In honor of the passing yesterday of Devo founder and frontman Bob Casale, I looked at the lyrics to their biggest and best hit "Whip It" :
It made me think of how all of us, my good self included, always have one or two "whipping boys" who regardless of what they do well onfield, you only see their negatives which are magnified X 100.
So, who is your whipping boy this year ?? Or has our list improved so much that we don't have any in your opinion.
For me, I'll always be harsh on Lucas & Casboult (and to a lesser extent Bootsma) until such time as they dramatically transform into the complete player everyone expects them too.
I've had 2.. Stevens and Simmo... Stevens deserved it, and early to mid last season I jumped aboard the Simmo train as he had his clear best year to date...
I dont really have any now... I was always a big Brock fan and lead the Brock charge in late 2012 early 2013. Most CSC seem to like him now anyway...
I can pick a few that I suspect are going to cop it from CSC throughout 2014..
Rowe, Bootsma, Lucas, Casboult, Warnock, Kreuzer, Gibbs, Yarran, Jamo and Jeffy...
I am asking who YOUR whipping boy is, not who you think others will be looking at !! ::)
Based on some backlash i've received recently, it appears that it will be Bell and Robinson.
(http://download.lardlad.com/framegrabs/4F20/184.jpg)
How did Jamie miss that one?
And I said I DONT HAVE ONE. ::)
Won't take long to see Kreuzer make his debut here and have a x3, or x7. Not from me though. I'll go Yarran and Garlett just because the ability and talent level is so high, and the expected output needs to match. They can both bring it on better than any other player in the league. Its time they deliver the correct attitude needed for most of every game. Do this and we are a threat for top 4. I don't name them because I don't like them, or don't rate them. In fact I do on the highest level. I just expect better attitudes from both, and don't want them to go missing during games, or failing to run back hard when the ball is turned over. This will leave them to be too one dimensional.
Recruiting Managers are my whipping boys........Wayne Hughes gave me years of pleasure and pain, I'm hoping Shane Rodgers can be as entertaining ...well if he lasts that long.... ;)
You don't go number 1 pick in a draft if you haven't got a very high level of ability and talent... Kreuzer needs to step up.. There's no doubt about it.
Not saying he doesn't but his injury run has been as bad as any in our team, and I don't think he has been 100% since who knows when. You can't play guys who are just not up to scratch. We have others that are 100% fit at times and produce small spurts of brilliance. Then they go to sleep because they just can't be bothered and show negative body language to justify their lack of intensity. I judge by work rate first, and skills shown second. Where they are picked is not the fault of the player, but maybe a lack of judgement by recruiting staff. Don't like the guy, then trade him out. Simple as that.
B. Gibbs :P
Lucas and Bootsma, 2 1st round picks that need to show a bit more desire and intensity IMO.
@ Sheik. Casales was the guitarist not the frontman, that role is held by Mark Mothersbaugh.
Eddie Betts >:D
Lucas. Just not up to 'Working in the Coalmine' of AFL footy... :)
He might be the 'Girl U Want' though ?? ;D
I feel that Kane Lucas is going to really polarise Blues supporters this year because there are a lot of them who have reasonably high expectations based on their perceived beliefs from last year.
The other half cannot see his worth and are highly critical of his tackling technique and lack of body pressure.
Yup, I'm afraid I have the Lucas card marked - he's soft and cannot stick a tackle to save himself. I'd just love him to prove me wrong but if he doesn't then he'll definitely be gone at year's end.
Mitch Robinson
If we are to improve we should expect Mitch Robinson intensity from every player, therefore his skills will be lacking polish for him to be in the best 22.
It's hard for me to look at Robinson and believe he is a whipping post, his attack on the contest cannot be faulted, however, his disposal is sometimes errant which can attract some critics.
All AFL Teams should have his effort as a standard. Fremantle had it to a man, yet Hawks polish and skills brought them a premiership.
His attack should be non negotiable but if we are to improve you cannot have him making the decisions he does. When he 27-28th player on our list, we will be doing well.
I agree with Krudds about Bell as well, but think he will have a big year.
I've been very critical of Robbo's disposal in the past but his attack on the man and the ball sort of makes up a bit for that in my mind. Agree, when he's not an automatic selection each week I think we will be growing into a better side. Lucas for me is a bigger worry than Robbo.
That's a fair point but you're dreaming if your man Murphy is going to attack the ball like Robbo. ;)
For 'Lethal' to sing Robbos praises yet acknowledge his 'rough edges' is enough for me! Frustrating from time to time? Yes. Whipping boy? Never.
Not until he's 'Through Being Cool'... ;D ;D But until then he'll remain one of those 'Soft Things' who can't handle the pressure... ;D ;D
Looking back, I ve had a host of Carlton players who frustrated me over the ears:
During the 'Dark Years' - basically the whole team except Fev, Denis Pagan lol
2008-2012- Wiggins, Thornton, Joseph, Russell, and I ll throw in Ratten during 2012.
From 2013 onwards, my whipping boys have been an obvious call... Boots, Lucas and Robbo.
Robinson was our spiritual leader at one point, where he would lift the side with his desperate acts, and the rest would start following his example and come to the party with the physicality.
That wasnt true last season and it was the first time in a few years that I saw players going when it was their turn prior to Robbo leading the way.
I think Robbo really needs to just play smarter footy. He will never become an improved kick of the footy as its just not the way it works, but what he can improve is his composure and decision making. This was highlighted against the Tigers last season with that punch through. Everyone knew about it but him.
Bell is still learning. He can afford to butcher it a bit this year provided he does as much good as he does bad. Robinson needs to become more honest indian with the footy at this stage else his card might be marked.
The guys had balls from Day 1, I ll give him that much.
But its his 6th season in the big time. If he cant improve his disposal and decision making at this stage of his career, agreed, MM wont tolerate him for much longer.
Mick Malthouse is my whipping boy until he brings us a flag. Ended our streak against the Tiges in his first match as coach by having the boys play an outdated game plan that was never going to work with our list anyway. Persisted with said plan for the better part of the season. I knew the plan would not work before it was even implemented, why didn't he? Not one genuinely impressive win for the entire 2013 season, grace period is over, deliver or GTFO!!!
I feel the same. He is what he is and cant see him imporoving much skill wise, but he does have the combat mentality that to many of our other players lack and therefore I prefer him in the team.
Deleted
Nup,
But don't leave mobiles unattended!
Well I must say DOA I am completely intrigued.
TheSheik.
Under performer who has had enough chances.
Seems his performance in getting you involved and biting has worked just fine... :)) :)) ;)
I might not always agree with Ye Sheikness, but I respect that he has the plums to have a red hot go.
The Sheik.... a Realist who tells it like it is.... a man prepared to sack, crack and back the club when neccessary, a Navy Blue Visionary whose formulas for success have been ignored and after 18 years of failure is
still willing to come out swinging....I salute you Brother Sheik and may your sacked , cracked and backed list continue until we achieve the ultimate success.
His detractors.....Well meaning but naive wishful thinking Navy Blue propaganda merchants with their collective heads stuck in the Visy Park sandpit ...
Yes, but only if we can put him on the rookie list and, if he knuckles down, nominate him for a spot on the primary list ;)
I'd say more "A realist who is prepared to tell it like he thinks it is..............".
Agree with most of the rest! ;)
Seriously though - he's always thought-provoking and the source of many valuable discussions. Long may he ride that dromedary on the wind-swept and shifting sands of the AFL!