View Full Version : 1AW Andrew Walker
trueblue_91
20 Aug 2006, 22:44
Has been progressing slowly but showing great signs. Great athlete and his disposal is getting better. Had another solid game today 20 pos and a goal.
When will Pagan let him paly in the midfield. I would like too see him be aloud to play on ball last 2 games.
i think he threw him in there late in the game and 1AW looked a little lost. No doubt he will do well there, but will need some time to adjust.
Lukesta63
20 Aug 2006, 22:52
What I've been saying ALL season! Let the kid play on the ball all game,let him show off a bit.He loves taking a specky and going for a run.Pagan is stifling him....
Jeremias
20 Aug 2006, 23:11
Gun, is developing beautifully.
Once he fully matures, WATCH OUT!
Convinced he will one day actually hold onto one of those leaps for mark of the year.
Really happy with his progress-has heaps of potential and we are now starting to see it on a relatively consistent basis. Once he becomes more accustomed he will improve even more. Cannot wait for him to eventually be moved into the middle :thumbsu:
was expecting him to take kouta's spot next year when he retires. should still edge him out and hav kouta play in the forward pocket or something.
Convinced he will one day actually hold onto one of those leaps for mark of the year.
Mark of the year ? .. the way that kid flies i wouldnt be surprised if one day he holds onto it and everyone says its better than gary ablettes mark of the century !!
a1118374
21 Aug 2006, 00:53
Mark of the year ? .. the way that kid flies i wouldnt be surprised if one day he holds onto it and everyone says its better than gary ablettes mark of the century !!
not so sure seems like he bats it away most times, hopefully though
i think he threw him in there late in the game and 1AW looked a little lost. No doubt he will do well there, but will need some time to adjust.
Play him on the wing, where he can utilise his pace to his advantage. Imagine in a couple of years time having a centre line of Simpson, Murphy and Walker.
doormat11
21 Aug 2006, 12:41
Play him on the wing, where he can utilise his pace to his advantage. Imagine in a couple of years time having a centre line of Simpson, Murphy and Walker.
that says it all, Tex is going to be a superstar and we have to be patient with these young blokes. we need to snap up a couple of big defender types.......it's coming together.
RATHER DROP THE TIGERS GAME TO GIVE US A CHANCE NEXT WEEKEND
that says it all, Tex is going to be a superstar and we have to be patient with these young blokes. we need to snap up a couple of big defender types.......it's coming together.
RATHER DROP THE TIGERS GAME TO GIVE US A CHANCE NEXT WEEKEND
IMO, our midfield needs the most work, and this is why I hope we take Bryce Gibbs with our first selection in the November Draft. We've still got Hartlett and Bower that can play in defence.
Punter_22
21 Aug 2006, 13:10
I think the time has come for all of the knockers and disbelievers who crucified him on this website in the past 12-18 months to apologise.
Expectations set so high are hard to live up to.
Comparing him to other players in the same draft such as Adam Cooney, who was a ready-made footballer when he arrived at Bulldogs, is tough on the kid.
I think he has developed into a great defender this season and could be that running type of defender into the future.
Not every footballer, especially one so young, has the capacity to stop key forwards like Andrew has in matches this season.
With the way he has improved this season, there is no reason why he can not turn into a Leo Barry style of footballer, where he can play a defensive role, but also use his pace to set up attacking options.
windows
21 Aug 2006, 15:25
IMO, our midfield needs the most work, and this is why I hope we take Bryce Gibbs with our first selection in the November Draft. We've still got Hartlett and Bower that can play in defence.
Has anyone seen any evidence that hartlett can play in defence? I haven't seen it myself (and yes I have watched quite a bit). He was drafted as a key forward, we have tried to convert him and so far (yes I know all the injury excuses) it hasn't looked like working. Fair enough don't sack him yet, but for gods sake can people please stop listing him as one of our defenders? He can kick the ball a long way, and has a good attack on the ball, but his first step is slow, agility poor and does not read the play well. He is really a chf, and in this team that means he is also in something else - trouble.
linchpin
21 Aug 2006, 15:32
Has been progressing slowly but showing great signs. Great athlete and his disposal is getting better. Had another solid game today 20 pos and a goal.
When will Pagan let him paly in the midfield. I would like too see him be aloud to play on ball last 2 games.
He played in the middle at times yesterday:o
He has had a very SOLID year. Let himself down with the hanger attempt and spilliing the ball in the goal square and a shocking turnover when he put French under the pump....
But he has been good in general.
Free Willy
21 Aug 2006, 15:34
Has anyone seen any evidence that hartlett can play in defence? I haven't seen it myself (and yes I have watched quite a bit). He was drafted as a key forward, we have tried to convert him and so far (yes I know all the injury excuses) it hasn't looked like working. Fair enough don't sack him yet, but for gods sake can people please stop listing him as one of our defenders? He can kick the ball a long way, and has a good attack on the ball, but his first step is slow, agility poor and does not read the play well. He is really a chf, and in this team that means he is also in something else - trouble.
Gee,
I bloody well hope he comes good or the 2004 draft could be a complete disaster.
As optomistic as I'd like to be with JR, the honesty is that if it were a top 10 pick at any other club we'd point the finger and laugh (multiple times).
I am fully aware of his "upside" & hope to hell it comes to fruition, but there are HEAPS of danger signs with JR.
All reports on Hartletts ability I thought up to now were quite promising, so lets hope he comes good - but I'd hate to see two recent top picks be totally wasted.
ps - On topic with this thread......... 1 AW - keeps getting better & better. Hard at it, gutsy & PACE !!!
WalkerTexasRanger
21 Aug 2006, 17:05
i think he threw him in there late in the game and 1AW looked a little lost. No doubt he will do well there, but will need some time to adjust.
I think it was Tony Shaw - who said on 3aw's coverage yesterday at quarter time that Carlton were dominating the midfield because of Walker and Kouta.
Then in the second quarter Pagan moved him back into defence as usual. :mad: Our best moves inside fifty in that first quarter came from Walker and Simpson runs. Two super quick young guns who are level headed in traffic and who both generally have beautiful footskills (especially considering the speed with which they are travelling when they pass).
Walker could be a really good defender because he is a superstar - but personally I reckon he is wasted down back, because he can hurt the opposition so much more in the middle of the ground.
He should be made our next captain! Something about the kid that given the extra responsibility would make him thrive.
^ almost want to agree with you about that
Blah Blah Blue
21 Aug 2006, 18:02
What I've been saying ALL season! Let the kid play on the ball all game,let him show off a bit.He loves taking a specky and going for a run.Pagan is stifling him....
Here is the classic example of supporters talking without any thought.
At this level 'showing off' is very dangerous and for someone still making a name for himself is a bit premature.
Like all Blues supporters I love the way AW is going about things and, yes, going for speckies and his runs, just absolutely thrill me.
He is however still to develope a rounded game 'offensive V defensive' when and when not to leap, punch and where to punch. We saw the punch to front of Richmond goal - goal to Richmond.
This is not to be critical of him [was probably our best player on Sunday] but to illustrate he is still young and still has stuff to learn.
And this leads to the real response to "Pagan is stifling him...." - Pagan is developing him! and if people cannot see this and appreciate this then please do not make these stupid statements.
Andrew Walker will be all the better as a player and Carlton Player purely because of of the way Pagan has developed him.
Add this to AW's natural ability and we really do have a star of the future.
And, yes, potential Captain.
WalkerTexasRanger
21 Aug 2006, 18:41
Here is the classic example of supporters talking without any thought.
At this level 'showing off' is very dangerous and for someone still making a name for himself is a bit premature.
Like all Blues supporters I love the way AW is going about things and, yes, going for speckies and his runs, just absolutely thrill me.
He is however still to develope a rounded game 'offensive V defensive' when and when not to leap, punch and where to punch. We saw the punch to front of Richmond goal - goal to Richmond.
This is not to be critical of him [was probably our best player on Sunday] but to illustrate he is still young and still has stuff to learn.
And this leads to the real response to "Pagan is stifling him...." - Pagan is developing him! and if people cannot see this and appreciate this then please do not make these stupid statements.
Andrew Walker will be all the better as a player and Carlton Player purely because of of the way Pagan has developed him.
Add this to AW's natural ability and we really do have a star of the future.
And, yes, potential Captain.
Yes great players need to have rounded games - as in defensive and offensive ability - but no one player is capable of playing every position on the ground. And playing deep in defence when you are a natural midfielder can stymie your growth as a midfielder.
If your argument was logically consistent (and don't get me wrong I think it is a pretty good argument), then Stevens' defensive game would also improve as a result of his forays in defence.
It is valuable to play true forwards in defence for long periods of time, because they learn the flipside of their game, but midfielders require different skill sets, and wasting Walker deep in the backline only serves to shake his confidence. He is better served playing off HB where he can afford to break away with attacking runs. Playing in the last line of defence requires a player to often ignore instincts to attack the ball and it is more important to instead remain accountable to your player. If Pagan rotated Walker through the HB line and midfield only, then I could see your point. But I suspect that his reasoning for throwing Walker down back is more a consequence of the fact that we have a gaping whole in defence and Walker's natural talent is being used as a temporary stop.
Walker is developing well despite Pagan, not because of him.
Has anyone seen any evidence that hartlett can play in defence? I haven't seen it myself (and yes I have watched quite a bit). He was drafted as a key forward, we have tried to convert him and so far (yes I know all the injury excuses) it hasn't looked like working. Fair enough don't sack him yet, but for gods sake can people please stop listing him as one of our defenders? He can kick the ball a long way, and has a good attack on the ball, but his first step is slow, agility poor and does not read the play well. He is really a chf, and in this team that means he is also in something else - trouble.
Yes he was drafted as a forward, but he has the ability to play at both ends. With Fevola, Kennedy, Fisher and Waite, it's going to be pretty difficult for another tall to get a look in there. Even 4 talls is 1 too many.
I've only seen Hartlett play once in defence, and he looked pretty comfortable back there. I really hope he can stay injury free as I just have a feeling he could be something pretty good for the Carlton Football Club.
Walker, if he improves his kicking substantially, could possibly be an AFL standard half-back flanker at some stage in the future once he learns to read the game well. Doubtful he could ever be a good winger or midfielder because his disposal is simply too poor - decent wingers need to be able to kick goals and hit targets in crowded forward-lines, and he just can't do it with his spoon kicks.
I think based on that assessment its fair to say he's been a bit of a disappointment. Then again, his draft seems pretty week after Cooney (who was a standout anyway, and the clear no 1 pick), and at least he can hold a position at the top level.
marcmurphy3
21 Aug 2006, 19:12
Walker, if he improves his kicking substantially, could possibly be an AFL standard half-back flanker at some stage in the future once he learns to read the game well. Doubtful he could ever be a good winger or midfielder because his disposal is simply too poor - decent wingers need to be able to kick goals and hit targets in crowded forward-lines, and he just can't do it with his spoon kicks.
I think based on that assessment its fair to say he's been a bit of a disappointment. Then again, his draft seems pretty week after Cooney (who was a standout anyway, and the clear no 1 pick), and at least he can hold a position at the top level.
I disagree. Yes last year and early this year his disposal was disgraceful but recently he has really improved and will definately make it as a midfielder. I would be very disapointed if he played his whole AFL career on the half back flank.
I disagree. Yes last year and early this year his disposal was disgraceful but recently he has really improved and will definately make it as a midfielder. I would be very disapointed if he played his whole AFL career on the half back flank.
Did you see the Richmond game? Missed targets several times. Watching him, I'd almost say that its a physical trait restricting him. The same body that makes him so quick and athletic just isn't cut out for kicking the ball accurately. As long as he plays within his limitations he'll be fine - but I reckon we should settle for having a decent half-back flanker and be happy with that. He's never going to be a superstar, but he could be very solid, and thats something we can't say about too many players
BlueWorld
21 Aug 2006, 20:24
And this leads to the real response to "Pagan is stifling him...." - Pagan is developing him! and if people cannot see this and appreciate this then please do not make these stupid statements.
Andrew Walker will be all the better as a player and Carlton Player purely because of of the way Pagan has developed him.
Add this to AW's natural ability and we really do have a star of the future.
And, yes, potential Captain.
Pagan believe that all midfielders first need to learn defensive skills so they know how to be accountable. He doesn't want any more Nick Stevens!!!
Pagan believe that all midfielders first need to learn defensive skills so they know how to be accountable. He doesn't want any more Nick Stevens!!!
Good call, I'm begging Nick Stevens to clench his fist and spoil a ball just once.
Did you see the Richmond game? Missed targets several times. Watching him, I'd almost say that its a physical trait restricting him. The same body that makes him so quick and athletic just isn't cut out for kicking the ball accurately. As long as he plays within his limitations he'll be fine - but I reckon we should settle for having a decent half-back flanker and be happy with that. He's never going to be a superstar, but he could be very solid, and thats something we can't say about too many players
I'd still like to see him tried on the wing at some stage next year. He's done his apprenticeship now, played 50+ games, and his disposal skills can be worked on over the pre-season.
He was drafted as a midfielder and that's where he should end up playing his career.
Good call, I'm begging Nick Stevens to clench his fist and spoil a ball just once.
Or stick a tackle.....
blues4flag
21 Aug 2006, 22:21
Never doubted Walker and have always had high hopes for him. He was always going to take a while to develop, and is now coming along very nicely. He could be an absolute star, and I firmly believe he could be our BEST player in a few years time.
Anyone listen to 3AW prematch? Josh Kennedy said that Walker was the hardest worker on the track, which is a great sign.
Bluebear
22 Aug 2006, 14:03
Then again, his draft seems pretty week after Cooney (who was a standout anyway, and the clear no 1 pick), and at least he can hold a position at the top level.
4. Farren Ray - Doggies - GUN
5. Brock Mclean - Melb - GUN
6. Kepler Bradley - Dons - ? Awaits verdict for key position player - wait two more years but is devloping
7. Kane Tenace - Cats - Very handy
8. Raphael Clark - Saints - Handy
12. Ryan Murphey - Freo - Gun
Not too thin.
bluegal1983
22 Aug 2006, 14:08
4. Farren Ray - Doggies - GUN
5. Brock Mclean - Melb - GUN
6. Kepler Bradley - Dons - ? Awaits verdict for key position player - wait two more years but is devloping
7. Kane Tenace - Cats - Very handy
8. Raphael Clark - Saints - Handy
12. Ryan Murphey - Freo - Gun
Not too thin.
Still rather Walker than all of the above.
Still rather Walker than all of the above.
Brock Mclean is a pretty good player for the Dees, but you're right, i think i'd take Walker over most of them.
WalkerTexasRanger
23 Aug 2006, 06:56
8. Raphael Clark - Saints - Handy
Handy for what? to make St Kilda stars like Riewoldt look even better?
I'd still have 1 AW over all of them together -
Johnny_3
23 Aug 2006, 18:45
I agree andrew should be playing midfield as he has the body and pace similar to deledio and judd, too good for fullgames at halfback... thats his rest area after playing 3 and a half quarters in the midfield and racking up a pile of possies
Bluebear
23 Aug 2006, 19:52
Hey ho......don't get my thread wrong.
The response was to the claim that he was a high pick in a dud year. I dispute that and think that it was a reasonable year and he deserves the high pick. Has certainly done no less than Cooney, has been much more consistent this year, and YES, is much better than the rest +/- Brock.
I love him (not in that way...........not that there's anything wrong with that.......)
Where we better off not to have had Brock or Kepler (our removed pick that year would have snagged one, probably Kepler with our backiline woes).
I mean, in hindsight this looks to be a stronger draft. Had we got Kepler, and Goddard then we would probably be treading water up with the Tigers and miss out on ? maybe Murphey last year, and Gibbs. What would you rather, a couple of years of middle of the table or a few really bad years for an influx of guns - maybe the AFL did us a favour.