Thoughts On The Young Players

[- PC -]

Well that was a good win but I was more interested in how the newer , younger players went.

Hinge- looked ok the one thing with all these players is that they didnt seem out of place

Knights- Will start in the 22 round 1. If he plays all 22 games will win Rising Star ...ball magnet

Porplyzia- yeh like Hinge looked ok...probably a step ahead of Hinge

Maric- Enthusiastic and kept at it... his tap over his head to Porplyzia was top shelf

Jericho- will be competing with Bode for a spot and I feel Bode is ahead

Van Berlo- solid enough game and will be an integral part of any 22-24 squad

Bode- ?? do I mention Bode? He looks a lot fitter than I can recall and apart from poor kicking letting him down , he put in

Massie - as with Bode didnt know whether to mention him or not ,but looks like he is happy to be a defending tagger instead of an attacking tagger. Did ok on Motlop but gave him just that extra room where Motlop can hurt sides...if Motlop didnt try to fancy toe pokes he would have had 4

Your thoughts?

[FCAGJAT]

Well that was a good win but I was more interested in how the newer , younger players went.

Hinge- looked ok the one thing with all these players is that they didnt seem out of place

Knights- Will start in the 22 round 1. If he plays all 22 games will win Rising Star ...ball magnet

Porplyzia- yeh like Hinge looked ok...probably a step ahead of Hinge

Maric- Enthusiastic and kept at it... his tap over his head to Porplyzia was top shelf

Jericho- will be competing with Bode for a spot and I feel Bode is ahead

Van Berlo- solid enough game and will be an integral part of any 22-24 squad

Bode- ?? do I mention Bode? He looks a lot fitter than I can recall and apart from poor kicking letting him down , he put in

Massie - as with Bode didnt know whether to mention him or not ,but looks like he is happy to be a defending tagger instead of an attacking tagger. Did ok on Motlop but gave him just that extra room where Motlop can hurt sides...if Motlop didnt try to fancy toe pokes he would have had 4

Your thoughts?

Yeap our younger players really stood up today. Put on a magnificent show with Knights leading the way with 28 possessions and 5 marks. What a great debut for the young fella! Great win by the team. We got some depth there now in the developing youngsters.

[Cove Cobra]

Hinge - did some good things

Maric - a solid game by the big fella.

Knights - gun, gun, gun. I agree, starting 22 possie.

Porplyzia - a good game IMO also. Strong consideration for a starting 22 spot.

Van Berlo - servicable without really standing out.

Jericho - I didn't think he did much actually.

Goody is as good as ever, Macca had a top game.

How about the forward line now?? Perrie and Hentchel played blinders!

Birdman still annys the hell out of me. His clangers were today wiped out though with his goals and that screamer he took.

What I did notice today is that our younger players are far ahead of the other mobs.

[Stephen2]

Without watching the game, I can't be 100% sure, but the stats show Knights has 0 tackles.


http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=defence&db=*

Otherwise, awesome display from the young man, also Van Berlo and Porpy looked good.

[McLeodMagic]

Thought all the kids did really well today and no one looked out of place.

Knights by far was a standout annd I agree that he should cement his spot in the 22 every week. First time I've seen Porplyzia and now I understand why he is being compared to Edwards, pretty solid game from him. Van Berlo once again put his body on the line many times and is just tough at it which is a great sign. 3 great players to have to backup and eventually take over our midfield.

Hinge looked a bit skinny (chicken legs) but it was not a bad debut by him either. Also Maric did some nice stuff in the ruck and didn't get pushed around by Brogan and Lade as I would have thought.

Does anyone know what happened to Reilly btw?

[snakebite01]

Knights racked up a lot of the footy and did well but needs to tidy up the defensive part of his game. Was on Salopek who got a lot of the footy (although most of it was behind centre and not very damaging).

Van Berlo looked good, second and third efforts and tackling were a feature.

Maric had a few nice taps, got stuck in, still a bit raw.

Hinge looked a little lost at times but will be better for the run.

Porplyzia looked 'neat'. Did some nice things by foot, looked a very smooth mover.

Other things from the game:

Hentschel looks very good. Everytime the ball goes near him I felt he would win his battle, regardless of who was on him.

Rutten looks even bigger than last year, and better too. He is now looking 'Mal Michael scary'.

Midfield worked very well together. Biglands ruckwork was excellent, the quick handballing out of congestion was a feature (very sloppy in the 1sy Q but got much better). Burton in particular I thought was excellent and worked tirelessly. Goody looking very good.

Run from half back was again good. Often in waves of 4-5 players. Good to see that the players wanted to switch it into the corridor at every opportunity. Defensively we were very solid and that's without Bassett, Hart and Torney mopping up the scraps. Defense will be scarily good this year.

Forward line worked well together. Kenny was quiet but Perrie and Hentschel stepped up. So many options that will be further improved with Welshy coming back.

Very good result considering Edwards, Thompson and McLeod barely got out of second gear and still Roo to return to the midfield. Can't read too much into it as it was only Port ;) but a lot of positives to come out of it. If everyone stays fit we are in for a helluva ride this year.

[noddy]

Hinge = Did not notice him all that much.

Maric = We have a winner here, raw but has a 2nd & 3td effort & best of all a bit of mongrel in him. :) .

Knights = would have to be in the starting 22 after todays, just needs to tidy up his decision making..

Porplyzia = First time i have seen him play & was surprised how muscular he really is got better & better the longer the game went, another winner.

Van Berlo = reasonable game & laid some great tackles.

Jericho = Sorry but my opinion has yet to change on Luke, still not enough grit & desperation.

Bode still can be a success at the Crows & showed a bit today, mind i think anyone could have looked good against the sort of opposition that turned up to play today.

[topjars]

Maric - showed some encouragement to young Edwards :D who uncompomisingly put his body on the block by running back into the play with his usual courage.
Can tap with both hands and did scrap a bit on the ground.

Porps - good in close and not our worst player.

Knights - Leather poisoning for one so young

Hinge - maybe next year

[SpringChoke]

I haven't watched the game yet. What happened to Meeson?

[- PC -]

Bode still can be a success at the Crows & showed a bit today, mind i think anyone could have looked good against the sort of opposition that turned up to play today.
Junk time possessions dont mean too much to me, it was Bodes first quarter and a half that impressed ..could have had 2-3 goals to half time.

[snakebite01]

I haven't watched the game yet. What happened to Meeson?

Not sure, must have dropped out. Douglas didn't play either.

[Cove Cobra]

Hentschel looks very good. Everytime the ball goes near him I felt he would win his battle, regardless of who was on him.

I agree. He looks as though he ready to take his game to a new level. His leading was excellent and I thought his body work in close was excellent. Took an excellent mark under pressure on handed.

Rutten looks even bigger than last year, and better too. He is now looking 'Mal Michael scary'.

Doesn't he. He looked (on PAYTV anyway) bigger than Tredrea. Owned Tredders again.


Very good result considering Edwards, Thompson and McLeod barely got out of second gear and still Roo to return to the midfield. Can't read too much into it as it was only Port ;) but a lot of positives to come out of it. If everyone stays fit we are in for a helluva ride this year.

We'll have to wait until we beat a better quality side, like Hawthorn:cool: :D

[noddy]

Junk time possessions dont mean too much to me, it was Bodes first quarter and a half that impressed ..could have had 2-3 goals to half time.

Same with me & there seemed to be a bit of junk time in the 2nd half.

I have always had a bit time for Bodey & hopefully this year he can return to the form of 2002, injuries permitting.

[jmorg1]

I think Knights and Porplyzia impressed the most. They should play in Round 1 if they keep that form up.

VB was ok. Jericho to a lesser extent.

Didn't really notice Hinge or Maric do much.

[ok.crows]

What I did notice today is that our younger players are far ahead of the other mobs.

Nail. Hammer. Head.

[Stiffy_18]

Van Berlo - LOVED his game. His courage and 2nd and 3rd efforts were exceptional. Keep it up VB and you have a spot in the side. Much better than this time last year.

Maric - MUCH better showing that last week against Norwood. His tap work was pretty good and his work rate when the ball hit the ground was excellent. Play like that and you will see a few games this year. Has a bit of mongrel. A big boy that doesn't mind throwing it around. I liked his game today.

Knights - His defensive side of the game was deplorable early in the 1st quarter as he gave Cassisi WAY too much room on his wing. Tightened up a bit midway through the 1st and was OK in that department for the rest of the game. His offensive game was EXCEPTIONAL. Mmarked well, got plenty of it and used it well. Apart from his defensive mis-haps he was exceptional.

Jericho - BITTERLY disappointed here. He was unbeleivably soft today. His chases were half arsed and his tackling, first, 2nd and 3rd efforts non-existant. VERY VERY disappointed by his game today. I expect MUCH better

Reilly - I thought he was reasonable before he left the field with what appeared to be a hip injury very early in the 3rd

Hinge - Did a couple of nice things but overall nothing to write home about.

Porplyzia - For all those that questioned his ability and hence the selection in the PSD should take a closer look at today's game. He throws his body at the contest like Bode, his hands in close were exceptional and just his awareness was very very encouraging. Keep that up and you are a walk up start every week.

Hentschel and Rutten were great IMHO. Burton and Goodwin had blinders and Sarge had a great purple patch.

For those of you that were at the game in the members, did you notice Tredrea coming off the field in the 4th quarter and walking straight towards the Crows bench. He realised he was going the wrong way and turned back suddenly to the cheers of the crowd :D

[Cove Cobra]

It will be interesting to see how the younger players go against Hawthorn in what will be, IMO, a more intense and physical contest.

[Cove Cobra]

For those of you that were at the game in the members, did you notice Tredrea coming off the field in the 4th quarter and walking straight towards the Crows bench. He realised he was going the wrong way and turned back suddenly to the cheers of the crowd :D

Hehehe.

They showed it on FF. The commentators were having a nice chuckle about how the members were KINDLY pointing out he was heading in the wrong direction!!

:D :D

[lincsPJ]

I haven't watched the game yet. What happened to Meeson?

whats with the meeson obsession on this board? he doesnt deserve to be wearing the red/blue and gold... hes lucky to even be wearing the red and blue in norwoods league 22.

[Cove Cobra]

whats with the meeson obsession on this board? he doesnt deserve to be wearing the red/blue and gold... hes lucky to even be wearing the red and blue in norwoods league 22.

:confused: :rolleyes:

[lincsPJ]

:confused: :rolleyes:


:confused:

[macca23]

Van Berlo - LOVED his game. His courage and 2nd and 3rd efforts were exceptional. Keep it up VB and you have a spot in the side. Much better than this time last year.

Maric - MUCH better showing that last week against Norwood. His tap work was pretty good and his work rate when the ball hit the ground was excellent. Play like that and you will see a few games this year. Has a bit of mongrel. A big boy that doesn't mind throwing it around. I liked his game today.

Knights - His defensive side of the game was deplorable early in the 1st quarter as he gave Cassisi WAY too much room on his wing. Tightened up a bit midway through the 1st and was OK in that department for the rest of the game. His offensive game was EXCEPTIONAL. Mmarked well, got plenty of it and used it well. Apart from his defensive mis-haps he was exceptional.

Jericho - BITTERLY disappointed here. He was unbeleivably soft today. His chases were half arsed and his tackling, first, 2nd and 3rd efforts non-existant. VERY VERY disappointed by his game today. I expect MUCH better

Reilly - I thought he was reasonable before he left the field with what appeared to be a hip injury very early in the 3rd

Hinge - Did a couple of nice things but overall nothing to write home about.

Porplyzia - For all those that questioned his ability and hence the selection in the PSD should take a closer look at today's game. He throws his body at the contest like Bode, his hands in close were exceptional and just his awareness was very very encouraging. Keep that up and you are a walk up start every week.



Yep. Good comments, Stiffmeister, and I saw them all the same way you did.

Knights and VB are definitely first 22 selections on that game, while Maric is certainly booking a spot in the event of any injury to either Biglands or clarke. Not quite ready yet, but is developing at a rate of knots.

I copped a bit of flak from some quarters for my comments on Jericho last week Stiffy, but I've gotta say - you've called it correctly. Nothing's changed this week.

The one that has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons is Porplyzia. IMO played even better than against Norwood and is turning out to be a pleasant surprise.

[kirky]

For those of you that were at the game in the members, did you notice Tredrea coming off the field in the 4th quarter and walking straight towards the Crows bench. He realised he was going the wrong way and turned back suddenly to the cheers of the crowd :D

Saw that and then yelled out - "Tredrea, you obviously want to play for a winning team".

Still trying to get Tyson Edwards couragious effort out of my head - unbelievable given it was a pre-season game - will watch the reply tonight.

[Fudd]

bit off topic guys, but tell me thats not the scariest you have ever seen Trent. :eek:

http://afc.com.au/

[lincsPJ]

bit off topic guys, but tell me thats not the scariest you have ever seen Trent. :eek:

http://afc.com.au/


someone call a priest!! :eek:

[SpringChoke]

Gee some of you are harsh judges, I thought VB's game was sensational. Based on that performance, he would be the first youngster I would pick come rnd 1. A few weeks ago I asked if we overrate him. Sheesh. I thought he was great. It looked like he'd been out there for years. He was couragous, hard at it and his second efforts were outstanding. Maturity beyond his years.

As for the rest:

Knights - Just continues to impress. Must be penciled in for rnd1. I think people exaggerrate his supposed poor dispoasl by foot.

Maric - Iwas impressed with the big guy. His ruck work is coming along nicely. Looks like he has a bit of fire in his belly too. Needs to do more around the ground.

Hinge - Quiet day. Obviously saving himself for round 1 ;) :D

Porp - Another that really impressed me. Is the same guy of a few years ago. Good little goer with silky skills. His dispoasl reminds me abit of David Grenvold.

Jericho - Going nowhere.

Bode - Really imprssive. Such a couragous little bugger. I hope he does well.

Riley - I thought he was impressive up until being injured. Really threw his body at the contest - good signs.

[macca23]

Van Berlo - LOVED his game. His courage and 2nd and 3rd efforts were exceptional. Keep it up VB and you have a spot in the side. Much better than this time last year.

Maric - MUCH better showing that last week against Norwood. His tap work was pretty good and his work rate when the ball hit the ground was excellent. Play like that and you will see a few games this year. Has a bit of mongrel. A big boy that doesn't mind throwing it around. I liked his game today.

Knights - His defensive side of the game was deplorable early in the 1st quarter as he gave Cassisi WAY too much room on his wing. Tightened up a bit midway through the 1st and was OK in that department for the rest of the game. His offensive game was EXCEPTIONAL. Mmarked well, got plenty of it and used it well. Apart from his defensive mis-haps he was exceptional.

Jericho - BITTERLY disappointed here. He was unbeleivably soft today. His chases were half arsed and his tackling, first, 2nd and 3rd efforts non-existant. VERY VERY disappointed by his game today. I expect MUCH better

Reilly - I thought he was reasonable before he left the field with what appeared to be a hip injury very early in the 3rd

Hinge - Did a couple of nice things but overall nothing to write home about.

Porplyzia - For all those that questioned his ability and hence the selection in the PSD should take a closer look at today's game. He throws his body at the contest like Bode, his hands in close were exceptional and just his awareness was very very encouraging. Keep that up and you are a walk up start every week.



Yep. Good comments, Stiffmeister, and I saw them all the same way you did.

Knights and VB are definitely first 22 selections on that game, while Maric is certainly booking a spot in the event of any injury to either Biglands or clarke. Not quite ready yet, but is developing at a rate of knots.

I copped a bit of flak from some quarters for my comments on Jericho last week Stiffy, but I've gotta say - you've called it correctly. Nothing's changed this week.

The one that has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons is Porplyzia. IMO he played even better today than against Norwood and is turning out to be a pleasant surprise.

[Kane McGoodwin]

Knights racked up a lot of the footy and did well but needs to tidy up the defensive part of his game. Was on Salopek who got a lot of the footy (although most of it was behind centre and not very damaging).

Van Berlo looked good, second and third efforts and tackling were a feature.

Maric had a few nice taps, got stuck in, still a bit raw.

Hinge looked a little lost at times but will be better for the run.

Porplyzia looked 'neat'. Did some nice things by foot, looked a very smooth mover.

This is the best analysis of the youngsters IMO. Knights, VB & Porplyzia all looked very confortable & should be playing in our 1st team. Knights has translated getting possessions at SANFL to AFL, was very impressed with VB's tackling (significantly bigger body than last year) & Porplyzia looked at ease used the ball well. The others still look a bit raw, but Maric isn't far off.

[Stiffy_18]

Saw that and then yelled out - "Tredrea, you obviously want to play for a winning team". :D

I yelled out "Get back to your team we don't need another wingman" :p

Still trying to get Tyson Edwards couragious effort out of my head - unbelievable given it was a pre-season game - will watch the reply tonight.For that piece of work, Tyson deserves every single accolade he can get. Unbelievable courage. Things like that are what wins you footy matches. His courage resulted in a goal from Burton (after a great mark) down the other end.

It was great to see that Maric was the first one that ran over to Tyson to congratulate him on that effort. Players from all over the field ran to Tyson to give him a pat on the back.

One thing I forgot to mention earlier. I must give props to Thommo for the way he played today. Not so much the quality of his game but the actual leadership he displayed out there. He was hard at the footy and didn't give away stupid frees like he normally does when we need him to step up. He also showed a great bit of leadership when Maric came on for his first run in the 2nd quarter. Thommo came towards him and revved him up. Encouraging him and giving him a pat on the back. The result, Maric, clean tap to Skippy who clears forward for a goal. That was much better from Thommo than anything he displayed last week and at other times when he has been expected to carry the leadership load a bit more.

[Kane McGoodwin]

Jericho - BITTERLY disappointed here. He was unbeleivably soft today. His chases were half arsed and his tackling, first, 2nd and 3rd efforts non-existant. VERY VERY disappointed by his game today. I expect MUCH better
Yeah, was probably the most disappointing player today. Just couldn't get involved in the play. Looks like he doesn't understand his role in the side & is being left behind by other youngsters.

[Crow-mo]

Without watching the game, I can't be 100% sure, but the stats show Knights has 0 tackles.


wayne campbell made a career out of 0 tackles :)

[Crow-mo]

someone call a priest!! :eek:

lol :D

[NikkiNoo]

Ok that pic of trent is very scary!

on the youngsters

most impressed with VB - again shows great class, poise and a real clever ability to know where the ball is about to be. His pressure and tackling were also a great feature.

Knights - was too loose for most of the game, he did tighten up after the first quarter but still not enough imo. His ability to get the ball is great as long as he is only going to kick the ball, the number of times today his handballs missed the target.....

Porplyzia was fabulous, willing to get his head over the ball was a good feature.

Hinge, to me, looks like he belongs out there, did not look out of place at all. I was quite impressed with him against norwood and he didn't let me down again.

Jericho - agree that he was too loose at the start, but the 2nd half of the 3rd qtr and the final qtr he seemed to finally adjust to the game and did some nice little ball gets and passes that I was happy to see from Jericho.

Really impressed with both Biglands and Maric ensuring that they were getting down to the ball on the ground when needed. On Maric - loved the little bit of mongrel and also his positioning to block up the whole in defence was much better than against Norwood. I think it is a huge plus that we have a ruck man that can tap with either hand!

The most important thing now is for those guys to keep improving on their performance today.

[Blue Red and Gold]

Pretty happy with todays game as it was the first chance this season I could see them play.

I am a bit suprised about the lack of praise for VB, I was astounded by how hard at the ball he went all day long. May not of racked up the possesions of Knights but IMO was just as important.

Knights was outstanding and really pleasing to see that he will be able to step up to the big league. James Fantasia take a bow. I got to agree with whoever said it earlier that the myth opf Knights poor execution is over exagerrated.

Jericho, just doesnt look like a footballer and I feel he lacks any real grit, doesnt seem to have that real determination to throw his body on the line or chase down his opponent.

Hinge did some ok things, but he just seemed too small, got thrown off it too often, but like others have said will be much better for the run.

Porps, first time I have seen him play and I was impressed IMO opinion is a better option than Skippy or Doughty.

Bode, very happy with his game, always been a favourite and I think if he can stay injury free he will be a very important player.

Maric, loved his effort around the ground, really was prepared to have a go. Although I think his ruckwork was not where it should be but will play round one I think with Clarke still injured.

Tad suprised to see Douglas didnt get a game, was looking forward to seeing him play.

[PAFC2004]

I don't know how many you had out there, but most of your team seemed to be very confident, which is obviously a good thing. Far more so than our youngsters.

[Stiffy_18]

Tad suprised to see Douglas didnt get a game, was looking forward to seeing him play.
Thats probably the most disappointing bit of the day for me. I was really looking forward to seeing him play even if its only a cameo role off the bench.

IMHO, his form last week was more deserving of selection than say someone like Jericho. I was also hoping that we would see a bit of Meesen today as well.

[McLeodMagic]

Does anyone know the extent of Reilly's hip injury? Anything serious?

If he's unavailable I'll like to see Richard step in and take his place, really looking forward to seeing him in action.

[macca23]

Does anyone know the extent of Reilly's hip injury? Anything serious?

If he's unavailable I'll like to see Richard step in and take his place, really looking forward to seeing him in action.

My guess is not too bad. He was walking off with boots in hand after the game.

I really liked Reilly's game before he went off. Not flashy but very hardworking and laid a couple of really hard tackles.

As for young Douglas, I would think that the only reason he wasn't chosen was because of his youth and weight. Given that we have a swag of mid-fielders already competing for spots, the plan might just be not to hurry him, because his form against Norwood justified a spot ahead of both Jericho and Massie.

[Drummond]

Porplyzia really impressed me today, he was so hard at the footy and just seemed to know where to go to find it. Great signs.

Just a really impressive performance by the entire team today. :thumbsu:

[cro_Magnum]

whats with the meeson obsession on this board? he doesnt deserve to be wearing the red/blue and gold... hes lucky to even be wearing the red and blue in norwoods league 22.
We're just hoping another interstate high draft pick doesn't go east/ turn out to a dud/ miss his mum/ need psychiatric care etc. If any of these things happen again, I think a few people on this board will end up needing counselling and/or tranqulizing agents.

[lincsPJ]

We're just hoping another interstate high draft pick doesn't go east/ turn out to a dud/ miss his mum/ need psychiatric care etc. If any of these things happen again, I think a few people on this board will end up needing counselling and/or tranqulizing agents.

get the tranqiliser darts ready cos im sticking 20 on option no.2.

[SpringChoke]

Ingoring the obvious and expected above comment from the Norwood supporter, I wonder why Meeson, Douglas and to a lesser extent Vince were not given a run. Surely having another look at Douglas and Meeson would not have had a major impact on the 70+ margin.

I hope they drop jericho and skippy for the next game and brng in Douglas and Meeson.

[Gets!]

Knights - Very competent game, ended up with 28 touches and generally used the ball well. Is very good at the quick handpass and looks like his kicking has improved.

Porpylzia - someone in here said 'not our worst player'. I would have had him in the best 6. Very serviceable game, put his head over the ball, courageous, can kick equally good on both his right and left foot and tackled hard. We have a winner.

Maric - did not let the more experience Brogan or Lade push him around and got a fair share of the hitouts - well done Ivan!

VB - Very impressive, very couragous and seems to be a lot quicker this year. Along with Mattner and Thompson, he is an awesome tackle.

Hinge - Did okay. Got a few touched. Didn't make any mistakes.

Reilly - Impressive, will have a big year.

Jericho - Meh. Vince should take his place next week.

[Markthirtytwo]

Ingoring the obvious and expected above comment from the Norwood supporter, I wonder why Meeson, Douglas and to a lesser extent Vince were not given a run. Surely having another look at Douglas and Meeson would not have had a major impact on the 70+ margin.

I hope they drop jericho and skippy for the next game and brng in Douglas and Meeson.

Add Bernie to that list and Im with you.

These games mean nothing and should be trying to have a look at what we hope to have playing one day, not whats been tried and failed.

[lincsPJ]

I hope they drop jericho and skippy for the next game and bring in Douglas and Meeson.

seen as how its only a trial game - by all means bring in mees. i'd love to see him prove me wrong. we all know how scanty our ruck stocks are.

but i reckon he will prove me right if he plays though.

[pjcrows]

We're just hoping another interstate high draft pick doesn't go east/ turn out to a dud/ miss his mum/ need psychiatric care etc. If any of these things happen again, I think a few people on this board will end up needing counselling and/or tranqulizing agents.

well we can safely give up hope and start the counselling. meesen is a total hack.

[Wayne's-World]

OK I'll join the rose parade BUT with some proviso's

1. Porps - Lived up to expectations, very good hands, very confident in his first game and hard at it. Pace needs a little work as he's not the quickest but a very good addition as an ina nd under player.
As I saw it on TV appeared to play most of his gametime on the ball - interesting as I probably see hi early career as Edwards in the backline.

2. Knights - great game, as with Porps very good hands this lad - bit slow to use his right foot and handballed a lot. Think our midfielders have always been known to run the lines - don't know whether Knights has the pace, but early days.
Wasn't his opponent also in Ports best players - anyone there care to comment on his defensive action.?

3. Hinge - agree didn't look out of place but also didn't stand out as anything special ATS

4. Maric - good honest effort - really 2 years away minimum. We are going to be in trouble if Clark doesn't come up consistently. And Maric is way ahead of Meesen in development:confused:
Thought one of the reasons we took Meesen over Woods was that Meesen was going to develop quicker than Woods (he played on the weekend?)

5. Bode - Bode was Bode, disposals still shocking, tried hard but think he'll be a depth player only.

6. Jericho - as a strong supporter of his I won't drop off yet but gee he was disappointing - but then again he hasn't had much of a PS yet the club is continueing to pick him......maybe that's a sign

7. Massie - did not do his chances this year any harm today

8. Reilly - well done lad......must say from my armchair he did look a bit quicker over the ground today and certainly has taken Thomos creed on board "the best way to get involved in a game is tackle tackle and then tackle some more"
An extra yard in pace which he originally had will make all the difference to his game - BIG YEAR AHEAD!


Can't play too many youngsters in a game - would suggest Meesen, Douglas, and Vince could get a game this week in a pre-ordained move....TWT

[NikkiNoo]

2. Knights - great game, as with Porps very good hands this lad - bit slow to use his right foot and handballed a lot. Think our midfielders have always been known to run the lines - don't know whether Knights has the pace, but early days.
Wasn't his opponent also in Ports best players - anyone there care to comment on his defensive action.?

This has always confused me - what is it with the obsession that left footers have to be able to kick just as well on their right? Why not pick also equally on the right footers who can't kick on their left?

Knights defensive action in the first half was not very good. He did tighten up in the second half, but can still improve more in this area.

[Macca19]

for an outsiders opinion

Knights is ready. If he is fit he will play Round 1. Salopek also got a ton of the ball so maybe he needs to look at his defensive side a bit...still...the best players in the league play off each other and dont really mind their opponent. Maybe he was told to attack at all costs and not worry.

Porplyzia also looks ready. Must be on some killer protein shakes as he is 3 times bigger than he was last year. I still hold my opinion from last week that he will play 15 games or so this year. Looks like a very handy option

Hinge I wasnt overly impressed with. Laid a couple of nice handballs early but also got caught a few times. Needs a lot of development

Maric looked ok and performed manfully. Is obviously physically ready to play...if Clarke isnt fit then he should play Round 1

Bode I thought was very average. His kicking skills havent improved.

Van Berlo impressed with his attack although his disposal let him down on a couple of occasions. Looks ready to regularly push for senior selection and hold his spot.

Jericho...meh.

Hentschel has put on a lot of beef...Would have been nice to see him on a proper key defender though. Bock also looks solid.

[bigman]

for an outsiders opinion

Knights is ready. If he is fit he will play Round 1. Salopek also got a ton of the ball so maybe he needs to look at his defensive side a bit...still...the best players in the league play off each other and dont really mind their opponent. Maybe he was told to attack at all costs and not worry.

Porplyzia also looks ready. Must be on some killer protein shakes as he is 3 times bigger than he was last year. I still hold my opinion from last week that he will play 15 games or so this year. Looks like a very handy option

Hinge I wasnt overly impressed with. Laid a couple of nice handballs early but also got caught a few times. Needs a lot of development

Maric looked ok and performed manfully. Is obviously physically ready to play...if Clarke isnt fit then he should play Round 1

Agree with most of your comments Macca 19.


Hinge - a long way off it - he need to hit the ball with more intensity.

Bode I thought was very average. His kicking skills havent improved.

Van Berlo impressed with his attack although his disposal let him down on a couple of occasions. Looks ready to regularly push for senior selection and hold his spot.

Jericho...meh.

Hentschel has put on a lot of beef...Would have been nice to see him on a proper key defender though. Bock also looks solid.

Can I bring everyone down with a few disppointments from the game, in addition to all the good signs:

Bode - if you cannnot kick you cannot play. You cant afford to miss two sitters 15m out. He does not get the ball enough to muck up the ones he gets.

Jericho's first half - how poor was it. I must say his last half was much better. Contrary to the opinion on this board I thought he played Ok after 1/2time.

Maric - needs some more game time. Every game he will improve, But I think Meeson will still end up the better ruckman.

Porplicia - how good were his hands in tight. Very clean.

Knights - very encouraging but used the ball poorly with hand. Another who needs to work on his acceleration when taking the ball though.

NO Douglas, Vince and Meeson - thought they all did some good things last week. Craig obviously more keen to play second and third year players at this stage. First year players play elsewhere.

Massie:thumbsu: Have been a critic but this is the only position which I think he can play in the side if he gets a game. Tied down Motlop quite well.

Shirley - out of form at moment - but got better as game went on.

Better use of corridor was pleasing.

[bigman]

Sorry guys did not mean to post same message three times.:eek: :eek:

Had problems with the system.


How to you delete a reply you have constructed?

[lincsPJ]

How to you delete a reply you have constructed?

only mods can do that. dont worry about it :)

[- PC -]

Massie:thumbsu: Have been a critic but this is the only position which I think he can play in the side if he gets a game. Tied down Motlop quite well..If his opponent didnt try and be a show pony he would have had 4 goals kicked on him..gave him too much room

[DaveW]

only mods can do that. dont worry about it :)
I wasn't aware of that. I'm sure you used to be able to delete your own posts. (Then again, it's been a while since I was a regular user...)

I've deleted bigman's 2nd & 3rd posts.

In future, I'd recommend simply editing the duplicate posts and removing all of what's written - particularly if it's a long post - and leaving only the word "deleted" or some such.

[SpringChoke]

6. Jericho - as a strong supporter of his I won't drop off yet but gee he was disappointing - but then again he hasn't had much of a PS yet the club is continueing to pick him......maybe that's a sign



Just out of interest, what do you see in Jerichos game that makes you a strong supporter? I must be missing something. I thought in a game, where every Crows player ( especially the young guys )were ferocious at the contest/ball carrier, jerichos shortcomings stood out like dogs you know whats. I think its quite obvious that jerichos "style" of football doesn't fit with Craigies game plan.

I agree with you on Reilly. I thought he attacked the contest/ball carrier with vigour. Looking forward to seeing how he goes this year. Looks a different player.

[SpringChoke]

well we can safely give up hope and start the counselling. meesen is a total hack.

Why do you think he's a hack?

[SpringChoke]

If his opponent didnt try and be a show pony he would have had 4 goals kicked on him..gave him too much room

I will be gutted if Massie, Steven and jericho play another game for the AFC. It will either mean we have heaps of injuries or that our young guns haven't come on as much as we would have liked.

[Vader]

Why do people keep including Bode & Massie in their list of "younger" players?

Bode is 26 and Massie 25, they're no spring chickens!

Granted, they're both fringe players looking to break back into the top side, but neither of them are young anymore.

[drakeyv2]

Just saw the tape last night. I think all of the "younger" guys showed something.

Just a couple of quick things.

Porplyzia looks good in close but pace looks a problem.

Bode's kicking? Do we need another shotgun in the forward line?

[- PC -]

Why do people keep including Bode & Massie in their list of "younger" players?

Granted, they're both fringe players looking to break back into the top side, .
When I started this thread I did note before I wrote Bode and Massie that there was a qualification on ''young''
I do think its appropriate in this thread to discuss them for the reason you pointed out... fringe players

[Wayne's-World]

Just out of interest, what do you see in Jerichos game that makes you a strong supporter? I must be missing something. I thought in a game, where every Crows player ( especially the young guys )were ferocious at the contest/ball carrier, jerichos shortcomings stood out like dogs you know whats. I think its quite obvious that jerichos "style" of football doesn't fit with Craigies game plan.

I agree with you on Reilly. I thought he attacked the contest/ball carrier with vigour. Looking forward to seeing how he goes this year. Looks a different player.
He has a combination of speed and marking ability that maybe not up to Burtons level but makes him a hard matchup in todays game.
He can play FF or in the midfield and that makes him a valuable commodity.

His attack on the ball and intensity is not there but as I and others have stated he is 21 years old - remember how Hentschell, Bock and Perrie were at that age....everyone wanted them delisted (maybe not so much Hentschell)

The club keeps playing him so Iam guessing they have a similar opinion re his flexibility

[Wayne's-World]

Just saw the tape last night. I think all of the "younger" guys showed something.

Just a couple of quick things.

Porplyzia looks good in close but pace looks a problem.

Bode's kicking? Do we need another shotgun in the forward line?
Agreed but he didn't get caught and he hasn't got the pace of the game yet.

Our new tagger maybe?

[bigman]

When I started this thread I did note before I wrote Bode and Massie that there was a qualification on ''young''
I do think its appropriate in this thread to discuss them for the reason you pointed out... fringe players

Dont forget about young Michael Doughty:p

Bode's kicking will be his achilles heal. We cannot afford to have Birdman, Sarge and Bode in the forward line at one time. They have cost games before and will cost us again.

If you do not believe me rewind the tapes of past years.

The semi final against St Kilda is a case in point. Skippys muffed efforts from 30 metres out in the first quarter were crucial and stopped our early momentum. At home this was a critical mistake, because the crowd factor was taken out of the equation early.

We need to develop players who will kick goals more oftern than not and when the pressure is on. Hentshcell is one of those. Goody, and Roo and Macca (not last year as much), and Welshie all must be in the forward line at times because their conversion rate is far superior to the players i mentioned earlier.

Another small must step up and become capable of kicking 2-3 goals per game and kicking the critical goals off hands that win games. It could be Knights, Douglas in time, but Vince's long and accurate kicking at Norwood the other night indicated to me he could be the man by year's end.

Jessie aish from left field may also be the answer in one or two years time. You heard it first from the bigman. Big call from the bigman, but i know a fair bit about the kid and that goal told me somthing about his ability at this level. Then again I could be wrong!! What ever the case we need a class small in the side.

[Wayne's-World]

Jessie aish from left field may also be the answer in one or two years time. You heard it first from the bigman. Big call from the bigman, but i know a fair bit about the kid and that goal told me somthing about his ability at this level. Then again I could be wrong!! What ever the case we need a class small in the side.
Nothing like being decisive there Bigman;)

[bigman]

Nothing like being decisive there Bigman;)

Ive made myself a bit of an ass clown with some of my comments about Knights, Mattner etc so I thought I better tone it down WW. I have been rightly accused of an over inflated ego by some members of this board.

Time to keep a lower profile about some of my opinions - hence the hedging of my bets.

[The Crows Truth]

Ive made myself a bit of an ass clown with some of my comments about Knights, Mattner etc so I thought I better tone it down WW. I have been rightly accused of an over inflated ego by some members of this board.

Time to keep a lower profile about some of my opinions - hence the hedging of my bets.

mate im sure people apreciate your thoughts on our youngies - i certainly do. please keep em coming :thumbsu:

previously just pointed out you had already blown your trumpet at least once with vince and then decided to do it again.

[Kane McGoodwin]

4. Maric - good honest effort - really 2 years away minimum. We are going to be in trouble if Clark doesn't come up consistently. And Maric is way ahead of Meesen in development:confused:
Thought one of the reasons we took Meesen over Woods was that Meesen was going to develop quicker than Woods (he played on the weekend?)

I was thinking the same thin about Meesen when watching Wood play for Brisbane ... though would like to see Meesen given a decent go in the ruck.

[Wayne's-World]

Ive made myself a bit of an ass clown with some of my comments about Knights, Mattner etc so I thought I better tone it down WW. I have been rightly accused of an over inflated ego by some members of this board.

Time to keep a lower profile about some of my opinions - hence the hedging of my bets.
I think you've been pretty incisive - happy to hear your thoughts anytime

Youv'e gone out on a ledge and given strong opinions whilst some sit on the fence - well done!

[Wayne's-World]

I was thinking the same thin about Meesen when watching Wood play for Brisbane ... though would like to see Meesen given a decent go in the ruck.
Kane I guess what we have to keep in mind is that any players development at the beginning of the year V the end could be chalk and cheese.

Vince as an example was playing country footy this time last year and couldn't geta game with WWT - the rest is history.

A season is a long one and well who knows???

[Nige_Bix]

Jericho - one of those players that does one thing well and seems to rest on his laurels - to me an athlete trying to play football - don't think the club really knows where to play him.

Van Berlo - was excellent - hope he doesnt get 'stenglein feet' - he will get a lot better.

Knights - looks really smooth, natural footballer - maybe needs to work on his handball - i like watching him play.

Maric - showed good signs - reckon in a year two will be a serviceable player

Hinge - thought he looked ok - like to see more of him before forming an opinion.

Porplyzia surprised me - looked quite at home - but maybe like a lot of new players at this time of the year, they look good early but when the real stuff starts they suddenly dont seem as confident - time will tell - hope he gets some games

I also liked what i saw of Reilly and Thommo.

Of the older/fringe types - Massie did ok but seems to be on borrowed time if he cant find something this year - agree the role he played this game is his best option -- Bode was good at times but disappointed with his disposal and cant see him in top 22.

We seem to have some depth with the small-medium type players.

[SpringChoke]

He has a combination of speed and marking ability that maybe not up to Burtons level but makes him a hard matchup in todays game.
He can play FF or in the midfield and that makes him a valuable commodity.

His attack on the ball and intensity is not there but as I and others have stated he is 21 years old - remember how Hentschell, Bock and Perrie were at that age....everyone wanted them delisted (maybe not so much Hentschell)

The club keeps playing him so Iam guessing they have a similar opinion re his flexibility

When has Jericho ever showed he is a potential AFL midfielder?

[Wayne's-World]

When has Jericho ever showed he is a potential AFL midfielder?
You need to watch more games;)
He played parts of games last year and the later part of the year before in the midfield

[The Crows Truth]

You need to watch more games;)
He played parts of games last year and the later part of the year before in the midfield

how rude :eek:

lets face facts. jericho is soft and not overluy skilled. he is not a natural footy plauyer. what does he have? pace, jump and big boomen kick.

he is not and never will be a midfielder. he can possibly play hbf at a pinch (is he tough enough-probably not), maybe wing but most likely a leading forward option imo