View Full Version : Training 13/6
Wandered down for a Wednesday evening look at the boys. Liked what I saw, even with my poor eyesight :o
The boys looked keen and sharp and trained as if they were 8-2 and not 6-4, no special set ups I saw, apart from the rucks out the back with Redden.After they came back to the main group they did some boundary work and Meesen was matched up against Griff and Hudson and Maric was a side player though he did compete in some skill drills later.
I originally thought ( the poor eyesight :o ) Griff had a white shirt on but it was Gill..hey he has curly hair and is tall. Him and Trent ( with one leg thinner than the other ) Bode, Biglands , Johncock and a few others did skill work on the boundary and all looked clean with their hands.
Stevo trained away from the main group doing laps and ball work to keep warm with Jonas? doing some brilliant droppies :thumbsu:
All in all a good oportunity for me to have a look at how the boys move and the best news was when Roo was asked by a fan if he was playing this week came out with a strong ''yes no problems'' :thumbsu:
Kane McGoodwin
13 Jun 2007, 21:10
Any sign of Goody?
No Goodwin at all. Nor Burton
Mad Dog
13 Jun 2007, 21:38
Thanks for the report PC.
Stiffy must be doubtful with the thigh.......:(
Thanks for the report PC.
Stiffy must be doubtful with the thigh.......:(
I wouldnt think so. Johncock ;) looked all smiles as he wandered in an hour early. :p I got the feeling it was more to not strain it , more than any doubt. It was strapped from groin to knee though
Kane McGoodwin
13 Jun 2007, 21:50
In the ruck drills, how did Griffin look (considering he has struggled the past few weeks) v Maric/Meesen who would be a chance of replacing him?
BTW, thanks for the training report. :thumbsu:
Without wanting to give Drummond a woody it was more focused on Meesen v Griffin v Hudson
Griff looked ok as did Meesen. Hudson is definitely number 1 and even got frustrated later when he missed a shot at goal.
I just had this feeling Griff may be rested and Meesen may be given a game or 2 . Then again I could be wrong.
Drummond
13 Jun 2007, 22:04
Getting a tad excited here.
For a ruckman who was drafted with pick 8 his ruckwork has never been elite. He wins his faire share of hitouts, always considerably less than Maric though, and his taps are often only average. IF he bulks up a bit more he wouldn’t get knocked down and outbodied so often. If that is to happen he could be an elite big man in the competition because his work around the ground has and always will be his strength. For a 19/20 year old to average 13 possessions and 5 marks per game is quite good, he just needs to work on becoming a more effective ruckman which involves getting up higher and gaining more strength.
Unleash the Meese.
God I hope he re-signs :(
betterthanu
13 Jun 2007, 22:07
Getting a tad excited here.
For a ruckman who was drafted with pick 8 his ruckwork has never been elite. He wins his faire share of hitouts, always considerably less than Maric though, and his taps are often only average. IF he bulks up a bit more he wouldn’t get knocked down and outbodied so often. If that is to happen he could be an elite big man in the competition because his work around the ground has and always will be his strength. For a 19/20 year old to average 13 possessions and 5 marks per game is quite good, he just needs to work on becoming a more effective ruckman which involves getting up higher and gaining more strength.
He said in that interview on afc.com that hes been able to bulk up a bit while injured. He called it a "blessing in disguise". Did he look any bigger today PC?
Lets be realistic. To me Griff needs a rest and the mid season break is ideal. Maric seemed to be 4th string and his performances lately have been mediocre. Meesen also has struggled but if ever the AFC were wanting to find out about aplayer now is the time
This is not to say Meesen should come in and dominate ( huge kudos if he does) but to be the 2nd ruckman and to get some time on the ground.
If he contests and is a body to bring the ball to ground then he will learn more just by being out there.
He said in that interview on afc.com that hes been able to bulk up a bit while injured. He called it a "blessing in disguise". Did he look any bigger today PC?
Cant really say. Not seeing him before ( lived in Perth) I have no base to work from ...and pics dont help
I do know he needs a solarium..if he cant win taps just roll his socks down and angle his kneecaps for glare :cool:
Lets be realistic. To me Griff needs a rest and the mid season break is ideal. Maric seemed to be 4th string and his performances lately have been mediocre. Meesen also has struggled but if ever the AFC were wanting to find out about aplayer now is the time
I wouldn't say the Meese has struggled since his return from injury. He's played 2 ressies games and absolutely tore it up on the weekend.
Drummond
13 Jun 2007, 22:13
Unleash the Meese.
God I hope he re-signs :(
I know there are many on here who feel strongly about "gifting games" in order to persuade people to stay, but in this case I feel we might have to. It’s a fact that if Meesen feels he’s wanted and is going to get games with the Crows he’s all the more likely to stay. Therefore I think we would be better off to give him a few games, EVEN if his form doesn’t really warrant it. We did it with Jericho albeit under slightly different circumstances. If Meese puts together a few good performances with the Legs, I say give him a game or two. If he stays our ruck stocks look incredibly strong for the future, if he leaves we’ve wasted our second highest pick in club history.
He said in that interview on afc.com that hes been able to bulk up a bit while injured. He called it a "blessing in disguise". Did he look any bigger today PC?
That is great news! :thumbsu:
Mad Dog
13 Jun 2007, 22:14
Lets be realistic. To me Griff needs a rest and the mid season break is ideal. Maric seemed to be 4th string and his performances lately have been mediocre. Meesen also has struggled but if ever the AFC were wanting to find out about aplayer now is the time
This is not to say Meesen should come in and dominate ( huge kudos if he does) but to be the 2nd ruckman and to get some time on the ground.
If he contests and is a body to bring the ball to ground then he will learn more just by being out there.
I don't think the AFC could not give him a game in his 3rd year on the list - and still keep a straight face come contract time.
I would say Meesen is a monty to give Griff a break at some stage soon
Crow-mo
13 Jun 2007, 22:44
I don't think the AFC could not give him a game in his 3rd year on the list - and still keep a straight face come contract time.
Agree :thumbsu:
if he doesn't warrant a game in year 3, he doesn't warrant an extension either.
if he's doing the right things, with the right attitude, he must be close to selection.
Blue Red and Gold
13 Jun 2007, 23:48
Its time
Unleash the Meese
crows98
14 Jun 2007, 11:29
I would look at giving either Meesen or Maric a game this week. I would either take a punt and play jonahing Griffin as a tall forward or give him a week or 3 (with the bye) in the SANFL. Griffin has been tremendous this year but over the last few weeks it’s not like he has been offering us any thing to keep his place.
In the SANFL this week; Norwood has the bloody bye as well so that sucks. It would have been good for John Meesen to get a senior game and put in a good performance
KUNG FU
14 Jun 2007, 12:04
Griff has been far beyond expectations, but thats still not enough to reason to contain the Meese. I think I'm going to pass out with excitement at the thought of Meese getting a game.
And Crow-Mo, he has the potential to be an elite ruckman (not just AFL standard, but AA standard), he deserves as many years on the list as we can afford. 5 years at least barring some horrendous injury run. If its good enough for Jericho, its definitely good enough for Meese.
21knights
14 Jun 2007, 12:21
I don't mean to be a debbie downer, but everyone seems so excited about meese that I see a let down coming on.
Everyone talks about the quality of Meese but where is it? Nothing at SANFL level, nothing at AFL level.
TAC level. :)
Also SANFL reserves level.
Mad Dog
14 Jun 2007, 13:19
TAC level. :)
Also SANFL reserves level.
boy - are you going to be in trouble.....:p
Redlegs14
14 Jun 2007, 13:22
Eh....in fairness I haven't exactly seen a ton of the lad but I wouldn't scoff at a direct trade for Varcoe.Why are you still here?
Did you think by not posting for a few days, we would forget what you said?
Don't make bold statements, and then not have the balls to back up those statements.
crows98
14 Jun 2007, 13:25
Eh....in fairness I haven't exactly seen a ton of the lad but I wouldn't scoff at a direct trade for Varcoe.
Travis Varcoe has enormous value right now because he is playing AFL games and the type of player our forward line is craving for. I don’t think he will become much more than a very good small forward. IMO He will never take that next step like Andrew McLeod and become superstar midfielder.
John Meesen has the potential to become a Mathew Primus/Michael Gardner (type player when they were in there prime) clone and dominate game around the ground; I believe if we do that trade (Varcoe for Meesen) will look silly in a few years.
It is imperative that we keep him in crow’s colours and the first step is to give him a few games ASAP to entice him to stay in Adelaide.
If Neil Craig and the Adelaide match committee desperately want Travis Varcoe, they should be looking at different avenues to get that deal done.
Meesen for Varcoe (today is good for us), in 5 year time Geelong will be loving it.
Redlegs14
14 Jun 2007, 13:27
I am going to put my Bigfooty account on the line here: The Crows, having lost this game, will beat both Geelong and West Coast now. If they don't I will close this account and never come back, ever. No other aliases, no technicalities, I won't return.And just in case you have forgotten, this is what you said.
KUNG FU
14 Jun 2007, 13:36
Everyone talks about the quality of Meese but where is it? Nothing at SANFL level, nothing at AFL level.
FFS! That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.[edit: I know thats an overstatement - but its the Internet]
At SANFL in 2006, he was absolutely brilliant as an 19/20 yo, first choice ruckman. His tap work wasn't the best in the league, but that is because of the type of ruckman he is (man-on-man). It takes a little longer for this type of ruckman to develop, because of the necessary muscle required, but once they develop, they are difficult to stop. This is the main reason why Maric was selected ahead of him. He has excellent skills around the ground (he can actually kick, handball and win his own possession) and he is excellent overhead.
In 2007 he had a great pre-season and then suffered an unfortunate injury in the first few minutes of his first PS game. It could have happened to anyone.
You haven't seen his quality cos your eyes are closed.
By the way, I'm a big fan of Varcoe, but players like Meese don't come around everyday. He's a gamble, but every ruckman is. It only enhances their value in my eyes, because an AA-quality ruckman is so hard to find. We need Meese to consolidate our midfield strength in the mid/long-term view.
Kane McGoodwin
14 Jun 2007, 15:05
I would look at giving either Meesen or Maric a game this week. I would either take a punt and play jonahing Griffin as a tall forward or give him a week or 3 (with the bye) in the SANFL. Griffin has been tremendous this year but over the last few weeks it’s not like he has been offering us any thing to keep his place.
In the SANFL this week; Norwood has the bloody bye as well so that sucks. It would have been good for John Meesen to get a senior game and put in a good performance
With the Legs having the bye & Griffin needing a break at SANFL level, it would make logical sense to release the Meese this week.
Fellas (and ladies),
I don't wanna tread on anyone's toes here, considering the love that's being thrown at Meesen, BUT....
I honestly believe Griffin is going to be better than either Meesen or Maric. From what I've seen (and I know I'm a foreigner, but I've watched a lot of football in the past 10 years) Griff just has two things that don't come around often: Aggression and Swagger.
Look at the kid, how many times have you seen him just take on opposition players? Have you seen the look on his face when he does it? Then also ask yourself when's the last time you saw a Ruckman do that? The kid backs himself and so am I.
Like I said, watch his face the next time he plays and you can see it... that all-important swagger that marks a champion; the mental toughness and look that says 'NOBODY is going to beat me". Roo has it, so did Carey, so does Treadrea, and other champions. Trust me, it is an important element in the makeup of an extraordinary player.
Fellas (and ladies),
I don't wanna tread on anyone's toes here, considering the love that's being thrown at Meesen, BUT....
I honestly believe Griffin is going to be better than either Meesen or Maric. From what I've seen (and I know I'm a foreigner, but I've watched a lot of football in the past 10 years) Griff just has two things that don't come around often: Aggression and Swagger.
Look at the kid, how many times have you seen him just take on opposition players? Have you seen the look on his face when he does it? Then also ask yourself when's the last time you saw a Ruckman do that? The kid backs himself and so am I.
Like I said, watch his face the next time he plays and you can see it... that all-important swagger that marks a champion; the mental toughness and look that says 'NOBODY is going to beat me". Roo has it, so did Carey, so does Treadrea, and other champions. Trust me, it is an important element in the makeup of an extraordinary player.
Yes, he has that competitive fire but fact is, he's done close to nothing the last 3 games (albeit one due to injury). Kid will be a player of the future (I hope) but needs a break in the SANFL.
Craigy PLEASE
UNLEASH the MEESE !!!! :D :p
Wow i get the feeling your all going to be disappointed when the team's read out in an hour:D
I think the Meese's best chance would be in about 3 weeks time when he gets a couple of SANFL league games under his belt, i would also be surprised if Ivan wasn't ahead of him at the moment.
Drummond
14 Jun 2007, 17:33
I’ve never had a drink in my life. There’s a greater chance of me getting drunk tonight than Meesen being selected. ;)
But he isn’t without a chance of being named as an emergency. Normally a player in a team who has the bye is named as an emergency.
He'll probably play for Westies reserves, as will Pfeiffer, and I might head down to have a look.
crows98
14 Jun 2007, 17:35
Wow i get the feeling your all going to be disappointed when the team's read out in an hour:D
I think the Meese's best chance would be in about 3 weeks time when he gets a couple of SANFL league games under his belt, i would also be surprised if Ivan wasn't ahead of him at the moment.
Of course we are, but it is nice to dream. Realistically – we will only make the one change this week. .
In: Massie
Out: Goodwin
The only other casualty I can see might be Luke Jericho; Griffin will not get dropped for someone coming up from the magoos. Neil Craig is all about risk taking, except when it comes to selection.
Mad Dog
14 Jun 2007, 17:41
Fellas (and ladies),
I don't wanna tread on anyone's toes here, considering the love that's being thrown at Meesen, BUT....
I honestly believe Griffin is going to be better than either Meesen or Maric. From what I've seen (and I know I'm a foreigner, but I've watched a lot of football in the past 10 years) Griff just has two things that don't come around often: Aggression and Swagger.
Look at the kid, how many times have you seen him just take on opposition players? Have you seen the look on his face when he does it? Then also ask yourself when's the last time you saw a Ruckman do that? The kid backs himself and so am I.
Like I said, watch his face the next time he plays and you can see it... that all-important swagger that marks a champion; the mental toughness and look that says 'NOBODY is going to beat me". Roo has it, so did Carey, so does Treadrea, and other champions. Trust me, it is an important element in the makeup of an extraordinary player.
Agree - The Griffatron is a 200+ game proposition
Stiffy_18
14 Jun 2007, 18:27
With the Legs having the bye & Griffin needing a break at SANFL level, it would make logical sense to release the Meese this week.
There is no reason why Meesen can't play in the SANFL reserves. You don't bring in a young ruckman who hasn't mad a debut in the AFL on the back of 2 SANFL ressies games. If anyone does get the game it would be Maric since he at least has had more games under his belt.
Blue Red and Gold
14 Jun 2007, 18:57
Travis Varcoe has enormous value right now because he is playing AFL games and the type of player our forward line is craving for. I don’t think he will become much more than a very good small forward. IMO He will never take that next step like Andrew McLeod and become superstar midfielder.
John Meesen has the potential to become a Mathew Primus/Michael Gardner (type player when they were in there prime) clone and dominate game around the ground; I believe if we do that trade (Varcoe for Meesen) will look silly in a few years.
It is imperative that we keep him in crow’s colours and the first step is to give him a few games ASAP to entice him to stay in Adelaide.
If Neil Craig and the Adelaide match committee desperately want Travis Varcoe, they should be looking at different avenues to get that deal done.
Meesen for Varcoe (today is good for us), in 5 year time Geelong will be loving it.
as much as it pains me to say it ;)
good post
Blue Red and Gold
14 Jun 2007, 18:59
Fellas (and ladies),
I don't wanna tread on anyone's toes here, considering the love that's being thrown at Meesen, BUT....
I honestly believe Griffin is going to be better than either Meesen or Maric. From what I've seen (and I know I'm a foreigner, but I've watched a lot of football in the past 10 years) Griff just has two things that don't come around often: Aggression and Swagger.
Look at the kid, how many times have you seen him just take on opposition players? Have you seen the look on his face when he does it? Then also ask yourself when's the last time you saw a Ruckman do that? The kid backs himself and so am I.
Like I said, watch his face the next time he plays and you can see it... that all-important swagger that marks a champion; the mental toughness and look that says 'NOBODY is going to beat me". Roo has it, so did Carey, so does Treadrea, and other champions. Trust me, it is an important element in the makeup of an extraordinary player.
I dont disagree with anything you have said, Griffin has exceeded my expectations, but I feel he will gain more from having a rest than he would playing.
I like the way Geelong have handled Tom Hawkins, he proved he is a player but they are not rushing him.
WheresGroomgone
15 Jun 2007, 00:21
I dont disagree with anything you have said, Griffin has exceeded my expectations, but I feel he will gain more from having a rest than he would playing.
I like the way Geelong have handled Tom Hawkins, he proved he is a player but they are not rushing him.
On that same vein what is the progress with Jimmy Sellar I realise that he had an injury riddled preseason but last week he was named in the Bays ressies and he didn't rate a mention, does anyone have any recent info on the lad, cheers.
betterthanu
15 Jun 2007, 01:04
On that same vein what is the progress with Jimmy Sellar I realise that he had an injury riddled preseason but last week he was named in the Bays ressies and he didn't rate a mention, does anyone have any recent info on the lad, cheers.
Hes playing in the seniors this week :thumbsu:
Crow-mo
15 Jun 2007, 19:21
You know what can I say? I die hard. ^5s and banana milks for all. ^_^
squib
Crow-mo
15 Jun 2007, 19:23
And Crow-Mo, he has the potential to be an elite ruckman (not just AFL standard, but AA standard), he deserves as many years on the list as we can afford. 5 years at least barring some horrendous injury run. If its good enough for Jericho, its definitely good enough for Meese.
that's not what I was saying
Crow-mo
15 Jun 2007, 19:25
I’ve never had a drink in my life.
that explains a lot ;)
Mad Dog
15 Jun 2007, 23:06
before the draft - the only query over Gill was whether his body could withstand the rigours of AFL training.
It appears some chickens are coming home to roost
WheresGroomgone
15 Jun 2007, 23:54
]I’ve never had a drink in my life[/B]. There’s a greater chance of me getting drunk tonight than Meesen being selected. ;)
But he isn’t without a chance of being named as an emergency. Normally a player in a team who has the bye is named as an emergency.
He'll probably play for Westies reserves, as will Pfeiffer, and I might head down to have a look.
Now I understand.