View Full Version : Nick Stevens
I have come under the notice of another bigfooty member for what he sees as an attack and hatred of Nick Stevens. I want to make it clear that I do not hate Nick Stevens and would like to use this thread to explain once again and hopefully more clearly what my thoughts about him are.
Firstly I think Nick is probably the 3 or 4th most gifted player on Carltons list. On performance this year he is probalby between 7-10 in how I would rate our best and fairest award. So I am not saying the guy has not got ability or has not got performance warranting his position in the side.
However I believe that Nick throughout his whole career has never consistently produced what he is capable of. On stats it may appear that he has however I don't believe stats to be an absolute guide to performance. On limited occassions I believe Nick has performed to 100% of his capacity. On these occassions he does everything with passion and truly looks to be enjoying his footy. Not only does he run hard with the ball and to receive the ball but also chases and tackles with high intensity. When at his capacity he also attacks marking contests and disputed balls with similarly high intensity.
This Nick Stevens is a pleasure to watch and is inspiring to supporters and I would imagine teammates. This guy is a real leader. As recently as the Melbourne game I felt he approached this level. These performances in my mind prove that not only is he gifted but that he can also physically produce performances that do justice to the talent he has. My problem with Nick and the question I have over him is why can he not play with passion and intensity for the majority of his games?
People have suggested taggers as being a major reason. I can accept that taggers can limit possessions and they can also pressure disposals to not be as effective as they would with no pressure. What I cannot accept is that a tagger can inhibit Nick's ability to put intensity into all facets of his game. I believe that the taggers not only beat Nick physically but also mentally.
When this happens Nick becomes agitated and then drops his head and sets a poor example to the other players. I believe he loses enjoyment for playing and his intensity in contests drops way below what it is when he is at 100% efficiency. Given his standing and experience this is very dis empowering to less experienced or less talented players in the side.
If Nick could find the mental key to having intensity regularly then I would be 100% keeping him at the club. However Nick to this stage has not shown that he can play with consistent intensity yet has a high enough reputation to attract strong interest from other clubs. My belief is that if we could get a 10-15 pick for him that it is worth considering.
If Nick is retained on the list then perhaps the captaincy could be the key to him finding consistent passion and drive. My main concern is for the Cartlon Footy club to have the most talented players available playing to their optimum. Nick is a talented player however something has to change deep within Nick if he is to be a viable long term leader for Carlton.
Agree with you.
Nick no doubt has talent, and is one of our potential best, he just does not seem happy playing. There appears to be no joy in the game for him at the moment.
If he wishes to leave us, I'd not fight it and part on good terms. If he wishes to stay I'd be happy for him to.
AlecDuncan
18 Aug 2006, 21:47
What I cannot accept is that a tagger can inhibit Nick's ability to put intensity into all facets of his game. I believe that the taggers not only beat Nick physically but also mentally.
Everything that's being said about Nick Stevens this year was being said twelve month ago about Brendan Fevola. Thankfully Pagan knew better than many of our supporters, and even some board members. Hopefully he still does.
It's a dirty job playing in our midfield even when you're personally feeling 100% and in form. Nick's definitely not at his best, but he's by no means our worst. Let's see how he goes next year with a stronger Bentick, Blackwell, Murphy and a shiny new Gibbs in there with him.
We need midfield talent. We don't need to get rid of it for speculative picks.
I think that's a pretty fair summation of where Nick Stevens is at with his footy. Everyone knows he has the skills, it's just his application and desire can be found wanting from time to time.
When things aren't going our way, he tends to drop his head and just looks disinterested.
Everything that's being said about Nick Stevens this year was being said twelve month ago about Brendan Fevola. Thankfully Pagan knew better than many of our supporters, and even some board members. Hopefully he still does.
It's a dirty job playing in our midfield even when you're personally feeling 100% and in form. Nick's definitely not at his best, but he's by no means our worst. Let's see how he goes next year with a stronger Bentick, Blackwell, Murphy and a shiny new Gibbs in there with him.
We need midfield talent. We don't need to get rid of it for speculative picks.
I agree with some of pumped's post - he has looked out of sorts a fair part of this year, but disagree with some too - eg i don't think we should trade him for pick 15 in the draft, he could easily turn it around next year and as The Grover would vehemently argue...this would leave an even greater talent hole in that 26-29 bracket and subject our young midfield to higher pressure and taggers.
pumped, a scan through your recent posts confirms that, not always, but FAR more often than not your posts have a negative slant to them - admittedly this post only partially so. Appreciate your passion for the club is the motivation, but why don't you try focussing your energy more on the positives - it's depressing enough being a Blues supporter these days...
This thread could get interesting once Audas notices it.
Whatever pumped. Why dont you give us concrete examples of this as asked rather than your airy fairy twaddle-dee-gloop. For anyone wondering why pumped has such a bee in his bonnet, is so negative and appears to be using these forums to promote himself as some self appointed "passion" and "intensity" regulator here you go:
PUMPED
Pagan..Leaders and a New Age approach
I listened to Denis' press conference and he suggested that Carltons problems are in the head and not physical. When asked why this is so he said he did not know.
I believe that Denis honestly believes he is doing everything he can at Carlton. That he is doing and saying all the right things. I too believe that our problems are phychological but I do believe I know the reason.
Aside from a footy background I also have a business studying depression and possible causes some of which touch on New Age philosophy. Much of this relates to thoughts and how they affect others and yourself.
Most of us relate to words and actions. We are very used to our 5 senses yet have little knowledge of our 6th sense. There is much scientific and medical information coming out that is proving that our thoughts are felt as energy.
What this means is that how a person is thinking and feeling internally can affect the physical condition of both themselves and those connected to them. There is also a theory that some people have a stronger thought energy than others. These people have a very powerful energy force to affect others either positivly or negativly.
I am not suggesting that Denis' thought can be read by players but I am strongly suggesting that his thought energy can be felt. The players may not know exactly where the energy is coming from..in fact they may just feel down and lethargic for no reason.
etc,etc,etc....................................
Hows your business panning out mate ? Glad your using these boards to spruke your ideas. Are you hoping to get Nick on the books maybe ?
As Ive said when you can provide some examples of your observations, as thats where science starts and quakery begins, then perhaps you will get some credence. IN fact it would be good if you could provide us with anything usefull at all apart from what "you reckon". But, in the meantime your sideline observations mean nothing. Sorry. Move on and leave Nick Stevens alone.
Seriously its getting boring. :thumbsd:
Stanton
18 Aug 2006, 23:44
I agree with some of pumped's post - he has looked out of sorts a fair part of this year, but disagree with some too - eg i don't think we should trade him for pick 15 in the draft, he could easily turn it around next year and as The Grover would vehemently argue...this would leave an even greater talent hole in that 26-29 bracket and subject our young midfield to higher pressure and taggers.
pumped, a scan through your recent posts confirms that, not always, but FAR more often than not your posts have a negative slant to them - admittedly this post only partially so. Appreciate your passion for the club is the motivation, but why don't you try focussing your energy more on the positives - it's depressing enough being a Blues supporter these days...
This thread could get interesting once Audas notices it.
I think Nicks been frustrated by playing in a poor side recently, i feel that Nick is on the verge of some good form and can improve when the side does. As for a trade a top ten pick id consider however not a speculative later pick.
Maybe Nick has been frustrated as in 2004, early 2005 we seemed to make some headway, and now we are the joke side of the afl.
Everything that's being said about Nick Stevens this year was being said twelve month ago about Brendan Fevola. Thankfully Pagan knew better than many of our supporters, and even some board members.
good call mate.
Having seen Nick a lot in his Port days I think the author of the thread has it just about right. Nick is a highly talented, but frustrating player. He is an enigma. My conclusion about him was that he probably not well suited to a team sport and would have excelled at something like tennis.
I agree with some of pumped's post - he has looked out of sorts a fair part of this year, but disagree with some too - eg i don't think we should trade him for pick 15 in the draft, he could easily turn it around next year and as The Grover would vehemently argue...this would leave an even greater talent hole in that 26-29 bracket and subject our young midfield to higher pressure and taggers.
pumped, a scan through your recent posts confirms that, not always, but FAR more often than not your posts have a negative slant to them - admittedly this post only partially so. Appreciate your passion for the club is the motivation, but why don't you try focussing your energy more on the positives - it's depressing enough being a Blues supporter these days...
This thread could get interesting once Audas notices it.
Hi DIG,
It all depends upon what you see as negative. I firmly believe Cartlon are far better than their performances. Many on this forum feel that we have been beaten by the past decisions of the AFL and our past board. I can accept what has happened but also believe we could be performing far better now. Is this really so negative.
With regards to players like Nick I believe they are an example of the greater problem at Carlton. ie; A victim mentality limiting their output. We all face various pressures in life and we all have a chioce to thrive under pressure or allow ourselves to be dis heartened. My posts in general reflect the philosophy of going deep to work through pressure and achieve optimum performance. I see Nick as a leader of the club and believe he has a responsibility to stay focassed even when the side around him is down.
With regards to Fev I see his situation as a little different to Nick. Fev was a real loose cannon. Through last year and even parts of this year this has been evident. Nick seems more defeated than Fev and also in my opinion has less ability than Fev. As such trading Nick for a top 15 pick would not be as fraught with danger as trading Fev for the same pick.
Having said all this if Nick really could find the long term answers to his consistency then he is well worth keeping. However even if Nick performs for the next 3 weeks I would still would not be totally convinced of him being able to maintain that form next season.
To Audas I will continue to voice my opinions which is my right. I believe that if anything is boring it is your attacks on me for having an opinion. Even if you don't agree with my opinion I don't think it is necessary to try and dis credit me personally. By all means discuss the issues that I raise but making it as personal as you do is going further than you need to go imo.
Also to DIG I have posted a lengthy message on the thread about positives.
Having seen Nick a lot in his Port days I think the author of the thread has it just about right. Nick is a highly talented, but frustrating player. He is an enigma. My conclusion about him was that he probably not well suited to a team sport and would have excelled at something like tennis.
Thanks for your feedback QPower,
Many on the Carlton board find it hard to be objective about Nick. I am sure some of them may query your thoughts based on the fact that he left Port .
I tend to agree that Nick may have been better suited to non team sports. However I have seen some evidence of Nick having leadership potential in a couple of games this season. If he really goes deep and applies himself he could yet become a leader and a champion mid fielder. I just hope that he does this soon before his career passes him by.
i think the reason Nick has been so frustrating is because the team is loosing , so he says to himself " why the hell am i trying when we just gonna loose " im not saying he thinks this way but this might be the reason why hes been playing the way he is .
I no when i play soccer ( i dont play for the best team in the world and we dont always win ) and when we are loosing i try my guts out but it seems that isnt enough , and when your team is down its really hard to play at your best , but dont worry when carlton are up and running again he will show us all
Blah Blah Blue
19 Aug 2006, 14:43
Everything that's being said about Nick Stevens this year was being said twelve month ago about Brendan Fevola. Thankfully Pagan knew better than many of our supporters, and even some board members. Hopefully he still does.
It's a dirty job playing in our midfield even when you're personally feeling 100% and in form. Nick's definitely not at his best, but he's by no means our worst. Let's see how he goes next year with a stronger Bentick, Blackwell, Murphy and a shiny new Gibbs in there with him.
We need midfield talent. We don't need to get rid of it for speculative picks.
1.
exactly correct.
2.
to everyone - get of Stevens back. We all agree this is not his best year, but he is a class act and so important to us ON and OFF field.
2.
2007 is shaping a promising year for us, early draft picks, good pre seasons for our recent picks, Hartlett getting thru being fit and ready and having an experienced leader in the midfield to help develope the Blackwells, Murphs, Gibbs??, Eddie, Simmo, Jesse S etc means Stevo is a MUST keep.
Pafloyul
19 Aug 2006, 20:02
No - no speculation at the Blues; that might require a bit of thinking and heaven forbid, we don't want that.
WalkerTexasRanger
20 Aug 2006, 04:25
2.
to everyone - get of Stevens back. We all agree this is not his best year, but he is a class act and so important to us ON and OFF field.
I have criticised Stevens a fair bit this season, but I don't want him to leave the club. What has been frustrating this year is not so much his in possession game, but his defensive game and I think that it is fair to criticise this.
When you are a senior player on the field the 1 percenters have a huge impact on the attitude of the younger squad. No one can be blamed for not being a superstar all the time, but when you are having a s**t time of it, you need to get back to basics, be accountable and show your teammates that you are willing to put yourself on the line for them even if most supporters don't notice it and no possession comes from it.
Stevens is a great talent and it is for that reason that he cops so much criticism when he underperforms. I think it is possible to be critical of him, without going too far and calling for his head on plate.
i think the reason Nick has been so frustrating is because the team is loosing , so he says to himself " why the hell am i trying when we just gonna loose " im not saying he thinks this way but this might be the reason why hes been playing the way he is .
I no when i play soccer ( i dont play for the best team in the world and we dont always win ) and when we are loosing i try my guts out but it seems that isnt enough , and when your team is down its really hard to play at your best , but dont worry when carlton are up and running again he will show us all
Hi Richii,
You are probably right about Nick and in fact many of us finding it hard to perform at our best when our team is losing. I also think you are right in suggesting that Nick will get back to his best when the team is playing better.
However I don't think it is necessary for Nick to wait for the team to start winning to play well. I believe that guys like Nick, Kouta, Lappin and a few other talented players could turn the fortunes of the whole team around if they rose above the present situation the team is in. Hopefully we will see signs of this today against Richmond.
Stanton
20 Aug 2006, 18:44
Gee couldnt get to the game today but from what ive seen on nines crap coverage is that Stevos had a shocker! Thought we might beat Richmond today but alas not to be.
That 2nd quarter was a shocker, getting sick of these quarters and halfs where we dont compete. From the few positives id say Kouta shows enough that he can go on and be a contributer next year and Scotland Simpson are good players.
Gee couldnt get to the game today but from what ive seen on nines crap coverage is that Stevos had a shocker! Thought we might beat Richmond today but alas not to be.
That 2nd quarter was a shocker, getting sick of these quarters and halfs where we dont compete. From the few positives id say Kouta shows enough that he can go on and be a contributer next year and Scotland Simpson are good players.
You could add walker to that list, but yet again we bring a young player in (smith) and he gets left on the bench, why do we bother bringing them in?
Stanton
20 Aug 2006, 18:56
You could add walker to that list, but yet again we bring a young player in (smith) and he gets left on the bench, why do we bother bringing them in?
Yeah Walker good player, how much game time did Smith get? Its a bit hard to judge him on his first game, didnt have any impact obviously. Ohailpins run in the 2nd or third quarter was great though.
blues4flag
20 Aug 2006, 19:01
Gee couldnt get to the game today but from what ive seen on nines crap coverage is that Stevos had a shocker! Thought we might beat Richmond today but alas not to be.
That 2nd quarter was a shocker, getting sick of these quarters and halfs where we dont compete. From the few positives id say Kouta shows enough that he can go on and be a contributer next year and Scotland Simpson are good players.
To be fair, Kane Johnson wa tagging him, and hes probably the best tagger in the game at the moment. Kept Burgoyne to a fewe touches a few weeks ago and done some excellent defnesive jobs. Not many beat him.
Kane Johnson is a pretty good tagger, STevens still had a poor game and didn't seem to be running as hard as he could. Is he injured?
Just to give some feedback on Johnson's tagging; S Burgoyne had 3 possessions against him in round 14 while N Dal Santo had 8 possessions against him in round 17
Great minds blues4flag ;)
Stanton
20 Aug 2006, 19:23
Well Johnson did shut him out the game, im not usually one to bag Stevens but he stunk today.. But we are bottom of the ladder the spoon is practically stirring the soup.
bluegal1983
20 Aug 2006, 19:36
Well Johnson did shut him out the game, im not usually one to bag Stevens but he stunk today.. But we are bottom of the ladder the spoon is practically stirring the soup.
It sure is but the worst part is, we only have ourselves to blame. Hawthorn and Richmond were both games we should've won. Typical coulda, woulda, shoulda!!! :mad:
stokesy
20 Aug 2006, 20:16
Stevens is a joke to the Carlton jumper, he should be dropped to the Bullants this week.
Enough said. Pathetic effort.
Stevens is a joke to the Carlton jumper, he should be dropped to the Bullants this week.
Enough said. Pathetic effort.
Agree, said it a few weeks ago when Lappin was dropped that they should consider the same for Stevens.
Why would it be such a bad thing?? It will benefit him playing with a winning side and getting confidence for he'll most likely play on not as good a player.
And also a bit of a kick in the backside may not hurt him either.
Really we've got nothing to lose giving it a go.
Mentallo
20 Aug 2006, 20:29
Stevens is a joke to the Carlton jumper, he should be dropped to the Bullants this week.
Enough said. Pathetic effort.
I was all for getting Stevo to the Blues 3 years ago by any means necessary, even if it had of meant giving up our 1st pick in the draft that year to get him accross, fate dealt us a kind hand and we got him for nothing.
2 years and 20 games later i have today come to the realisation that he is actually not that good not that good at all. His good games often are outstanding but they are so few and far between i get sick of waiting for his next good one, he looks disinterested his defensive skills are absolutely pathetic!!
Dropping him to the Bullants although sending him a message will achieve nothing. Players like Sporn and Chambers get leather poisoning down there but at senior level struggle to get kicks.
His trade value at best would be a 2nd round pick for the club but i would be suprsised if they traded him.
I am at an absolute loss as to how a footballer i touted so highly can drop off so damm quickly.
bluevegas
20 Aug 2006, 21:49
I think we have all had enough of him, lacks pace, will NOT get a hard ball, gets blanketed out of the game to easy.
If we had a quality midfield we could support him better but we don't,this post attest to that. He CAN & DOES deliver the ball well into the forward line. That is all he does he CAN'T pressure & is the worst tackler in the league.
I'm willing to post his CV to all 15 other clubs and take the best offer. Before all the Stevo supporters dribble on about posts like this being negative. Think were is the positive of sending blackwell to he bullants & playing Stevo. Lets get something for him NOW that we can use to go forward not let him take big dollars for nothing.
BlueWorld
20 Aug 2006, 23:09
http://carltonfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=290782
Nick Stevens was well-covered by Kane Johnson during the match, but Pagan revealed his midfield star had missed training on Friday in order to have scans on a troublesome neck and had gone into the match underdone.
http://carltonfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=290782
finally, Pagan is trying to make stevo look decent for other clubs who may be thinking of trading for him.
Dropping him to the Bullants although sending him a message will achieve nothing. Players like Sporn and Chambers get leather poisoning down there but at senior level struggle to get kicks.
Although I agree with you regarding the players who play well in the VFL but struggle to get kicks in the AFL, I think it must be tough to rack up the stats when you're sittin on your arse. 3 weeks ago he played Bannister for 3x10min periods as a tagger then dropped him. I'd love to know the reason given.
If these players got half the gametime and opportunity Stevens and the like get we might see something different from them. As long as he plays them for 50 minutes (made up of 5 or 10 min blocks) a game of course they're not gonna excel. Today, Jesse Smith had been out there about 5mins and made one mistake, so got dragged. What message does this send to him when so many other guys make similar mistakes but are left out there?
the same thing happens to every player coming through, this is how it works. This is what pagan does. Everyone knows that pagan gets the best out of young players, see fev, simpson, walker etc.
Why do we hear the same thing every week, every month every season.
In fact.............................
Tearing ourselves apart .
As supporters we are now the team that is known for tearing itself apart, eating our own, feral. We are only ever judged we when we are down. It is from our wounds that we weep, and we are hemorrhaging. It is not our victories that reveal our mettle, but how we behave when we are challenged. And we are currently failing that challenge.
Targeting and single out players
The practice by certain people in running campaigns against particular players, singling them out to vent their frustration says more about the poster than about the reality of the victim. Stating a point about a player, whether perceived or in reality is reasonable. Constant badgering in a concerted campaign is vicious. It would be better to provide some back up to your views rather than mere personal perceptions based on no more than hypothetical reactions. Either way it is the constant campaigns that reflect poorly on the poster and portrays them in an unflattering manner more than the victims of these smear campaigns. Nick, unfortunately has not been the only target. More-over no one person is going to fix all our woes and following this course is misguided and as mentioned unfair on those that are being singled out.
Every player has been targeted.
Every player on our list has been singled out for delisting or trade, from some of best such as Fev through to new recruits. Few have escaped this. Not Simpson, not Fev, not Lance. Maybe Blackwell would be one of the few, but perhaps a thorough search could prove me wrong, but give it time and like everyone else he may come under fire. This speaks volumes about what we have become. The cannibalism in which we now indulge is symbolic of who we are. Ones mettle is judged on the lows and we are weeping pus from our wounds right now. Its septic.
Lack of consideration of the facts – changing your argument – not accepting extenuating circumstances and other issues.
Perhaps the lowest feature is the complete consideration to the circumstances surrounding these players, and the team on the whole. Complete dismissal, failure to acknowledge or disregard of extenuating circumstances, contradicting the facts or dismissing relevant issues only serves to highlight the bias shown by those who maintain these campaigns. The tactic of starting new threads and changing ones arguments and revising ones story is equally undermining in a reasonable consideration of the situation. Nick, for example, has had two funerals and is carrying an injury and was also tagged by the best taggers in the game, yet this isn’t mentioned, or considered. Infact he had his highest possession count in a recent game and was almost bizzarely singled out for vilification. Similar has happened to Lance, Fev and others. This bias really compounds what is already a nasty campaign. And at least, if you are one of those who starts and maintains these campaigns, have the GUTS to stand by what have said and are saying without trying to squirm from the glare when spotlight is turned back upon you.
We were told.
We all knew we were going to be where we are at. We were all told this was going to be the case. It was going to be a long road and we would be seeing plenty of darkness before the light would come. It appears some people simply aren’t willing to accept this. We were not going to be doing well at this point in time. We knew that. The reactions against the team, and certain players, is impatient and displays a lack of support for the team during these hard times. We will rise as of next year, there is no point in selecting individuals out at this point in time for finger pointing. It is not time.
Next year
We have had our first chance of repairing the damage only this year. This year. Remember that because it is really important. When we get another (3) picks in the top 20 this year it will go even further to fixing things. This is also very important. The return of Murphy and the new picks will mean that as of next year we can start to claim that we should be doing better. Those in charge have said so and we are entitled to expect so. But not until then.
This isn’t some emotional plea, these are simple realities that we all know. Lets hear your creative ideas and words of support and understanding for the team instead of this constant stream of nastiness against blokes who are trying their best in really hard times.
bluegal1983
21 Aug 2006, 09:36
http://carltonfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=290782
My response to this.... WHY PLAY HIM IF HE IS INJURED AND UNDERDONE! It's not brain surgery!!!
bluegal1983
21 Aug 2006, 10:02
This isn’t some emotional plea, these are simple realities that we all know. Lets hear your creative ideas and words of support and understanding for the team instead of this constant stream of nastiness against blokes who are trying their best in really hard times.
Not to be negative but it is very hard to find words of support for this bunch of guys, especially when they don't show nearly as much heart as their loyal members and supporters who, week in week out, rock up at the Dome or the G without any idea of the amount of effort the guys are going to put it, or not put in, as most games have shown. I think actually going to watch them is more than they deserve at this point.
It is heartbreaking and it's about time the cotton wool was stripped from these guys!! They have so much potential, and have proven this in the games against Melbourne this year, but they are not consistent.
What really stood out yesterday was our lack of leadership at the club. Although Lance and Fev have both had outstanding years, neither of them deserve the captaincy, but there is nobody else.
So audas, you can say this is nasty but it's reality and I am sick to death of watching their poor effort without coming under fire for it, all because that is what people expect these days, Carlton being ****!! And the facts speak for themselves! I don't have to point them out.
The Old Dark Navy's
21 Aug 2006, 10:30
I don't have a problem with the notion that Stevo cops a tag every week. To balance that, you have to look at the fact that sometimes he cops low profile taggers. You also have to look at the fact that the better 'taggers' who are supposedly there to negate Stevens, are themselves known ball winners and are doing far more damage with the ball.
Now if Stevo is copping such a heavy tag, why are the players that by definition are playing so close to him, able to find space by themselves so often and cause us such problems?
I don't mean to be flippant and I consider this a constructive criticism so the 'Leave him alone, all of you' brigade are wasting their breath. Are we saying that Stevo can't handle a tag in this current midfield? Are we then saying that Stevo if forced to wear an opponent, can't reciprocate and limit his opponent's influence? Are we saying that Stevo is best served playing wide of his opponent in a shootout style game where they try and outdo each other in terms of influence?
If we are talking the latter, then maybe Stevo is a great player, playing in the wrong team at the wrong time in its development. How much worth are we going to get out of him by the time we are ready to utilise his skills? We have a few good players who can't play their natural game playing for the CFC where we are now.
We get frustrated with Stevo and others because we know they are skilled and we need them to fire to have a chance.
I think it's unfair to criticise supporters here that need to question where the players/coaches are at.
Everyone has an opinion that has worth, and should be listened to.
I think what we all should focus on is with our much better list this year, another pre-season under some of the players belts, better form of Whitnall and Fev. Why have we pulled out 1-2 quarters of crud most games???
This is a football club, and if all players and coaches are not in the one bit criticised/scrutinised after a poor season, than there is a problem.
We all know we were going to have some darkness, but from a supporters point of view we are not told anything about how we're trying to get out of this darkness. So if we get a little concerned and irate, I don't see the club doing anything to alleviate that.
If this time next year we are at this same position, don't tell me it will be right for the club to spoon feed us this 5 year sentence, and excuse upon excuse.
I think Pagan should stay, but if next year round 20 we are at 15/16 or have less than 6 wins I'd be a little peeved!
Our team, culture, franchise, future is at stake and something drastic may have to be done soon.
BlueWorld
21 Aug 2006, 11:48
My response to this.... WHY PLAY HIM IF HE IS INJURED AND UNDERDONE! It's not brain surgery!!!
Why did Fev play last year when he was obviously injured? Most players will try to play even when they know they're not 100% and can't do everything they want. Hopefully they don't worry what supporters think.:rolleyes:
BlueWorld
21 Aug 2006, 11:55
Every player on our list has been singled out for delisting or trade, from some of best such as Fev through to new recruits. Few have escaped this. Not Simpson, not Fev, not Lance. Maybe Blackwell would be one of the few, but perhaps a thorough search could prove me wrong, but give it time and like everyone else he may come under fire. This speaks volumes about what we have become. The cannibalism in which we now indulge is symbolic of who we are. Ones mettle is judged on the lows and we are weeping pus from our wounds right now. Its septic.
If you play well we want to trade you for a good pick because we might get one of those future stars in the superdraft.
If you play poorly we don't want you and if we can convince some other club you're OK we'll trade you for one of those future stars in the superdraft.
Loyalty does work both ways but apparently when someone like Hamill or Campo decide to leave they're traitors but it's OK to trade players for possible future stars in the superdraft.:rolleyes:
the same thing happens to every player coming through, this is how it works. This is what pagan does. Everyone knows that pagan gets the best out of young players, see fev, simpson, walker etc.
Why do we hear the same thing every week, every month every season.
In fact.............................
Do you reckon this is how it's done at other clubs that actually win games? I think not. I don't think Pagan has anything to do with getting the best out of those players. Simon Wiggins is an example. I think he's been great this year, and has always had the potential to be so. It wasn't until he was given a reasonable run though that he was able to settle in and contribute. These guys, although being well paid sportsmen are still human. If Pagan drags a young bloke everytime he makes a blue, they're confidence would be shot. And how frustrating it must get for them when other players are making the same mistakes but without consequence.
BlueWorld
21 Aug 2006, 12:07
Not to be negative but it is very hard to find words of support for this bunch of guys, especially when they don't show nearly as much heart as their loyal members and supporters who, week in week out, rock up at the Dome or the G without any idea of the amount of effort the guys are going to put it, or not put in, as most games have shown. I think actually going to watch them is more than they deserve at this point.
It is heartbreaking and it's about time the cotton wool was stripped from these guys!! They have so much potential, and have proven this in the games against Melbourne this year, but they are not consistent.
What really stood out yesterday was our lack of leadership at the club. Although Lance and Fev have both had outstanding years, neither of them deserve the captaincy, but there is nobody else.
So audas, you can say this is nasty but it's reality and I am sick to death of watching their poor effort without coming under fire for it, all because that is what people expect these days, Carlton being ****!! And the facts speak for themselves! I don't have to point them out.
If you're sick to death of watching it why bother? Find something else to do. We had a crowd of around 17,000 when we played Freo so it doesn't sound like too many of our 28,000 members have continued to put up with it. Probably half yesterday's crowd were Richmond supporters so similar number.
You don't know what it's like being part of a team that loses week in week out and finds ways to lose even when they look like winning. Most of them are young and inexperienced, have rarely experienced a win (3 of our team have only done it once in their career) and are up against opponents who are older, more experienced and know how to win games. The older players can't do it all themselves. At most other clubs they'd have other experienced players to take the pressure off them so they don't get tagged all the time.
bluegal1983
21 Aug 2006, 13:40
If you're sick to death of watching it why bother? Find something else to do. We had a crowd of around 17,000 when we played Freo so it doesn't sound like too many of our 28,000 members have continued to put up with it. Probably half yesterday's crowd were Richmond supporters so similar number.
You don't know what it's like being part of a team that loses week in week out and finds ways to lose even when they look like winning. Most of them are young and inexperienced, have rarely experienced a win (3 of our team have only done it once in their career) and are up against opponents who are older, more experienced and know how to win games. The older players can't do it all themselves. At most other clubs they'd have other experienced players to take the pressure off them so they don't get tagged all the time.
Exactly my point. Members and supporters who do go and watch this crap week in week out are diminishing because of the poor performances from their team. There are loyal members and supporters who do go along each week, including me, which gives me every right to say that I am sick of it!
You tell me to find something else to do.... That doesn't even come into the equation because I am passionate about this footy club and have attended every single game in Victoria since I was 6 years old and most insterstate games, not to mention been a member for all of those years as well. And no I am not blowing my own trumpet, just pointing out that I have every right to voice my opinion and feel the way I do!
I don't know if you go along to watch the games yourself but I can tell you from personal experience, it isn't a fun thing to do anymore. I do understand that we are rebuilding and we have a young and inexperienced list and that we are going to be up and down and every other excuse I have heard this year, but I believe we are better than our position suggests and to watch the poor effort is very frustrating!!
I may not be on the field, but I do know what it's like being part of a team that loses week in week out and finds ways to lose even when they look like winning because I am there every week!! It is disappointing and heartbreaking! I don't care if they lose every week, as long as they have a go! Half the time they look like they don't even care. It almost feels like they are so used to it so another loss is no big deal...
Go ahead and keep wrapping them in cotton wool if you like but I certainly will not.
Exactly my point. Members and supporters who do go and watch this crap week in week out are diminishing because of the poor performances from their team. There are loyal members and supporters who do go along each week, including me, which gives me every right to say that I am sick of it!
You tell me to find something else to do.... That doesn't even come into the equation because I am passionate about this footy club and have attended every single game in Victoria since I was 6 years old and most insterstate games, not to mention been a member for all of those years as well. And no I am not blowing my own trumpet, just pointing out that I have every right to voice my opinion and feel the way I do!
I don't know if you go along to watch the games yourself but I can tell you from personal experience, it isn't a fun thing to do anymore. I do understand that we are rebuilding and we have a young and inexperienced list and that we are going to be up and down and every other excuse I have heard this year, but I believe we are better than our position suggests and to watch the poor effort is very frustrating!!
I may not be on the field, but I do know what it's like being part of a team that loses week in week out and finds ways to lose even when they look like winning because I am there every week!! It is disappointing and heartbreaking! I don't care if they lose every week, as long as they have a go! Half the time they look like they don't even care. It almost feels like they are so used to it so another loss is no big deal...
Go ahead and keep wrapping them in cotton wool if you like but I certainly will not.
Right on!!!
Passion!! I LOVE IT!
I think it's unfair to criticise supporters here that need to question where the players/coaches are at.
Everyone has an opinion that has worth, and should be listened to.
I think what we all should focus on is with our much better list this year, another pre-season under some of the players belts, better form of Whitnall and Fev. Why have we pulled out 1-2 quarters of crud most games???
This is a football club, and if all players and coaches are not in the one bit criticised/scrutinised after a poor season, than there is a problem.
We all know we were going to have some darkness, but from a supporters point of view we are not told anything about how we're trying to get out of this darkness. So if we get a little concerned and irate, I don't see the club doing anything to alleviate that.
If this time next year we are at this same position, don't tell me it will be right for the club to spoon feed us this 5 year sentence, and excuse upon excuse.
I think Pagan should stay, but if next year round 20 we are at 15/16 or have less than 6 wins I'd be a little peeved!
Our team, culture, franchise, future is at stake and something drastic may have to be done soon.
We have been told, we were kept in the loop. People are just choosing to ignore what they are being told.
no one has said dont criticise, so not sure where you are coming from. The point is clear, try and be constructive, logical and not single out people for the whole teams failure, EVEN WHEN THEY PERFORM WELL.
Yep thats what I said, if we are playing like this next year, then go for it. Even pagan has said that.
It sure is but the worst part is, we only have ourselves to blame. Hawthorn and Richmond were both games we should've won. Typical coulda, woulda, shoulda!!! :mad:
Based on yesterdays performance, even taking into account the entire season performance, how do you justify saying that the Richmond game should've been one of the games that could have been won?
bluegal1983
21 Aug 2006, 22:21
Based on yesterdays performance, even taking into account the entire season performance, how do you justify saying that the Richmond game should've been one of the games that could have been won?
Because I think we have a better list with more potential than Richmond, Hawthorn, Kangaroos and Essendon. We just can't put it together.
droppuntkick23
21 Aug 2006, 22:23
How is Nick Stevens going ?:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
I have come under the notice of another bigfooty member for what he sees as an attack and hatred of Nick Stevens. I want to make it clear that I do not hate Nick Stevens and would like to use this thread to explain once again and hopefully more clearly what my thoughts about him are.
Firstly I think Nick is probably the 3 or 4th most gifted player on Carltons list. On performance this year he is probalby between 7-10 in how I would rate our best and fairest award. So I am not saying the guy has not got ability or has not got performance warranting his position in the side.
However I believe that Nick throughout his whole career has never consistently produced what he is capable of. On stats it may appear that he has however I don't believe stats to be an absolute guide to performance. On limited occassions I believe Nick has performed to 100% of his capacity. On these occassions he does everything with passion and truly looks to be enjoying his footy. Not only does he run hard with the ball and to receive the ball but also chases and tackles with high intensity. When at his capacity he also attacks marking contests and disputed balls with similarly high intensity.
This Nick Stevens is a pleasure to watch and is inspiring to supporters and I would imagine teammates. This guy is a real leader. As recently as the Melbourne game I felt he approached this level. These performances in my mind prove that not only is he gifted but that he can also physically produce performances that do justice to the talent he has. My problem with Nick and the question I have over him is why can he not play with passion and intensity for the majority of his games?
People have suggested taggers as being a major reason. I can accept that taggers can limit possessions and they can also pressure disposals to not be as effective as they would with no pressure. What I cannot accept is that a tagger can inhibit Nick's ability to put intensity into all facets of his game. I believe that the taggers not only beat Nick physically but also mentally.
When this happens Nick becomes agitated and then drops his head and sets a poor example to the other players. I believe he loses enjoyment for playing and his intensity in contests drops way below what it is when he is at 100% efficiency. Given his standing and experience this is very dis empowering to less experienced or less talented players in the side.
If Nick could find the mental key to having intensity regularly then I would be 100% keeping him at the club. However Nick to this stage has not shown that he can play with consistent intensity yet has a high enough reputation to attract strong interest from other clubs. My belief is that if we could get a 10-15 pick for him that it is worth considering.
If Nick is retained on the list then perhaps the captaincy could be the key to him finding consistent passion and drive. My main concern is for the Cartlon Footy club to have the most talented players available playing to their optimum. Nick is a talented player however something has to change deep within Nick if he is to be a viable long term leader for Carlton.
He wanted to go to collingwood not carlton thats were the passion is,as for the captaincy you must be joking lol:eek: