View Full Version : Do we need more talls again?...
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 11:03
Original Article (http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,5483459%255E21545,00.html)
Key position tops Port shopping list
By ANDREW CAPEL
14nov02
PORT Adelaide is expected to address a need and zero in on a teenage key position player with its first pick at next week's AFL national draft.
The Power, which has an abundance of midfielders, is understood to be keen to improve its long-term key position strength and prepared to use its prized No. 8 selection – which could become No. 6 should Carlton be robbed of picks 1 and 2 because of salary cap breaches – on a player who might not make a contribution next season but will two, three or four years down the track.
Its need for another good tall has been heightened by the departure of Barnaby French (Carlton) and Barry Brooks (St Kilda) and the retirements of inaugural club champion Darren Mead and Bowen Lockwood.
Promising big men Adam Morgan and Toby Thurstans are yet to make an impact at AFL level, despite being at Alberton for four years, while premier key defenders Darryl Wakelin and Stephen Paxman are aged 28 and 31 respectively.
In attack, the Power could do with another key forward to provide long-term support for guns Warren Tredrea and Chad Cornes, despite the impressive raps on last year's draft pick-up Damon White, whose first season at Alberton was ruined by injury.
Heralded Port recruiting manager Alan Stewart would not be drawn into revealing who the Power was targeting but he was confident of securing quality players with the club's first two picks at No. 8 and 18 at the draft, on November 24.
Among the quality, young key position players the Power is believed to be considering are Victorian Steve Gilham, a 192cm defender who captained Vic Metro this year, 191cm Southern Districts forward Jarred Brennan, South Australians Jay Schulz, a 191cm forward from Woodville-West Torrens, and Daniel Bell, a 187cm utility-type from Glenelg who can play at either end of the ground, and 193cm NSW/ACT Rams defender Brent Staker.
While Stewart conceded there were only three "standouts" at the draft – Victorian midfielders Brendon Goddard and Steven Salopek and WA's Daniel Wells – he expressed surprise and disappointment at the negativity surrounding the quality of this year's draft crop.
"Too many people are comparing this year's draft with last year's, which was exceptional," Stewart said.
Stewart claims clubs will draft players to fill individual needs more than ever before, with several clubs having deficiencies in certain areas, whether it be in the ruck, midfield or in key position strength.
He believes up to nine South Australians will get drafted, including as many as four in the top 30.
While much of Port's planning is believed to have revolved around scouting key position players, it could be forced to change its philosophy should Carlton lose the first two picks.
Brilliant West Adelaide midfielder Byron Schammer, 17, has been earmarked by reigning premier Brisbane with the No. 5 pick. However if the Lions move up in the draft and gain the coveted No. 3 selection, they will almost certainly take Goddard, Wells or Salopek, perhaps making Schammer available to the Power.
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 11:11
I like the following passages best...
The Power, which has an abundance of midfielders, is understood to be keen to improve its long-term key position strength and prepared to use its prized No. 8 selection – which could become No. 6 should Carlton be robbed of picks 1 and 2 because of salary cap breaches – on a player who might not make a contribution next season but will two, three or four years down the track.
Promising big men Adam Morgan and Toby Thurstans are yet to make an impact at AFL level, despite being at Alberton for four years, while premier key defenders Darryl Wakelin and Stephen Paxman are aged 28 and 31 respectively.
Apparently the logic behind why we want to recruit a key position player that'll take two, three or four years to be any good isbecause we already have two players that will have taken more than four years to be any good!!!
Also, someone should tell Mr. Capel that 187cm does not suffice for a key position player.
powergirlluv17
16 Nov 2002, 11:12
Well let's just hope for our sake that Carlton do lose those top 2 picks coz it would be so fantastic if we were able to get Byron Schammer, but it looks like they want a tall, and in there mentioned about our defenders so there maybe looking for a tall forward/defender, Jay Schulz looks very promising in that regard does he? also works that he's a local guy
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 11:21
Jay Schulz is an odd one...he tore the competition apart at u16 level, but has dropped off in comparison to others at u18 level...whether its growing pains, or having enjoyed being an early developer previously, I'm not sure.
I'm pretty confident the article was trying to infer that Jared Brennan is our top priority, as he's the only one that -will- require some serious long term development.
Unlike Capel, I'd like to see us get a top midfielder with our first pick unless an available tall is deemed to be unmissable....our midfield depth could definitely do with an injection of high quality.
What we need to do is get players such as Toby Thurstans, Adam Morgan and Paul Kouliorotis in to play more games. No use getting another young player and giving them a game just to push those boys back in the pecking order. Of course if we get a ready-made AFL player like Nick Stevens we'd be silly not to go there, but that doesn't happen often. Especially as we got him at 25.
Two things, Koulioriotis has to get more league games. West Adelaide will just leave him to atrophy in the reserves for as long as they can and when he gets himself into the league they'll take any excuse to drop him to reserves. He needs to go to another club, one with more respect for the AFL. And when Adam Morgan and Toby Thurstans get a go they must not be left on the bench for most of the game and then stuck into the back pocket for 3 minutes. All that is doing is giving them time to make a mistake and destroy their confidence. Put them into the rotation with Bishop or even up forward to grab a few marks and to be able to run with the ball.
Who knows, this could even unearth either of those players as a key position forward or back.
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 11:34
I'd happily use a #6 or #8 to get a Nick Stevens, wouldn't you? They're out there. Whereas with only a few notable exceptions (Pavlich and er...hmm), early drafted key position players tend to not have much edge over their later drafted counterparts.
PAfolwr
16 Nov 2002, 12:09
Originally posted by mic59
Two things, Koulioriotis has to get more league games. West Adelaide will just leave him to atrophy in the reserves for as long as they can and when he gets himself into the league they'll take any excuse to drop him to reserves. He needs to go to another club, one with more respect for the AFL.
What is the go about that.
Have heard Koulagirl talk about it, but that's about it.
Was his form bad or has he done something to the selection committee?
Originally posted by mic59
And when Adam Morgan and Toby Thurstans get a go they must not be left on the bench for most of the game and then stuck into the back pocket for 3 minutes. All that is doing is giving them time to make a mistake and destroy their confidence. Put them into the rotation with Bishop or even up forward to grab a few marks and to be able to run with the ball.
That is the area that Williams is a dud at. Strong words I know.
He decides what a player will do and play him according to that, not according to his strengths. (Opposite to Jack in some ways)
Plan B? Why must we have a plan B when plan A is the best there is. The only times it stuffs up is when the players muck it up.
His perseverance with Michael Stevens as a wingman, Derek Murray, and Lade as a key position forward when his form and confidence were not there, are two recent examples of sticking to the gameplan at all costs.
The opposite end of the scale are the gametime got by Alan Murray, Morgan and even Brogan.
There must also have been a time when both Guerra and Kane Cornes were reconsidering their future at Port.
He has the ability to be one of the best coaches given time, but ...
What he does he does very well, what he doesn't do he gives the impression that he doesn't care about it. If that makes sense.
Originally posted by PAfolwr
What is the go about that.
Have heard Koulagirl talk about it, but that's about it.
Was his form bad or has he done something to the selection committee?
No. that comment was made more on the basis that Koula has played well enough in West reserves to get himself promoted, and also out of my probably well-founded suspicion of any team supported by Ken Cunningham. There are certain teams in the SANFL that don't want to give the Power a fair go by playing their players in league and I am sure West is one of them.
Originally posted by mic59
No. that comment was made more on the basis that Koula has played well enough in West reserves to get himself promoted, and also out of my probably well-founded suspicion of any team supported by Ken Cunningham. There are certain teams in the SANFL that don't want to give the Power a fair go by playing their players in league and I am sure West is one of them.
Such paranoia. SANFL clubs care about one thing: their own fortunes, whether that advantages or disadvantages the Power or the Crows is of little concern.
Originally posted by DaveW
Such paranoia. SANFL clubs care about one thing: their own fortunes, whether that advantages or disadvantages the Power or the Crows is of little concern.
Paranoia is irrational fear or suspicion. What is irrational here? Koula has played enough good games to be in the league, West need him there but he is still in the reserves. Otherwise Borchard is a complete and utter moron or there is another agenda here. Although I will admit that there is a strong possibility that Borchard could be a cmplete and utter moron.
koulagirl32
16 Nov 2002, 13:17
Well said by everyone!!!!!
Koula definitely deserved to make the seniors and stay there after a few games and if that had happened I'm sure it would have been a different season. I'm pretty sure from what I've heard that Ian Borchard didn't like him and couldn't be bothered giving him a go.
I'm pretty sure also that we will be seeing some changes tot he structure of the 22 and I'm very optimistic that Paul will make regular appearances this year. Me being biased and all, but I'm sure he'll get a chance, especially since he's out of contract at the end of the year and has to show something.
dreamkillers
16 Nov 2002, 14:50
Considering who wrote the article it doesn't mean too much......
I beleive we will pick the best player available at the time of our selection........be it a midfielder, key position player, forward, defender or even a ruckman (not that there are many about)
That said 2003 will be a make or break year for a number of players that have been on out list for a few years........
Cain Ackland - only 20 which probably helped and will have to improve to move up from 4th ruck.....
Domenic Cassisi/Paul Koulouriotis - as with Cain only 20 although both have strugled with injuries and form - probably fighting for the same spot with the player showing the most in 2003 more than likely retaining a spot but both will be expected to step up........
Stuart Cochrane - well it won't take much to show more than one M Stevens - will be interesting to see if he makes the grade......
Che ****atoo-Collins - probably lucky he was still contracted for next year...........can see him playing a few games for the Magpies in 2003 unless he can produce his best.......
Brent Guerra - Still only 20 and a player most of us like in the side but will have to show more in 2003 - our Mr fixit in 2003 who will be looking at cementing a regular spot........
Chris Hall - would have played this year except for being struck down with OP.............the club will be looking for Chris to be fighting for a spot in 2003 and is one player that could surprise.......
Brendon Lade - at 26 will be fighting with Broges for the No 2 ruck spot although with some confidence could also be a key forward in 2003 (which will be in competition to White).........after a disappointing 2002 the club will be expecting to see him return to earlier form.......
Adam Morgan/Toby Thurstans - 21/22 - both players have been groomed for key defensive rolls - with Mead gone and Paxman in probably his last season both have a chance to secure a spot in our defence..........more than likely the best player in the pre season will see themselves lining up for the real thing in 2003.......
Damon White - at 19 is being developed as a key forward.......will more than likely get a chance to show his wares in the pre season and with the right form could press for a spot during the year..........
Michael Wilson/Byron Pickett - not make or break but I'm sure we're all looking forward to seeing them out on the ground in 2003.......
Will be interesting to see which rabbits out of the hat Stewie's got in store for us next week...........:D
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 15:47
Brent Guerra needs to convince Mark that he's untradeable, or he'll be traded....a 20 year old 50 gamer like Brent is worth a bit on the market, and if Choco doesn't think he's unique/important enough to make a required player, he'll be gone, which would suck.
Originally posted by mic59
Paranoia is irrational fear or suspicion. What is irrational here? Koula has played enough good games to be in the league, West need him there but he is still in the reserves. Otherwise Borchard is a complete and utter moron or there is another agenda here. Although I will admit that there is a strong possibility that Borchard could be a cmplete and utter moron.
The irrational part was the reasons you suggested for the Westies not playing him in the seniors.
dreamkillers
16 Nov 2002, 16:31
What will be more interesting is where Guerra will fit into the mix..........at the moment he would be fighting for a spot on the bench in my best side......although I rate him an important player I think he's probably had a couple of players jump ahead or catch him in the squad...........
With Pickett (25) and Wilson (26 next week) in the line up for next season it will make things a little tougher and I also see Hall coming into the mix with a good pre season...............maybe Mark has been seeing a similar future.........
Brent will have to make the most of all opportunities in 2003 and show good form early.............he is more than capable but 2003 will be his biggest challenge yet........
After the draft we can compare our best 18 and match sides for 2003........I can see a couple of regulars playing a bit in the SANFL next year unless they can turn things around............
PAfolwr
16 Nov 2002, 16:59
Going on last years side, the only players we "needed" that could walk into the side were a tough midfield type player or two, and we now have Wilson and Pickett, and a tall that can kick goals to take the pressure away from Cornes and Tredrea.
We have White that sounds promising, and if Lade can get some sort of confidence back he will be above average as well.
So we don't need to draft anyone specific, and thus go for the best available players.
Having said that, if there is a KPP and a midfield type player of equal type value available, then I would expect the KPP to be picked up, in particular a forward as insurance.
Originally posted by DaveW
The irrational part was the reasons you suggested for the Westies not playing him in the seniors.
Okay, smartarse. So maybe you can suggest why a player who is doing very well in the Westies reserves isn't getting a sniff in the seniors. And don't go that "best for the team" thing again. West have plenty of non-performers who don't deserve to be in their league side.
Originally posted by mic59
Okay, smartarse. So maybe you can suggest why a player who is doing very well in the Westies reserves isn't getting a sniff in the seniors. And don't go that "best for the team" thing again. West have plenty of non-performers who don't deserve to be in their league side.
Because he wasn't good enough? Because he didn't fit the overall balance of the team? Suggesting it was just to spite the Power is pretty extreme.
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 18:44
Originally posted by PAfolwr
Going on last years side, the only players we "needed" that could walk into the side were a tough midfield type player or two, and we now have Wilson and Pickett, and a tall that can kick goals to take the pressure away from Cornes and Tredrea.
We have White that sounds promising, and if Lade can get some sort of confidence back he will be above average as well.
So we don't need to draft anyone specific, and thus go for the best available players. In my opinion, we're one genuine ball-getting (as opposed to receiving) on-baller short in our top 22.
Wilson and Pickett can both run in stints in the midfield, but neither are proficient enough to play there for any length of time...they do lend toughness to the back and/or forward lines and with Pickett specifically around the periphery of the packs.
PAfolwr
16 Nov 2002, 19:07
Originally posted by Porthos
In my opinion, we're one genuine ball-getting (as opposed to receiving) on-baller short in our top 22.
Wilson and Pickett can both run in stints in the midfield, but neither are proficient enough to play there for any length of time...they do lend toughness to the back and/or forward lines and with Pickett specifically around the periphery of the packs.
Actually I agree with that statement. The player we need is a tougher version of Francou, but that would be icing on the cake.
Whereas in the forward line if one of our talls (Cornes or Tredrea) cops an injury, we are severely hampered. For not wanting to use the culinary term.
Originally posted by Porthos
Brent Guerra needs to convince Mark that he's untradeable, or he'll be traded....a 20 year old 50 gamer like Brent is worth a bit on the market, and if Choco doesn't think he's unique/important enough to make a required player, he'll be gone, which would suck.
Brent is a Hardwick in the wings. He can even play forward. No way would I ever trade him at this age.
Ford Fairlane
16 Nov 2002, 19:29
I was watching a replay of the Rd 22 Port v Brisbane game last night and it seriously had me thinking that we really don't have a big strong bodied key defender in the mix. Even Cornes looked to be fighting out of his weight division against Brown. Cornesy came out on top that time - and maybe not as convincingly as we thought at the time - but I wouldn't be hanging my hat on that result every time around. Paco did a good job on Lynch, but it's a war every time for the ageing warrior (both of them I guess). Meady's gone, to a lesser extent Bass, even French, all capable of taking on a strong bodied forward. Thurstans appears quite strong, is agile, good spoil, but is basically a stick, and Morgan doesn't seem to have the strength through his hips and thighs for a Lynch type one on one contest. That may be one of the reasons Port made such a big play for Pavlich, not only that he is a quality player, he's a quality player of the type we don't have at the moment.
Brennan is lightly built, so is Gilham, in fact most of the talls mentioned don't appear to have imposing stats height/weight wise except maybe for Nick Smith. In the end I guess this has confused me even more about a potential target for draft day. At this point my thinking is they'll go for the best available KPP - or maybe the one that best fits their needs at #6 and the best available midfielder at #16 (assuming Carlton get penalised at this draft). Then again, if Schammer is around at #6, that whole theory probably blows up.
And don't discount Capel too quickly, he has some sympathy for Port, unlike his colleague MR who runs with the wolves, and he is reputedly one of the few Adelaide journos who has a reasonable working relationship with Rob (The Hitman) Snowdon.
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 19:46
If a fairly strong-bodied defender is on our urgent list, Corey Ah Chee at #61 or #72 wouldn't be a bad way to go.
Ford Fairlane
16 Nov 2002, 19:50
Corey seems to have a perceived weakness among recruiters, probably too slow. No one's taken a chance even on a rookie list. I'd be surprised if we picked him up now after he's been ignored for 2-3 years.
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 19:53
Well ****, I'm surprised we delisted Scott Bassett. I can't think of a reason for Port to not keep surprising me.
Ford Fairlane
16 Nov 2002, 19:56
Got me there ... ;)
BTW love your draft page ... in fact I think I'll go back there and have another look at the KPP list ... :cool:
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 20:00
You'll just keep coming back to Nick Smith (195cm, 91 kg), I expect. :D
Ford Fairlane
16 Nov 2002, 20:08
I suspect you may be right. Wade Champion might be ok in terms of size and strength, but he's predominantly a key forward. But then so was Pavlich when he started out.
Ah well anyway it really is just guesswork, who knows what they may have planned for Cornes or White or maybe even Tredrea down the track? Then their view on what we need in the draft is completely different to what I'm thinking today, and they'll draft Schammer and Kellet!
And I still like the Brennan/Corrie pairing ... :D
Porthos
16 Nov 2002, 20:23
Schammer & Smith would likely be our best compromise duo....and also would be a bit of a coup to pull off.
Macca19
16 Nov 2002, 21:21
Originally posted by Ford Fairlane
Corey seems to have a perceived weakness among recruiters, probably too slow. No one's taken a chance even on a rookie list. I'd be surprised if we picked him up now after he's been ignored for 2-3 years.
I'd say his chances have slimmed even further after being killed in the state game this year.
I wouldnt say he's too slow...he keeps up with the majority of forwards, i think its more his ungainly style which makes recruiters shy away from him.
koulagirl32
17 Nov 2002, 11:51
Originally posted by DaveW
The irrational part was the reasons you suggested for the Westies not playing him in the seniors.
Sorry to bring this up again but that's the most rational explanation. Nobody that good is kept down without an ulterior motive on behalf of the selectors. Despite whatever possible excuses you can come up with and that I have weighed up in the past (i.e. experience in leadership, stability in the reserves side, even when a finals campaign was hopeless, no place in the senior side) and found lacking, you cannot deny that there was something else going on. You cannot. And considering what I know and what evidence there is to support the Borchard theory, it seems pretty likely. And you know as well as all of us that it's football and anything can happen.
Kane McGoodwin
17 Nov 2002, 11:53
Originally posted by Porthos
In my opinion, we're one genuine ball-getting (as opposed to receiving) on-baller short in our top 22.
Wilson and Pickett can both run in stints in the midfield, but neither are proficient enough to play there for any length of time...they do lend toughness to the back and/or forward lines and with Pickett specifically around the periphery of the packs. You guys could rotate a combination of Wilson, Pickett & Hardwick through the midfield to give a bit more steel. Each of them individually would struggle to run out a full game in the middle, but could provide some impact when required. Rucciuto is the type of player Port need to complete the midfield. ;)
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
Rucciuto is the type of player Port need to complete the midfield
:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Kane McGoodwin
17 Nov 2002, 12:32
Originally posted by mic59
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: Yeah, silly me - meant to say Ricciuto...
Deestroy
17 Nov 2002, 12:55
Originally posted by Porthos
If a fairly strong-bodied defender is on our urgent list, Corey Ah Chee at #61 or #72 wouldn't be a bad way to go.
Interesting that you bring Ah Chee up, as a member of a Demons board has been saying the Dees should pick him up as a stop-gap solution while Ellis and Nicho return from injury.
Kane McGoodwin
17 Nov 2002, 13:00
Originally posted by Deestroy
Interesting that you bring Ah Chee up, as a member of a Demons board has been saying the Dees should pick him up as a stop-gap solution while Ellis and Nicho return from injury. Better drafting S Bassett IMO.
Eddie Woloschek
17 Nov 2002, 13:10
Originally posted by Porthos
Brent Guerra needs to convince Mark that he's untradeable, or he'll be traded....a 20 year old 50 gamer like Brent is worth a bit on the market, and if Choco doesn't think he's unique/important enough to make a required player, he'll be gone, which would suck.
How does he achieve that? Williams obviously sees a different player than most of us do. I can't believe Poults is a better player than him.
Porthos
17 Nov 2002, 13:31
Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
How does he achieve that? I really have no idea. Maybe he can quickly become a Josh Carr style tagger (or that genuine ball-getter that I keep referring to us needing)
PAfolwr
17 Nov 2002, 13:41
He needs to play really well in one position, and **** everywhere else.
Because he is able to patch holes all over the ground, he is being used like a poor man's Wanganeen, and as such
1) He will always be second in line to Wanganeen until he retires, and
2) He will never have a chance to make any position his own.
Originally posted by Porthos
Also, someone should tell Mr. Capel that 187cm does not suffice for a key position player.
Exactly what i thought when reading the article.
And unless Daniel Bell has grown a bit lately i doubt he is even that tall.
Originally posted by Eddie Woloschek
I can't believe Poults is a better player than him.
He's not.
Saying that i think the Guru is still probably just outside our top 22 players, yet to me he is very much a required player. He's already played 50 games, can play both ends, in many roles, his time will come, hopefully he is still at Port when it does. Unfortunatly (for him) we keep recruiting half back flankers, brining in Hardwick & Pickett and with wilson back again makes it tough on a young kid to cement a position in the backlines.
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
You guys could rotate a combination of Wilson, Pickett & Hardwick through the midfield to give a bit more steel. Each of them individually would struggle to run out a full game in the middle, but could provide some impact when required. Rucciuto is the type of player Port need to complete the midfield. ;)
At this stage Wilbur is fit enough to run out three games on the trott in the midfield, although match fitness is different to general fitness i guess.
Getting back to who we win draft, i'd like to see Brennan as he does sound an exciting prospect. If carlton lose a couple of picks then maybe we will look to one of the smaller types, Schammer or maybe Grimma would be high on my list considering the top 3 are just about set in stone.
Porthos
17 Nov 2002, 17:43
I'd like to think we wouldn't take Brennan unless Schammer had already gone.
Originally posted by dreamkillers
That said 2003 will be a make or break year for a number of players that have been on out list for a few years........
Cain Ackland - only 20 which probably helped and will have to improve to move up from 4th ruck.....
Big year for Ackers, will get a lot of game time with the Magpies as their first ruckman, it will either make or break him as a AFL player.
Originally posted by dreamkillers
Domenic Cassisi/Paul Koulouriotis - as with Cain only 20 although both have strugled with injuries and form - probably fighting for the same spot with the player showing the most in 2003 more than likely retaining a spot but both will be expected to step up........
Tough on Dom comparing him to Koula. I've seen enough of Dom to be very confident that he'll make a good AFL player. Koula i'm not so sure. Even with an average year Dom will still be there, but Koula must have a good year at Westies to stay on the list.
Originally posted by dreamkillers
Stuart Cochrane - well it won't take much to show more than one M Stevens - will be interesting to see if he makes the grade......
Che ****atoo-Collins - probably lucky he was still contracted for next year...........can see him playing a few games for the Magpies in 2003 unless he can produce his best.......
Cochrane will be a good backup, much better value than M Stevens or Murray.
Che is certainly on thin ice again, will he come through it again like he did in 2001? If he can reproduce that type of effort and there is nothing to stop him doing it again he will be very valueable for us in 2003, if he doesn't, it may well be curtains for Che at the Power.
Originally posted by dreamkillers
Brent Guerra - Still only 20 and a player most of us like in the side but will have to show more in 2003 - our Mr fixit in 2003 who will be looking at cementing a regular spot........
Chris Hall - would have played this year except for being struck down with OP.............the club will be looking for Chris to be fighting for a spot in 2003 and is one player that could surprise.......
Lets hope the Guru can continue to get game time, atleast enough to keep him at the Power for another year or two, by which time, the likes of Dimma and Gav may have moved on and he will be a ready made replacement.
As for Hall, just needs to keep injury free, no real need for him to get too worried, just find his level at SANFL level again and go from there. Another year or two on the list with decent form at South will hold him in good stead to cover a Francou type IMO.
Originally posted by dreamkillers
Brendon Lade - at 26 will be fighting with Broges for the No 2 ruck spot although with some confidence could also be a key forward in 2003 (which will be in competition to White).........after a disappointing 2002 the club will be expecting to see him return to earlier form.......
Adam Morgan/Toby Thurstans - 21/22 - both players have been groomed for key defensive rolls - with Mead gone and Paxman in probably his last season both have a chance to secure a spot in our defence..........more than likely the best player in the pre season will see themselves lining up for the real thing in 2003.......
Damon White - at 19 is being developed as a key forward.......will more than likely get a chance to show his wares in the pre season and with the right form could press for a spot during the year..........
Ladey has to repay the faith that we have shown in him, if he cant produce this year serious questions need to be asked. Ok he has had bad injuries but surely he can get back to something like his 1999 form and be very handy for us for another 5 or so years.
As for Morgs & the Thrust, it's their time to step up, enough waiting in the wings, they first need an opportunity and then really need to take it. More than likely one will move a head will the other doesn't. For the one who doesn't their time may well come in another year or two but can we/they wait that long?
White, lets hope that if given a chance he will play like most of us believe he can, just needs to string a season together with no injuries and he well could be the answer to one of our main problems.
Originally posted by dreamkillers
Michael Wilson/Byron Pickett - not make or break but I'm sure we're all looking forward to seeing them out on the ground in 2003.......
Will be interesting to see which rabbits out of the hat Stewie's got in store for us next week...........:D
Dam right, can't wait!
dreamkillers
17 Nov 2002, 18:55
Originally posted by Eago77
Tough on Dom comparing him to Koula. I've seen enough of Dom to be very confident that he'll make a good AFL player. Koula i'm not so sure. Even with an average year Dom will still be there, but Koula must have a good year at Westies to stay on the list.
Probably a little tough on Dom (I also like what I have seen in him so far) but I believe they are probably fighting for the same spot..........
Originally posted by Eago77
Lets hope the Guru can continue to get game time, atleast enough to keep him at the Power for another year or two, by which time, the likes of Dimma and Gav may have moved on and he will be a ready made replacement.
It's funny how he keep getting mentioned each year........I'm pretty confident he will be at our club for a number of years to come and agree within a couple of years will be a crucial player in our starting 18............
It was interesting when speaking about him to Chocco and others after our matches that they all see him being a long term Port Adelaide player..........and most of us forget he only turned 20 this year...............
Originally posted by Eago77
As for Hall, just needs to keep injury free, no real need for him to get too worried, just find his level at SANFL level again and go from there. Another year or two on the list with decent form at South will hold him in good stead to cover a Francou type IMO.
I'd actually like to see him in there next year should his form warrant it..........another in and under player to assist Francou would be a handy option........as well as nothing wrong with having another good left footer in the side..........
Originally posted by Eago77
As for Morgs & the Thrust, it's their time to step up, enough waiting in the wings, they first need an opportunity and then really need to take it. More than likely one will move a head will the other doesn't. For the one who doesn't their time may well come in another year or two but can we/they wait that long?
Yep with Mead gone and someone being groomed to make way for Packo one will get the opportunity to seize a regular spot..........both should have an interesting pre season knowing they will be competing for that spot............
Originally posted by Eago77
White, lets hope that if given a chance he will play like most of us believe he can, just needs to string a season together with no injuries and he well could be the answer to one of our main problems.
In a way the mystery man..........could be the surprise of 2003.........looking forward to seeing our 2002 mystery man in Junior Burger play in 2003.........
Originally posted by Eago77
Dam right, can't wait!
:D
dreamkillers
17 Nov 2002, 18:59
Originally posted by Porthos
I'd like to think we wouldn't take Brennan unless Schammer had already gone.
I notice that Cameron Illett is being mentioned as a draft prospect but haven't seen anything about his brother Jared......
Is he too young for the draft as he was certainly the better brother for the Magpies this year............
Porthos
17 Nov 2002, 19:03
I thought Jared was the older brother?
dreamkillers
17 Nov 2002, 19:15
Originally posted by Porthos
I thought Jared was the older brother?
He is........I'll blame it on being Sunday...........
He turned 21 at the beginning of the month so he may have passed his used by date for the AFL..........
Macca19
17 Nov 2002, 19:34
Originally posted by dreamkillers
He is........I'll blame it on being Sunday...........
He turned 21 at the beginning of the month so he may have passed his used by date for the AFL..........
Jared is a very good player, but i dont think he would make it at AFL level. Altho he was on fire mid year...was getting Best player week in week out for almost two months at Port. He's a tad slow and not very strong in the upper body...and given he is fair short i dont think he would be suited to a midfield role at an AFL club.
Cameron is only 17 and seems to have more pace than Jared. I hope we get him with a rookie pick, as i reckon he will develop into a very good player.
Ford Fairlane
17 Nov 2002, 21:14
Originally posted by Porthos
Schammer & Smith would likely be our best compromise duo....and also would be a bit of a coup to pull off.
I think so. I've had another read of Colin Wisbey's review of Schammer and you would expect Port to take him if he's still there at pick #8 (#6) - no matter what Alan Stewart's red herrings might be about picking for position with the first round selection this year. Then it's just a matter of holding out to see who's still available at #18 (#16) - hopefully Smith.
Anyone know anything about Daniel Merrett (Qld)? Sounds a likely type, listed as a ruckman but at 194 cm more likely to be a KPP at AFL level.
Originally posted by Macca19
Jared is a very good player, but i dont think he would make it at AFL level. Altho he was on fire mid year...was getting Best player week in week out for almost two months at Port. He's a tad slow and not very strong in the upper body...and given he is fair short i dont think he would be suited to a midfield role at an AFL club.
Cameron is only 17 and seems to have more pace than Jared. I hope we get him with a rookie pick, as i reckon he will develop into a very good player.
I like them both as players. You may be right about Jared unfortunately. I liken him to James Wilson in that they both may have missed their AFL chance (sounds shocking to say a 21 year old is too old!).
Macca19
18 Nov 2002, 11:09
Originally posted by Eago77
I like them both as players. You may be right about Jared unfortunately. I liken him to James Wilson in that they both may have missed their AFL chance (sounds shocking to say a 21 year old is too old!).
James Wilson is a strange one. He looked the goods in 2001, was confident, had ability, was quick, had a fairly penetrating kick and attacked the ball hard. I was pretty dissapointed we didnt at least put him on the rookie list, but the club must of seen something in him which they didnt like, at that became known this year.
James went so far backwards this year it aint funny, and i reckon he has missed the AFL Draft boat. Around mid year he lost all confidence and he turned into one of those players where you groan where he gets near the ball because you just know he is gonna turn it over. He turned into a Kingsley where as soon as he got the ball he had no idea what to do with it....ran around in circles, blind kicks, hospital handballs, plenty of being caught holding the ball.
Maybe he might get a chance on a rookie list, to see if he can develop his skills some more...might be worth a shot. He has the body, as he is well built and has pace...but his distinct lack of confidence and zero skills under pressure are his major downfall.
Jared is a good young player, but i think he would end up in sort of a troy makepeace type back pocket role if he got drafted into the AFL. He is 183cm which is about 6cm taller than i thought he was...but he does need to build up quite a bit.
PAfolwr
18 Nov 2002, 11:15
Been reading what's available at a few different sites about the draft, and the emphasis is almost exclusively focused on athletes.
When you look at players like Dew, you would hate to think how low he would be rated under the same criteria.
What we need is a big fat porker of a kid that has a football brain and some aggro. One that can fill a key position.
Lockett and Dunstall would probably be looked at sideways nowadays.
Are there any fat kids on the block?
Porthos
18 Nov 2002, 11:21
Nope. Only exceptional porkers can beat the athletes.
PAfolwr
18 Nov 2002, 11:32
Originally posted by Porthos
Nope. Only exceptional porkers can beat the athletes.
Pity. :)
Both Stuart Dew and Lance Whitnall have had special fitness programs at one stage or another, and they are both exceptional.
An athlete with a football brain is exceptional. An athlete alone is not, and I can't help but think that in the last few years some players have been drafted purely on their athletic ability, whereas others with a football brain have been passed over.
I can think of at least a couple that are only playing because they were lucky enough to make it on a rookie list.
Porthos
18 Nov 2002, 11:45
Originally posted by PAfolwr
Pity. :)
Both Stuart Dew and Lance Whitnall have had special fitness programs at one stage or another, and they are both exceptional.They've both enjoyed exceptionally high ratings too...Dew was rated the best available 17 year old in 1996.
PAfolwr
18 Nov 2002, 12:36
Without getting into a debate of whether the athlete is better than the footballer (both are required IMO), the way players are scrutinised today, I agree that there is a better chance to pick up an athlete that can play football with early draft picks, but the players that make it with the later draft picks are usually the footballers. These are the ones that get passed over when teams are still looking for the athlete.
Some examples from our team of late picks are both Hardwick and Pickett.
Some that I can think of in more recent times are John**** and Medhurst.
dreamkillers
18 Nov 2002, 13:01
Originally posted by PAfolwr
Some that I can think of in more recent times are John**** and Medhurst.
Don't let Sabre think anyone rates Medhurst..........:D
Originally posted by PAfolwr
What we need is a big fat porker of a kid that has a football brain and some aggro. One that can fill a key position.
Are there any fat kids on the block?
Are you suggesting we draft Ricky Mott or Ryan O'Connor (hardly a kid, but a bit of a "porker")?
dreamkillers
18 Nov 2002, 14:27
Would we have enough pies for Rhino.........;)
PAfolwr
18 Nov 2002, 14:52
Is there any truth to the rumour that the Swans asked the AFL for a food allowance to be included in their salary cap, and when it was refused they promptly delisted Mott? :D