murphy) and I think MM had seen enough to give him a deserved rest
Prepare for many more 4th Qtr blowouts……as evidenced last 2 NAB games..
Ran into a pretty well connected Magpie guy the other day who was happy to see the back of Buttifant….said they had to double training loads Nov-Jan after he left to get them back to AFL std…
Nothing worse than hearing what a great guy the head of fitness/training is…he should be the most hated guy in the club like the chief handicapper at a golf club should be pushing them to breaking point every night at training…..
Very worried by our ability to run out games this year…hopefully proven wrong but worried…this was a strength for us last year we can't afford to lose
There's no point in being at your best fitness and form in February. It's a long season and the build-up should be gradual. I think your Pies mate may be a little disgruntled? Don't worry. This will be a big season for us.
Wouldn't mind seeing a couple of the other new draftees in action in next hit out
Gibbs....went of early for a shower, hopefully to get a decent haircut and remove that headband he stole off some little girl.
With all due respect EB I think you are letting your personal opinion of appearance deflect from the actual performance. Gibbs was very good tonight (more so than Murphy) and I think MM had seen enough to give him a deserved rest
Fair enough JK..each to their own, I thought he gathered some of the ball but had little impact on the game which is par for the course with Bryce and he annoyed me by fiddling with that headband while waiting for a centre ballup...
I thought Murphy worked hard after a poor year last season and being tagged as per normal managed to deal with it better than usual...
I wouldnt be paying 700k a year on what Bryce delivered tonight no matter what hairstyle he had ;)
Prepare for many more 4th Qtr blowouts……as evidenced last 2 NAB games..
Ran into a pretty well connected Magpie guy the other day who was happy to see the back of Buttifant….said they had to double training loads Nov-Jan after he left to get them back to AFL std…
Nothing worse than hearing what a great guy the head of fitness/training is…he should be the most hated guy in the club like the chief handicapper at a golf club should be pushing them to breaking point every night at training…..
Very worried by our ability to run out games this year…hopefully proven wrong but worried…this was a strength for us last year we can't afford to lose
Keep listening to Collingwood connections.
Did he tell you Thomas' ankle is fcked, Woods is a hack, MM was past it ?
One thing that came out of tonight's game was the importance of a ruckman who can deliver the ball to his midfielders. Anyone who thinks that (a) good ruckmen are overrated, or (b) Wood is going to play a role this season has rocks in their head.
One thing that came out of tonight's game was the importance of a ruckman who can deliver the ball to his midfielders. Anyone who thinks that (a) good ruckmen are overrated, or (b) Wood is going to play a role this season has rocks in their head.
Yeah spot on DJ (about part a that is). As well beaten as Wood was by Jacobs, he was more effective than Kruiz. Granted it was Kruiz's first game back after injury, but even last season Kruiz didn't provide a clear advantage in ruck.
I wouldnt be paying 700k a year on what Bryce delivered tonight no matter what hairstyle he had ;)
You're probably right in this instance but I expect that if he is given more time in the midfield this season he will become a General. He has composure under pressure that is the mark of a naturally skilled footballer. His delivery is probably not as elite as some but it would be enhanced by more time in the heat of battle. While we're on that, Daisy's delivery to Jeffy was sublime tonight.
One thing that came out of tonight's game was the importance of a ruckman who can deliver the ball to his midfielders. Anyone who thinks that (a) good ruckmen are overrated, or (b) Wood is going to play a role this season has rocks in their head.
Warnock would be sleeping well tonight. ;)
One thing that came out of tonight's game was the importance of a ruckman who can deliver the ball to his midfielders. Anyone who thinks that (a) good ruckmen are overrated, or (b) Wood is going to play a role this season has rocks in their head.
I think he's behind Kreuz and Warnock of course, but I easily see Woods playing this year and playing well.
How is the game plan looking? Still hugging the boundary and moving the ball slowly?
I'm sure the players are gutted...
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
'Fade out not an issue says MM'
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-24/fadeout-no-issue-for-mick
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
'Fade out not an issue says MM'
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-24/fadeout-no-issue-for-mick
Well played Mick!
Results dont matter but Individual perfomance and improvement does....
So what's the prognosis 2014, Elwood?
Gibbs....went of early for a shower, hopefully to get a decent haircut and remove that headband he stole off some little girl.
With all due respect EB I think you are letting your personal opinion of appearance deflect from the actual performance. Gibbs was very good tonight (more so than Murphy) and I think MM had seen enough to give him a deserved rest
Fair enough JK..each to their own, I thought he gathered some of the ball but had little impact on the game which is par for the course with Bryce and he annoyed me by fiddling with that headband while waiting for a centre ballup...
I thought Murphy worked hard after a poor year last season and being tagged as per normal managed to deal with it better than usual...
I wouldnt be paying 700k a year on what Bryce delivered tonight no matter what hairstyle he had ;)
Im with EB re Bryce "too cool for school" Gibbs. Its not just him though, most of our blokes are more worried about how they look on tv and it starts with the skipper. Been a big bug bear of mine for a while and hoped future results would make it a non-issue which it probably is, but just have a look at the best players in the comp and then our wannabes. Maybe im just anxious for the season proper to start.
Results dont matter but Individual perfomance and improvement does....
So what's the prognosis 2014, Elwood?
If Henderson and Waite can play the Key forward positions for most of the year then we can make the eight and maybe win a final or two, if that doesnt happen then we will struggle to kick goals and will be relying on the likes of Essendon or some other steroid happy club to allow us finals entry by default again.
Casboult and Rowe dont cut it, also Henderson playing forward leaves a large gaping hole down back which Watson will have to fill and his improvement , form and fitness will also have a bearing on how we go.
Of course the Malthouse game plan is still in the embryo stage as far as learning goes and maybe he can fine tune that to make up some ground on the leading teams.
2014 is more about putting some more peices of the puzzle together but I dont expect to see the puzzle finished....
PS..Nice to see you posting Java and look forward to your offerings in 2014....
The good news
No (serious) injuries !!!! I did see Yarran limping around the rooms at 3 qtr time.
Daisy's ankle is fine !! He played a good debut game, nothing flashy, just a solid contribution with good skills.
I like the look of Cripps, I was concerned he may be a bit 1 dimensional, but I saw tonight that as well as his clearance work, he has a good kick and can link up reasonably well too. I was pleased to see it !!
Ellard, 3 goals, he is quite a handy small forward, he just seems to be able to find the right place to be on a fairly consistent basis.
What I didn't like
Our marking. Both players and the ball.
Marks inside forward 50 were 11 - 6 Adelaide's way
Contested marks were 8 - 4 Adelaide's way
Around the ground and especially inside our own forward 50 we have to make sure thast if we do not mark the ball that the ball comes to ground. Allowing the opposition to mark in a contested situation happened tonight too easily for me. And the other frustrating part was that they seemed to mark in our F50 with ease. :(
I actually think the club could do with a marking coach or something !
And then, they would run the ball out with apparent ease. It looked like we were playing some kind of loose zone, which all too often they ran and kicked through with way too much ease, and yet it seemed every time we went to go forward we would have to kick to a contest !!!
It was a very frustrating game for me to watch !!
1 + I guess was that I did notice that we were trying to at least some extent kick the ball to advantage when going forward. Adelaide were playing with a spare man back and the ball was often coming into a 2 on 1 contest which didn't help us.
I know it's only pre-season but in future I would like to see more pressure applied when we don't have the ball, and more structure when bringing the ball into our F50.
I'm not asking much am I ??!!!
I like EB's comment on Buckley, it seems he has been given instruction to take the game on, and my goodness does he have a crack !!
At the moment he's getting caught a little too much, but hopefully experience will teach him when to run and when to use 1st option.
He's worth persisting with IMO.
Gibbs....went of early for a shower, hopefully to get a decent haircut and remove that headband he stole off some little girl.
With all due respect EB I think you are letting your personal opinion of appearance deflect from the actual performance. Gibbs was very good tonight (more so than Murphy) and I think MM had seen enough to give him a deserved rest
21 disposals (incl. 3 clearances) from 56% game time. Gibbs was very good. Don't know what game EB was watching.
Kruezer.....cant mark the ball, teases you with the odd grab but just drops too many he should take...as a forward you can forget it.
Jacobs beat both him and Wood in the hitouts that mattered and we were slaughtered at the clearances....
Gibbs....went off at end of 3/4 for a shower, hopefully to get a decent haircut and remove that headband he stole off some little girl....didnt really have much impact IMO..
Kreuzer actually got his hands to the ball which was an improvement but if you watch him he drops his eyes before the ball reaches his hands which is a surprise because he's not a pussy but it is the act of one. Saw him do it 3-4 times and he dropped all of them. Must watch the ball into the hands.
Thought Gibbs was excellent.
Of the others Cripps looks to be another Jab Watson in the making the way he moves and will certainly pay a lot this year. Could have sworn the commentators said he is 193cm and 91kg that is some serious size for a mid. You can see how he has it over blokes like Murphy and Gibbs in traffic already, does the right things, releases the ball at the right time.
Buckley looking very exciting took it up another cog again from last week. Heaps of dash and a nice long kick on him I think both he and Yarran will provide great run this year out of defence.
Menzel just love this kid's hardness, is there anything better than a hard skilled player that tackles with intent? Has won me over already. Easily the best tackler in the team already a few of our 'prettier' players could take a leaf out of his book.
Thomas just looks all class, does the right thing, makes few errors, another A-grader out there.
Results dont matter but Individual perfomance and improvement does....
......Looking for improvement in players but hard to find.
This is the key for me... Results in these games aren't important. I'm looking for improvement from some of the fringe players from last year. Improvement that would see them step into a starting 22.
Unfortunately I'm not seeing a lot.
happy with Watto's inprovement. Whilst it hasnt by any means translated into certainty as yet, he is miles ahead of where he was at the same time last year.
Gibbs....went of early for a shower, hopefully to get a decent haircut and remove that headband he stole off some little girl.
With all due respect EB I think you are letting your personal opinion of appearance deflect from the actual performance. Gibbs was very good tonight (more so than Murphy) and I think MM had seen enough to give him a deserved rest
21 disposals (incl. 3 clearances) from 56% game time. Gibbs was very good. Don't know what game EB was watching.
I'm not disputing his stats, he always gets stats.....my beef is he doesnt effect games, Dangerfield probably had it less but wins games......
Brodie Smith had it 25 times for the Crows, Wright had it 30 times...did I think they were great players on the night...handy would have been my description....
Mckernan probably had it a dozen times only but probably won them the game along with Dangerfield and Talia who beat Waite.
Gibbs has to produce more of the big plays to win us some games rather than just being a collector of stats, thats why he will continue to be under the microscope from not just me but the media and supporters...
Agree with Elwood on Casboult and Rowe. They, at this stage, are not close to up to it so more pressure goes onto the other big blokes. Those two along with Wood are our backups.
Watson needs to get time at CHB and play there. We need to see where this blokes is at over a sustained period of time. If he's not up to it we look to another alternative(s).
Key backs - Jamison, Watson
Key forwards - Waite, Henderson
Rucks - Warnock, Kreuzer
That'll have to be our no.1 setup re big blokes I think and we'll hopefully have them fit and healthy for the year to give us any chance of success.
I'm liking the output of Everitt, Ellard, Buckley and Cripps. Doing well those blokes. Would be good to see Docherty get a gig soon also. I think Ellard, Buckley and Cripps - all different types - give us something at AFL level which is great.
From what little I heard on SEN, it sounded like Bell won a lot of the ball but butchered it badly....
comments?
From what little I heard on SEN, it sounded like Bell won a lot of the ball but butchered it badly....
comments?
Id agree with that.
He's seems hard to get down in a tackle which I love and he just 'sees ball get ball' which is greta agin but he needs a little more finesse and fine tuning but plenty to work with.
I do like him playing forward I must say, hard matchup. I wanted this to happen last year and good to see him spend time there. Could be a sort of mobile CHF, albeit smaller, but he is so robust at any contest and just gut runs.
From what little I heard on SEN, it sounded like Bell won a lot of the ball but butchered it badly....
comments?
Fair comment......I'm a fan of Tom Bell and the way he goes about it and it was interesting to hear Chris Judd who was a guest commentator saying he has a role mentoring Bell but he doesnt seem to have had much effect as yet. Bell attacked the ball well, but also ran past it a few times and as SEN suggested delivered it in a hap hazard fashion.
He doesnt have that edge of class required at the moment and when you pair him with Robbo you get get great attack on the footy but your forwards have little hope of ever getting a decent pass..
Hard to know what to make of it... Really scrappy, ugly game (the North game was a much better standard), leading at 3/4 time and Mick pulls the pin.
Both Bell and Robbo without doubt are hard nuts and go in for the ball/man without hesitation. However both are not instinctively smart or highly skilled and so their disposal and ability to make telling plays are limited. OK, we may get some improvement from them over time but essentially they will always be bullocking ball winners rather than silky play makers.
The negatives probably slightly outweighted the positives last night for mine. Up until 3/4 time it had been a real defensive arm wrestle, and then they broke it open it the last and ran all over us.
Things that worried me;
- smashed in the centre clearances
- kicking turnovers
- forward structure and inability to hold the ball in our 50.
- Bootsma, Rowe, McInnes, Casboult. Players on the fringe who I hoped might have improved over the pre-season and press for selection. On the last 2 weeks performances it is very hard to see any of these 4 pushing for selection or having any impact. We have pumped a lot of game time into the Bootsma experiment and he is still miles away from being an AFL standard player; it is actually embarrassing to watch him out there against real footballers.
- Waite and Kruz are only just going. At least they got a run under their belts and came through injury free. Cam Wood has been our most effective big man in both games.
Things that impressed me;
- tackling and contested pressure for the first 3 qtrs. Just wish the umps would reward good tackles.
- Thomas looks very polished after a long lay off
- Cripps showed more in qtr than a lot of our recent recruits have shown in their whole careers
- Gibbs in and under and laid 5 tackles in just half a game
- Buckley has a red hot go, and leaves nothing behind. Still raw, but shows he has some hope of making it. Got it 16 times, wasted it a fair bit, but his intensity and effort are first class.
- Ellard was a very handy contributor and a smart footballer [kicked 3 of 9 goals]. Just wish he was 6 inches taller and he would be a gun. Just not sure where he fits into the structure.
- Menzels kicking and tackling. His kick for goal was sublime. Just needs to get more involved over 4 qtrs.
- Watson was probably our best defender
- No major injuries
Deleted the tape as soon as the game ended. Not something you'd want to watch a second time!
it is actually embarrassing to watch him out there against real footballers.
This.
From what I gather the lad is still barely serviceable in the 2s. Why play him in the 1s at this point?! ??? ???
I don't think it was my blue glasses last night, but did we get Rogered by the umps? People have said about Kruezer taking marks, but how many time was he hit in the back of the head? How many time was Waite or Casboult held while going for the mark, push in the back by a Crows guy that lead directly to a goal, the high tackles called while a Crows player was burying himself into the armpit of our tacklers yet Murphy ducked under a tackle twice and was smacked in the face.
Umpiring is not rewarding the hard tackle, when Bell got pinged for a throw he would have been better off just letting the ball go as it was hardly called, rather than puching it away as it fell from his hands.
Positives - Cripps, didn't think he fit in so early but WOW the kid can play, get involved often and in the right spots, a true footballer. I want to see how he goes pushing forward as he is getting most of his disposals across half back to the centre. If he can rest at full forward like a Job Watson then we have a true star in the making.
Menzel - Hard, tough and skillful, great combination. Just needs a four quarter effort. Saw him a bit in the back pocket later in the game, so maybe a bit of an education.
Buckley - Hard, tough and skillfull, not to the impact of Menzel just yet but on his way. Great speed, and a willingness to take the game on.
Watson - Looked confident, still slow but got to where the ball was before his opponent a couple of times by reading the play, his passing from defence was a highlight, so was the 80m torp. Will be very effective if we can find that third defender who will come over the top.
Worries - Not sold on Everitt as a third defender, looks good in space, when he can run onto the ball, but does not think his way out of trouble when cornered all that well. May have to have him as a high half forward who drifts back and helps out.
Murphy - Seems to be stat chasing rather than leading as he did towards the end of last season.
Negatives - Bootsma and Rowe - just not up to it, can't wait for the real stuff to start so I don't have to cringe when they go near it.
Deleted the tape as soon as the game ended. Not something you'd want to watch a second time!
Me too aint nowhere near enough IQ space to fit that tripe in.
This.
From what I gather the lad is still barely serviceable in the 2s. Why play him in the 1s at this point?! ??? ???
Actually Bootsma does OK at NBs.
At AFL level he needs to find a way of dealing with the extra physicality that comes at the higher level. I like his skill set, but as the son of a famous WA footballer the jury is out until the hype around him starts to appear on the field.
I don't think it was my blue glasses last night, ...
When our players are being slaughtered by the umpires early in the season, it is the MC / coaching panel that needs close scrutiny.
One area of coaching that MM has always struggled with, rule changes. His coaching panels have always seemed very slow to adapt, they are the opposite of the Swans or Dawks who seem to have it all sorted well before Rnd 1 every season. You wait and watch, after a couple of rounds he will hand out the obligatory "I don't know why it was changed", "We need more time to adjust" or "Why don't they(the AFL) consult us first" types comments. You can find the same or a similar set of comments being made by MM every season.
Agree about the younguns, they should have been using the NAB as a prove what I can do forum. Instead they look like they are out there showing everybody what they can't do!
Disagree about the likes of Murphy and others, these guys have done it before and when the real deal comes along they will do it again!
I don't think it was my blue glasses last night, ...
When our players are being slaughtered by the umpires early in the season, it is the MC / coaching panel that needs close scrutiny.
I said this last week in the thread after the North game, it took place all last season and it is happening again. What are we doing wrong. Waite being held out of the contest, Kruz being smashed in the head or on the arms. We need to review the way we go about it because the umps are not going to change.
I know its only a pre season game, but 2 weeks in row we've capitulated in the last quarter. I don't like it.
If it was for points we wouldn't have rested Gibbs who was one of our best. The difference in the two squads we have fielded also shows that's not a consistent factor.
King hates us, always has. The guy pots us at any chance, even the others in the commentary box laughed at his "premiership clock" call. But Norf are all class :)
I don't think it was my blue glasses last night, ...
When our players are being slaughtered by the umpires early in the season, it is the MC / coaching panel that needs close scrutiny.
I said this last week in the thread after the North game, it took place all last season and it is happening again. What are we doing wrong. Waite being held out of the contest, Kruz being smashed in the head or on the arms. We need to review the way we go about it because the umps are not going to change.
May be change our name to North Melbourne? ;)
This.
From what I gather the lad is still barely serviceable in the 2s. Why play him in the 1s at this point?! ??? ???
Actually Bootsma does OK at NBs.
At AFL level he needs to find a way of dealing with the extra physicality that comes at the higher level. I like his skill set, but as the son of a famous WA footballer the jury is out until the hype around him starts to appear on the field.
I am honestly trying to work out what his 'skill set' is, and I'm not sure that there is too much 'hype' left based on what we've seen so far.
It appears to me that he was drafted based almost entirely on his long arms, height and agility. These are natural physical attributes, not skills that have been developed. He seems to lack core strength and upper body strength to compete against AFL forwards, and is not good 1:1 [watch how easily Rory Sloane marked and goaled against him]. He doesn't appear to read the game well and back his judgement, which means he gets led to ball alot, gets lost in traffic and struggles to make good decisions about zoning off or staying with his man which is critical for the 3rd defender.
I really don't want to come across as a negative type because I want all our players to succeed, but for player taken at pick 22 I am amazed at his obivous shortcomings going into his 3rd year in the system.
From what I've seen of Boots his main problem, before any other attributes come into play, is his lack of physical presence and pure strength. He is so easily brushed aside by opposition players and if it happens in the last line of defence then it's usually disastrous. It happened a couple of times at least yesterday, when he was edged off marking an incoming kick, the ball flew over his head and the opposition player just out-turned him to get the ball, in one case for an easy goal.
He needs to spend a LOT of time in the gym and on the weights if he's to have any chance of being an AFL defender.
I told you all about Bootsma a year back. He is too 'rabbit in headlights' and doesn't have other attributes to make up for it. Those saying he's a 200 gamer are dreaming, he'd have to play every game for the next 9 years. Last chance this season let's just pray he can step up.
This.
From what I gather the lad is still barely serviceable in the 2s. Why play him in the 1s at this point?! ??? ???
Actually Bootsma does OK at NBs.
At AFL level he needs to find a way of dealing with the extra physicality that comes at the higher level. I like his skill set, but as the son of a famous WA footballer the jury is out until the hype around him starts to appear on the field.
I am honestly trying to work out what his 'skill set' is, and I'm not sure that there is too much 'hype' left based on what we've seen so far.
It appears to me that he was drafted based almost entirely on his long arms, height and agility. These are natural physical attributes, not skills that have been developed. He seems to lack core strength and upper body strength to compete against AFL forwards, and is not good 1:1 [watch how easily Rory Sloane marked and goaled against him]. He doesn't appear to read the game well and back his judgement, which means he gets led to ball alot, gets lost in traffic and struggles to make good decisions about zoning off or staying with his man which is critical for the 3rd defender.
I really don't want to come across as a negative type because I want all our players to succeed, but for player taken at pick 22 I am amazed at his obivous shortcomings going into his 3rd year in the system.
Alot of our draftees take along time to come along. We never seem to get a young-un to come in straight away and make an impact.
Other clubs seem to have the ability to fast track their juniors better. We have always suffered from a lack of development from within.
The Kouta/Rattens years were probably the last crop of juniors developed by us.... thinking about that level of talent that we don't have now brings tears to your eyes. :'(
Bootsma had one really good spoil going back with the flight but the rest of the time he was too nervous and indecisive. A team like the Hawks or Cats might be able to cover him while he develops but we just don't have the manpower to cover Watson, McInnes and Bootsma in defence. I loved him in his first game when he was playing on a wing, when he looked like he had all the confidence in the world.
I reckon he'll play again next week against the Dogs but will struggle to break into the seniors throughout the year. Simon White is miles ahead of McInnes and Boots.
Bootsma had one really good spoil going back with the flight but the rest of the time he was too nervous and indecisive. A team like the Hawks or Cats might be able to cover him while he develops but we just don't have the manpower to cover Watson, McInnes and Bootsma in defence. I loved him in his first game when he was playing on a wing, when he looked like he had all the confidence in the world.
I reckon he'll play again next week against the Dogs but will struggle to break into the seniors throughout the year. Simon White is miles ahead of McInnes and Boots.
Will he be the same thou after his head injury?
I hope Buckley's disposal skills are better than he showed last night. Man, when he took possession just outside D50 and then missed a short pass to Wood kicking to the opposing flank, that gave up a certain goal. All of the pace and hustle in the world won't help him if his team mates can't rely upon him hitting targets.
I hope Buckley's disposal skills are better than he showed last night. Man, when he took possession just outside D50 and then missed a short pass to Wood kicking to the opposing flank, that gave up a certain goal. All of the pace and hustle in the world won't help him if his team mates can't rely upon him hitting targets.
He's not alone in this area unfortunately.
There are a number of things that really worry me about last night's game in particular, and both games in general:
[1] We don't seem to have addressed our major areas of weakness. Key forward and key defensive posts were real issues. Waite did nothing for the 2nd week in a row and Watson was the only tall defender to really stand up (and we all know that he dos have issues).
I am willing to give Jamo the benefit of the doubt, as he has only played part of a game so far.
But we really don't appear to have many options.
[2] Our centre clearances were actually quite good against North, but last night we lost the centre clearances 5:1. Teams are not going to make a charge when the ball does not get out of the middle.
[3] Our youngsters don't look bad, but they never seem to be able to run out games. Buckley and Menzel come to mind.
[4] Some of the guys who need to stand up really haven't. Garlett, Yarran, to a lesser extent Murphy (he was pretty good last night), Gibbs (again, to a lesser extent - maybe I am expected more from Bryce than he is able or willing to give).
[5] In our good times, the thing that stuck out was our ability to smother the oppositions' best players. That seems something we really struggle to do. I must admit I was very pleased with the job done on Dangerfield. Apart from a couple of things when they had their run on, he was obliterated. However, this is the exception rather than the rule.
[6] We don't seem to have the fanaticism or the esprit de corps that other teams have. That worries me.
I don't think it was my blue glasses last night, but did we get Rogered by the umps? People have said about Kruezer taking marks, but how many time was he hit in the back of the head? How many time was Waite or Casboult held while going for the mark, push in the back by a Crows guy that lead directly to a goal, the high tackles called while a Crows player was burying himself into the armpit of our tacklers yet Murphy ducked under a tackle twice and was smacked in the face.
Umpiring is not rewarding the hard tackle, when Bell got pinged for a throw he would have been better off just letting the ball go as it was hardly called, rather than puching it away as it fell from his hands.
The Bell one was just a rookie mistake. If you've been tackled immediately after taking possession, you SHOULD be safe from being pinged, although the obsession umpires have with avoiding ball ups means that umpires often make farcical rulings that the tackled player didn't make an attempt after he's dumped onto the ground with the ball held to him. But even if there's a risk of this sort of bad holding the ball decision being given, there's absolutely no sense in trying to do a one-handed handball by throwing up the ball and trying to hit it. That will and should be called against the player for throwing 100% of the time. Bell should have taken the ball to ground while doing the chicken-head movement to tell the umpire he was doing his best to get the ball out, or he should have tried to drop it onto his boot as umpires will usually call play on if it comes out loose.
The area that will be most problematic is pushing in the back in marking contests. As Healy noted, this shouldn't be seen as an area in which players ought to be allowed to use their strength. Any substantial push forward should be pinged. No problems if the umpires let go hands in the back which are incidental or just holding ground against a player backing back. But if the umpires let things go back to the way they were, no one will be able to take front position without being pushed out of the contest. The push out against Bootsma was obvious and ridiculous and yet it was rewarded by the umpire.
@Crashlander
Adelaide showed a lot more desire and purpose than we did in the last quarter for sure - they really seemed to want to win the game. Don't know whether that reflected our weak mental state or our physical tiredness.
I must admit I was very pleased with the job done on Dangerfield.
Wasn't it Yarran? ???
I hope Buckley's disposal skills are better than he showed last night. Man, when he took possession just outside D50 and then missed a short pass to Wood kicking to the opposing flank, that gave up a certain goal. All of the pace and hustle in the world won't help him if his team mates can't rely upon him hitting targets.
I thought he picked some harder options to kick to and his kicks were very attacking. Also harder to kick well in full flight. I'm really impressed by him.
Kicking across goal in defence when running at full pace is an epic fail. Just as with the old saying of "2 hands for beginners", he better work out that he has to play the percentages in defence. No great problem if he tries to push the envelope in a praccie, but if he tries to do that in the H&A matches he'll wear the consequences.
@Crashlander
Adelaide showed a lot more desire and purpose than we did in the last quarter for sure - they really seemed to want to win the game. Don't know whether that reflected our weak mental state or our physical tiredness.
Perhaps it was because the coach wasn't too concerned about the result:
He [Malthouse] said the successful returns of Thomas, Kade Simpson, Heath Scotland, Michael Jamison, Jeff Garlett and Matthew Kreuzer were more important than running out matches in February.
"I said to the players before the game, 'If we win we'll tick it, if we lose I'll make an excuse for the media' … but I don't have to make an excuse," Malthouse said.
"It was almost predictable that six of our players that had been out of action, coming back, were never going to impact the last half."
@Crashlander
Adelaide showed a lot more desire and purpose than we did in the last quarter for sure - they really seemed to want to win the game. Don't know whether that reflected our weak mental state or our physical tiredness.
Perhaps it was because the coach wasn't too concerned about the result:
He [Malthouse] said the successful returns of Thomas, Kade Simpson, Heath Scotland, Michael Jamison, Jeff Garlett and Matthew Kreuzer were more important than running out matches in February.
"I said to the players before the game, 'If we win we'll tick it, if we lose I'll make an excuse for the media' … but I don't have to make an excuse," Malthouse said.
"It was almost predictable that six of our players that had been out of action, coming back, were never going to impact the last half."
Maybe - whichever reason, I'm not losing sleep over it atm.
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
We would not be the first, and we won't be the last AFL club to play a quarter of pre-season with only 16 or 17 players on the park. It is all about getting a certain amount of run into the legs. The guys that get to their quota early are rested, and the ones that need to catch up get to work overtime.
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
Mick pulled the pin at 3/4 time. 1 on bench for us vs 6 for Adelaide.
Menz came to the bench at one point and wanted to come off saying "I can't effing run " but he couldn't come off (even though he was nearly crawling he was so cooked ) because we had no one on the bench.
Mick said we played better this week than last. It just confirms that Adelaide were playing to win & we we're playing to win round 1.
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
On TV early in the last quarter they said Waite, Yarran and someone else were already having a shower. Then 10 minutes later David King said we have stamina issues. ;D
Watched the game again today to see if it really was as bad as I thought in the first place. Yep. Bad. Boring.
Kreuzer concerns me. First game back so we cut him some slack, but he must start taking marks and impacting games far more than he does. Without looking at the stats I would think that Wood was actually our better ruckman on the night.
Watson seems to have only one weakness, his speed over the turf. BUT, his anticipation and good reading of the play helps overcome this. His disposal is first rate, whether by hand or foot. Still needs to improve overall to not only hold down a key defence position but to have offensive impact as well. Love his torps.
Everett looks much better around the guts and up forward (than down back).
Skipper didn't get out of 3rd gear.
This kid Cripps could be anything. Another couple of pre-seasons and reducing the puppy fat will help his endurance.
Good to see Buckley working harder and showing some dash.
Daisy DOES look better in navy. All class.
Gibbs is working harder.
Slug Ellard a small forward :o Sure looked the part!
Simmo always seems to start his seasons slowly.
Rest so so, except for Bootsma (has that rare talent of giving the aggott to the opposition), Casboult and Rowe who were disappointing.
I hope Buckley's disposal skills are better than he showed last night. Man, when he took possession just outside D50 and then missed a short pass to Wood kicking to the opposing flank, that gave up a certain goal. All of the pace and hustle in the world won't help him if his team mates can't rely upon him hitting targets.
I thought he picked some harder options to kick to and his kicks were very attacking. Also harder to kick well in full flight. I'm really impressed by him.
He clearly has work to do on his disposal and decision making, but he has had very limited exposure at this level so hopefully he will settle as he gets more used to the pace of the game. What I liked was his willingness to attack the footy and take the game on - I'd much rather see a kid doing that than chipping sideways to a safe option because he's feeling the pressure. He looked more composed last night than vs North, so for mine that's a tick as he's learnt some lessons and progressed. He certainly knows how to find the footy, and has terrific intensity at the contest. Watching him progress from last year [and last week] is one of the real upsides so far from the NAB cup and you get a feeling he is on the right path and could develop into an AFL player.
The other guy to pleasantly surprise is Cripps. Was better than I expected last week, and the fact that he came on last night and had an immediate significant impact against a very strong and powerful opposition midfield was outstanding for mine. Didn't panic, didn't hesitate getting into the contest and won plenty of the ball, and made 6 tackles too. All in less than 50% game time. Obviously they are managing his load and he needs more endurance but he is certainly a very promising prospect who will likely get game time this year based on what we've seen so far.
Just wish I could be as positive about a few more guys.........
Mick Says a lot of things...
Watched the game again today to see if it really was as bad as I thought in the first place. Yep. Bad. Boring.
Kreuzer concerns me. First game back so we cut him some slack, but he must start taking marks and impacting games far more than he does. Without looking at the stats I would think that Wood was actually our better ruckman on the night.
Watson seems to have only one weakness, his speed over the turf. BUT, his anticipation and good reading of the play helps overcome this. His disposal is first rate, whether by hand or foot. Still needs to improve overall to not only hold down a key defence position but to have offensive impact as well. Love his gorps. His head is weighing him down and making him slow.
Everett looks much better around the guts and up forward (than down back).
Skipper didn't get out of 3rd gear. ...and still picked up 30 touches. Good sign.
This kid Cripps could be anything. Another couple of pre-seasons and reducing the puppy fat will help his endurance.
Good to see Buckley working harder and showing some dash.
Daisy DOES look better in navy. All class.
Gibbs is working harder.
Slug Ellard a small forward :o Sure looked the part! That drop punt from the non-preferred pocket was amazing.
Simmo always seems to start his seasons slowly. The beard isn't back to its full length yet.
Rest so so, except for Bootsma (has that rare talent of giving the aggott to the opposition), Casboult and Rowe who were disappointing. Casboult's kicking seems to have improved but the rest of his game hasn't. Ran through one of their defenders to hand Jeff a goal. He needs to do more of that.
Did anyone see King interview Laidley? King was whingeing that he'd been given the bum's rush and got zip out of him..........was threatening to call him up later in the week. ;D
We don't seem to have the fanaticism or the esprit de corps that other teams have. That worries me.
It's a feeling I get too....
There's been a number of factors in recent years that may have contributed to this
One of the things we perhaps don't give enough thought to is the fact that 2012 (especially) and 2013 were years where we struggled a bit with injury.
Some of these injuries were significant in terms of the quality of the player.
Very rarely were we able to field the same group of players in consecutive matches and those times we were able to do this, many were second stringers.
It's difficult to develop understanding and support structures amongst a playing group when players are chopped and changed over the ground to fill gaps left by injury.
Yep, players in the modern game should be adaptable but it's much better if these changes are planned and not forced by unpredictable events.
We've had a new coach and roles and responsibilities have no doubt changed.....and there has been a significant injection of new blood.
Unfortunately the NAB challenge is not the place to settle the team....it's the opposite.
What we need more than anything is a stable group playing for most of the season and developing the understanding and support necessary for success.
Great post Lodsie.
I went to the game on my $5 "courtesy of the Mrs' work social club bargain" tickets, and was able to sit bottom level, front row, near the blues bench. ;D Gold!
As a result, along with the minimal crowd, i got to hear a lot of chatter amongst the boys.
First things first...
Daisy...i love this kid! He will do for this club what Judd did when he came across. Will set the bar higher based on how he plays and acts. On numerous occasions he was very vocal around the stoppages ensuring everyone was in the right setups. I cannot recall any other player being as vocal. He seems to have picked up our structures better than our current players. I have great faith in him and the new kids could do a lot worse than trying to emulate the way he goes about it.
Of course his footballing ability is definitely worthy of a mention. He brings gut running to another level. Saved a few goals by chasing opponents deep into defence, even when it was not his direct opponent. He goes when he needs to go. He is not selfish. He is quick. He is skillful. He is everything you want from a footballer. I can see why Mick loves him.
Everitt...another good game from him and i reckon he has cemented himself into the best 22. Tall, quick and agile....which including him, makes 1 player on our list fitting that description. Henderson is the only one who comes close, but isn't as quick/agile by comparison.
Heath Scotland has me worried. I'm hoping he was just running around for craps and giggles rather than taking it seriously, because on what i saw, he is not going to be in our best 22. Sloppy.
Bootsma...i've been willing to give this kid a chance, but i just haven't seen enough improvement from him as i would've expected. He still craps himself when under pressure and obviously gets outbodied more than most.
Yarran...still hasn't clicked. Once it does, he will explode. Still tracks around in 3rd gear. Still yells at teammates when he thought he was a better option. Not a certain starter if his attitude doesn't improve....and i'm a huge Yarran fan.
Thats what i took out of the game. Score wasn't an issue for me.
Results dont matter but Individual perfomance and improvement does....
So what's the prognosis 2014, Elwood?
If Henderson and Waite can play the Key forward positions for most of the year then we can make the eight and maybe win a final or two, if that doesnt happen then we will struggle to kick goals and will be relying on the likes of Essendon or some other steroid happy club to allow us finals entry by default again.
Casboult and Rowe dont cut it, also Henderson playing forward leaves a large gaping hole down back which Watson will have to fill and his improvement , form and fitness will also have a bearing on how we go.
Of course the Malthouse game plan is still in the embryo stage as far as learning goes and maybe he can fine tune that to make up some ground on the leading teams.
2014 is more about putting some more peices of the puzzle together but I dont expect to see the puzzle finished....
PS..Nice to see you posting Java and look forward to your offerings in 2014....
I'm always here in spirit, Elwood. As for posting, after 14 years I think I'm worn out and the puzzle you mention appears to be an on-going thing.
I told you all about Bootsma a year back. He is too 'rabbit in headlights' and doesn't have other attributes to make up for it. Those saying he's a 200 gamer are dreaming, he'd have to play every game for the next 9 years. Last chance this season let's just pray he can step up.
I agree with you, but I do remember scarlett in his early days - very similar, gangly, lost and we laughed hard at optus oval - he had the last laugh
I told you all about Bootsma a year back. He is too 'rabbit in headlights' and doesn't have other attributes to make up for it. Those saying he's a 200 gamer are dreaming, he'd have to play every game for the next 9 years. Last chance this season let's just pray he can step up.
I agree with you, but I do remember scarlett in his early days - very similar, gangly, lost and we laughed hard at optus oval - he had the last laugh
That will all depend on what skills the coaches can develop into this kid. We all hope and pray we have the right people to get the job done. I still think we need a key tall defender from another club that can take Boots under their wing. Reading some of the reports on the game against Adelaide gives me some positives, but there are quite a few negatives I have my concerns about too.
We don't seem to have the fanaticism or the esprit de corps that other teams have. That worries me.
It's a feeling I get too....
There's been a number of factors in recent years that may have contributed to this
One of the things we perhaps don't give enough thought to is the fact that 2012 (especially) and 2013 were years where we struggled a bit with injury.
Some of these injuries were significant in terms of the quality of the player.
Very rarely were we able to field the same group of players in consecutive matches and those times we were able to do this, many were second stringers.
It's difficult to develop understanding and support structures amongst a playing group when players are chopped and changed over the ground to fill gaps left by injury.
Yep, players in the modern game should be adaptable but it's much better if these changes are planned and not forced by unpredictable events.
We've had a new coach and roles and responsibilities have no doubt changed.....and there has been a significant injection of new blood.
Unfortunately the NAB challenge is not the place to settle the team....it's the opposite.
What we need more than anything is a stable group playing for most of the season and developing the understanding and support necessary for success.
[/b][/size]
Wow Lodsy! ;)
Hit that nail with the hammer right there, totally agree with you there.
But at the end of the day you can only work with what you've got.
I told you all about Bootsma a year back. He is too 'rabbit in headlights' and doesn't have other attributes to make up for it. Those saying he's a 200 gamer are dreaming, he'd have to play every game for the next 9 years. Last chance this season let's just pray he can step up.
I agree with you, but I do remember scarlett in his early days - very similar, gangly, lost and we laughed hard at optus oval - he had the last laugh
That will all depend on what skills the coaches can develop into this kid. We all hope and pray we have the right people to get the job done. I still think we need a key tall defender from another club that can take Boots under their wing. Reading some of the reports on the game against Adelaide gives me some positives, but there are quite a few negatives I have my concerns about too.
I m sure he'll do well with the wealth of experience John Barker brings to the role
just had a look at the coaching panel again - got nausea
John Barker, Assistant Coach – Back Line
Brad Green, Assistant Coach – Forward Line
Mathew Capuano, Development Coach
Luke Webster, VFL & Development Coach
600 - 800k worth of Merda right there! Hope mick is not running a coaching cartel
Our youth in good hands? comments?
just had a look at the coaching panel again - got nausea
John Barker, Assistant Coach – Back Line
Brad Green, Assistant Coach – Forward Line
Mathew Capuano, Development Coach
Luke Webster, VFL & Development Coach
600 - 800k worth of Merda right there! Hope mick is not running a coaching cartel
Our youth in good hands? comments?
Capuano taught Hampson to palm the footy so he has his uses...
Barker, Green and Webster wouldnt be on my coaching panel.....we are lucky we have secured Laidley to compensate.
just had a look at the coaching panel again - got nausea
John Barker, Assistant Coach – Back Line
Brad Green, Assistant Coach – Forward Line
Mathew Capuano, Development Coach
Luke Webster, VFL & Development Coach
600 - 800k worth of Merda right there! Hope mick is not running a coaching cartel
Our youth in good hands? comments?
Capuano taught Hampson to palm the footy so he has his uses...
Barker, Green and Webster wouldnt be on my coaching panel.....we are lucky we have secured Laidley to compensate.
LOL
@Crashlander
Adelaide showed a lot more desire and purpose than we did in the last quarter for sure - they really seemed to want to win the game. Don't know whether that reflected our weak mental state or our physical tiredness.
True, they wanted to win the game more than we did.
However, the things about that that bothers me is that we got run over 2 weeks in a row. We have supposedly been spending time on extra fitness, to run out games better. This does not appear to be working yet. Like most of last year, we are not coming home fast in the last.
Considering that this extra fitness to run out games was one of the prime goals of our preseason, this has me really worried.
A couple of years back, teams feared our last quarters. That hasn't been the case for quite a while (except for a patch near the end of last season where we REALLY got it together - that was the most fun most of us have had for a LONG time. Running all over Richmond and Port was really good).
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
Mick pulled the pin at 3/4 time. 1 on bench for us vs 6 for Adelaide.
Menz came to the bench at one point and wanted to come off saying "I can't effing run " but he couldn't come off (even though he was nearly crawling he was so cooked ) because we had no one on the bench.
Mick said we played better this week than last. It just confirms that Adelaide were playing to win & we we're playing to win round 1.
Interesting observation.
I will say, for most of the negatives I feel at the moment:
[1] Carlton traditionally play ordinarily in the preseason.
[2] Malthouse teams usually underperform in the preseason (unless there is money in it).
That makes your observation sound interesting indeed.
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
Mick pulled the pin at 3/4 time. 1 on bench for us vs 6 for Adelaide.
Menz came to the bench at one point and wanted to come off saying "I can't effing run " but he couldn't come off (even though he was nearly crawling he was so cooked ) because we had no one on the bench.
Mick said we played better this week than last. It just confirms that Adelaide were playing to win & we we're playing to win round 1.
Interesting observation.
I will say, for most of the negatives I feel at the moment:
[1] Carlton traditionally play ordinarily in the preseason.
[2] Malthouse teams usually underperform in the preseason (unless there is money in it).
That makes your observation sound interesting indeed.
Clarkson and malthouse come from different schools of thought then.
winning culture happens when you're winning
Jury is out - will wait patiently
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
Mick pulled the pin at 3/4 time. 1 on bench for us vs 6 for Adelaide.
Menz came to the bench at one point and wanted to come off saying "I can't effing run " but he couldn't come off (even though he was nearly crawling he was so cooked ) because we had no one on the bench.
Mick said we played better this week than last. It just confirms that Adelaide were playing to win & we we're playing to win round 1.
Interesting observation.
I will say, for most of the negatives I feel at the moment:
[1] Carlton traditionally play ordinarily in the preseason.
[2] Malthouse teams usually underperform in the preseason (unless there is money in it).
That makes your observation sound interesting indeed.
Clarkson and malthouse come from different schools of thought then.
winning culture happens when you're winning
Jury is out - will wait patiently
Where were all the players? In the rooms? We may as well have played with 16 and given Menzel the rest.
Funny that Malthouse, prior to the game, said we're there to win and to develop a winning culture, then pulls the plug in the 3rd.
Watched the game again today to see if it really was as bad as I thought in the first place. Yep. Bad. Boring.
Kreuzer concerns me. First game back so we cut him some slack, but he must start taking marks and impacting games far more than he does. Without looking at the stats I would think that Wood was actually our better ruckman on the night. I'm also willing to cut Kreuzer some slack, his numbers and his influence just haven't been there yet. Statistically, Wood got considerably more of the ball last night and ended up with more taps.
Watson seems to have only one weakness, his speed over the turf. BUT, his anticipation and good reading of the play helps overcome this. His disposal is first rate, whether by hand or foot. Still needs to improve overall to not only hold down a key defence position but to have offensive impact as well. Love his torps.
Everett looks much better around the guts and up forward (than down back).
Skipper didn't get out of 3rd gear. Still managed 30 possessions, which is promising. He hasn't been going at 100 % quite clearly yet. Hopefully he can step up a gear come round 1.
This kid Cripps could be anything. Another couple of pre-seasons and reducing the puppy fat will help his endurance.
Good to see Buckley working harder and showing some dash.
Daisy DOES look better in navy. All class.
Gibbs is working harder.
Slug Ellard a small forward :o Sure looked the part!
Simmo always seems to start his seasons slowly.
Rest so so, except for Bootsma (has that rare talent of giving the aggott to the opposition), Casboult and Rowe who were disappointing.
I know I have said this before, but.... (and I do apologize for repeating myself): I'd try Boots as a wingman rather than a defender for a while. It gives him the chance to be more offensive and to use his hoof, which is a weapon when he isn't under pressure. It also gives him a chance to work on his body work on guys who are not 30 kg heavier than he is. He impressed in his first game because he wasn't as defence minded - he played football with less stress. I'd like to see more of that until he got a bit of confidence back in him.
He was also recruited as a mid: I'd like to see if he can hack it there.
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
Mick pulled the pin at 3/4 time. 1 on bench for us vs 6 for Adelaide.
Menz came to the bench at one point and wanted to come off saying "I can't effing run " but he couldn't come off (even though he was nearly crawling he was so cooked ) because we had no one on the bench.
Mick said we played better this week than last. It just confirms that Adelaide were playing to win & we we're playing to win round 1.
Interesting observation.
I will say, for most of the negatives I feel at the moment:
[1] Carlton traditionally play ordinarily in the preseason.
[2] Malthouse teams usually underperform in the preseason (unless there is money in it).
That makes your observation sound interesting indeed.
Clarkson and malthouse come from different schools of thought then.
winning culture happens when you're winning
Jury is out - will wait patiently
I agree. A winning culture get guys to win, even when it looks unlikely. I really want to see the belief in our guys. I don't see it yet.
They said on SEN we played the last qtr. with 17 men on the park....
Mick pulled the pin at 3/4 time. 1 on bench for us vs 6 for Adelaide.
Menz came to the bench at one point and wanted to come off saying "I can't effing run " but he couldn't come off (even though he was nearly crawling he was so cooked ) because we had no one on the bench.
Mick said we played better this week than last. It just confirms that Adelaide were playing to win & we we're playing to win round 1.
Interesting observation.
I will say, for most of the negatives I feel at the moment:
[1] Carlton traditionally play ordinarily in the preseason.
[2] Malthouse teams usually underperform in the preseason (unless there is money in it).
That makes your observation sound interesting indeed.
Clarkson and malthouse come from different schools of thought then.
winning culture happens when you're winning
Jury is out - will wait patiently
I agree. A winning culture get guys to win, even when it looks unlikely. I really want to see the belief in our guys. I don't see it yet.
that's why I admire Clarkson (to a point) think Brisbane will forget that NAB challenge game during the year?
Half their team will loose sleep before the next game.
he owns teams and takes the opportunities to own them when it presents because he understands
the concept of psychological investment.
What do you think Norf and crows will be thinking next time??
Watched the game again today to see if it really was as bad as I thought in the first place. Yep. Bad. Boring.
Kreuzer concerns me. First game back so we cut him some slack, but he must start taking marks and impacting games far more than he does. Without looking at the stats I would think that Wood was actually our better ruckman on the night. I'm also willing to cut Kreuzer some slack, his numbers and his influence just haven't been there yet. Statistically, Wood got considerably more of the ball last night and ended up with more taps.
Watson seems to have only one weakness, his speed over the turf. BUT, his anticipation and good reading of the play helps overcome this. His disposal is first rate, whether by hand or foot. Still needs to improve overall to not only hold down a key defence position but to have offensive impact as well. Love his torps.
Everett looks much better around the guts and up forward (than down back).
Skipper didn't get out of 3rd gear. Still managed 30 possessions, which is promising. He hasn't been going at 100 % quite clearly yet. Hopefully he can step up a gear come round 1.
This kid Cripps could be anything. Another couple of pre-seasons and reducing the puppy fat will help his endurance.
Good to see Buckley working harder and showing some dash.
Daisy DOES look better in navy. All class.
Gibbs is working harder.
Slug Ellard a small forward :o Sure looked the part!
Simmo always seems to start his seasons slowly.
Rest so so, except for Bootsma (has that rare talent of giving the aggott to the opposition), Casboult and Rowe who were disappointing.
I know I have said this before, but.... (and I do apologize for repeating myself): I'd try Boots as a wingman rather than a defender for a while. It gives him the chance to be more offensive and to use his hoof, which is a weapon when he isn't under pressure. It also gives him a chance to work on his body work on guys who are not 30 kg heavier than he is. He impressed in his first game because he wasn't as defence minded - he played football with less stress. I'd like to see more of that until he got a bit of confidence back in him.
He was also recruited as a mid: I'd like to see if he can hack it there.
It's been said time and time again, to give our tall forwards a chance, the delivery from the mids/HBs needs to improve considerably.... whether that forward be Waite, Hendo, Caboult, Kreuzer or Rowe.....
Bad kicking/disposal is bad footy and that is an area in which we need to develop/mature quickly.
As for Bootsma, why play him in the seniors when he simply can't do a job. Until he can it's the NBs for him. He remains a major liability at the top level.
Watched the game again today to see if it really was as bad as I thought in the first place. Yep. Bad. Boring.
Kreuzer concerns me. First game back so we cut him some slack, but he must start taking marks and impacting games far more than he does. Without looking at the stats I would think that Wood was actually our better ruckman on the night. I'm also willing to cut Kreuzer some slack, his numbers and his influence just haven't been there yet. Statistically, Wood got considerably more of the ball last night and ended up with more taps.
Watson seems to have only one weakness, his speed over the turf. BUT, his anticipation and good reading of the play helps overcome this. His disposal is first rate, whether by hand or foot. Still needs to improve overall to not only hold down a key defence position but to have offensive impact as well. Love his torps.
Everett looks much better around the guts and up forward (than down back).
Skipper didn't get out of 3rd gear. Still managed 30 possessions, which is promising. He hasn't been going at 100 % quite clearly yet. Hopefully he can step up a gear come round 1.
This kid Cripps could be anything. Another couple of pre-seasons and reducing the puppy fat will help his endurance.
Good to see Buckley working harder and showing some dash.
Daisy DOES look better in navy. All class.
Gibbs is working harder.
Slug Ellard a small forward :o Sure looked the part!
Simmo always seems to start his seasons slowly.
Rest so so, except for Bootsma (has that rare talent of giving the aggott to the opposition), Casboult and Rowe who were disappointing.
I know I have said this before, but.... (and I do apologize for repeating myself): I'd try Boots as a wingman rather than a defender for a while. It gives him the chance to be more offensive and to use his hoof, which is a weapon when he isn't under pressure. It also gives him a chance to work on his body work on guys who are not 30 kg heavier than he is. He impressed in his first game because he wasn't as defence minded - he played football with less stress. I'd like to see more of that until he got a bit of confidence back in him.
He was also recruited as a mid: I'd like to see if he can hack it there.
It's been said time and time again, to give our tall forwards a chance, the delivery from the mids/HBs needs to improve considerably.... whether that forward be Waite, Hendo, Caboult, Kreuzer or Rowe.....
Bad kicking/disposal is bad footy and that is an area in which we need to develop/mature quickly.
As for Bootsma, why play him in the seniors when he simply can't do a job. Until he can it's the NBs for him. He remains a major liability at the top level.
Kicking to advantage would be a great start.
How many times have we brought it out of the backline only to bomb it on top of the forwards head instead of to space where he can lead on to the ball.
It does all of our heads in to see the ball continually butchered by foot, I mean why kick to a two or three on one (continually) hoping we will take the mark. The last guy who could probably take those types of grabs was Carey. ::)
Either our forwards are too stationary and do not lead to the right areas of our kicking into the forward line is woeful.
The days of bomb and hope are long gone and the quicker we sort this out the better we will be... :-\
@BP
This has been a theme on here for literally years and we don't seem to be doing anything to fix it, even under MM. Just can't understand it myself - seems sooooo elementary. ???
@BP
This has been a theme on here for literally years and we don't seem to be doing anything to fix it, even under MM. Just can't understand it myself - seems sooooo elementary. ???
What is it going to take to remedy this situation Cookieman?
What will it take for the penny to drop?
I know this is going back a bit but you look at the Sticks and Pearce forward setup we use to have. One would lead one way and the other the other way, dividing the backmen. At the moment nothing, oh maybe Waite leading but we rarely hit him laces out.
One of the problems is that our game plan results in the ball being delivered to the pockets. This means more chance of forward entries resulting in a stoppage and fewer options for leading forwards.
I would prefer more use of the corridor. I'd also prefer better delivery and a functioning forward structure ::)
One of the problems is that our game plan results in the ball being delivered to the pockets. This means more chance of forward entries resulting in a stoppage and fewer options for leading forwards.
I would prefer more use of the corridor. I'd also prefer better delivery and a functioning forward structure ::)
To go through the corridor you need to have a bona fide CHF or hard leading FF, we have none!
I understand why someone like Waite, Henderson or Garlett might lead up a flank or to a pocket, but it burns me when I see guys like Casboult, Rowe or Kreuzer leading up a flank.
Your point about ball use is accurate, as a club we have made this problem for ourselves. In the recent past our HBFs and Mids loved kicking the ball over the head of the leading target to Betts or Garlett in the goal square. The leading target was dishonored, nothing more than a Billy Brownless type decoy, but we have no Ablett(Snr) in the goal square!
Carlton do not honor the lead, and have not done so since Fev left, we are not an attractive destination for potential match winning CHF or FFs.
One of the problems is that our game plan results in the ball being delivered to the pockets. This means more chance of forward entries resulting in a stoppage and fewer options for leading forwards.
I would prefer more use of the corridor. I'd also prefer better delivery and a functioning forward structure ::)
To go through the corridor you need to have a bona fide CHF or hard leading FF, we have none!
I understand why someone like Waite, Henderson or Garlett might lead up a flank or to a pocket, but it burns me when I see guys like Casboult, Rowe or Kreuzer leading up a flank.
Your point about ball use is accurate, as a club we have made this problem for ourselves. In the recent past our HBFs and Mids loved kicking the ball over the head of the leading target to Betts or Garlett in the goal square. The leading target was dishonored, nothing more than a Billy Brownless type decoy, but we have no Ablett(Snr) in the goal square!
Carlton do not honor the lead, and have not done so since Fev left, we are not an attractive destination for potential match winning CHF or FFs.
At Collingwood Mick had both but used the boundary, now he has none and we use the boundary :-\
Heath Scotland has me worried. I'm hoping he was just running around for craps and giggles rather than taking it seriously, because on what i saw, he is not going to be in our best 22. Sloppy.
Meh an old timer bound to be a little Rusty. looked fit as a fiddle to me though. Par for the course for the best trainer at the club.
One of the problems is that our game plan results in the ball being delivered to the pockets. This means more chance of forward entries resulting in a stoppage and fewer options for leading forwards.
I would prefer more use of the corridor. I'd also prefer better delivery and a functioning forward structure ::)
To go through the corridor you need to have a bona fide CHF or hard leading FF, we have none!
At Collingwood Mick had both but used the boundary, now he has none and we use the boundary :-\
x2 Going to the pockets is by design because it is less risky and Mick doesn't like risky play.
We also have (big) forwards with little idea (or who can't get on the park) which compounds the issue.
IMO we cannot be going with Waite and one of Casboult, Rowe, Kreuzer or Warnock as our key forward setup. Ridiculous.
Has to be a combination of taller types IMHO.
Must use the likes of Everitt, Walker, Henderson, Waite, Watson and White in combination with a big unit thrown in the mix to play deep at times.
At Collingwood Mick had both but used the boundary, now he has none and we use the boundary :-\
True, but I think that says more about Cloke and Dawes than it says about a coach.
I defy any coach to have an inform power CHF, like a Carey or Brown type, and then kick slowly around the boundary. It would end the coaches career!
At Collingwood Mick had both but used the boundary, now he has none and we use the boundary :-\
True, but I think that says more about Cloke and Dawes than it says about a coach.
I defy any coach to have an inform power CHF, like a Carey or Brown type, and then kick slowly around the boundary. It would end the coaches career!
No team has Carey/Brown combo (you could say maybe Swans this year, depending how Franklin/Tippett are played). You under estimate Cloke because of the Jumper he wears, I doubt Mick wouldn't take him in a heart beat or wink of an eye ;) . In 2010, Dawes/Cloke were the competition inform FF & CHF, didn't change Mick's plan.
I actually agree that if you had such a combo I'd go down the middle too, but it's not going to happen under Mick's watch.
wrt the bold, maybe it did :))
Heath Scotland has me worried. I'm hoping he was just running around for craps and giggles rather than taking it seriously, because on what i saw, he is not going to be in our best 22. Sloppy.
Meh an old timer bound to be a little Rusty. looked fit as a fiddle to me though. Par for the course for the best trainer at the club.
He looks fit, but it looked like he was a step slower than he should've been. Part decision making/being rusty, part not giving a rats, part can't quite do what he used to be able to do.
As i said, hopefully its the middle part, rather than the last past. The first part is understandable too.
Well the end will have to come sooner rather than later. Let's hope whenever it does come it isn't mid season. Really hoped someone from that crop (Fev, Carrazzo, Scotland, Walker) would win a premiership with us. It would've meant the Pagan era wasn't a complete waste of time. I guess Walker is our best shot.
Well the end will have to come sooner rather than later. Let's hope whenever it does come it isn't mid season. Really hoped someone from that crop (Fev, Carrazzo, Scotland, Walker) would win a premiership with us. It would've meant the Pagan era wasn't a complete waste of time. I guess Walker is our best shot.
And Simmo?
IMO we cannot be going with Waite and one of Casboult, Rowe, Kreuzer or Warnock as our key forward setup. Ridiculous.
Has to be a combination of taller types IMHO.
Must use the likes of Everitt, Walker, Henderson, Waite, Watson and White in combination with a big unit thrown in the mix to play deep at times.
combination of forwards will vary upon the backs we're up against - get it wrong and it'll be rebound city
@BP
This has been a theme on here for literally years and we don't seem to be doing anything to fix it, even under MM. Just can't understand it myself - seems sooooo elementary. ???
traditional backs and forwards take years to develop from rookies - at least 6years
Get it wrong, and you have to buy ready made - and they cost plenty.
I'd have the biggest crack in history to get Cameron next year, especially after the money that I hear murphy is going to get paid
@BP
This has been a theme on here for literally years and we don't seem to be doing anything to fix it, even under MM. Just can't understand it myself - seems sooooo elementary. ???
traditional backs and forwards take years to develop from rookies - at least 6years
Get it wrong, and you have to buy ready made - and they cost plenty.
I'd have the biggest crack in history to get Cameron next year, especially after the money that I hear murphy is going to get paid
What sort of money are you hearing for Murphy? More or less?
I'd have the biggest crack in history to get Cameron next year,
Buddy money?
especially after the money that I hear murphy is going to get paid
It will be strange to sign up Murphy on big money so quickly.
I'd have the biggest crack in history to get Cameron next year,
Buddy money?
especially after the money that I hear murphy is going to get paid
It will be strange to sign up Murphy on big money so quickly.
i'd pay 750k - that for Cameron - not murphy
IMO we cannot be going with Waite and one of Casboult, Rowe, Kreuzer or Warnock as our key forward setup. Ridiculous.
Has to be a combination of taller types IMHO.
Must use the likes of Everitt, Walker, Henderson, Waite, Watson and White in combination with a big unit thrown in the mix to play deep at times.
Agree ...Waite, Henderson and Walker would be in my forward line....AW kicked 50 last time he played as a fulltime forward...wont get 50 goals out of many players on our list.
He kicks straight and provides an awkward matchup,
Casboult and Rowe have I drawn a line through, more chance of Aliens landing at Visy Park or Myley Cyrus becoming a nun that those two making it.
Kruezer will only ever be a ruckan who has a rest down forward and kicks the odd goal or two....just doesnt take enough marks....Warnock's only other position is on the pine doing crosswords....
Kruezer will only ever be a ruckan who has a rest down forward and kicks the odd goal or two....just doesnt take enough marks....Warnock's only other position is on the pine doing crosswords....
odd goal or two when resting forward
On such Odd occasion has this happened of late that I'm not sure resting forward provides better value than sitting on the pine filling in crosswords
Well the end will have to come sooner rather than later. Let's hope whenever it does come it isn't mid season. Really hoped someone from that crop (Fev, Carrazzo, Scotland, Walker) would win a premiership with us. It would've meant the Pagan era wasn't a complete waste of time. I guess Walker is our best shot.
And Simmo?
Yup him too.
I don't think it was my blue glasses last night, but did we get Rogered by the umps? People have said about Kruezer taking marks, but how many time was he hit in the back of the head? How many time was Waite or Casboult held while going for the mark, push in the back by a Crows guy that lead directly to a goal, the high tackles called while a Crows player was burying himself into the armpit of our tacklers yet Murphy ducked under a tackle twice and was smacked in the face.
Not sure but on one occasion in the first half I saw Sloan lay 3 tackles in a row on players who were about to pick up the footy.
Thought Watson was Excellent.. He looks full of confidence..
I told you all 2 years ago Ellard will be a player.. Just needed a good run with injuries..
Cripps looks a gooden.
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good..
Kreuzer just looked out of touch.. Lets hope it comes by round 1.
Buckley is exciting.. Just needs to make a few more smarter decisions..
Watson looks as solid as hell now. He always looked a little soft to me but I reckon he might have a future .
Watson looks as solid as hell now. He always looked a little soft to me but I reckon he might have a future .
Agree but I still hold reservations over his ability to hold down quick leading forwards.
There are some big trucks as KPD who are not that quick. We have Jamison who is quicker. Its about smarts, angles, reading the play, etc for Watson. Using his offensive weapons and becoming attacking as well as negating as best as possible in general play and at 1-on-1's.
His body shape is much different this year, he has more muscle definition, looks stronger and is notably in better shape all round. Gives him the best possible chance to succeed that way!
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good
(from someone who hasn't seen the game) I am surprised more hasn't been said about this.... he shut out DaNGERFIELld for three quarters until he went off. The D man was only a factor after Mick had putters the shutters down in the 4th?..... unlike what the carp in the press says?
Watson should be much more confident now than he was at the end of last season. I imagine that towards the end of last season, he must have been sweating on whether the recruiters would manage to find a big defender who would put him out of the seniors. That didn't happen, and he pretty much has a spot in the side if he does okay. The flip side of that is that if he can't hold a place in the side this year, he'll feel the noose tighten.
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good
(from someone who hasn't seen the game) I am surprised more hasn't been said about this.... he shut out DaNGERFIELld for three quarters until he went off. The D man was only a factor after Mick had putters the shutters down in the 4th?..... unlike what the carp in the press says?
I tend to think that Dangerfield was being a bit 'lazy' sitting up in the forward line and only went into overdrive when he went into the middle in the last quarter. Not sure Yazz would have kept up with him in the final quarter in the square......but you can only do the job you're asked to do!!
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good
(from someone who hasn't seen the game) I am surprised more hasn't been said about this.... he shut out DaNGERFIELld for three quarters until he went off. The D man was only a factor after Mick had putters the shutters down in the 4th?..... unlike what the carp in the press says?
Yarran was consistently shutting down his opponent when playing down back under Ratts and no one gave him credit back then either. Rarely beaten one one with perhaps his one weakness being overhead. Despite what others say, he is a very strong tackler, technically sound and importantly times his tackles very well.
Good to see the stubborn one has swallowed his pride and been playing Yarran down back so far this year. Let's hope it continues.
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good
(from someone who hasn't seen the game) I am surprised more hasn't been said about this.... he shut out DaNGERFIELld for three quarters until he went off. The D man was only a factor after Mick had putters the shutters down in the 4th?..... unlike what the carp in the press says?
Yarran was consistently shutting down his opponent when playing down back under Ratts and no one gave him credit back then either. Rarely beaten one one with perhaps his one weakness being overhead. Despite what others say, he is a very strong tackler, technically sound and importantly times his tackles very well.
Good to see the stubborn one has swallowed his pride and been playing Yarran down back so far this year. Let's hope it continues.
Interesting to note the Davey Ellard has played primarily as a small forward. I think they will go with garlett and Menzel as the small options and Ellard (who opportunities will be limited in the midfield now) as the back up. Which I think he has done well in the per season games. Can kick a goal can Davey.
Putting 2 + 2 together and getting 5, I believe we'll see Yarran down back.
Ellard has looked very dangerous up forward and has been nailing his set shots which is a big plus.
Ellard has looked very dangerous up forward and has been nailing his set shots which is a big plus.
He was always good at popping up for a goal or two. Don't mind him and Murphy rotating between mid & forward.
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good
(from someone who hasn't seen the game) I am surprised more hasn't been said about this.... he shut out DaNGERFIELld for three quarters until he went off. The D man was only a factor after Mick had putters the shutters down in the 4th?..... unlike what the carp in the press says?
I came out of the game finding Yarran frustrating as he still seems stuck in 3rd gear most of the time. He berates teammates, only other person i noticed doing that was Robbo. He didn't really influence the game.
Alternatively, i came out of the game wanting to put money on Dangerfield for the brownlow. Does whats required when it is needed....and nobody can stop him when he is on.
Each to their own i guess.
For the record, i am a huge Yarran fan from before he was even drafted, so if i do have any bias, it is the complete opposite to what i've just stated.
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good
(from someone who hasn't seen the game) I am surprised more hasn't been said about this.... he shut out DaNGERFIELld for three quarters until he went off. The D man was only a factor after Mick had putters the shutters down in the 4th?..... unlike what the carp in the press says?
I came out of the game finding Yarran frustrating as he still seems stuck in 3rd gear most of the time.
Everyone's in third gear, if you want to see just how much it means to them watch the lack of emotion when a goal is scored. They're just training nothing more.
Yarrans role on Dangerfield was very good
(from someone who hasn't seen the game) I am surprised more hasn't been said about this.... he shut out DaNGERFIELld for three quarters until he went off. The D man was only a factor after Mick had putters the shutters down in the 4th?..... unlike what the carp in the press says?
I came out of the game finding Yarran frustrating as he still seems stuck in 3rd gear most of the time.
Everyone's in third gear, if you want to see just how much it means to them watch the lack of emotion when a goal is scored. They're just training nothing more.
OK well if everyone was in 3rd gear, then Yazz was in 2nd.
Yeah and he still did very well so there you have it, promising signs. ;)
Yeah and he still did very well so there you have it, promising signs. ;)
Checkmate.. ;D
Yeah and he still did very well so there you have it, promising signs. ;)
In your opinion, not mine.
Yeah and he still did very well so there you have it, promising signs. ;)
Checkmate.. ;D
:))
I don't see how you could watch that game and say Yarran was impressive. Like Kruddler said he was coasting as usual, the only difference being so was everyone else, I'll judge him when the real stuff starts.
What pleased me more than anything re Yazz was his attitude. There was intensity.
Because of his onfield demeanour he's likely to always appear laconic, which can be deceiving.
What pleased me more than anything re Yazz was his attitude. There was intensity.
Because of his onfield demeanour he's likely to always appear laconic, which can be deceiving.
The only intensity he showed was when he was yelling at his teammates for 'ignoring him'.
He stuffed something else up at one point and showed intensity trying to make up for his mistake, but that just showed me how little intensity he had for the rest of the game.
As i keep saying, i'm a fan of Yarran (had him on my membership card last year actually) but he needs to improve his attitude and intensity otherwise i can see Mick sending him back to the VFL again.
I don't see how you could watch that game and say Yarran was impressive. Like Kruddler said he was coasting as usual, the only difference being so was everyone else, I'll judge him when the real stuff starts.
Keeping Dangerfield to five touches is pretty impressive ::)
Keeping Dangerfield to five touches is pretty impressive ::)
Do you think he could do that in a real game?
Keeping Dangerfield to five touches is pretty impressive ::)
Do you think he could do that in a real game?
Has anyone?
Keeping Dangerfield to five touches is pretty impressive ::)
Do you think he could do that in a real game?
^^Wot he said.
It was a practice match.
I don't see how you could watch that game and say Yarran was impressive. Like Kruddler said he was coasting as usual, the only difference being so was everyone else, I'll judge him when the real stuff starts.
Keeping Dangerfield to five touches is pretty impressive ::)
Yeah agreed, once again, because he such a potent offensive weapon people don't credit him for beating a man, they judge him by how quick he runs and how many bounces he has.
Who tags in practice games?
Keeping Dangerfield to five touches is pretty impressive ::)
Do you think he could do that in a real game?
^^Wot he said.
It was a practice match.
So he gets no credit for his job because it's a practice match and Dangerfield isn't trying as hard but is then criticised for not trying hard enough himself? Hmmm.
I put very little value in any practice game. I saw players tackling as if they were playing touch football. Sure you have the odd accident but let's not get carried away. When the H&A starts it's a different game, and you know that.
If you want to argue value of form in these games, then Rodney only needed 5 touches to finish us off. How valuable were Yarran's touches?
Personally I thought we played ok in the 1st half and actually looked like we wanted to win. The second half - I'd b surprised if Mick even spoke to the boys in the room.
I put very little value in any practice game. I saw players tackling as if they were playing touch football. Sure you have the odd accident but let's not get carried away. When the H&A starts it's a different game, and you know that.
If you want to argue value of form in these games, then Rodney only needed 5 touches to finish us off. How valuable were Yarran's touches?
Personally I thought we played ok in the 1st half and actually looked like we wanted to win. The second half - I'd b surprised if Mick even spoke to the boys in the room.
Dangerfield had a new opponent and 14 touches in the last quarter.
I put very little value in any practice game. I saw players tackling as if they were playing touch football. Sure you have the odd accident but let's not get carried away. When the H&A starts it's a different game, and you know that.
If you want to argue value of form in these games, then Rodney only needed 5 touches to finish us off. How valuable were Yarran's touches?
Personally I thought we played ok in the 1st half and actually looked like we wanted to win. The second half - I'd b surprised if Mick even spoke to the boys in the room.
Dangerfield had a new opponent and 14 touches in the last quarter.
Played some if not all of that time on the 18 yo Cripps IIRC.
There is a little bit of revisionist history going on re Yarran.
1. He doesnt usually get given a shut down role he gets given a defensive forward.
2. He is rarely beaten and keeps his man quiet.
For number 2, see 1 as to why this is disregarded.
3. He is absolutely electric when he goes off on his attacking forays, but stopping his man going the other way is again revisionist. Its usually up to his teamates to cover his absence or he kicks a goal and gets to reset. Potentially he left us in a mismatch outnumber down back with players scrambling to cover anyway, and this can only make us easier to score against. The question there is, if he goes running is he that potent? IMHO, not really. I dont think he ranks highly for goal assists, but I can tell you now running bounces dont win games of football even though it looks good.
In any case, Im not condemning Yarran, Malthouse even stated that he is still a young bloke and sometimes we expect too much from our players, but I think those going into bat for him are possibly going to far, whilst those stating things against him are using the above thought process and not communicating as well as they could be.
IN any case, we are lucky to have him, and I hope he finds a bit of form, as he is a genuine game breaker for us when he fires. If only it would happen more frequently.
1. He doesnt usually get given a shut down role he gets given a defensive forward.
Pretty sure I've seen him play on Rioli and Davey in the past. I agree, he doesn't always get a tough match up but on other occasions he does, with the same result.
The question there is, if he goes running is he that potent? IMHO, not really. I dont think he ranks highly for goal assists, but I can tell you now running bounces dont win games of football even though it looks good.
It depends on the circumstances Thry.
A bloke like Darren Millane who took off without a plan and wasn't able to score or hit a target did more harm than good to Collingwood. Paul Bower is another player I would put in that category.
Yarran's runs are generally more controlled and he is focused on delivering the ball rather than maximising the number of bounces. Does that win games of footy? Not in isolation, but carrying the ball 50 or 60 metres gains ground while reducing the number of disposals that could go astray, creates opportunities for forwards, helps to lift the team and contributes to the demoralisation of the opposition (when they can't lay a finger on the ball carrier). Buddy's two boundary line runs and goals spring to mind.