Wow. the more I read, the more I learn Special-K is only an average AFL ruckman. I know very little, but I gather each club has 2 ruckmen and maybe 3 as an average. Lets say 2.5 average per club. Let me just do some math at the moment. 2.5 x 16 = 40 ruckmen. That would have Special-K as an average ruckman around 19th to 20th in the league. Wow. 20th That would show 19 ruckmen in the league at minimum better than he is. At least 20 because some clubs have a 3rd or even 4th potential player being developed that doesn't get too many games in a season. Cox, Mummy, Sandilands could be considered definite better players without too much argument. I would really like to know the other 17 ruckmen better than Kreuzer.
I'll think about it but it will be a struggle to find the last 7 or 8 better than what we have. Especially considering my opinion is he ranks top 6 in his defensive game versus other rucks. Top 6 in his 2nd and 3rd efforts and one percenters. Its hard to see him 19 rucks behind in average disposals. Would there be 19 other rucks averaging more tackles than he does. The we have hitouts, marks, and goals kicked. He probably is way behind on these three statistics. I still find how he is way down the list. Not saying things to stir the pot and he probably really is that bad. Just didn't believe it myself ever. Its lucky I read so many posts to get my head straight. Found it odd but can't argue when so many feel the same way.
This being the case we seriously need to take him off the untouchable list and offer him as a trade. Warnock and Hampson can handle the ruck role as we already have 2 average AFL rucks. No point in keeping a 3rd. What we were thinking when we drafted him is beyond me. We could have had Cotchin, who is an elite mid who nearly won the Brownlow medal. Unfortunately Gary on Footy Classified showd how Cotchin has his statistics way down on last year. Way down in every stat. Tackles, marks, disposals, goals, and is behind in stats to his other team-mates playing in the middle of the ground.
He better not be behind Grigg, as we let him walk without any effort. Footy is a funny sport I guess. Recruit in rubbish and trade out your stars.
Sorry guys I just noticed he was locked away for 2014 already. The one year is an extension. Him and Henderson must have been talking behind closed doors with each other.
Heard on a quick new flash on the radio that Rowe has signed for another year with the club. I didn't know he was out of contract or is it an extension. Might need to dig around the internet for more information. Great news as I think he has some talent we could use at the club. As his endurance improves he will be a valuable asset.
IF its all about the process, Watson plays this week. No point dropping him for four points when they are not guaranteed anyway and we can find out some information about what he can and cant do, and this could be the information that makes the penny drop with him.
Some players need no light bulb moment, some need multiple.
Can't argue and sub him off if he isn't going as well as we need him to. He has more chance of working out the game in the side than at NB.
Mick better not read this thread after he categorically stated that Gibbs and Kreuzer are untouchable. Looks like flyboy77 is getting a list together for the "Super trade" thread.
Lachie Henderson has become Carlton's most important player and the equal of any swingman in the AFL, teammate Michael Jamison says.
Quote
The 23-year-old had previously been thrown forward only occasionally mid-match this season, most effectively in the narrow round seven loss to the Saints when he kicked three final-quarter goals to give the Blues a chance of victory.
Swingmen have become must-have players following the success of other defenders-turned-forwards like Geelong's Harry Taylor, Essendon's Jake Carlisle and Collingwood's Ben Reid.
Blues full-back Jamison, who has formed a strong defensive combination with Henderson this season, believes his mate deserves to be regarded as highly as that prized trio.
I agree with Jamo and also wonder why PI2C has a completely empty glass. have you given up all hope already. Never saw an empty glass in the past. Not even during our worst parts of last season.
Henderson is a great forward who can play in the back 50m. I actually think he is a better forward than a defender. Can be used both ends and it would be handy to turn Rowe into the same or find another Henderson.
Keep hearing reports that Boof wants some players and the selectors want others.
In the first Test Boof wanted Smith and Kawaja ahead of Cowan.
How is a coach expected to get results when others tinker with the line up.
Historically Mants, the coach gets a vote, not the power of veto over the selection panel.
I think Boof is right. Selecting 4 openers in a batting line-up says (to me anyway) we don'have faith in the batting order.
I didn't get a chance to watch the last test, but to be honest with what I did see, I had little faith of us winning. That huge last wicket stand with Agar was amazing, but how often will that happen. Then the second innings fail with the bat by batsmen that are payed thousands of dollars to do their job, place all the pressure on another last wicket miracle. Sure they came close when I thought they wouldn't but they are getting larger partnerships further down the order than what should be happening with the first 5 batters. This isn't the first game we see issues with the bat. This has been happening for years now. Watching cricket today and in the last few years really makes me miss Gillcrist, Border, Greg Chappell, Dean Jones, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Hayden, Langer, Slater, Symmonds, Boon, Hussey, Hussey, Healy, Taylor, Ponting (In form) and even Boof. Don't want to even start on the bowlers. I could have rolled out a bigger list but I didn't want to jam up our new system.
Need to pick a squad based on players that can play a role. Openers x2, 1st drop all the way through to keeper and an all rounder and pace bowlers. Change a couple of players per match to add spin, and extra pace, or an injured batter and make them work together to get it all happening. If they start mixing and chopping every game, they will completely do our heads in.
Batsmen:
When a ball is bowled to you remember this;
If it is swinging outside the line of off stump, LEAVE IT ALONE. Don't dab the bat at it. Get to the pitch of a delivery bowled with the bat close to the pad and stroke the shot. Don't half heartedly dab at it with the bat wide of your pad. Use your footwork to get to the pitch of the ball, or get onto the back foot and watch the ball all the way up to where it hits the bat. Play with some confidence you won't be bowled out. Don't half guess a shot. Play the ball with the respect it deserves. If its short hit it. Play your shots with a straight bat and drive it down the line. Use the clever shots once you are in and have read the pace of the pitch, and the swing of the ball. Play like a Kallis. Not like a nervous McGrath. Don't try to be too clever. Be smart. If you aim to play square of the wicket, hit the ball to ground to avoid being caught, but hit with the intension of hitting a boundary. Otherwise play square and elevate it over fielders in catching position. Don't get caught up on the popping crease too often. Stand outside the crease and use your feet. MOVE FFS.
Too many times I am watching the game and I want to throw a bat through the TV screen at the batsmen to let them know I am watching and that they are being too clever, or just plain dumb. Batting isn't as much of a science as our players make it look. Occupy the crease and keep the score board rolling over. Play each delivery with the respect it deserves. Not every delivery is a winner. Not every delivery is a hack. Use your eyes and use your head. Most importantly use your friggen feet. Sorry CIMM, just venting what is probably the bleeding obvious, or just crazy talk.
It concerns me though how slow he is when his opponent leads off him.
He can only learn this by playing AFL games and working hard on his closing speed with training drills. His big body was fine where he came from but he needs to develop more speed and stamina, along with endurance to take the next step. he has plenty of potential if he is prepared to do some hard work to get there.
The tragedy about our win against "Saints Footy" is that Judd was Carlton's best player again......
No player is coming through as the outstanding leader that can bring the side along with him....
Personally I think our best leader coming through is Lachie Henderson. If I had a choice to re pick our captain, he'd be it. He's a bit more extroverted, He speaks well, but most of all is a great onfield leader. Has rarely has put a foot wrong this year. Quickly becoming my favourite, well one of them anyway.
Wouldn't argue with you on this one. he could be our Jono Brown. Wouldn't that be great.
That would show 19 ruckmen in the league at minimum better than he is. At least 20 because some clubs have a 3rd or even 4th potential player being developed that doesn't get too many games in a season. Cox, Mummy, Sandilands could be considered definite better players without too much argument. I would really like to know the other 17 ruckmen better than Kreuzer.
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