How many false dawns can we have?

[spindoctor]

Whenever we think the Crows have finally found the next gear, they die in the ass the next week. Let's be honest:

We're not going to make the finals.

We can't make the most of our opportunities and can't kick under pressure.

McGregor is not consistent enough as a forward. We don't need another 'good one week-unsighted the next' player in our forward line.

Carey is again holding the forward line together beyond his current abilities.

Johncock is not consistent enough.

Bassett is a weakling and has no real role in the backline.

Hentschel is soft and thinks he has more time than he does.

Scott Stevens disappears for long periods of the game.

Perrie is a crap defender, he is a forward and forward only.

Roo and McLeod are unfairly carrying the weight of the midfield.

Edwards needs to pull his finger out.

Hudson is a trier, but he needs to be dropped and given a rest.

Begley is a godsend and we'd be going much worse without him.

Burton's kicking gets worse the more pressure he is under.

Jericho is a talent but needs a break.

Bock is pretty much useless. Trade him for something or delist him.

Ladhams still hasn't found his old form.

Bode might as well not play with the amount of time we're giving him.

Mattner is rubbish.

Massie goes about his job quietly, but seems to be doing well.

[dyertribe]

What irritated me was the stupidity tonight. How many times did Fletcher have to drill it over our zone before we moved 10-15 back to solve that problem?

How many times did we have two men go up at a contest or on one side of the pack, allowing Essendon to have free runners?

Just basic basic errors both on the ground and in the coaches box.

And Brett Burton... you ****ing waste of carbon. If anyone still tries to tell me this pony doesn't burn the ball I'll walk backwards to China naked.

[bluecrow]

Originally posted by spindoctor

Hentschel is soft and thinks he has more time than he does.

Begley is a godsend and we'd be going much worse without him.

Burton's kicking gets worse the more pressure he is under.

Mattner is rubbish.



Completely agree with these. Every single time Hentschel is under pressure he freezes :confused: GET RID OF IT! Mattner is pathetic. Why is he in the team? What's happened to Shirley?? Burton's kicking gets worse the bigger his head gets. Notice after a few good games, he seems to have this amazing confidence... which quickly translates into crap footy. Thank God for Begley...he has been awesome this year. He looks much stronger compared to last year, too.

Don't agree with what you said about Edwards...although he shouldn't really be playing in the forward line, we need him in the midfield.

[spindoctor]

Essendon don't have a lot of great players, yet they still managed this without Hird's recent form, they worked for each other and their gameplan was superior - or at least, they enacted it more convincingly.

They wanted the ball more. The passion the Crows had for the Port game seems to have been a one-off.

Unfortunately, we weren't bad enough that we'll lose less than 6 games, so middle of the road draft picks means our mediocrity will continue.

[spindoctor]

Our list could stand to lose:

Perrie
Gallagher
Skipworth
Shirley
Bock
Bode
Mattner
Burns
Bassett

I think Burton has something to offer - as a forward only. Bode is clearly not in favour and there's no point in him wasting a space on our list. Doughty can stay because he has improved markedly this year, been very impressive. Bassett is too small and too weak to be worth keeping, we need to trade him.

Upgrade Parker and Hazell, give Rutten a chance this year or add him to that list, put Torney back in the team.

And hopefully keep Carey for one more year if he keeps playing like this...could do with some protection while Fergus bulks up...

[maccas_no1]

Originally posted by spindoctor
Whenever we think the Crows have finally found the next gear, they die in the ass the next week. Let's be honest:

We're not going to make the finals.

We can't make the most of our opportunities and can't kick under pressure.

McGregor is not consistent enough as a forward. We don't need another 'good one week-unsighted the next' player in our forward line.

Carey is again holding the forward line together beyond his current abilities.

Johncock is not consistent enough.

Bassett is a weakling and has no real role in the backline.

Hentschel is soft and thinks he has more time than he does.

Scott Stevens disappears for long periods of the game.

Perrie is a crap defender, he is a forward and forward only.

Roo and McLeod are unfairly carrying the weight of the midfield.

Edwards needs to pull his finger out.

Hudson is a trier, but he needs to be dropped and given a rest.

Begley is a godsend and we'd be going much worse without him.

Burton's kicking gets worse the more pressure he is under.

Jericho is a talent but needs a break.

Bock is pretty much useless. Trade him for something or delist him.

Ladhams still hasn't found his old form.

Bode might as well not play with the amount of time we're giving him.

Mattner is rubbish.

Massie goes about his job quietly, but seems to be doing well.

Next week drop Bode,Burton,Perrie and Bock all useless and had ne effect on the game were not accountable Hart,Biglands,Smart and Welsh in,I am very disapointed with tonights effort not the way we played against Port and shows we lack consitencey Burton was woeful tonight has no footy brain what so ever, Hentshel got caught far to many times may need a rest Johncock and Stevens went out of the game McGregor not consistant enough as a forward,Im expecting upto four or five changes for next week as what happened tonight is not acceptable and if the players arent accountable they shouldnt be playing.

Carey sensational tonight he was a standout and full credit to him and gave some credit to the scoreline,but he is still carrying the forawardline way to much, but someone has too which is unfortunate.

All in all bitterly disapointed and something has got to change:mad:

[ok.crows]

Early sunset.

The Crows have burnt the season now.

[Port01]

Originally posted by spindoctor
Massie goes about his job quietly, but seems to be doing well.

On TV it seemed that Ayres reserved most of his 3/4 time ire for Massie. I didn't really know why either. The bloke was great last week and certainly wasn't your worst in the first 3/4 tonight.

[maccas_no1]

Originally posted by spindoctor
Our list could stand to lose:

Perrie
Gallagher
Skipworth
Shirley
Bock
Bode
Mattner
Burns
Bassett

I think Burton has something to offer - as a forward only. Bode is clearly not in favour and there's no point in him wasting a space on our list. Doughty can stay because he has improved markedly this year, been very impressive. Bassett is too small and too weak to be worth keeping, we need to trade him.

Upgrade Parker and Hazell, give Rutten a chance this year or add him to that list, put Torney back in the team.

And hopefully keep Carey for one more year if he keeps playing like this...could do with some protection while Fergus bulks up...

I agree with alot of this Bassett is a hard one as he tries so hard and thought he did alright on Lloyd ton ight IMO I would retain him

[kirky]

Originally posted by ok.crows
Early sunset. The Crows have burnt the season now.

Its doesn't make any difference. The last two sides in the eight will be just making up the numbers.

I know everyone wants to get stuck into Bock, Hentcshel and Jericho but it is not them that cost us the game. These blokes have played just 3, 10 and 4 games. They are not going to be playing consistent football. On the other hand players like Perrie and Gallagher have played enough games to know better and didn't stand up again tonight.

Can someone please tell me what was our game plan. We were shorter than the Dons and what do we do - yes we bomb the ball into our forward lines in the first quarter - smart tactics that!!!

[dyertribe]

Originally posted by spindoctor
Scott Stevens disappears for long periods of the game.

Daniel Schell reloaded.

[macca23]

Originally posted by kirky

I know everyone wants to get stuck into Bock, Hentcshel and Jericho but it is not them that cost us the game. These blokes have played just 3, 10 and 4 games. They are not going to be playing consistent football. On the other hand players like Perrie and Gallagher have played enough games to know better and didn't stand up again tonight.



Constructive comment re Bock, Hentschel and Jericho. Criticism of these 3 is unwarranted as they are learning how to be AFL footballers and that takes at least 50 games.

On top of his limited number of AFL games, Jericho has only played 3 or 4 SANFL games.

It's easy to criticize Bode and Gallagher for having little impact, but if they took as little time to have sex as they spend time on the ground, they'd be accused of premature ejeculation. ;)

Don't get me started on Perrie though!! He is a disaster playing in the backlines - why would you have your dumbest player playing in a role that can make or break a game. He excelled in dumbness tonight.

As for Burton, the only place for him is close to goal. He is totally unaccountable and turns the ball over more than 50% of the time.

I think we have some hard times ahead, but sadly will win just enough games to put us out of the reach of the best draft picks, while having no chance of playing finals.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by kirky
I know everyone wants to get stuck into Bock, Hentcshel and Jericho but it is not them that cost us the game. These blokes have played just 3, 10 and 4 games. They are not going to be playing consistent football. THANK YOU. At last someone with a bit of rational thinking.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by macca23
I think we have some hard times ahead, but sadly will win just enough games to put us out of the reach of the best draft picks, while having no chance of playing finals. Thats the harsh reality of it all. We can still make the finals but it will need a major miracle and heart tells me we can do it but my head tells me its over.

After reading some of the crap posted here tonight it would appear that most people wouldn't be happy with short term pain for long term gain. I would much rather us finish with 5 wins or less this year and pick up 2 top 10 picks than finish between 9th and 12th for the next 3 years and have no benefit from it. Thats why I suggest that we play youth at all costs. Forget about these fringe players who will not improve us in the future. Play youngsters. Watts will always be a better option than Perrie at either end fo the ground. Watts is more ready for AFL footy than majority of the youngsters we are playing ATM.

[Asgardian]

Originally posted by dyertribe
Daniel Schell reloaded.

We all see players differently, but IMO, Scott has something to offer as a longer term AFL Crow.

OH, one other thing, please, PLEASE, no-one try to say that footy is not 95% above the neck.

One week ago, the Crows come out thinking like Lions, and rub my Power boy's noses in the dirt.

One week later, a week later full of good cheer, thoughts and intentions, the Bombers dive bomb the Crows so much, they resemble chickens

Well done Carey
Leave now Bode, while you still have your dignity
Leave ..........., just leave
Those Lion/Chicken amalgams should hang their heads in collective shame, and remember, it can all turn around again after one good game

[macca23]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18

After reading some of the crap posted here tonight it would appear that most people wouldn't be happy with short term pain for long term gain. I would much rather us finish with 5 wins or less this year and pick up 2 top 10 picks than finish between 9th and 12th for the next 3 years and have no benefit from it. Thats why I suggest that we play youth at all costs. Forget about these fringe players who will not improve us in the future. Play youngsters. Watts will always be a better option than Perrie at either end fo the ground. Watts is more ready for AFL footy than majority of the youngsters we are playing ATM.

P*ss Perrie off, but at this stage I'd rather play Rutten for a few games up forward, while watts finds his feet at SANFL level.

There's no flag for us this year, and I'd rather take all the pain this year, play the kids, get decent picks and start rising again over the next couple of years.

Short term pain for long term gain.

[dyertribe]

Originally posted by Asgardian
Leave now Bode, while you still have your dignity
Leave ..........., just leave
Those Lion/Chicken amalgams should hang their heads in collective shame, and remember, it can all turn around again after one good game

Eh?

Give us Shaun Burgoyne and you can have him.

[Asgardian]

Originally posted by dyertribe
Eh?

Give us Shaun Burgoyne and you can have him.

Let no-one say that the Power renege on a deal
You gave us pick 12 for Bode, we selected Shaun, we'll keep him thanks.

My reference to Bode was that he'd probably get more game time elsewhere. If he gets an opportunity to move on, I reckon he should grab that chance with both hands.

[dyertribe]

Originally posted by Asgardian
My reference to Bode was that he'd probably get more game time elsewhere. If he gets an opportunity to move on, I reckon he should grab that chance with both hands.

Well he hasn't grabbed the chance we gave him with both hands in the three and a half seasons he's been with us. And unlike when we stupidly wasted pick #12 on him - considering his age and the fact he can't nail down regular game time at a side that's travelling at 2-6 - I reckon we'd be lucky to get a third round pick for him this time around.

[Asgardian]

Dyertribe, what you are saying about Matty Bode is fair, after all, you do have the facts on your side.

All I have is a suspicion that he'd do okay at a different club, with a different set of coaches.

[kirky]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
THANK YOU. At last someone with a bit of rational thinking.

Happy to oblige and today I'm off to watch the next instalment of the "Fergus Watts Show". Stay tuned....

[maccas_no1]

Nobody can blame the likes of Hudson,Jericho,Bock and Hentshel for what happened last night,and I certianly anit,last night the result was because of players who have been playing the game for sometime Burton,Perrie etc these players are supposed to be the future of the club yet they arent accountable they make poor disposal errors how many times last night did Burton kick the ball straight down and Essendon players throat??????Too Bloody many times,Perrie cannot keep his feet and is NOT a defender:mad:

Some tough decisions have to be made over the rest of 2004 inreguards to Burton,Perrie,Bode these guys have been around alongtime and should be doing and playing alot better than what they put on display last night.

I say we keep playing the kids as much as we can and if players like the three above arent playing accountable footy then drop them infavour of playing the likes of Schuback,Reilly,Rutten and Watts;)


I'd ratther play a heap of kids with good senior footy players than with hacks like Bode,Perrie and Burton:mad:

[Jerome]

Originally posted by kirky
Happy to oblige and today I'm off to watch the next instalment of the "Fergus Watts Show". Stay tuned....

If you could let us know how guest stars Rowan Andrews and Jacob Schuback go that would be most appreciated!

[Jerome]

Originally posted by Port01
On TV it seemed that Ayres reserved most of his 3/4 time ire for Massie. I didn't really know why either. The bloke was great last week and certainly wasn't your worst in the first 3/4 tonight.

I think his opponent got away from him a bit and he played from behind too often. Massie wasnt alone there. Not too many Crow defenders played in front last night.

As for Bass - he is a flanker/pocket player.

Due to the fact that we fail to recruit a big strong full back each year, he's stuck at FB.

We put him under more pressure than he deserves to be under.

[Wayne's-World]

Have to face it, Essendon had a good side on the park last night, had a winning momentum, and were playing a Crows side with 4 first year players, and a number of our fringe players.
The result should not have been that unexpected.
One major difference between last week, and this week is the respective strength of the midfields. Essendons were far stronger than Ports, and IMO thats effectively where the game was won and lost.
Centre clearances and stoppages we were clearly beaten, and what showed out was their midfielders were getting the ball with momentum, whereas ours were getting it standing flat footed?
Can't put fringe players in the centre and expect to win many games - please draft some midfielders.

Burton either has no periphial vision, or no concept of team play, or both. But he spoilt our players, and played dumb/selfish football when in the forward line.

Mcgregor - who said we could build a "spine" around Kenny? - cmon be serious. 82 games, no brownlow votes and he's our future?

Bock, Jericho, Hentschell played as you would expect these kids to play, with the amount of experience.

Begley, well he's just growing in confidence all the time.

Hudson, it was the worst effort he's put in, and maybe its time he had a full game in the SANFL. When you think about it he hasn't played a lot of footy this year.

In summary, jus short of 2-3 real class players, particularly KPP, and Midfielders who could help Roo, Macca, Tyson, and Carey.
Still need a FF, CHF, Fb, and 2 Midfielders for xmas.

[kirky]

Originally posted by Jerome
If you could let us know how guest stars Rowan Andrews and Jacob Schuback go that would be most appreciated!

Will do my best.

[spindoctor]

McGregor will put in the occasional good show at CHF but a good CHB will be able to shut him down - he doesn't find space well, can be spoiled easily and tends to get into a tangle with other Crows who are going for a mark because he can't position himself properly.

He has schooled Gaspar and Cornes. That says not a lot - Gaspar is a joke now, no confidence and no skills, so that means nothing. And Cornes still plays like a forward, zoning off and finding space which means leaving his opponent free to rack up marks if he is smart enough. McGregor was fine when given the space by Cornes. But a more tight-checking defender will expose McGregor as sorely lacking in forward-line nous. Perrie would be a better bet, because at least he leads well and finds space. He CAN play a forward role.

McGregor plays well at CHB, he plays like a backman and should be left there.

[Wayne's-World]

Originally posted by spindoctor
\
McGregor plays well at CHB, he plays like a backman and should be left there.
Problem is he doesn't generate enough attacking drive from CHB, which Hentschell is far better at. He's more a stopper.

[spindoctor]

You make him sound like a diarrhoea medication!

But yes, he doesn't provide as much drive as you might like, which is why I actually think he should be positioned at full-back. That is where we REALLY need a stopper. Put Bassett out on a flank (or drop him), and give McGregor full-back. McGrug is bigger, stronger and more adept than Bassett, and he has shown he can play well on the likes of Tredrea and Lynch in previous years.

Bassett might do well on a second forward, but I would like to see McGrug on the FB line.

[Wayne's-World]

Originally posted by spindoctor
You make him sound like a diarrhoea medication!

But yes, he doesn't provide as much drive as you might like, which is why I actually think he should be positioned at full-back. That is where we REALLY need a stopper. Put Bassett out on a flank (or drop him), and give McGregor full-back. McGrug is bigger, stronger and more adept than Bassett, and he has shown he can play well on the likes of Tredrea and Lynch in previous years.

Bassett might do well on a second forward, but I would like to see McGrug on the FB line.
Don't know why he hasn't been tried at FB.
I did hear that he aerobic capacity is very good, but perhaps his speed of the mark is questionable - wouldn't be good perhaps on a Lloyd.

[spindoctor]

No, I think he actually has quite good pace off the mark from memory, one of the best of our KPPs.

[Wayne's-World]

Originally posted by spindoctor
No, I think he actually has quite good pace off the mark from memory, one of the best of our KPPs.
Perhaps he's just needed elswhere at the moment. Certainly don't see him as a premiership CHF, or CHB for the Crows.
Reminds me a lot of Mensch for Geelong - a third tall forward, or defender, thats tradesmanlike, and has the occasional day out.

[southozsport.tk]

I can't even begin to describe the disappoinment following last nights 'dismall' performance. But what the hey I'll give it a go:

1) Eastern Park Under 11s, would give the Crows a run for their money last night. We just couldn't pick the ball up at ground level in one clean take. A LOT of work needs to be emphasised on this during the week.

2) Contests around the bloody ground, how many times did we see two Crows players contest a mark against one Bombers player, only for the second Bombers player to gather the crumbs and stream forward with NO pressure.

3) Our Zone defence was woeful, and it reminded me a lot of 2000? when Ayres zone defence was up the gurglar. Heard him on channel Eddie after the game saying after they scored 3 goals due to their zone defence he thought he'd better do something about it. For **** sakes GARRY you DO NOT give away 3 goals, when you have a **** weak team like you did last night.

4) NO SMART! What a joke. From the top of my head Smarty has had Lloyds measure on a number of occasions, and it can be guarnteed that Smarty would put in a better effort than Bock, Hentschel etc etc.

5) Matthew Bode. I reckon Bodey got caught doing Ayresy's Mrs at the start of the season, because he absolutely loathes this bloke. Looks like he may have found a new loathable player though in Kris Massie (Who was easily the Crows 2nd best for the first 3/4 of the match) THE ONLY SAVING GRACE IS THAT AYRES WON'T BE THERE IN 2005, SO THE UNFAIRLY TREATED PLAYERS WILL STAY and play to their full potential in 2005.

NEXT WEEK VS COLLINGWOOD:
Ins: Rutten (Strong body will take 3rd best Collingwood defender, and will give the PIes trouble)
Brent Reilly At least this bloke can actually kick a drop punt over 45 metres accurately and TO ADVANTAGE, unlike some other nimwits in this bloody team.
Rhett Biglands Is he injured or just sent back to Eagles for a run? We need him back desperately.
Nigel Smart Definitely deserves a recall regardless of his form on Monday for South Adelaide. WILL PLAY ON TARRANT!

Outs: Martin Mattner Please go back to Sturt and stay there. He's courageous and tackles well, but once it's one on one with the ball out in front this bloke IS AS SLOW AS THEY COME.

Ben Hudson Looked good in the early matches, but now seems to be struggling a bit. Send him back to North, it'll do him some good.

Matthew BODE He'd be in my starting 21, but because he slept with Ayresy's wife, he'll get dropped after not performing in his minute and a half spell on the field.

Chris Ladhams Looked like a shag on a rock last night. Should have played one more for North Adelaide after missing last week with an ankle injury.

UNFORTUNATELY there are probably four more players who I would have dropped or can see being dropped, problem is there aren't four players who can come in and do any better than them. Massie (Will probably pay from Ayres for sleeping with is daughter), Burton, Perrie (Play him in the right position Gary) and JAmes Gallagher, if they are not dropped this week, can consider themselves very lucky that there is no one to replace them.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by southozsport.tk
...and it can be guarnteed that Smarty would put in a better effort than Bock, Hentschel etc etc. and how exactly is that going to help the team in the long run?????? We should play these kids and if thats at the expense of Smart so be it.

Chris Ladhams Looked like a shag on a rock last night. Should have played one more for North Adelaide after missing last week with an ankle injury. I think you better check those facts again because Ladhams did play last week and picked up 30 touches. Ladhams plays his best footy as a HFF or a midfielder. Playing him in a back pocket will not get th ebest out of him.

[bigman]

i cannot believe the way that Mattner gets bagged on this board.
How many goals did his opponent get this week or last. He has got pace, height and a decent left foot kick. Give him a number of consecutive games to give him some confidence and then make a call.

Perrie burned us so much last night they should call him "Ash Wednesday". it takes him 5 minutes to kick a ball and 10 minutes if he has to kick the ball across his body. He always picks the wrong option. Trade him with a WA side and pick up a good, classy midfielder which they have in droves.

Burton played a selfish individauls game and should be ashamed of the way he played when he reviews his tape.

Bode is struggling to get a full game, but maybe that is because Ayres realises that one of Adelaide's biggest ever mistakes was letting go our number 12 pick for a player who at best was only a fringe player for the Power. The Power really screwed us here and they are probably still laughing at the bargain buy they got in turn.

Our policy a few years ago to use our early draft picks on hacks like Bode is costing us dearly. So was the lack of fight we displayed over allowing Modra, Rehn, Picione, etc. to leave the club without getting adequate compensation in the form of reasonable draft picks.

Leave the side alone for a few weeks and play people on their form and merit. We cannot have a side of just young players or else the damage done to them by huge losses may have premanent long term effects. If it is aline ball decision between a tried and true fringe footballer and a young player then pump for youth, but do not sacrifice the kids. Every team needs a blend of youth and experience. if a few young guys come into the side let a few of the others go back to the SANFL, particualrly if their forms begins to tail off.

We lost on Friday night because our side was too young and inexperienced and because without Hart, Goodwin and Smart we did not have enough match winners. Our form will continue to be up and down until we can get our better players on the track and we get more game time into a selected number of young players each week.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by bigman
He (Mattner) has got pace, height and a decent left foot kick. Surely you jest. There is nothing decent about Mattner's kick and disposal in general. How often does he hit targets?????? Not very often. Even when he plays for sturt he burns the ball. Yes he is hard at it, yes he has good pace and yes he is the best tackler in the side BUT that is NOT enough to make an AFL player.

I hope I am proven wrong but I am pretty comfortable with my view on this issue.

[DaveW]

Originally posted by bigman
Bode is struggling to get a full game, but maybe that is because Ayres realises that one of Adelaide's biggest ever mistakes was letting go our number 12 pick for a player who at best was only a fringe player for the Power. The Power really screwed us here and they are probably still laughing at the bargain buy they got in turn.
Um, I'm having a bit of trouble trying to fathom the logic here. Are you saying that if we'd just given up a second or third rounder for Bode, Ayres would be happy to give him more ground time?

I don't really see what one thing has to do with the other.

Our policy a few years ago to use our early draft picks on hacks like Bode is costing us dearly. So was the lack of fight we displayed over allowing Modra, Rehn, Picione, etc. to leave the club without getting adequate compensation in the form of reasonable draft picks. So we overpaid for Bode, but didn't get adequate compensation for Rehn? We actually gave away for Bode (and Smith) exactly what we got for Rehn!

So there's a bit of a consistency problem here unless you think that an aging injury-weary ruckman is worth a lot more than a young, albeit fringe, midfielder.

[bigman]

No what I am saying Dave is that we paid far too much for a player of Bode's class at the time - and that for a time we were not tough enough in our stance when we let people from the club go. I think we got draft pick number 61 or 69 for Lance Piciaone going to Hawthorn for example.

[DaveW]

I don't think we got shortchanged with Picioane. Apart from wasting a first-rounder on him in the first place that is. Watching him running around for Hawthorn, well, he's a battler. A fourth rounder was adequate.

Modra, we perhaps could have got more for, given his stature. But as of now he's long since ended his service for Fremantle and we've still got Stenglein as a regular starter.

Rehn, getting a first rounder was pretty good for a guy who, in hindsight, only had two seasons left in him. Did we give that pick away too easily in going for Bode? Probably.

[Crow_Magnon]

I heard Jason Dunstall on the radio yesterday talking about the Crows. He had some interesting suggestions....mainly about our 6'3 / 6'4" types (McGregor, S.Stevens, Perrie & co.). He mentioned that their pace and agility was a major problem for the team....they are not able to provide run, nor chase down opposition players (how many times did we see McPhee, Bolton, etc., run off from defence and set plays up?). When we see opposition sides score freely, it's more often than not because of this.

More than our midifield woes, I have to agree that this is the crux of our problems. The Crows recruiters need to have a good look at the types they are recruiting in this category....they need to look at athletes moreso than simply mark and kick types!

It would pay Ayres to have a chat to Jason once in a while!

Another key aspect of our loss against Essendon was that they were first in for the ball at most times.....we seemed to simply wait for them to get the ball...and then tried to tackle - mostly in a feeble way (Burton, Bode.....). I actually had to agree with Ayres' bagging of Massie. He did let the side down on three occasions....completely mis-judging spoil attempts and leaving opponents free to run off - each time resulting in scores for Essendon. (Note: Ayres probably should've bagged the entire group, except for Carey IMHO....as they were generally soft, second to the contest and didn't handle the pressure.)

I also agree with some of the other posters here....Smarty should have been brought back in to add a bit of experience to the back line....and because he plays well on LLoyd....and provides something we sadly lack...RUN!

[Wayne's-World]

Originally posted by Crow_Magnon
I heard Jason Dunstall on the radio yesterday talking about the Crows. He had some interesting suggestions....mainly about our 6'3 / 6'4" types (McGregor, S.Stevens, Perrie & co.). He mentioned that their pace and agility was a major problem for the team....they are not able to provide run, nor chase down opposition players (how many times did we see McPhee, Bolton, etc., run off from defence and set plays up?). When we see opposition sides score freely, it's more often than not because of this.

Have to agree, but those players are not generally available when our draft pick comes along (because we have traded them).
Everyone says Kennys irreplacable for the Crows, but if I had a choice between Kenny and Bolton, I think Bolton provides so much more attacking options from HB.
We need early draft picks (sounds like a broken record)

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
Everyone says Kennys irreplacable for the Crows, but if I had a choice between Kenny and Bolton, I think Bolton provides so much more attacking options from HB. Yeah but he also gets a bag kicked on him when he stands on quality forwards. I know who I would want to stand Jonathan Brown and it ain't Bolton ;)

[spindoctor]

I seem to remember that McGregor has very good pace, the fastest of our KPPS...am I wrong?

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by spindoctor
I seem to remember that McGregor has very good pace, the fastest of our KPPS...am I wrong? Not sure about pace but I know he is in top half a dozen in aerobic capacity overall. He does have a HUGE engine for a big bloke.

[Wayne's-World]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
Not sure about pace but I know he is in top half a dozen in aerobic capacity overall. He does have a HUGE engine for a big bloke.
I think his pace isn't too bad, my issue is a good CHB should be providing, not only good defence, but also good offensive drive.
McGregor is good on the former, but not the latter. Thats whats impressed me so far with Hentschell, in that for an ineperienced player he does provide reasonable offensive actions, and his decision making is very good.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by Wayne's-World
I think his pace isn't too bad, my issue is a good CHB should be providing, not only good defence, but also good offensive drive.
McGregor is good on the former, but not the latter. Thats whats impressed me so far with Hentschell, in that for an ineperienced player he does provide reasonable offensive actions, and his decision making is very good. McGregor has added another aspect to his game in each of the past 3 seasons. This year his goal was to be more attacking and creative going forward. I went to Kadina for that trial game against Port and McGregor was very good on Tredrea defensively but he also provided rebound from defence.

Now, if you have 2 attacking HBF there is not a great need to have a rebounding CHB. Yes it would help but it will not affect you as much as if you didn't have rebounding HBFs.

The problem with Hentschel ATM is that he can lose his opponent in traffic at times where as Kenny is on him like a glove. I think hentschel will develop this side to his game in time same as McGregor will be a bit more attacking one he is moved to CHB.

[Wayne's-World]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
The problem with Hentschel ATM is that he can lose his opponent in traffic at times where as Kenny is on him like a glove. I think hentschel will develop this side to his game in time same as McGregor will be a bit more attacking one he is moved to CHB.
Thinks its more his opponent is losing him.
But Hentschell is not a tight CHB, tends to zone off, and back his judgement, which is good to see the confidence for someone so inexperienced, but he can, and has been carved up by top class forwrds.
Our HB haven't exactly provided that dash of the HB line, although I like Goodwin of there, we are lacking someone of the attacking flair of Smart.
Really really really would like to see Stenglein permanently on a HBF.