Who is our most valuable player, after you know who??

[Aussie_Roo]

I'd be interested to know, who you think our most valuable player is after The King. Surprisingly I suppose, I think Micky Martyn is, which explains why I'm a little concerned about who is replacement will be in a couple of years time. When he is out injured, we struggle down on the backline. Anthony Stevens is just like a General in the engine room, and is an absolute champion, but I think we did pretty well to cover him when he was injured this year.

[Shinboners]

In past years, I would have also said Mick Martyn, but when he got injured late this year against the Doggies, we went on to win the next 3 or 4 games without him on the team. I think that in previous years, we had a worse win-loss ratio when Martyn was out than for when Carey was out.

I reckon that at the moment, we need Archer to get back to his snarling best, and then I'd nominate him as our second most valuable player. He can play in defence or up front, he has the swagger, and he can keep the opposition honest.

[DEVO]

My pick would be David King. I don't think we have anybody on our list that could replace him without leaving a giant hole somewhere else. His speed, evasivness and hardness to the ball has been the catalyst for many of our victories over the last five or so years. I also believe that he is the reason we didn't miss Schwass when he was traded to Sydney. David just went up another level has been unbelievable the last three years.
I can handle losing Bell, but to lose David King would have been absolutely catastrophic. Thankfully he hasn't missed many games since his debut in 94.

[Rooboy 96]

oh this is so hard... I would love to say Shannon Grant but 2000 was very poor for him (hopefully 2001 will be better)... here is one from left field...

Jason McCartney

[Shinboners]

I was in the chatroom last week and someone asked me who my favourite player was, and when I wrote "Jason McCartney", they didn't seem to believe me.

It's sad to say, but Jason was the only player in *that* final against Essendon who played like someone who *wanted* to win a premiership medal.

[Rooboy 96]

Shinners... he had a ripper of a 2000... the left feild statement may have led you down the garden path... he has always been one of my favorites since he came to us... I hated how everyone booed and jeered him when he first arrived....

But then I also like Shannon... and think one day he will be our Captain...

[DEVO]

After responding yesterday, I thought to pick one is too hard, so here is my list of our ten most valuable players:

1. Wayne Carey - The King. The best player in the league.
2. David King - His pace and hardness to the ball make him priceless.
3. Anthony Stevens - The best centremen in the league, and the hard and soul of the club.
4. Glen Archer - Mr Versatility.
5. Jason McCartney - He has improved out of sight since joining North.
6. Michael Martyn - Still one of the fullbacks in the league.
7. Shannon Grant - One of the smartest and most skillful midfielders in the league.
8. Brent Harvey - If he keeps improving at his current rate, will become one of our all time greats.
9. Byron Pickett - A younger David King.
10. Sav Rocca - I think he is going to become a very important player if we are going to have any chance of taking next seasons flag.

Even though a good ruckman is an important ingrediant in a successful side I didn't include Corey because he is too inconsistant. I hope next season he proves me wrong.

[Shinboners]

Rooboy

I'd hate to admit this, but while I never booed Jason (as long as they're in our colours and on the field, I only cheer them on), I did groan every time I saw his name on the team sheet. But what won me over is that while McCartney must have known that he wasn't a fan favourite and that his early 1998 form wasn't that hot, he still kept on working hard. I can pick the game where he turned it all around. It was vs. St. Kilda, at Arctic Park, and we needed a win while the Saints were still flying high. McCartney ripped apart Everitt that day, and from then on, he's hardly played a bad game. I really felt for him when he got suspended in the '99 Preliminary Final. I remember the footage from the Grand Final where he's on the sidelines and just impatiently waiting for the siren to sound so that he can get on the field to celebrate with his teammates. And who could forget him leading the celebrations after the Grand Final?

[Shinboners]

Devo

Yeah, I'm hoping that Corey can turn it around. It's getting harder and harder to defend him, especially since his 2000 form was pretty poor. Shannon Grant is in the same boat. His 2000 was abysmal, but maybe with a few new midfielders in the squad to push him along, he may get back to his 98/99 form.

Did anyone see a little article in the paper about Joe McLaren impressing many at Arden Street with his pre-season fitness? He could be the one to push Grant up that extra level.

[Darky]

I think McKernan is definitely the player whose form is important to us, providing either a two (now three) pronged tall forward line, or a mobile ruckman who takes marks around the ground. Unfortunately we have only seen glimpses of his ability since 1996. With that in mind, next most important I think are King and Pickett - two ball carriers and runners out of defence, which is an area where we generally fall down.

------------------
Seeking thruths in spirit skies
Which one of you will guide me tonight?
The milky way tastes sour
Has heaven lost its power?
Fly on... Silverwing

[blackys_chick20]

well being a lions fan, i would have to say my royboy Shane Clayton.
GO SHANE!!!!

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GO LIONS!

[Shinboners]

Shane Clayton would be a great player if he could only kick the damn ball properly. He's fit, has good pace, seems to always lose his marker, is able to run out games, but his notorious helicopter punts make Mick Martyn look like Darren Jarmen http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Grendel]

Outsiders view, Bell was clearly your second most important player last year.
You need Stevens back to his best now to cover his loss (and his loss will be felt)
King,Blakey,Pickett etc all good players, but not a one of them is a centre square instigator, someone that can get the intial contest out of the middle more often than not.

For that reason, to me Stevens is the 2nd most important player at North. King not to far behind though.

[Aussie_Roo]

I'd love to see Byron Pickett take on a mid-field role, but I'm not sure if he has the stamina to get through a full game. The thing with Corey McKernan, is that people tend to forget that since 1996 he has had a lot of injuries, and not missed many games. I know it's not an excuse, but he just needs a good run with injuries.

[35eye]

Shane Clayton is certainly no Troy Makepeace. But granted it is a tad premature for me to suggest Makey is our MVP after the King. So I'll cast my vote to Glenn Archer. He is one tough bastid. I hope he's got a lot more years left with us.

[Shinboners]

A-Roo

I'd love to see Pickett as a midfielder as well. There were a couple of games during the season where Pickett did go to the centre square for the ball up, so who knows, he could follow in the footsteps of Andrew McLeod (who also started as a half back flanker). How's this for a thought....a centre square of McKernan (in bad mood mode!), Stevens, King, and Pickett.

I agree with Grendel that Stevens will have to fill the gap left by Peter Bell, but remember, Stevens was North's best and fairest in 1999 (a premiership year) and it's doubtful whether Bell would have spent as much time in the centre had Stevens been available throughout the 2000 season. What will be more interesting is who Pagan decides to start in the middle with Stevens.

[Gonzo]

All things being equal (ie all players fit and playing to their potential) I would say that MCKernan would be our next most valuable player.

When McKernan has his mind on it he adds so many options to Denis Pagan - centre square ruckman, a potent tall forward, a running big man around the ground and a more than capable defender.

If only we could transplant Arch's attitude, Stevos' heart and Micks good looks!!!! http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cheers

Gonzo

[Aussie_Roo]

Shinners

You're starting 4 sounds sensational. Problem is we have to wait another 3 months to even remotely thinking it could happen .. Roll on 2001 !!!!

[Shinboners]

Originally posted by Gonzo:
If only we could transplant Arch's attitude, Stevos' heart and Micks good looks!!!! http://www.bigfooty.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Why stop at McKernan? Join the queue the following players...Grant, Simpson, Abraham, Motlop, Clayton, Burton, and all the new players we've recruited for next season.

[giantroo]

*BUMP* Definately Boomer Harvey. Next in line is Spud

[rickety]

*BUMP* Definately Boomer Harvey. Next in line is Spud

am happy to bang corey jones in next :thumbsu:

[HeLMie]

Jesse Smith without a doubt.....

[Rooboy 96]

Crikey... Shannon Grant our Captain one day... I hate the internet... :rolleyes::D:D:D:rolleyes:

[The Zebra]

Most valuable or 2008,

1. Boomer - reclaimed and streaked ahead in the best player stakes in 2007
2. Petrie - will be massive down back and wil do the job down forward if need be
3. Wells - barring injury, he will have a big year
4. Hamish - damaging in the midifeld, will move up the list if his tap get better and he can impose himself more in the air
5. Harris - probably drew level with Simmo as the engine in 2007, will pas him in 2008
6. Smith - already. Full pre-season, all his tools..6th might be too low
7. Simpson - still very important. You notice how important he really is when he is not there or shut down
8. Thompson - allows Petrie back. The big forward target we missed this year. If he recovers 2006 form will kick 70+ with new gameplan.
9. Spud - essential, versatile backman. No doubt they are grooming him for the captaincy now.
10. Jones - less important with Thommo back and Edwards late season form, but crucial class up forward.

Tis' a good top 10.

[roobear]

Crikey... Shannon Grant our Captain one day... I hate the internet... :rolleyes::D:D:D:rolleyes:

I thought you meant Shannon Watt :)

[Rooboy 96]

I thought you meant Shannon Watt :)


:D:DI may have back then... :o:o

[micky_11]

James Brayshaw

[CrazyQ]

If anyone says anyone bar Petrie, their kidding themselves.

When he's on, he's our most important player and he was on most of the year.

[micky_11]

If anyone says anyone bar Petrie, their kidding themselves.

When he's on, he's our most important player and he was on most of the year.

Your are correct, but still not as important as that old vetran Jimmy Braysahw

[CrazyQ]

Your are correct, but still not as important as that old vetran Jimmy Braysahw
What about 11?

[giantroo]

What about 11?


Arch or Spud?



Forget i posted this if its Arch.

[ROORAGE]

1) Hamish / Hale - importance of gun ruckman cannot be underestimated, and we have 2!

2) Harro - engine room personified

3) Boomer - a class act! the polish if you will.

4) Spud - grunt. Makes rest of the backline stand tall.

5) Pratt - fearless and aggressive. Him and spud are a formidable combo.

Petrie is the unknown quantity. If he's consistant, he will then become invaluable.

Brady is another who makes the grade. Best tagger in comp. bar none. i'll slot him in at 6.

[The Other Dean]

I've heard Josh Gibson is quite the player.

But I'm sure that's just idle gossip.