SOS once said in an interview, that it’s easy to put a side together that finishes 8th. That comment has always been in the back of my mind when looking at out playing list.
When I look at our team, we put on the ground against Melbourne I can see what he means. When we are putting players out there who were chosen as rookies / after pick 50, and leaving our high picks in the twos, I question the team selection and the coaches bias for a particular type of player.
Cottrell, Gibbons, Parks, Owies all rookie players over the past 3 years, all getting games ahead of more highly talented players. Add to that Pittonet who was taken at 50.
Look at the rookies this week,
Cottrell 15 poss, 2 tackles, 330 Mg. 79% game time while playing on the wing
Runs all day, gives his all, but disposal is average and is a straight-line player with no tricks.
Parks 5 poss, 0 tackles, 113 Mg, 77% game time, playing Back Pocket.
Lukes worst game and was shown up for what he is, a tryer at best. All he’s done of note is laid two good tackles while playing seniors. Seemed lost all day and is too easily pushed off the ball. Supposed to be an intercept marker but has only taken 2 in a game and only 1 mark this week, with plenty of ball coming down all game long to be involved.
Gibbons, 9 poss, 4 tackles, 1 goal, 160 Mg 71% game time, playing half forward.
While I realise he was the sub, Gibbons still played just under ¾ game time. Seems to be too busy telling everyone else what to do and not getting involved in the play himself.
Owies 6 poss, 7 tackles, 1 goal 2 points, 86% game time.
I actually like Owies and think he has another couple of step to go up. This game was a poor one though, good pressure, but must take a clean ball when it sits up in front of goal, and has to make the easy set shots.
When you have Dow, O’Brien, SPS, deKoning even a Ramsay, dare I say Williamson not playing seniors, you need to question quite a few things.
Are these players desperate enough to lift their games?
Is the coach only picking players who are battlers because that’s the type of player he was?
Are we putting faith into our younger players and letting them play through their mistake?
Lets face it, finals are pretty much out of the question and when we start getting players back from injury they will take the sports of the rookies, when really it should have been our young draft picks.
Put SPS on a half forward flank instead of Gibbons, at least you know he will come at the ball off half back. The look to do something with it.
Get Williamson in the backline and back him in, take away his run out at all costs attitude that seems to have taken over his game. Use his boot and natural aggression to stick a man all game long.
Use O’Brien on a wing get him running up and back, he is a genuine two way runner which we need. He is a confidence player so back him in, say Lachie he’s a block of 4 games, barring injury you will play all four and we will judge you on the four, so play through mistakes and use your one wood which is your run and link up and let’s see the skill that got you taken at 10.
Dow is a quality player who doesn’t have the coaches confidence. Look back at 2019 and Paddy was up around the 20 touches a game while Bolton was coaching, Teague takes over Paddy gets put to a flank and his production dies. He was drafted as a midfielder play him there. Look at Melbourne midfield, all capable of bursting away from the pack, us, Walsh as two on him, Cripps got caught a lot, where that’s Dows strength.
The sooner we get deKoning into the senior side the better!
I don't think Teague is selecting players based on a mini-me principle. I think the selections are :
- horses for courses (choosing based on opposition and game day list balance)
- reward for effort - if you do what we ask of you, you're in
- simply rotating through the entire list and giving them all a go, to see who sinks or swims, in preparation for some more delistings, trades etc., at the end of the year.
SOS once said in an interview, that it’s easy to put a side together that finishes 8th. That comment has always been in the back of my mind when looking at out playing list.
Agree with a lot of what you said - especially, about struggling to really do anything while we have Cottrell, Gibbons, Cas etc in our 22 - hopefully this goes away once we get a few back from injuries and a few more prestige kids come on (incl Dow, Obrien and SPS that you pointed out)
I always took the quote above (re building a list to finish 8th) to be a shot at teams that took short cuts. Think St Kilda bringing in middle of the road free-agents like Hill, Ryder and Jones. Or teams that drafted for immediate impact (think Rhys Palmer in his ealry days or Sam Powell Pepper). Sure, these teams get a short term rise, and the media falls all over them, but in the long run, are they really winning anything?
I always thought SOS had looked long term, rather than short term fix. But, maybe his good intentions were wasted on the specific picks he (or others made).
He picked young kids with massive upside - but maybe Dow, Obrien, SPS, Cunningham werent the right ones
He focused on younger free agents, who still had upside, but maybe McGovern, Martin, Williams werent the right ones
I will always support his philospophy, maybe the execution just fell over at the last step (the actual picking of the individuals)
@raydan...
Sorry mate but you seem to be suffering from memory loss.
Go back and rewatch R2 vs the Pies and then you'll see why we play the players we do.
That side have no effort in r2 and was filed with a bunch of primadonnas. Since then teague had been pushing the effort gets you games barrow....and with good reason. We cannot accept substandard effort.
Once the players you talk about give that effort then they will be back in the side. I wouldn't hold my breath though.
I don't think you can play Plowman, Saad, Docherty, Williams and Newman in the same team.
@raydan...
Sorry mate but you seem to be suffering from memory loss.
Go back and rewatch R2 vs the Pies and then you'll see why we play the players we do.
That side have no effort in r2 and was filed with a bunch of primadonnas. Since then teague had been pushing the effort gets you games barrow....and with good reason. We cannot accept substandard effort.
Once the players you talk about give that effort then they will be back in the side. I wouldn't hold my breath though.
Looking the Collingwood game, only one player got omitted the next week and that was Williamson, who did play a stinker, but Newnes, Gibbons, Murphy were just as poor, they just got a bit more of the ball but none of that three gave the effort you speak of.
My post is we have some talent on the twos who at their worst play as well as the rookie listed players we are currently playing, why not get them in and back them, give them a block of games now and say this is your time. Then guide them through their mistakes, rather than just drop them.
I don't think you can play Plowman, Saad, Docherty, Williams and Newman in the same team.
I suspect Williams will be back in the midfield before long, I noted they ran Doc in the midfield a couple of times at the weekend.
I suspect Williams will be back in the midfield before long, I noted they ran Doc in the midfield a couple of times at the weekend.
and looked good doing it. For me Williams stays at half back with Saad, which is not that different to Docherty and Saad. Try and find a third defensive tall in the mid season draft possible.
Good points Raydan!
Another issue I have with our team selection is that we don't seem to want to make it difficult for the opposition defenders. Five of our forwards on Sunday were 180cm or shorter. Five of Melbourne's forwards (including Petracca) were 186cm or taller. Which defence was stretched?
Yes, Cuningham was subbed early and McGovern, Charlie, McDonald, Jack, Kemp and Martin are unavailable, so we don't have many other taller options. I'm not entirely sold on Kennedy, as I think he doesn't get nearly enough of the ball, but at least he knows how to lead and can take a mark.
Good points Raydan!
Another issue I have with our team selection is that we don't seem to want to make it difficult for the opposition defenders. Five of our forwards on Sunday were 180cm or shorter. Five of Melbourne's forwards (including Petracca) were 186cm or taller. Which defence was stretched?
Yes, Cuningham was subbed early and McGovern, Charlie, McDonald, Jack, Kemp and Martin are unavailable, so we don't have many other taller options. I'm not entirely sold on Kennedy, as I think he doesn't get nearly enough of the ball, but at least he knows how to lead and can take a mark.
I think that was tactical and it may have actually worked better had we got it in low, and quicker than we did. We stuffed around with it, but when your opposition is tall, you should have the ground balls easily won and we did but only for about 10 mins.
There was only De Koning in the wings waiting to come in, and given the way Levi and Harry get in each others way, Im not sure of the merit of playing another tall who is going to get in the way a little bit.
The short forwardline was worth going with given we were a bit out heighted forward.
Their tall forwards didnt do much of note, and the weather was supposed to be a bit more wild and wet than it turned out to be which might have been the more calculated way to win the game.
I'm with Krud, the reason why Cottrell, Gibbons, Parks, Newnes, Owies etc have got games is because those highly rated other players like SPS, Setterfield, Obrien, Dow, Cuningham and Williamson(yes later pick I know) have been putrid, both in skill, in effort and sticking their gonads into places where they might get hurt.
Teague cant trust those higher rated players to turn up and play with any intent or passion......its that simple.
I think that was tactical and it may have actually worked better had we got it in low, and quicker than we did. We stuffed around with it, but when your opposition is tall, you should have the ground balls easily won and we did but only for about 10 mins.
There was only De Koning in the wings waiting to come in, and given the way Levi and Harry get in each others way, Im not sure of the merit of playing another tall who is going to get in the way a little bit.
The short forwardline was worth going with given we were a bit out heighted forward.
Their tall forwards didnt do much of note, and the weather was supposed to be a bit more wild and wet than it turned out to be which might have been the more calculated way to win the game.
The proof is in the pudding Thry. If filling our forward line with smaller players against a team with two of the best intercept marks in the business, and with Gawn's ability to drop back into defence, was tactical, we need a new tactician :(
Of their taller forwards, McDonald was close to best on the ground (8 AFLCA votes), Brown dragged Weitering and/or Jones up the ground and he and Weideman took marks inside 50. While he's not a tall, Fritsch is taller than most of our forwards and he bagged 3 goals.
We desperately needed a third tall who could lead up, keep May and Lever honest and, most importantly, convert their chances. Moving Jones forward at the death was too little, too late.
I'm with Krud, the reason why Cottrell, Gibbons, Parks, Newnes, Owies etc have got games is because those highly rated other players like SPS, Setterfield, Obrien, Dow, Cuningham and Williamson(yes later pick I know) have been putrid, both in skill, in effort and sticking their gonads into places where they might get hurt.
Teague cant trust those higher rated players to turn up and play with any intent or passion......its that simple.
I don't think it is that simple ... and it's the coach's job to ensure that players play with intent and passion - not that I think that those players don't. It's more a case of playing blokes where they're most suited and giving them licence to play their natural game. Stocker wasn't outstanding but his move into the midfield showed that he has the ability to play there each week. Will that signal the end of his career as a defender? I doubt it. Same with Samo. He has been played out of position and was a different player when he was able to run through the midfield.
Willo was a fan favourite because he had a crack but now he's on the outer because his enthusiasm overrides his decision-making. Good coaching should have had that sorted (our defensive structure, or lack thereof, doesn't help). Parks has laid a decent bump and a good tackle but his decision-making and lack of ability have exposed him (again, our defensive structure doesn't help). A bit more experience under his belt and decent development and he could be a player but he's not in our best seven defenders at this stage of his career.
I don't think you can play Plowman, Saad, Docherty, Williams and Newman in the same team.
Not unless at least one of them is in the midfield.
The proof is in the pudding Thry. If filling our forward line with smaller players against a team with two of the best intercept marks in the business, and with Gawn's ability to drop back into defence, was tactical, we need a new tactician :(
Of their taller forwards, McDonald was close to best on the ground (8 AFLCA votes), Brown dragged Weitering and/or Jones up the ground and he and Weideman took marks inside 50. While he's not a tall, Fritsch is taller than most of our forwards and he bagged 3 goals.
We desperately needed a third tall who could lead up, keep May and Lever honest and, most importantly, convert their chances. Moving Jones forward at the death was too little, too late.
I don't think it is that simple ... and it's the coach's job to ensure that players play with intent and passion - not that I think that those players don't. It's more a case of playing blokes where they're most suited and giving them licence to play their natural game. Stocker wasn't outstanding but his move into the midfield showed that he has the ability to play there each week. Will that signal the end of his career as a defender? I doubt it. Same with Samo. He has been played out of position and was a different player when he was able to run through the midfield.
Willo was a fan favourite because he had a crack but now he's on the outer because his enthusiasm overrides his decision-making. Good coaching should have had that sorted (our defensive structure, or lack thereof, doesn't help). Parks has laid a decent bump and a good tackle but his decision-making and lack of ability have exposed him (again, our defensive structure doesn't help). A bit more experience under his belt and decent development and he could be a player but he's not in our best seven defenders at this stage of his career.
Im not sure there were many other options on hand. Last few weeks in the VFL our tallest players forward have been 184cm until De koning returned. Playing him first up against a side sitting 8-0 was probably not going to end well, particularly if we needed the run to try and get on top via other means.
It all changes if we got torrential rain. We didnt. In that equation though, he picked the winning strategy. THAT is the point.
Of their taller forwards, McDonald was close to best on the ground (8 AFLCA votes)
I reckon McDonald enjoys playing us...
Im not sure there were many other options on hand. Last few weeks in the VFL our tallest players forward have been 184cm until De koning returned. Playing him first up against a side sitting 8-0 was probably not going to end well, particularly if we needed the run to try and get on top via other means.
It all changes if we got torrential rain. We didnt. In that equation though, he picked the winning strategy. THAT is the point.
I'm sorry Thry but picking a team in the hope of torrential rain is fanciful. We could have had Noah's flood and May and Lever would still have knocked up getting intercept possessions.
Yes, injuries have reduced our taller options but Kennedy is 188cm, Carroll is 187cm, and Honey is 184cm. Even Williamson, at 190cm, could have played as a half forward and forced a match up with a tall defender.
I'm with Krud, the reason why Cottrell, Gibbons, Parks, Newnes, Owies etc have got games is because those highly rated other players like SPS, Setterfield, Obrien, Dow, Cuningham and Williamson(yes later pick I know) have been putrid, both in skill, in effort and sticking their gonads into places where they might get hurt.
Teague cant trust those higher rated players to turn up and play with any intent or passion......its that simple.
and this is what's wrong with selection. I'm sure if you put anybody who a Carlton member out there they would have passion, but passion doesn't win you game. Ball control and skill does. Most of the season we've had Newnes on one wing and Cotrell on the other, neither gives you more than 12-15 touches a game, sure Cottrell runs around all game long, but is tirelessly predictable as he runs in straight lines. How can we win with inept wings, when the game has progress into a play on game and a quality wing is very important.
We have O'Brien who has proven that he is a two way runner, and a much better kick than Cottrell, but when he gets a low disposal game, he's dropped, in fact he's played two game over the past two seasons, hardly a fair go for a former pick 10 to prove his worth.
That being said his papers may be stamped, but if that's the case why didn't we trade O'Brien last season when Collingwood came knocking for him?
I like Owies and think he has something, but Gibbons doesn't play with passion and his games this season have been poor, Parks is not an AFL Level player yet and possibly won't ever be, but because he has passion he gets a game? No wonder we're at the bottom of the ladder again.
That being said his papers may be stamped, but if that's the case why didn't we trade O'Brien last season when Collingwood came knocking for him?
Seriously? We turned that down?
Seriously? We turned that down?
Reported to be a late third rounder
and this is what's wrong with selection. I'm sure if you put anybody who a Carlton member out there they would have passion, but passion doesn't win you game. Ball control and skill does. Most of the season we've had Newnes on one wing and Cotrell on the other, neither gives you more than 12-15 touches a game, sure Cottrell runs around all game long, but is tirelessly predictable as he runs in straight lines. How can we win with inept wings, when the game has progress into a play on game and a quality wing is very important.
We have O'Brien who has proven that he is a two way runner, and a much better kick than Cottrell, but when he gets a low disposal game, he's dropped, in fact he's played two game over the past two seasons, hardly a fair go for a former pick 10 to prove his worth.
That being said his papers may be stamped, but if that's the case why didn't we trade O'Brien last season when Collingwood came knocking for him?
I like Owies and think he has something, but Gibbons doesn't play with passion and his games this season have been poor, Parks is not an AFL Level player yet and possibly won't ever be, but because he has passion he gets a game? No wonder we're at the bottom of the ladder again.
Cottrell is consistent with his attack on the ball and chasing/tackling.
Agree he doesn't get enough ball or hurt with his kicking etc.
O'brien isn't consistent with his attack on the ball or chasing etc, ditto for SPS.
Dow attacks the ball ok but his skills are poor,
Gibbons is a better package than the others but is small and is your depth handy Indian but won't ever be a chief.
Owies..not sure.
Too many light bodied non contested types in an era of contested high speed footy where pressure is king.
Richmond said they wouldn't have picked O'brien because he didn't fit their profile which is a kind way of saying he isnt hard enough... We just don't seem to be able to draft enough players who are complete enough in the important areas of the game.
Supporters fall into either-or traps far too easily. Players with low skill level are characterised as giving 100%, giving effort etc., whereas higher skilled players or high draft picks are characterised as going at half rat juice, squibbing contests etc. It's an easy trap to fall into, and I'm not convinced it's correct.
Supporters fall into either-or traps far too easily. Players with low skill level are characterised as giving 100%, giving effort etc., whereas higher skilled players or high draft picks are characterised as going at half rat juice, squibbing contests etc. It's an easy trap to fall into, and I'm not convinced it's correct.
You can have all the heart in the world, it doesn't mean you deserve a gig on an AFL field.
Fans carrying on about the lack of emotion from Teague, Cripps and others are on the losing track. The trick to being successful is to be a completely cold bastard, like Clarkson flooding the team back in front of Fev and laughing about it like it's a matter of fact!
If Cripps want to solve his problems, if Teague wants to solve his problems, they need to get cold and develop a steely focus on systems and process. Process isn't just about being better yourself, it's about leveraging the weakness of opponents. Opposition have been doing this to us for decades, it's time we hand some out! AFL is brutal, you need a dispassionate unrelenting and brutal focus.
The minute you see an opposition player or coach in the emotional space, you know you have them because they won't retain a focus needed to get across the line! That coach smashing the phone on the bench in the box isn't an effect, it's a cause!
Cottrell 2.0 tackles per game O'Brien 1.4, so every two games Cottrell lays an extra tackle.
I'll disagree with O'Brien about his chasing, he runs all day and his skills are better than Cottrell's however you have to stretch your memory. The end of 2019, which was his last meaningful games he was running from half back and hitting targets plus, running past players to receive, then running hard back on turnovers. BTW I'm no O'Brien fan, but I don't understand why Cottrell gets a game over him when their stats are so similar yet Lachie has more tricks to his game.
Yes Dows kicking can be off, however the start to his last game before he got poked in the eye looked promising, with kicks and handballs hitting targets, he looked different, and at the moment I'm sure it's only injury keeping him out anyway.
Gibbons is badly out of form, so is SPS but I want Samo to be given a shot on a HFF rather than buried in the backline. He has more skill and talent in one finger than Gibbons has in his whole body, plus he wins the ball, something that Gibbons seems unwilling to do now.
Owies is a pressure forward and in my opinion should keep Fisher out when he's fit. In fact I can see us trading Fisher in the off season. In fact I hope to see an Owies / Durdin combination in years to come.
Fans cannot judge these players in difference to the roles they are given, it's like watching Setterfield get 35 possessions in a VFL midfield before watching him struggle on the AFL HBF.
The roles cannot be ignored, the same applies to Cottrell, Owies, SPS, LOB, Dow, etc., etc..!
and this is what's wrong with selection. I'm sure if you put anybody who a Carlton member out there they would have passion, but passion doesn't win you game. Ball control and skill does. Most of the season we've had Newnes on one wing and Cotrell on the other, neither gives you more than 12-15 touches a game, sure Cottrell runs around all game long, but is tirelessly predictable as he runs in straight lines. How can we win with inept wings, when the game has progress into a play on game and a quality wing is very important.
We have O'Brien who has proven that he is a two way runner, and a much better kick than Cottrell, but when he gets a low disposal game, he's dropped, in fact he's played two game over the past two seasons, hardly a fair go for a former pick 10 to prove his worth.
Firstly, in 8 games this year Newnes has got 16 or more 6 times. 20+ 3 times and 27 against the Tigers no less. His other 2 games were 12 and 15.
Lochie obrien got 9 touches against the Tigers in his only outing. His only game last year he got 7.
Lochie has shown zero form, even in practice matches and is little more than a witches hat when on the ground. Cut our losses and move on.
So THAT is why Newnes has been playing, getting double LoBs output.
Cottrell has been less than impressive and I highlighted that earlier this week. Still, he has delivered more than LoB so far in half the total games.
Cottrell 2.0 tackles per game O'Brien 1.4, so every two games Cottrell lays an extra tackle.
I'll disagree with O'Brien about his chasing, he runs all day and his skills are better than Cottrell's however you have to stretch your memory. The end of 2019, which was his last meaningful games he was running from half back and hitting targets plus, running past players to receive, then running hard back on turnovers. BTW I'm no O'Brien fan, but I don't understand why Cottrell gets a game over him when their stats are so similar yet Lachie has more tricks to his game.
Yes Dows kicking can be off, however the start to his last game before he got poked in the eye looked promising, with kicks and handballs hitting targets, he looked different, and at the moment I'm sure it's only injury keeping him out anyway.
Gibbons is badly out of form, so is SPS but I want Samo to be given a shot on a HFF rather than buried in the backline. He has more skill and talent in one finger than Gibbons has in his whole body, plus he wins the ball, something that Gibbons seems unwilling to do now.
Owies is a pressure forward and in my opinion should keep Fisher out when he's fit. In fact I can see us trading Fisher in the off season. In fact I hope to see an Owies / Durdin combination in years to come.
Owies didn't has his best game on Sunday, but still laid 7 tackles - gotta luv that.
If we keep selecting blokes who are not 100% we'll struggle. Cripps. Williams and Casboult are obviously not fit, although the latter was played out of necessity given our lack of rucks. Means you have 15 blokes on the ground that can give you full value. Add Harry getting injured and Cunningham going down within 90 sec we did well to get away with a 26pt loss against the top side.
Essendon have there noses in front for Cerra...
Essendon have there noses in front for Cerra...
We'll just have to up the ante .... think he's worth it
We'll just have to up the ante .... think he's worth it
Just meddle in the deal to block their progress, like they did with Papley!
Just meddle in the deal to block their progress, like they did with Papley!
Good for the goose ... it'd be worth it to screw them to the wall
It was reported in the media here on the weekend that WA clubs were keeping an eye on SPS and Zac Fisher....would you consider bundling them up to Freo in swap for Cerra and a pick/picks?
It was reported in the media here on the weekend that WA clubs were keeping an eye on SPS and Zac Fisher....would you consider bundling them up to Freo in swap for Cerra and a pick/picks?
Yes.
Essendon have offered Cerra more than Freo is the rumour and are going to short change Stringer to get him ....
It was reported in the media here on the weekend that WA clubs were keeping an eye on SPS and Zac Fisher....would you consider bundling them up to Freo in swap for Cerra and a pick/picks?
Not sure SPS and Fisher would have much currency to be honest......both would be second rounders at best.
Not sure SPS and Fisher would have much currency to be honest......both would be second rounders at best.
Fisher would be worth more to us, then at the trade table. Good mates with Cripps, who is staying.
SPS is good enough and has enough potential to get other teams interested, Throw in a 2nd rounder to get Cerra over.
OR
SPS + our first, for 2nd + Cerra
Fisher would be worth more to us, then at the trade table. Good mates with Cripps, who is staying.
SPS is good enough and has enough potential to get other teams interested, Throw in a 2nd rounder to get Cerra over.
OR
SPS + our first, for 2nd + Cerra
Agree on Fisher, but I'll agree to disagree on SPS, I think he is damaged goods given he cant command a place in our best 22 anymore and I see him similar to say Lewis Jetta who was traded back to the eagles for Callum Sinclair....
Agree on Fisher, but I'll agree to disagree on SPS, I think he is damaged goods given he cant command a place in our best 22 anymore and I see him similar to say Lewis Jetta who was traded back to the eagles for Callum Sinclair....
re SPS....there is the 'unknown' on if he can be a mid.
Let Freo back themselves in to play there.
We have 'broken him' by playing him as a HBF.
There is enough upside for them to take a risk IMO.
Plus, SPS doesn't like the cold weather and performs better in the heat.
It was reported in the media here on the weekend that WA clubs were keeping an eye on SPS and Zac Fisher....would you consider bundling them up to Freo in swap for Cerra and a pick/picks?
Rumour is we are having almost weekly conversations with Cerra's manager. Into him big time.
Rumour is we are having almost weekly conversations with Cerra's manager. Into him big time.
Bombers are too.
If we lose another mid to the bombers, heads should roll.
If we're not prepared to play SPS in the middle then trading him makes sense....we've got a plethora of "half back" players now.
Bombers are too.
If we lose another mid to the bombers, heads should roll.
Bomber always go crazy with money, I like Cerra but if they have offered more than Freo are meant to have offered ie 750K a year for four then you have to ask yourself is he worth it considering some of our recent large purchases.
Rumour is we are having almost weekly conversations with Cerra's manager. Into him big time.
Tom Browne suggested Essendon is where he looking to go...
re SPS....there is the 'unknown' on if he can be a mid.
Let Freo back themselves in to play there.
We have 'broken him' by playing him as a HBF.
There is enough upside for them to take a risk IMO.
Plus, SPS doesn't like the cold weather and performs better in the heat.
Maybe if he chased, tackled and worked harder he wouldnt be so cold......what are we running a nursing home or a football club?
Agree on Fisher, but I'll agree to disagree on SPS, I think he is damaged goods given he cant command a place in our best 22 anymore and I see him similar to say Lewis Jetta who was traded back to the eagles for Callum Sinclair....
The thing is that Samo should be in our best 22, and would be if he wasn't played out of position. Other clubs must be well aware that we have been stuffing him around and, if they're interested, it won't be to play him on the HBF.
Maybe if he chased, tackled and worked harder he wouldnt be so cold......what are we running a nursing home or a football club?
Cmon mate, some players thrive in wet, cold, miserable conditions. Others love perfect conditions.
FYI, that comment was pure speculation and a point i'd be highlighted to Freo as a reason why he'd be good for them. ;)
Don't mind Fisher .... but he and SPS? Yep
Cmon mate, some players thrive in wet, cold, miserable conditions. Others love perfect conditions.
FYI, that comment was pure speculation and a point i'd be highlighted to Freo as a reason why he'd be good for them. ;)
If we include a hot water bottle and some thermal undies for the odd cold day in Freo then that should seal the deal then.... ;)
Seriously I did know what you meant, I was just enjoying some light banter :) and I do agree that SPS would prefer a dry track where he can keep his feet and use his undoubted skills to better effect.
Maybe if he chased, tackled and worked harder he wouldnt be so cold......what are we running a nursing home or a football club?
Ship him off back to the warmer WA and get the best deal we can for him. I wont lose one iota of sleep if he goes.
If we include a hot water bottle and some thermal undies for the odd cold day in Freo then that should seal the deal then.... ;)
Seriously I did know what you meant, I was just enjoying some light banter :) and I do agree that SPS would prefer a dry track where he can keep his feet and use his undoubted skills to better effect.
Undoubted? A bit rich.
Ship him off back to the warmer WA and get the best deal we can for him. I wont lose one iota of sleep if he goes.
I'm over him too and rather we deal him while he still has some value.....
He's in the twos for a reason. What's he played, a 100 games? Surely we know by now?
He's in the twos for a reason. What's he played, a 100 games? Surely we know by now?
I thought i read somewhere that he has never actually played 2's football. Surely that can't be true
Undoubted? A bit rich.
When he is on like he was when he had 35 possies in a match he can play the game and look like a class player but its been a long while between drinks waiting for another great game like that one. We need players who have more than pretty skills on a fine day and players who dont pick and choose when to display them.
He could probably be the new Lewis Jetta on the WC list and be a similar type player IMHO.
I thought i read somewhere that he has never actually played 2's football. Surely that can't be true
I think that's right. He's played 20, 22, 22, 16 (short season) and 8 so far this year.
When he is on like he was when he had 35 possies in a match he can play the game and look like a class player but its been a long while between drinks waiting for another great game like that one. We need players who have more than pretty skills on a fine day and players who dont pick and choose when to display them.
He could probably be the new Lewis Jetta on the WC list and be a similar type player IMHO.
SPS has elite skills....when he is fit and confident.
Not sure when the last time was though.
He has a bad habit now of going short, and leaving his kicks even shorter, bouncing it to teammates.
I thought i read somewhere that he has never actually played 2's football. Surely that can't be true
Maybe its because those early games can be a bit chilly having to kick the frost off the grass....
Maybe its because those early games can be a bit chilly having to kick the frost off the grass....
"Bit tight in the hamstring today boss"
SPS has elite skills....when he is fit and confident.
He has a bad habit now of going short, and leaving his kicks even shorter, bouncing it to teammates.
Too true and too conservative - turnover merchant when there is a chance to use his kicking skills to create something.