Edwards out of Carlton clash [Archive]

crows98

26 May 2006, 13:48

11:53:27 AM Fri 26 May, 2006
David Burtenshaw
afc.com.au
Tyson Edwards has dropped out of Adelaide's 22 to face Carlton at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

His sore ankle failed to respond quickly to constant treatment and the in-form midfielder was unable to train on Friday morning, opening the door for Hayden Skipworth to return to the side.

Edwards rolled the ankle jogging back to the rooms after the club's recovery session in The Crows Shed on Monday afternoon.

"We didn't think it was too bad at the time," coach Neil Craig said. "He's not far off but he's not good enough to play. Skipworth will come in for him."

- PC -

26 May 2006, 13:52

Must have hit a sprinkler divot...or one of Stiffys wayward slices with the sand wedge while practicing his backlift

Oh well an opportunity for Skip whose form by all reports has been good in the SANFL

Vic Crow

26 May 2006, 14:09

Bad luck for Edwards but go Skippy! Hopefully he can perform up to the standards that I hear he's been playing up to in the SANFL. :thumbsu: :)

Gets!

26 May 2006, 14:16

:D:D:D:Den Hell.

Drummond

26 May 2006, 14:21

This is ridiculous. Injury after injury....

I'm starting to doubt we'll ever get our full strength team out on the park.

Mad Dog

26 May 2006, 15:08

I wonder if "The Black" might have got a call up if he was fit......I s'pose we'll never know.....:(

afc9798

26 May 2006, 15:13

I wonder if "The Black" might have got a call up if he was fit......I s'pose we'll never know.....:(

Just what I was thinking. His form was superior to Skipworth's at the time, but the dreaded injury strikes at the wrong time. Oh well, no hurry for "The Black" to be rushed in, I'm sure he'll get plenty of opportunities when the knee is mended.:thumbsu:

Drummond

26 May 2006, 15:15

Mad Dog

26 May 2006, 15:20

We haven't had too many weeks this year where we haven't had a late withdrawal.........:(

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 15:20

In other news, it's GREAT to see the Doc, Matty Clarke being retained after yet another insipid performance last week. It's great to know the coach has faith in someone as utterly useless as him! Don't you love having the Doc in the side, I don't know about you but it gives me confidence knowing he'll be out there! :thumbsu:

In a day where our entire team could be described as insipid i dont think Clarke was the worst. We get it, you hate him, move the :D:D:D:D on.

Drummond

26 May 2006, 15:23

In a day where our entire team could be described as insipid i dont think Clarke was the worst. We get it, you hate him, move the :D:D:D:D on.
Answer me this. Why does he continue to get a free ride? Yeh everyone was bad against Clarke, but none worse than him. Allowing Simmonds to completely destroy us, and he couldn't win a tap, something he is so "great" at. :rolleyes: He’s been very, very average for many weeks on end now, so the game against Richmond was not a one-off.

We have Maric dominating the SANFL but he'll never be a permanent part of our side because of the ridiculous faith we have in Clarke.

Mad Dog

26 May 2006, 15:30

-CG-

26 May 2006, 15:45

Dandy_GO

26 May 2006, 15:59

Agreed - Clarke is no Polly Farmer.........but how do you reckon EEEvarn would have gone against Simmonds.....?

At the very least, Ivan would have been handy with the hard ball gets, something we really lacked on the weekend. Looks to be always eager to dive head first into the packs - much like Huddo. Simmonds still would have destroyed us though. Hudson is the only ruckman we currently have that is as good as him.

Stiffy_18

26 May 2006, 16:23

This sucks donkey :D:D:D:D :(

At least Reilly is likely to get more time in the midfield :thumbsu:

I hope its nothing too serious with Edwards. Hope he is back for Essendon game next week.

relapse

26 May 2006, 16:26

Agreed - Clarke is no Polly Farmer.........but how do you reckon EEEvarn would have gone against Simmonds.....?

I cant believe you would even ask that, 1 mark and 2 handballs and 2 kicks. Technically he didnt even earn those 2 kicks as they were free kicks that were awarded to him when Richmond were kicking out from fullback. He

It wouldn't have taken much at all for Maric to have more influence than what Clarke did. Clarke always has been and always will be totally useless around the ground. He has no idea about how to read the ball and the play and just runs aimlessly around the field not really having much of an idea as to ball movement and where to position himself.

Those tackles that Maric did at the showdown already showed that he offers for more than Clarke.

You watch Clarke closely on Saturday and see him do more of the same, I have seen and grown tired of it for the last 5 years or so. It was like a breath of fresh air when Huddo was in last year.

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 16:30

Answer me this. Why does he continue to get a free ride? Yeh everyone was bad against Clarke, but none worse than him. Allowing Simmonds to completely destroy us, and he couldn't win a tap, something he is so "great" at. :rolleyes: He’s been very, very average for many weeks on end now, so the game against Richmond was not a one-off.

We have Maric dominating the SANFL but he'll never be a permanent part of our side because of the ridiculous faith we have in Clarke.

Clarke is in the top 10 ruckman in the league for hit outs, and if i remember the stats a few weeks ago he was the number one for hit outs to advantage. He's hardly been poor all season, i think he's done a good enough job for us.

Biglands too has been stepping up in different ways this year... hes kicked 9 goals in 8 games as a fill in forward, as well as doing some good work presenting a big body in the forward line.

Neither ruckman has had the terrible year you're presenting in your keyboard mashing. Calm down, and stop hating players in your team.

Mad Dog

26 May 2006, 16:37

I cant believe you would even ask that, 1 mark and 2 handballs and 2 kicks. Technically he didnt even earn those 2 kicks as they were free kicks that were awarded to him when Richmond were kicking out from fullback. He

It wouldn't have taken much at all for Maric to have more influence than what Clarke did. Clarke always has been and always will be totally useless around the ground. He has no idea about how to read the ball and the play and just runs aimlessly around the field not really having much of an idea as to ball movement and where to position himself.

Those tackles that Maric did at the showdown already showed that he offers for more than Clarke.

You watch Clarke closely on Saturday and see him do more of the same, I have seen and grown tired of it for the last 5 years or so. It was like a breath of fresh air when Huddo was in last year.

Don't get me wrong - I am very much looking forward to "Ivan the (not so)Terrible" becoming a regular fixture in our line up.......but there is a mighty big step up from Snaffle to AFL.......(see Knights, Skipworth, Vince, Porps, and every other 30+ possie snaffle player who come in gets 1 or 2 kicks.)

Yes Ivan's time will come - but to suggest he could have held Simmonds last week is fanciful.....and that was the point of my initial reponse

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 16:45

I cant believe you would even ask that, 1 mark and 2 handballs and 2 kicks. Technically he didnt even earn those 2 kicks as they were free kicks that were awarded to him when Richmond were kicking out from fullback.

Maric in 20 minutes in the showdown kicked into the man on the mark twice. He needs to be eased into it, instead of thrown into the deep end.

As for those kicks, the umpire made a mistake in law, the kicks should have been from the goal square. If Clarke had gotten two goals out of it this may have been a different story.

ICanDressMyself

26 May 2006, 16:56

In other news, it's GREAT to see the Doc, Matty Clarke being retained after yet another insipid performance last week. It's great to know the coach has faith in someone as utterly useless as him! Don't you love having the Doc in the side, I don't know about you but it gives me confidence knowing he'll be out there! :thumbsu:

"Best tap ruckman in the past decade"

Experience is the key. I know you love Maric but I'm pretty sure he would have struggled against Simmonds as well.

crowsRno1!

26 May 2006, 16:57

I hope all our injuries are over and done with and we are full strength for the last half of the season!!
I agree i think Clarke should be dropped and Maric given a chance. I also think Stevens should be dropped. Kenny can go back and Biglands can go forward when Maric is in the Ruck. Also we can give Porps & Vince another chance up forward. I think we should give the young guys a chance while we can with all these injuries! When Edwards, Torney, Welsh, Hart, Bock, Hudson etc all come back how are the young guys going to break into the team?

Corrosion

26 May 2006, 17:10

Same boat as Carlton, Injury after injury. Still, even with Edwards out, you guys will still win comfortably. Carlton need Roo, Edwards, Goodwin, McCleod, Burton and Rutten out before we could win :o

crowsRno1!

26 May 2006, 17:10

Maric in 20 minutes in the showdown kicked into the man on the mark twice. He needs to be eased into it, instead of thrown into the deep end.

As for those kicks, the umpire made a mistake in law, the kicks should have been from the goal square. If Clarke had gotten two goals out of it this may have been a different story.

I watched White Line Fever on Tuesday night when they have that 'umpiring expert' on and he said everyone thought this but truth is the free kick was awarded because of the runner both times so the free kick was actually right where it was.

Kane McGoodwin

26 May 2006, 17:10

Edwards is a big loss.

We need Goody to return to his early season form with solid contributions from Thompson, Reilly & Shirley.

macca23

26 May 2006, 17:17

Clarke is in the top 10 ruckman in the league for hit outs, and if i remember the stats a few weeks ago he was the number one for hit outs to advantage. He's hardly been poor all season, i think he's done a good enough job for us.

Biglands too has been stepping up in different ways this year... hes kicked 9 goals in 8 games as a fill in forward, as well as doing some good work presenting a big body in the forward line.

Neither ruckman has had the terrible year you're presenting in your keyboard mashing. Calm down, and stop hating players in your team.

Amazing how some people are ignoring all the points you've made above, and calling for Clarke and Biglands' heads and their replacement with juniors.

We've been blessed with 2 ruckmen that have serviced our mid-field with first use of the ball for many years, which would be the envy of many a club.

Maric will ultimately make his way into the team, and IMO will make a fine contribution to it.

Next year.

Drummond

26 May 2006, 17:17

"Best tap ruckman in the past decade"

Experience is the key. I know you love Maric but I'm pretty sure he would have struggled against Simmonds as well.
I love Meesen more. ;)

No doubt he would have struggled, but I don't think anyone, including the kids participating in half time mini league, would have done any worse than the Doc.

Drummond

26 May 2006, 17:18

Amazing how some people are ignoring all the points you've made above, and calling for Clarke and Biglands' heads and their replacement with juniors.

We've been blessed with 2 ruckmen that have serviced our mid-field with first use of the ball for many years, which would be the envy of many a club.

Maric will ultimately make his way into the team, and IMO will make a fine contribution to it.

Next year.
If we keep making him wait, he may not be here 'Next Year'. :)

SpringChoke

26 May 2006, 17:31

Clarke is in the top 10 ruckman in the league for hit outs, and if i remember the stats a few weeks ago he was the number one for hit outs to advantage. He's hardly been poor all season, i think he's done a good enough job for us.

Biglands too has been stepping up in different ways this year... hes kicked 9 goals in 8 games as a fill in forward, as well as doing some good work presenting a big body in the forward line.

Neither ruckman has had the terrible year you're presenting in your keyboard mashing. Calm down, and stop hating players in your team.

In your opinion what is more important - a top tier tap ruckman who adds nothing around the ground ( ie Clarke ) or an average tap ruckman who has a Shaun Rehn type influence around the ground??? Genuine question.

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 17:40

In your opinion what is more important - a top tier tap ruckman who adds nothing around the ground ( ie Clarke ) or an average tap ruckman who has a Shaun Rehn type influence around the ground??? Genuine question.

In my opinion you can build a team around either. There are situations in which youd love to have a ruckman dropping back for a mark, but there are also situations you want the best tapper in the midfield dropping it right to a Goodwin/Ricciutio etc, to bang it in the 50.

For the record i doubt Maric is Shaun rehn like around the ground.

SpringChoke

26 May 2006, 17:50

In my opinion you can build a team around either. There are situations in which youd love to have a ruckman dropping back for a mark, but there are also situations you want the best tapper in the midfield dropping it right to a Goodwin/Ricciutio etc, to bang it in the 50.

For the record i doubt Maric is Shaun rehn like around the ground.

I wasn't implying he was.

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 17:59

I wasn't implying he was.

Ok, it just seemed a strange comparison to make otherwise. Id love Shaun to still be playing at his peak for the Crows, but that just aint gonna happen now is it?

Kane McGoodwin

26 May 2006, 18:07

For the record i doubt Maric is Shaun rehn like around the ground.
Probably not, but Meesen has lots of similarities IMO.

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 18:12

Those tackles that Maric did at the showdown already showed that he offers for more than Clarke.

in your opinion: why do you suppose then that the coaching and playing staff don't agree?

SpringChoke

26 May 2006, 18:13

Ok, it just seemed a strange comparison to make otherwise. Id love Shaun to still be playing at his peak for the Crows, but that just aint gonna happen now is it?

Are you a teacher by any chance?

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 18:18

Are you a teacher by any chance?

Ahahahahahaha :D , what brought that on?

No im not, but both parentals are.

Vic Crow

26 May 2006, 18:36

This should be a thread about Hayden Skipworth and how good he'll do on the weekend.
Go Skippy! :D

Stiffy_18

26 May 2006, 20:29

in your opinion: why do you suppose then that the coaching and playing staff don't agree?
Because they are the only ones that can see these players up against each other. I wonder what the popular opinion would be if people could watch Maric go head to head with Clarke or Biglands at training or in a game?

Seriously, people are making half cocked calls without taking everything into the account. If Craigy says Clarke and Biglands, then I am fine with that. A very dumb individual would question Craigy's ability to develop players.

Stephen2

26 May 2006, 20:32

This should be a thread about Hayden Skipworth and how good he'll do on the weekend.
Go Skippy! :D
I question Skippy's ability to NOT tear this game apart! I remember you saying he's one of your favourites, Vic Crow, mine too! GO THE SKIPPER!

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 20:37

Because they are the only ones that can see these players up against each other. I wonder what the popular opinion would be if people could watch Maric go head to head with Clarke or Biglands at training or in a game?

Seriously, people are making half cocked calls without taking everything into the account. If Craigy says Clarke and Biglands, then I am fine with that. A very dumb individual would question Craigy's ability to develop players.

Great post on this topic :thumbsu:

Drummond

26 May 2006, 20:44

ICanDressMyself

26 May 2006, 20:46

Possessions per game- Clarke:

7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 5, 7, 4.

Sorry, not good enough. :)

Think you could do better Drummond? ;)

Give us his hitouts per game.

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 20:49

In your opinion what is more important - a top tier tap ruckman who adds nothing around the ground ( ie Clarke ) or an average tap ruckman who has a Shaun Rehn type influence around the ground??? Genuine question.

how about you put forward some realistic choices?

if someone has a rehn like influence around the ground, you'd still play the tap ruckman as well.

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 20:50

A very dumb individual would question Craigy's ability to develop players.

that's not fair. I am sure drummond has a great personality :D

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 20:51

Possessions per game- Clarke:

7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 5, 7, 4.

Sorry, not good enough. :)

sorry, not relevant.

Drummond

26 May 2006, 20:53

sorry, not relevant.
Gosh really? Aren't ruckmen meant to add anything around the ground? What was I thinking? :eek: :rolleyes:

However I geuss you're right, averaging just over 6 possessions per game is acceptable for the Doc! :thumbsu:

ICDM: 20, 9, 32, 10, 16, 18, 19, 7. :o

Vic Crow

26 May 2006, 21:01

I question Skippy's ability to NOT tear this game apart! I remember you saying he's one of your favourites, Vic Crow, mine too! GO THE SKIPPER!
We're a small minority that needs to get much more vocal. Let's go Bush Kangaroo! :D :thumbsu:

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 21:04

Gosh really? Aren't ruckmen meant to add anything around the ground? What was I thinking? :eek: :rolleyes:

However I geuss you're right, averaging just over 6 possessions per game is acceptable for the Doc! :thumbsu:

ICDM: 20, 9, 32, 10, 16, 18, 19, 7. :o

So basically the claims about a string of poor games was pure fabrication?

As for possessions, we dont select Clarke as a ball magnet, we never have, thats not where his value is to the team. Besides, Clarkes at a disadvantage to just about all players in a posession counting exercise because he plays only half game. We have another fellow called Rhett Biglands in the team.

Vic Crow

26 May 2006, 21:10

ICDM: 20, 9, 32, 10, 16, 18, 19, 7. :o
That makes him 9th in the league. I'd like to see game time as well because I would imagine Clarke plays 50-60% of each game, which would be significantly less than the guys ahead of him like Everitt, Jolly and Cox.

Drummond

26 May 2006, 21:13

So basically the claims about a string of poor games was pure fabrication?

As for possessions, we dont select Clarke as a ball magnet, we never have, thats not where his value is to the team.
No it wasn't. Clarke may be getting a few hit outs, but he has been very ordinary this year, more so than other seasons. Just remember than Clarke was struggling to hold his place in South Adelaide's league team before Hudson got injured. I don’t think he’s lifted his level since then, if anything he’s got worse. So we’ve got an SANFL quality ruckman leading our ruck stocks. :o

Oh and btw, Dean Cox plays just over 70% of each game. He's averaging 19.1 possessions per game. So please don't give me the game time statistic as an excuse. :)

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 21:19

No it wasn't. Clarke may be getting a few hit outs, but he has been very ordinary this year, more so than other seasons. Just remember than Clarke was struggling to hold his place in South Adelaide's league team before Hudson got injured. I don’t think he’s lifted his level since then, if anything he’s got worse. So we’ve got an SANFL quality ruckman leading our ruck stocks. :o

Oh and btw, Dean Cox plays just over 70% of each game. He's averaging 19.1 possessions per game. So please don't give me the game time statistic as an excuse. :)

Clarke is better playing at an AFL level than he is at a SANFL level, so what?

I fail to see how he has 'gotten worse'. He was praised for his 6 games last year and the club was so impressed that they asked him to stay on when he intended to retire. This year most of his performances have been good.

Comparing Cox to clarke is a joke. Firstly Cox is an out and out champion, and his average is still less than 20. Noone is saying Clarke is a champion, but give him 20% more game time, and his possession count will increase.

Regardless that comparison is laughable. Should we be comparing Kris Massies stats to Chris Judds as well?

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 21:25

Gosh really? Aren't ruckmen meant to add anything around the ground? What was I thinking? :eek: :rolleyes:

you weren't thinking. that much is obvious. why do you think they're called "ruck"men, and not "around the ground"men?

just otu of curiousity, what's more important in a fullforward, kicking goals, or keeping pressure on the backman, trying to keep the ball in the area. Both are important, which one moreso?

However I geuss you're right, averaging just over 6 possessions per game is acceptable for the Doc! :thumbsu:

yes I am right, and you know nothing. next.

ICDM: 20, 9, 32, 10, 16, 18, 19, 7. :o

precisely.

Drummond

26 May 2006, 21:28

I fail to see how he has 'gotten worse'. He was praised for his 6 games last year and the club was so impressed that they asked him to stay on when he intended to retire. This year most of his performances have been good.
I guess it's a case of what could have been then. :( Why on earth you would ask someone who was 32, and spent the majority of the season for South Adelaide's reserves to play on is beyond me. Add that to the fact that Maric was extremely close to selection last season and it looks even more laughable. But I guess we've accepted mediocrity in the ruck division for a few years now.
Comparing Cox to clarke is a joke. Firstly Cox is an out and out champion, and his average is still less than 20. Noone is saying Clarke is a champion, but give him 20% more game time, and his possession count will increase.
Vic Crow just pointed out that he thought his game time would be significantly less than Cox, I just pointed out that may not be correct. Clarke would average about 60%, while Cox is at about 70%. Not too much difference. But hey give Clarke 20% more game time and he may average about 8 or 9 possessions, I'm prepared to give him that. :thumbsu:

Drummond

26 May 2006, 21:33

you weren't thinking. that much is obvious. why do you think they're called "ruck"men, and not "around the ground"men?
In this day and age I’d say it’s pretty important to have one that adds a little in each category. But if you want one that has no input around the ground then that’s fine by me.

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 21:39

I guess it's a case of what could have been then. :( Why on earth you would ask someone who was 32, and spent the majority of the season for South Adelaide's reserves to play on is beyond me. Add that to the fact that Maric was extremely close to selection last season and it looks even more laughable. But I guess we've accepted mediocrity in the ruck division for a few years now.

Vic Crow just pointed out that he thought his game time would be significantly less than Cox, I just pointed out that may not be correct. Clarke would average about 60%, while Cox is at about 70%. Not too much difference. But hey give Clarke 20% more game time and he may average about 8 or 9 possessions, I'm prepared to give him that. :thumbsu:

Maric is in no way ready to lead our ruck, be sensible. Hes going to spend this year slowly blooding Maric, as part of a three man ruck team, like most of our ruckmen tend to develop.

I dont think Clarke would average 60% of game time, probably closer to 50%, but its not just his possies that would increase, also increase his hit outs etc. That he is 9th on the hit out list, with a lower percentage of game time is a good achievement. Certainly not one youd drop him for.

ICanDressMyself

26 May 2006, 21:40

In this day and age I’d say it’s pretty important to have one that adds a little in each category. But if you want one that has no input around the ground then that’s fine by me.

That's Clarke's job. He is a ruckman, get the ball the rovers and away they go. As long as he sticks with the ball and gets to all the stoppages he is doing his job. Sure it would be nice to have a Cox in the team but everyone knows that he is just a champion. Clarke may not posess the skills around the ground or be as mobile as Cox but as a ruckman, he is doing his job fine.

Can't have everything the way we want it Drummond.

I'm for Clarkey :thumbsu:

Drummond

26 May 2006, 21:48

Fair enough guys, I know what you're saying. I've just never rated Clarke and I never will. I feel he doesn't do enough in the ruck to make up for his complete non existence in around the ground. For a while there last year it was great having Huddo who could contribute in both aspects, and I think Maric is very similar. Of course he wouldn't be dominant, but if he spent most of the home and away season playing for the Crows I believe it would be beneficial for us and he would be a good contributor come the Finals.

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 21:50

In this day and age I’d say it’s pretty important to have one that adds a little in each category. But if you want one that has no input around the ground then that’s fine by me.

you didn't answer the rest. ;)

and what's this "in this day and age" stuff. Rucking is one of the few things that has not changed much over the years. the rules have tried to limit influence, but the role is the same now, as it always has been.

SpringChoke

26 May 2006, 21:58

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 22:01

Fair enough guys, I know what you're saying. I've just never rated Clarke and I never will.

better judges than you do. therefore you've always been wrong :p

I feel he doesn't do enough in the ruck to make up for his complete non existence in around the ground.

see above.

For a while there last year it was great having Huddo who could contribute in both aspects, and I think Maric is very similar. Of course he wouldn't be dominant, but if he spent most of the home and away season playing for the Crows I believe it would be beneficial for us and he would be a good contributor come the Finals.

but you base this on nothing, but your own imagination. Clarke is near retirement, and he is still contributing while our younger ruckman develop to the point that they're ready.

what your problem is that you pay too much attention to the SANFL, and fail to appreciate the divide between there and the AFL. it's good that you like the local comp, and follow a team (norwood meh ;) ), but you have to remember a guy in form in the SANFL doesn't translate in the same way.

that you can't see that Matthew Clarke has been one of the great modern ruckman just shows that you either a bad judge, or you pay more attention to the SANFL than the national comp. he will probably play his 250th game this season, that alone should tell you he is a lot better than you give him credit for.

Lastly, he was retiring last season, we asked him to play another season because of Huddo's injury, and he agreed to do so to help us out. we should be grateful, and not making out like petty snipers.

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 22:02

You should keep that in mind next time you go off on one of your Chris Knights bagging sessions.

wrong way round springy, you should keep that in mind next time Craigy send him down to the SANFL.

SpringChoke

26 May 2006, 22:05

So basically the claims about a string of poor games was pure fabrication?

As for possessions, we dont select Clarke as a ball magnet, we never have, thats not where his value is to the team. Besides, Clarkes at a disadvantage to just about all players in a posession counting exercise because he plays only half game. We have another fellow called Rhett Biglands in the team.

Why do you think is that Clarke only plays 50% gametime. Could it be beause he is adds nothing to around the ground play. You can't move him to the forward line for a rest or he can't drop back into the hole becuase his marking ability is below par. So when he is on the ground and not contesting the ruck he becomes a liability as we are effectively playing with 17 men.

He may as well contest the ruck and then walk to the boundary.

SpringChoke

26 May 2006, 22:08

wrong way round springy, you should keep that in mind next time Craigy send him down to the SANFL.

Are you sure you and Stiff aren't the same person?

Drummond

26 May 2006, 22:09

just otu of curiousity, what's more important in a fullforward, kicking goals, or keeping pressure on the backman, trying to keep the ball in the area. Both are important, which one moreso?
Fine I'll answer your question. I would rather Welsh, who does both, as opposed to Fevola. ;)
but you base this on nothing, but your own imagination. Clarke is near retirement, and he is still contributing while our younger ruckman develop to the point that they're ready.

what your problem is that you pay too much attention to the SANFL, and fail to appreciate the divide between there and the AFL. it's good that you like the local comp, and follow a team (norwood meh ), but you have to remember a guy in form in the SANFL doesn't translate in the same way.

that you can't see that Matthew Clarke has been one of the great modern ruckman just shows that you either a bad judge, or you pay more attention to the SANFL than the national comp. he will probably play his 250th game this season, that alone should tell you he is a lot better than you give him credit for.

Lastly, he was retiring last season, we asked him to play another season because of Huddo's injury, and he agreed to do so to help us out. we should be grateful, and not making out like petty snipers.
Maybe the best way to develop Maric would be to give him some chances at AFL level. Take this week for instance, Carlton have one of the worst ruck stocks in the competition, there’s no doubt it would have been beneficial for him to play this game. Carlton’s main ruckman are McLaren and French, pathetic. What a missed opportunity.

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 22:14

Are you sure you and Stiff aren't the same person?

no am I not sure. I black out sometimes :D

SpringChoke

26 May 2006, 22:15

how about you put forward some realistic choices?

if someone has a rehn like influence around the ground, you'd still play the tap ruckman as well.

We're down on Kpp's so Biglands to the forward line. Bring in Maric to share the ruck duties with Clarke. Maric's development as an AFL ruckman should start now, especially when we are playing bottom 8 teams who don't have a crash and bash ruckman.

As for Clarke. It's not only what he doesn't doi around the ground its what his opponent does do. Let's be honest CM, Simmonds made both Clarke and Biglands look ordinary last week and he's not that a good an all round ruckman. But if your happy to have a ruckman that averages 1 mark a game then well and good.

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 22:19

Fine I'll answer your question. I would rather Welsh, who does both, as opposed to Fevola. ;)

no you didn't answer, because you didn't reference how well either does something. you just talk about tick boxes. you'll have a long and somewhat average career in the public service at this rate.

fwiw fevola averages almost a goal a game more ;)

Maybe the best way to develop Maric would be to give him some chances at AFL level. Take this week for instance, Carlton have one of the worst ruck stocks in the competition, there’s no doubt it would have been beneficial for him to play this game. Carlton’s main ruckman are McLaren and French, pathetic. What a missed opportunity.

just like last week was an opportunity to blood young players?

Crow-mo

26 May 2006, 22:22

We're down on Kpp's so Biglands to the forward line. Bring in Maric to share the ruck duties with Clarke. Maric's development as an AFL ruckman should start now, especially when we are playing bottom 8 teams who don't have a crash and bash ruckman.

how do you know it should start now? do you watch him every week, watch him train? we both know the answer is no. end of.

his time will come.

As for Clarke. It's not only what he doesn't doi around the ground its what his opponent does do. Let's be honest CM, Simmonds made both Clarke and Biglands look ordinary last week and he's not that a good an all round ruckman. But if your happy to have a ruckman that averages 1 mark a game then well and good.

good to see you're not being overly reactive on one game. your lack of argument is shown up, when all you can talk about is everything but a ruckman's main job.

Stiffy_18

26 May 2006, 22:27

You should keep that in mind next time you go off on one of your Chris Knights bagging sessions.
Actually Springy, its people that are calling for Knights to play a lot of minutes every game that should keep that in mind. Not me. I have always said he has a few weaknesses in his games that he needs to work on. I wasn't the one to kick up a stink when Knights got dropped. I think you shoudl keep that in mind ;)

Southerntakeover

26 May 2006, 22:56

Why do you think is that Clarke only plays 50% gametime. Could it be beause he is adds nothing to around the ground play. You can't move him to the forward line for a rest or he can't drop back into the hole becuase his marking ability is below par. So when he is on the ground and not contesting the ruck he becomes a liability as we are effectively playing with 17 men.

He may as well contest the ruck and then walk to the boundary.

Thats part of it... but also part of it is the philosophy that the club uses. No player who works all around the ground spends a whole game on the field without resting. We have faith in other ruckmen like Biglands to get the job done.