View Full Version : In praise of Robert Shirley
Seeing as us interstaters don't get much of the Crows on FTA TV, I've enjoyed watching the tape of the Essendon game a few times over this week.
The last time I watched it, I did it with the specific aim of concentrating on Robert Shirley's game.
And I loved it.
If you want a study in 1%ers, concentrate on number 12.
Smothers, shepherds, standing in the hole in front of FF and wearing the impact, tackles - he did it all.
He's not flash, but you'd love to play alongside him.
BunjiMac
4 Jun 2008, 21:56
Watching a game purely to concentrate on Robert Shirleys game?? thats one thing that would bore me to death i think...
WheresGroomgone
4 Jun 2008, 21:57
And a top bloke as well!
He cops a lot of flack on here and at the games but you're right you can't question his courage or his commitment to the team. Good to see his form improving.
as a founding member of the robert shirley appreciation society, glad to hear it! :)
Carl Spackler
5 Jun 2008, 00:20
Seeing as us interstaters don't get much of the Crows on FTA TV, I've enjoyed watching the tape of the Essendon game a few times over this week.
The last time I watched it, I did it with the specific aim of concentrating on Robert Shirley's game.
And I loved it.
If you want a study in 1%ers, concentrate on number 12.
Smothers, shepherds, standing in the hole in front of FF and wearing the impact, tackles - he did it all.
He's not flash, but you'd love to play alongside him.
He was excellent again on Friday night, curtailed McVeigh's influence completely. Deledio or Foley this week?
Average start to the season with match fitness/injury but his last few weeks have been top notch. As President of the I Hate Shirley Club, his last few games are really making my job difficult. I'm losing members by the week and those that remain are losing enthusiasm for the cause.
But in true Robert Shirley fashion I'll persist against the odds.
Outs: Burton (susp.), Shirley
In: Jericho, anyone
Seeing as us interstaters don't get much of the Crows on FTA TV, I've enjoyed watching the tape of the Essendon game a few times over this week.
The last time I watched it, I did it with the specific aim of concentrating on Robert Shirley's game.
And I loved it.
If you want a study in 1%ers, concentrate on number 12.
Smothers, shepherds, standing in the hole in front of FF and wearing the impact, tackles - he did it all.
He's not flash, but you'd love to play alongside him.
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11240949&postcount=27
2 of us voted for him.;)
Robfan100
5 Jun 2008, 18:28
One of the most under-rated players at the club. Unfortunately, too many people judge someone's game by the amount of possessions they achieve. With Rob's role/style of game, it's by how few his opponent did.
He's not the most naturally gifted player or the flashiest but you could never question his courage or his work ethic. He is also one of the most sincerest and nicest players going around. Why do you think Sean has the "Go Shirls" banner he proudly waves week in, week out.
Capitalist
5 Jun 2008, 19:20
Rob and Mick would be the most underrated players in the team
I’m saying they are superstars, but teams without their style of football struggle big time. Not everyone can be a champion
Drummond
5 Jun 2008, 19:23
Watching a game purely to concentrate on Robert Shirleys game?? thats one thing that would bore me to death i think...
:D Probably wouldn't bother watching. ;)
Rob and Mick would be the most underrated players in the team
I’m saying they are superstars, but teams without their style of football struggle big time. Not everyone can be a champion
True team players:)
True team players:)
Exactly. You can't have a team full of guys trying to take speccies or kicking goals, you always need a couple of guys at the bottom of the packs, putting in 100%.
more importantly the salary cap dictates that you need worker bees.
I think we all agree that he is a hard worker, and did a reasonable job on Judd and against Essendon, but his disposal by hand and foot consistently lets him down. How many times do we see Shirley gather the ball, look up (& look a bit unsure where to go) and then burn the footy via a 30m loopy kick straight to the opposition?
I think we all agree that he is a hard worker, and did a reasonable job on Judd and against Essendon, but his disposal by hand and foot consistently lets him down. How many times do we see Shirley gather the ball, look up (& look a bit unsure where to go) and then burn the footy via a 30m loopy kick straight to the opposition?
that's odd. champion data say his handball disposal is in the elite bracket of AFL players.
Yeah Robs kicking is definately worse although his centring kick to the Stiff one in the square that resulted in a goal against Essendon was pretty good. By the look on Robs face, he was quite pleased with it too.
Who will he match up on this week?
If he does pull the pin at year's end, we wll miss him big-time in 09. Grunt players of his ability are hard to come by.