Who will impact????????

[comradekane_02]

I'm interested to know everyones thoughts on which of the younger lads, ie drafted in the last 2 or 3 years, will make the biggest impact at Alberton this year???

[Sheeds]

I think the player on out list who will stand up and shine is Salopek.

If given a chance Symes will cement his spot in the side also.

[comradekane_02]

Yeah a big year is expected from that Salopek, he looks the goods as far as his fitness goes too from what I've seen.
I recon the Grew is going to have a belter this year, he has a touch of class I recon.

[Ford Fairlane]

I've seen a bit of footage of Eckermann at training and he looks to have put on some bulk, and appears really enthusiastic. He's one I think could really step up. He showed enough ability in the 2005 season.

Pearce should really consolidate his position, as should Chaplin, Pettigrew and I'd hope Thomson will step up too.

Salopek if he stays sound is a class player, and I'm still holding out hope for Brett. Needs a big pre-season to convince Choco he's ready for midfield. Symes is probably in Ebert's boat.

Willits could be one to surprise.

Seeing as you asked ... ;)

[*PAF]

I've seen a bit of footage of Eckermann at training and he looks to have put on some bulk, and appears really enthusiastic. He's one I think could really step up. He showed enough ability in the 2005 season.

Pearce should really consolidate his position, as should Chaplin, Pettigrew and I'd hope Thomson will step up too.

Salopek if he stays sound is a class player, and I'm still holding out hope for Brett. Needs a big pre-season to convince Choco he's ready for midfield. Symes is probably in Ebert's boat.

Willits could be one to surprise.

Seeing as you asked ... ;)

And a good thread it is. :D

ps I hope Sal, Thomson and Motlop have the biggest impact.
If they do, here comes number two.

[Jumbo]

THOMSON is in my opinion the best chance to step upto the plate next season. He is the perfect fit for the type of player we are badly missing (hard inside midfielder with good hands).

[*PAFC*13]

Thomson will have a belter. I think Matty Thomas, James Ezard and maybe even Deluca will debut this year. I think Tommy Logan will get elovated at the end of the year. I would have thought that Pearce, Pettigrew and Chaplin would have there names carved into the team sheet for next year. Ebert and Salopek have to step up or they will be delisted. Same goes for Surjan and Shattock.

[scotty13]

Pearce and Ekerman will have huge impacts on the AFL, and if given a chance Tommy Logan will have a massive impact with his hard at the footy attitude which we know him by. Im sure he will join the likes of tredders on kornes on the senior list at the end of this year.

[Powerstufff]

Salopek will be first 22 material if he stops breaking mirrors and annoying black cats. Eckerman remains exciting and if he doesn't keep missing shots on goal will become a favourite.
Thomson, Motlop and Lonie have the chance to take the spots that Ebert, White, Thurstans and Surjan failed to grab. Chaplin, Pettigrew and Pearce will consolidate.
From then on spaces become hard to find but Deluca would be welcome as we are starting to get a bit light on ruckmen. As for Thomas if he is Wilbur's eventual replacement in style etc then get him on the park too.

[comradekane_02]

As much as i like Ecky, I'm worried about his size, we all saw what Stenglein did to him, and he is hardly huge. My biggest concern is his ability to stay over the ball considering the size of the average midfielder at the moment.

[missionpossible]

As much as i like Ecky, I'm worried about his size, we all saw what Stenglein did to him, and he is hardly huge. My biggest concern is his ability to stay over the ball considering the size of the average midfielder at the moment.

size had nothing to do with that. If stenglein had contacted Tredrea like that he would have gone down as well. The worrying thing about a contact like that is that Eckers did not protect himself from the on coming impact which tends to sugest that his peripheral vision is not what is required by an an AFL midfielder.

[Ford Fairlane]

size had nothing to do with that. If stenglein had contacted Tredrea like that he would have gone down as well. The worrying thing about a contact like that is that Eckers did not protect himself from the on coming impact which tends to sugest that his peripheral vision is not what is required by an an AFL midfielder.

If a player sets out to take another player out, then there will be times when peripheral vision will not save you. It's a matter of expectation. The AFL is so sanitised these days that when you see a body coming to a contested situation you expect them to contest the ball not smash into the body - I suspect that's how Byron catches so many unawares. And on the frame by frames (there is a thread here somewhere) Stenglein clearly smacks Eckermann in the head with a forearm. Again not expected. Fos Williams used to say you haven't played footy until you've been concussed ... Eckermann will have learned a valuable lesson.

[PJ Power]

At this time of the year, optimism surrounds pretty much every kid's chances.

As to who will impact, so much will depend on opportunity. Thomson and Eckerman could both have enjoyed great debut seasons at AFL level in '05 if they had played regularly - wasn't to be.

For that reason I think the big question is who will get the most chances to cement their spots early in the year. Preseason form becomes important and the kids who have histories of breaking down during preseason games (White, Salopek and Ebert) need to be healthy and on the park to make sure they don't miss out.

Salopek, Ebert and Thomson will probably get first bite of the cherry if fit. I would expect Sal and Thomson to both be capable of squeezing into our midfield 8 for the majority of 2006.

Eckerman and Ezard will get opportunities as injuries to other players occur. Both may well rise to the challenge of AFL and do well.

Symes is the one who should be a priority to give some games to. He's done everything asked of him at SANFL. He deserves as much of a go at HB as does Lonie. Hopefully he takes his chances and consolidates a spot in our side. Looks like a good, honest player.

[crazy_big_al]

Retirements/Delistings - Wangas, Possibly Francou, Kingsley, Walsh and Bishop depending on form and/or fitness.

there are many postions which are to be won over the summer for the upcomming season.

So the players who must step up and be counted in the Port way are Salopek ( we all know he has class) but he needs to stay on the park. Hopefully the change in number will give him the break he needs.

Ebert- I have been a big fan of Brett but he has been giving to opportunity to impress by playing for the power, but cant make it as a small forward. If he is give a shot in the guts this year he must grasp it with both hands or he will be shown the door at season end.

White- people have said that this kid is our need great KPP up fwd but at this stage he has played a good game then a poor game. no one can knock his effort. but he has to translate that onto runs on the board. If he can get his head right and get in some early season form i think he can make a huge impact for us.

Chaplin- This kid has showed so much promise last year. I think that to expect him to jump in a play CHB all season would be a bit too much to expect, But in saying that if he can it does free up Chad to play as a utility all over the ground. I see him taking bishop 3rd tall spot to start the year and then when he has gained more confidence he will take to CHB mantle.

Other I expect to take the next step in their football development are The Grew, Symes, Pearce, Eckerman, and Thomson

[comradekane_02]

C_B_A, you wont be satisfied until the Grew wins the B&F. Great athlete, very composed, I can only hope he carries on with the promise he has shown at both ends of the ground this year.

[crazy_big_al]

size had nothing to do with that. If stenglein had contacted Tredrea like that he would have gone down as well. The worrying thing about a contact like that is that Eckers did not protect himself from the on coming impact which tends to sugest that his peripheral vision is not what is required by an an AFL midfielder.

Missionpossible I am a big fan of your opinion on footy but in this case I think it was Eckers size which caused the issue. If he was taller he would not have taken the impact in the area he did. I think if his muscular development was further along he would not have sustained whip lash as his trap would have protected his neck better. I think that the kids had eyes for the ball and was not aware of the on coming contact. I think protecting himself from contact is something he needs to work on. I would have thought him being a smaller player he would have already have that skill.

[spice18]

I'm interested to know everyones thoughts on which of the younger lads, ie drafted in the last 2 or 3 years, will make the biggest impact at Alberton this year???

Season 2006 promises a lot, there is so much competition for spots, and that is the Port Adelaide way for starters. Here are my predictions:

1.A fit Salopek will have a blinder, it will be his break-through year;
2.Thommo will be the surprise packet this year, expect a NAB rising star nomination. I see him emerging the same way Sam mitchell did at Hawthorn, esp now there is a yawning gap for a 20-30 classy possessions per game midfielder to distribute the sherrin.
3.Go the Grew in 2006 there is another rising star nominee. Absolute class, expect it to shine through
4. Chaplin, my pick for NAB rising star winner, speaks for itself what I expect from this guy in season 2006.
5.Symes will be a revelation in the back pocket

From left field: I think Carlile and Thomas will leapfrog a few guys and debut for 3-6 games each. Very interesting prospects there

X-Factor
i) Our indigenous crew will dazzle them and it will be beautiful to watch
ii)Lonie - I have a feeling this guy will make Hawthorn regret their decision to let him go.

All the above becoming reality means a definite top 4 finish IMO

[Troy Wingate]

I'm looking forward to seeing the improvements of Chappy. This kid is gonna be real good, and I hope we get to see a bit of Carlile this year. If the Mal Michaels comparisons are spot on, our defense will be good for the next 10 years with Carlile and Chaplin, and of coarse other players down back.

[comradekane_02]

I really can't see Carlisle getting a run this year, unless we get some serious injuries, however we didnt think the grew would play the first 2 games in a BP last year either.
Chaps though, that kid will be good. What a great attitude he has aswell, definately will be a leader of the club

[portentous]

I'd like to see our hunky new ruck coach have an impact with the young talls.

[thepowerwithin_30]

I believe both Chappy and the Grew will play quite a few games next season. They both showed that they can step up when it counts and had some great performances in 2005. I know this is a bold statement and most people will disagree with me, but if The Grew bulks up a bit, he might be up there with Tredders in years to come. He is a damn accurate kick and a strong mark, The Grew and Chappy are the future of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

I would also like to see Symes and Ebert stand up in 2006. At training, Brett has been doing quite a bit of work in the midfield, which is hopefully a sign of things to come. Also Brad received numerous BOG awards for centrals this year, i think he might have an impact in the NAB Cup!

Who knows, we may all be pleaseantly surprised by the efforts of the unexpected in 2006!

[PJ Power]

I believe both Chappy and the Grew will play quite a few games next season. They both showed that they can step up when it counts and had some great performances in 2005. I know this is a bold statement and most people will disagree with me, but if The Grew bulks up a bit, he might be up there with Tredders in years to come. He is a damn accurate kick and a strong mark, The Grew and Chappy are the future of the Port Adelaide Football Club.



I agree with you and have also posted about similarities between the Grew and Tredders (circe 1997-1998) before.
As you say, allow for some extra muscling up, and his more valuable position to us might end up being FF rather than BP/FB. This is especially so if neither White or Willits develop into the key forwards that we are in need of.

[comradekane_02]

[quote=thepowerwithin_30]I believe both Chappy and the Grew will play quite a few games next season. They both showed that they can step up when it counts and had some great performances in 2005. I know this is a bold statement and most people will disagree with me, but if The Grew bulks up a bit, he might be up there with Tredders in years to come. He is a damn accurate kick and a strong mark, The Grew and Chappy are the future of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

I agree. From memory the Grew was very quick in the 20m sprint at draft camp? Whatever, he has great acceleration, good height, and a frame that will develop, has composure in front of goal, a good attitude and is a bit of a spring-heeled jack.
I dont like to go around making comparisons to Tredrea, because to see a guy like him at our club once in a generation is great. (The Crows have never had anything they can call a forward let alone "world class" like Tredders).
But yes, I, and many people I know all think he has what it takes to be a great player at the club.

[Powerstufff]

...The Crows have never had anything they can call a forward let alone "world class" like Tredders.....Tony Modra, Darren Jarman?

[portentous]

Tony Modra, Darren Jarman?
Brett Burton, Ken McGregor.....:rolleyes:

Some Cows supporters would argue that Tredrea is nothing more than an also-ran wingman. :D

[comradekane_02]

Tony Modra, Darren Jarman?

Fair call, I meant tall forward, again, fair call.

[almost_04]

Salopek if he is injurie free this year, he is going to be a gun

[crazy_big_al]

Salopek if he is injurie free this year, he is going to be a gun


gun not so sure

serviceable player yes

dont put too much pressure on the kid

[Mitch Power]

S-A-L-O-P-E-K!! He will have the major impact IMO. I was watching a DVD the other night "Port Adelaide - the Epic Journey 2004" and it showed highlights of the 2004 season. In just about every one of those early rounds in 2004, Sala featured prominently until he came down with glandular fever (I think). By all reports, this year he is the fittest he has ever been and I am really expecting big things from this player.

Chaplin is the other player that I am expecting will consolidate his position at CHB.

[comradekane_02]

S-A-L-O-P-E-K!! He will have the major impact IMO. I was watching a DVD the other night "Port Adelaide - the Epic Journey 2004" and it showed highlights of the 2004 season. In just about every one of those early rounds in 2004, Sala featured prominently until he came down with glandular fever (I think). By all reports, this year he is the fittest he has ever been and I am really expecting big things from this player.

Chaplin is the other player that I am expecting will consolidate his position at CHB.

Jo back and watch the epic journey again, replace the words Salopek with Josh Carr. That guy featured in so many plays it was ridiculous. God I still love the way that guy plays footy.
Not to say that salopek doesnt feature highly aswell though. I saw a game the other day on fox, dont even know when it was, we got thumped by WCE. Must have been a couple of years ago. Salopek stood up then aswell in a losing side.
Chaps should have a great year, on and off the field.

[*PAFC*13]

S-A-L-O-P-E-K!! He will have the major impact IMO. I was watching a DVD the other night "Port Adelaide - the Epic Journey 2004" and it showed highlights of the 2004 season. In just about every one of those early rounds in 2004, Sala featured prominently until he came down with glandular fever (I think). By all reports, this year he is the fittest he has ever been and I am really expecting big things from this player.

Chaplin is the other player that I am expecting will consolidate his position at CHB.

Did you see in round one, One of his clearances, he stepped around like three guys and kicked it long down the wing. He certainly has talent to say the least. :thumbsu: