Scott Thompson in 2005

[No 1 Draft Pick]

What are your predictions for him in 2005? Can he only play as a midfielder/winger? Will he play all games assuming he is now over injury concerns? How good CAN he be? Will he develop as a potential leader (ie is he one of the 8 or so players identified so far with leadership potential)

He has been rated 15th most important player in Kanes player ranking thread (Only Dogga and myself had him top 10)

Assuming he is fit and plays all 22 games I think this guy could be a gun for us in 2005 and in years to come. An inside midfielder with good skills and with a decent amount of mongrel in him (he might need to watch his errant elbows though). Seems to have some footy smarts and find the football well. Started the year in a blaze of glory for the Dees and their fortunes changed when he started getting injuries mid-year. They were obvioulsy upset to lose him at year end

I am rapt to have him with us. A new 'Kane Johnson' - wouldnt that be nice. It wouldnt surprise me if he is our premier midfielder in 3-4 years time and have a gut feel he may develop into a leader at the club. Please dont tell me 'im dreamen' ;)

[Bockchoy67]

I remember a long time ago I posted that the AFC were looking into obtaining the services of Scott Thompson.

Back then I knew that he was a good player, who was going to become a very good player in a short time.

Now that we have him, its has certainly assisted the future of our midfield, and given us more pace, strength and class.

With Thompson, we certainly look more potent.

[missionpossible]

In Scott Thompson you have picked up a very good player. If he does not form a major part of your centre field rotation craig should be hung and quartered.
Like Edwards he does a lot of skillfull stuff and kicks goals that does not get rated as high as it should.
If you can keep him fit I think you will benefit more from him than you did from stenglein

[HighRoller]

still saddens me that he left Melbourne....this guy will be a gun dont worry about that u wont hear a Melbourne supporter saying they didnt want him. Not sure about 05 considering his lack of gametime late last season but he is capable and a first class ball getter kicking leaves a bit to be desired but the kinda guy u want in a midfield

[topjars]

I
If you can keep him fit I think you will benefit more from him than you did from stenglein

Thats a big call.
I hope he does half as well as Stinga. I just hope he still dont hate the Crows.

[Stiffy_18]

Quite simply I expect Thompson to be a key player in our midfield this year and be in our top 5 midfielders (Roo, Macca, Goody, Edwards and Thompson). He is a ready made player and the type we desperately need. He can play in the midfielder or HFF. IMHO, he does his best work in the midfield and does kick goals from there.

I think he could very well be our next captain. Stinger was a solid player who is a bit under-rated IMHO but he was never a match winner. Thompson is a potential match winner and more attacking.

I think Thompson will add another dimension to our midfield BUT I also think we will feel the loss of Stenglein more than some people are willing to admit.

[Bockchoy67]

Quite simply I expect Thompson to be a key player in our midfield this year and be in our top 5 midfielders (Roo, Macca, Goody, Edwards and Thompson). He is a ready made player and the type we desperately need. He can play in the midfielder or HFF. IMHO, he does his best work in the midfield and does kick goals from there.

I think he could very well be our next captain. Stinger was a solid player who is a bit under-rated IMHO but he was never a match winner. Thompson is a potential match winner and more attacking.

I think Thompson will add another dimension to our midfield BUT I also think we will feel the loss of Stenglein more than some people are willing to admit.

Agreed with all points Stiff.

However, given that he has been on a modified program throughout the pre-season so far, do you think Thompson should be in our starting 18 in Round 1?

Or would it be wise to start him on the bench? :confused:

[No 1 Draft Pick]

Agreed with all points Stiff.

However, given that he has been on a modified program throughout the pre-season so far, do you think Thompson should be in our starting 18 in Round 1?

Or would it be wise to start him on the bench? :confused:


Modified program :eek: I didnt realise that. What are his injury concerns. Serious?

[Stiffy_18]

Agreed with all points Stiff.

However, given that he has been on a modified program throughout the pre-season so far, do you think Thompson should be in our starting 18 in Round 1?
Hell yeah.

Thommo is one of our best midfielders and as such he should start on the ground.

Hart is also on a modified program but I am sure you would have him in the 18 come round 1 ;)

In 2004 we lacked depth in the midfield and we can't affort to have a player of Scott's quality sitting on the bench.

[Bockchoy67]

Hell yeah.

Thommo is one of our best midfielders and as such he should start on the ground.

Hart is also on a modified program but I am sure you would have him in the 18 come round 1 ;)

In 2004 we lacked depth in the midfield and we can't affort to have a player of Scott's quality sitting on the bench.

Good point. ;)

[Markthirtytwo]

Hell yeah.

Thommo is one of our best midfielders and as such he should start on the ground.

Hart is also on a modified program but I am sure you would have him in the 18 come round 1 ;)

In 2004 we lacked depth in the midfield and we can't affort to have a player of Scott's quality sitting on the bench.


Ditto ditto X 10 ;)

[Wayne's-World]

I think Thompson will add another dimension to our midfield BUT I also think we will feel the loss of Stenglein more than some people are willing to admit.
I don't think so - another attacking option in a gameplan based on attack, Thompson is more important than Stinger in NC plans.

Realisticall there were at least 8 other clubs who had better taggers than us - seriously overated

[Mad Dog]

I don't think so - another attacking option in a gameplan based on attack, Thompson is more important than Stinger in NC plans.

Realisticall there were at least 8 other clubs who had better taggers than us - seriously overated
spot on WW.....Stinger was a very important player for us but you cannot do better than a ball getter like Thommo......his modified program wont be a worry....I don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying he will be top 10 B&F.

[Stiffy_18]

spot on WW.....Stinger was a very important player for us but you cannot do better than a ball getter like Thommo......his modified program wont be a worry....I don't think I'm going out on a limb by saying he will be top 10 B&F.
Every good side has a Stinger equivelant in their side. At the moment we don't have one :(. Someone might step up and fill his void. Time will tell.

As for Thompson, I agree with you about the top 10 in the B&F unless he cops injuries again.

[Wayne's-World]

Every good side has a Stinger equivelant in their side. At the moment we don't have one :(. Someone might step up and fill his void. Time will tell.

As for Thompson, I agree with you about the top 10 in the B&F unless he cops injuries again.
We all make this role of tagger to be more important and skillful than what it is.

Hell it's generally been given to a low profile less skill ful player in a side who can negate, has aerobic capacity and good mental strength.

Difficult to replace - no way - much harder to find every other position in a team.

[Kane McGoodwin]

We all make this role of tagger to be more important and skillful than what it is.

Hell it's generally been given to a low profile less skill ful player in a side who can negate, has aerobic capacity and good mental strength.

Difficult to replace - no way - much harder to find every other position in a team.
The one thing that impressed me about Stinger was that he always positioned himself between the ball-up & his opponent - also was damn hard to move because of his low centre of gravity & was ofter 3rd man up with his height.

However, back to the thread question - I expect Thompson will become a very important part of our midfield rotation & lower the workload along with Reilly for our older guns.

[Wayne's-World]

The one thing that impressed me about Stinger was that he always positioned himself between the ball-up & his opponent - also was damn hard to move because of his low centre of gravity & was ofter 3rd man up with his height.

However, back to the thread question - I expect Thompson will become a very important part of our midfield rotation & lower the workload along with Reilly for our older guns.
Obviously to instruction and there is an advantage to having a taller tagger, played it hard and gave 100%, but certainly not the player everyone has put on a pedastal.

Thompson injury free will be an absolute bonus and as an attcking player will create match-up problems with opposition if all guns in centre square at the same time.

With Reilly a definite midfield option I believe our midfield will certainly be much better than last year where I thought we played too defensive.
Throw in Ladhams and we do have some talent available.

[davey_magik]

The one thing that impressed me about Stinger was that he always positioned himself between the ball-up & his opponent - also was damn hard to move because of his low centre of gravity & was ofter 3rd man up with his height.

However, back to the thread question - I expect Thompson will become a very important part of our midfield rotation & lower the workload along with Reilly for our older guns.

Thompson is very good at doing that. He is just about everything you would want in a midfielder with hardness,skilful,quick and strong. Was our no.1 ballwinner in 04 till he got injured. I wish him well at the AFC and hope he plays good (Except against Melbourne).

[Wayne's-World]

Thompson is very good at doing that. He is just about everything you would want in a midfielder with hardness,skilful,quick and strong. Was our no.1 ballwinner in 04 till he got injured. I wish him well at the AFC and hope he plays good (Except against Melbourne).
Thanks for the feedback - obviously disappointing to lose a plyer you have groomed - but swings and roundabouts should see you benefit in the same manner in the future ;)

[tztommo]

so what would best suit thompson. a tagging role or just a ball hunter or would he play well of the flanks??

[Wayne's-World]

so what would best suit thompson. a tagging role or just a ball hunter or would he play well of the flanks??
No he's definately a midfield hunter :)

[tztommo]

No he's definately a midfield hunter :)
thanks Wayne

i wasnt sure after reading this thread.

so adelaide have 5 great midfielders in Mcleod, Ricciutto, Goodwin and Thompson to play this year with Edwards who can play in there aswell.
With youngsters who can also play in the midfield like Van Berlo, Shirley, and Mattner and some older fringe players like Bode and Ladhams we seem to have a fairly strong midfield this year

[Wayne's-World]

thanks Wayne

i wasnt sure after reading this thread.

so adelaide have 5 great midfielders in Mcleod, Ricciutto, Goodwin and Thompson to play this year with Edwards who can play in there aswell.
With youngsters who can also play in the midfield like Van Berlo, Shirley, and Mattner and some older fringe players like Bode and Ladhams we seem to have a fairly strong midfield this year
And don't forget Reiley who's in for a very good year ;)

[macca23]

And don't forget Reiley who's in for a very good year ;)

I'll go along with that. IMO he's likley to be our most improved youngster this year, and go up a notch or two.

However that's more likeley to be on a wing, with Burton on the other one.

Genuine mid-field candidates for the start of the year are Roo, Macca, Goodwin, Edwards, Thompson, Shirley, Bode and Johncock with fringe possibilities in Skipworth and Ladhams.

The mid-field still looks strong, the defence will come up okay, and as usual, the 64 dollar question will revolve around the forward line.

[Wayne's-World]

I'll go along with that. IMO he's likley to be our most improved youngster this year, and go up a notch or two.

However that's more likeley to be on a wing, with Burton on the other one.

Genuine mid-field candidates for the start of the year are Roo, Macca, Goodwin, Edwards, Thompson, Shirley, Bode and Johncock with fringe possibilities in Skipworth and Ladhams.

The mid-field still looks strong, the defence will come up okay, and as usual, the 64 dollar question will revolve around the forward line.
Macca, I got to say at this point there are so many configurations for the team make-up that Iam a bit confused :confused:

Yes Reiley could be on a wing but he may also be HB or in the midfield from game 1.

Von Berlo could be wing or HB

Johncock could be HB, HF, BP, midfield??

Massie big question mark as to where he'll end up

Must say yes based on last year we have an idea of positions, but I really think the make-up this year may surprise some of us????

[McLeod23]

Macca, I got to say at this point there are so many configurations for the team make-up that Iam a bit confused :confused:

Yes Reiley could be on a wing but he may also be HB or in the midfield from game 1.

Von Berlo could be wing or HB

Johncock could be HB, HF, BP, midfield??

Massie big question mark as to where he'll end up

Must say yes based on last year we have an idea of positions, but I really think the make-up this year may surprise some of us????

Very true WW, Craigy could change quite a few things around.

One thing I definitely want to see however, is Reilly on a wing. Ideally Goodwin would be on the other, but the coach would probably have Burton in there somewhere.

I think Johncock could be an option for defence. Apart from Begley, we simply don't have anyone with the pace to pick up the opposition's small forward.

[Wayne's-World]

Very true WW, Craigy could change quite a few things around.

One thing I definitely want to see however, is Reilly on a wing. Ideally Goodwin would be on the other, but the coach would probably have Burton in there somewhere.

I think Johncock could be an option for defence. Apart from Begley, we simply don't have anyone with the pace to pick up the opposition's small forward.
Hart has been good in this dept, and I like Begley back there.

Johncock is oh so versatile and could play, like Edwards, back or forward, but I have a small leaning to have him in our forward line

[macca23]

Macca, I got to say at this point there are so many configurations for the team make-up that Iam a bit confused :confused:

Yes Reiley could be on a wing but he may also be HB or in the midfield from game 1.

Von Berlo could be wing or HB

Johncock could be HB, HF, BP, midfield??

Massie big question mark as to where he'll end up

Must say yes based on last year we have an idea of positions, but I really think the make-up this year may surprise some of us????

True, but you have to use the players in the spot that they will be of the most value for the team.

On that basis, and asuming no injuries, the defence is likely to be made up of players from Hart Rutten Bassett Begley McGregor torney Doughty Mattner and Massie. With Stevens, Hentschel Welsh Perrie and maybe Biglands for the tall forwards, the others by definition will be on-ballers/mid-fielders or small forwards - or a combination of both.

That's why Johncock will play mostly on a HF flank and on the ball, Reilly on a wing, and Van Berlo will wait an opportunity towards year end.

[Wayne's-World]

True, but you have to use the players in the spot that they will be of the most value for the team.

Yes and Craig may have a different line of thought to the way the team was placed last year - Like Reilly going to HB and Truck to FB.

Just of the opinion that there will be positional and gameplan surprises that will surprise even us who have looked at every team configuration possible ;)

[Kane McGoodwin]

Johncock is oh so versatile and could play, like Edwards, back or forward, but I have a small leaning to have him in our forward line
I would like to see Stiffy play 75% as a forward & pinch-hitting role on the ball, given his lack of an engine. However, I would like him moved elsewhere (wing/defence) when he goes missing, as he has a tendency to drop out of games too much.

[Kane McGoodwin]

I'll go along with that. IMO he's likley to be our most improved youngster this year, and go up a notch or two.

However that's more likeley to be on a wing, with Burton on the other one.

Genuine mid-field candidates for the start of the year are Roo, Macca, Goodwin, Edwards, Thompson, Shirley, Bode and Johncock with fringe possibilities in Skipworth and Ladhams.

The mid-field still looks strong, the defence will come up okay, and as usual, the 64 dollar question will revolve around the forward line.
That basically sums up our situation, along with our vulnerability to injuries.

Given we have plenty of 3rd tall options in defence - Bassett, Hart, Begley, Bock :eek: , etc - & our achilles is our forward line - Hentschel must play mainly as a forward.

[crowsarethebest]

That basically sums up our situation, along with our vulnerability to injuries.

Given we have plenty of 3rd tall options in defence - Bassett, Hart, Begley, Bock :eek: , etc - & our achilles is our forward line - Hentschel must play mainly as a forward.
Also don't forget smith.. i've only seen him play once i think so i would like him to have a chance in the wizard cup. Bock is a really really cruddy defender.. he doesnt look comfortable in there. He looks very lively as a forward though.

[Stiffy_18]

I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Hentschel is played as a defender.

Craig is VERY keen to play Biglands as a forward and if you have Perrie and M. Stevens fit and firing then there is not a lot of room for another tall forward especially considering that we still have Welsh to throw in there.

From the training report it sounds like Hentschel has been playing as a defender in all the gameplan drills. That could well be the hint that Hentschel will play as a defender this year. Personally I wouldn't be disappointed with that as he is capable of playing on talls and smalls. He would give us a lot of flexibility and rebounding from the backline.

[davey_magik]

so what would best suit thompson. a tagging role or just a ball hunter or would he play well of the flanks??

He can play anywhere, but is an explosive in and under type. Just let him go where the ball goes.