View Full Version : The 2003 Port Adelaide list - by a Crow
macca23
30 Dec 2002, 14:35
Got this idea from a Port supporter, Asgardian, who did a pretty good job in his rundown of the Crows squad for 2003. Same as him, the idea is not to sh*t stir, but to give an outsider's honest opinion of your list. Naturally you won't agree with some of it - that's okay. But the idea is to promote comments not abuse. :)
So here goes:
Cain Ackland - been a little disappointing in my book after looking very promising early. Needs opportunity to prove himself.
Matthew Bishop - good player. Has come on in leaps and bounds since coming to Port. Dashing defender.
Dean Brogan - like him a lot. He's the one who should be developed as the 2nd ruckman. Can jump and can take a mark.
Peter Burgoyne - if only he played to his talent every week. Hurts the opposition most up forward when he's on song.
Shaun Burgoyne - a real talent. Could be anything. Has a touch of class.
Josh Carr - shouldn't fight in hotel car parks ;) but a very good negating centreman who gets plenty of the ball himself.
Domenic Cassisi - bit of a make or break year for this lad. Has tons of pace and one of the better players outside the 22. Needs injuries to others so he can prove himself.
Wade Champion - on paper a handy pick-up. Port need him or White to be their 3rd tall forward and cover one of their very few weaknesses.
Stuart Cochrane - adds depth to a team that has plenty of his type. His advantage is that he is a little taller than the others.
Che ****atoo-Collins - soft and lazy. Would rather get a free kick than earn one. Sure he had a good 2001 after being threatened with delisting. Slid straight back to the old Che in 2002. Not for me.
Chad Cornes - he's a beauty this lad. Keeps on improving each year and would make a great CHB if Port had the luxury of using him there.
Kane Cornes - great work ethic and will be a good player across HB or on the ball. CCC should learn from juniors like this.
Stuart Dew - doesn't get a lot of kicks and doesn't need many. Can kick a full wheat bag across the River Murray on the run. Dangerous half-forward.
Brett Ebert - yet to prove himself and I just hope that he doesn't get buried by carrying such a great footy name. Take it easy on him.
Josh Francou - the best in close mid-fielder going around. Having been a rover I know how hard it is to read the ball off a ruckman's hands from 1 metre away and get it out to a team-mate and he's the best in the AFL at that.
Stephen Gilham - obviously has ability but built like a tooth-pick. 2004 will be the very earliest you see him.
Brent Guerra - middle of the road player who started with a bang and hasn't improved much. Is of AFL standard but will get passed by team-mates if he doesn't improve further.
Chris Hall - very good SANFL level rover who has been dogged with injury. Could cost him his AFL chance if he suffered a repeat of that.
Damien Hardwick - top class defender with one major flaw. Wants to be the tough man hero too much. Much better when those efforts are concentrated on getting the ball.
Roger James - all class this lad. Midfield, on-ball, right foot, left foot, whatever you want - he can do it!!
Adam Kingsley - a dangerous point of his career for this defender/on-baller. His 2002 was down on his previous standards and there is pressure coming from below.
Paul Koulouriotis - nope, just don't rate him at all. Gone at end of 2003.
Brendon Lade - big question mark on him after his 2 serious injuries and not bouncing back last year. A make or break year for this once very talented forward/ruckman.
Brett Montgomery - all class. How the hell did you swap that dud Eagleton for both him and Bishop.
Adam Morgan - doesn't make my heart skip a beat after 4 years on the list and 2 forgettable AFL games. In the words of Elvis "It's Now or Never"!!
Stephen Paxman - been a great pick-up and a grand defender. Just losing a bit of mobility, probably as a result of his injury and 2003 could well be his last year.
Byron Pickett - as Richie Benaud would say "what a catch!!" One of the off-season bargains of all time. A genuine match-winner either up forward or back. He's a top-liner!!
Jared Poulton - I like Poults because he is so honest and has worked hard on his skill deficiencies. Will still be under pressure to hold his place.
Matthew Primus - Excellent player and a top captain. Good ruckman and his 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th efforts would have to be an inspiration to his team-mates.
Steven Salopek - From all reports, a very classy player of the future. May play the odd gane in 2003 but will be there in 2004.
Jarrad Schofield - quick, skilful on-baller/wingman who can shorten stride at times of danger. Mixes his form a bit too.
Nick Stevens - similar comments to Schofield, although Nick is starting to toughen up.
Toby Thurstans - dancing to the same tune as Morgan. Time to deliver!!
Warren Tredrea - the class player at Port. A near-champion. If he could kick more reliably for goal he would be a champion.
Darryl Wakelin - had a great 2002 and should have played more in 2001 as he is a proven AFL CHB or FB.
Gavin Wanganeen - injuries are starting to catch up with the rubber man a bit, but he is still a very good AFL player. Very dangerous up forward.
Damon White - shame about his injuries as he could well be the 3rd tall forward that Port's are desperate for to help them get a flag.
Michael Wilson - was a class player either as a defender or run with type before injury. A real bonus for Port if he comes back as good.
Overall, as strong or stronger than 2002 on paper. If Port can maintain that form or better, we'll see you in the granny!! ;)
Porthos
30 Dec 2002, 14:51
Damien Hardwick - top class defender with one major flaw. Wants to be the tough man hero too much. Much better when those efforts are concentrated on getting the ball. Like people on the Crows board saying Asgardian got distracted by Bickley's thuggery, I reckon you've been distracted by Hardwick's scuffling.
Hardwick played as the fullback a lot of the year (as in he was our player deepest in defense) while Wakelin was off negating his direct opponent, and set up a lot of plays - when thrown in midfield on occasion he did pretty well also.
He averaged over 15 possessions a game, so its not like he spends much time at all hassling blokes - its almost 100% when play is stopped. When the game is on, he doesn't get distracted from the ball like some other players do.
Originally posted by macca23
Brent Guerra - middle of the road player who started with a bang and hasn't improved much. Is of AFL standard but will get passed by team-mates if he doesn't improve further.
Damien Hardwick - top class defender with one major flaw. Wants to be the tough man hero too much. Much better when those efforts are concentrated on getting the ball.
Nick Stevens - similar comments to Schofield, although Nick is starting to toughen up.
Out of the full list these are the only ones i could really disagree with.
The Guru: I'd say a bit better than a middle of the road player. Not that many 20 year olds are built like him, his problem is he's too versitile! Maybe a little ahead of himself in terms of games played compared to what most would have thought, however more actual game time would benefit the Guru no end.
Dimma: Sure he plays the tough man but on many occassions he wins a free from the opposition player reacting. A cagy old defender is DImma. Tough & skillful to boot. All teams would love to have him in their colours.
Stevens: You've under-rated him big style IMO.
Porthos
30 Dec 2002, 15:30
I missed the Nick Stevens comment - now I read it, its rubbish.
dreamkillers
30 Dec 2002, 15:33
Originally posted by Eago77
Out of the full list these are the only ones i could really disagree with.
The Guru: I'd say a bit better than a middle of the road player. Not that many 20 year olds are built like him, his problem is he's too versitile! Maybe a little ahead of himself in terms of games played compared to what most would have thought, however more actual game time would benefit the Guru no end.
Dimma: Sure he plays the tough man but on many occassions he wins a free from the opposition player reacting. A cagy old defender is DImma. Tough & skillful to boot. All teams would love to have him in their colours.
Stevens: You've under-rated him big style IMO.
Ditto.........
I think with the Guru many people believe he is a lot older than he is with that lack of hair on top..............he may find it a little tougher this year with Pickett coming into the side but like most Port fans I believe he has the goods to be a consistent performer if the chances become available...........if we can hold onto him for a couple more years he should be a regular selection........
koulagirl22
30 Dec 2002, 18:07
Originally posted by macca23
Paul Koulouriotis - nope, just don't rate him at all. Gone at end of 2003.
*cries* I know you're a Crow supporter, but seriously? I have a feeling you're going to be backing up on that sometime during the season...
To add to those other comments I'd have to say that Paul Koulouriotis is not a definite "gone at the end of 2003". Sure he has to stand up but he is a young player who has had a bad run with injury. Mark Williams wants him to play games in 2003 and if he can be at least a bench player for over 5 games he should get at least another year.
I think macca23 has been a little on the kind side with his assessment especially on Wanganeen, Schofield, old burger, Che, Paxman, & a few of your so called project players but i also think he was a little hard on Guerra,
Paralowiepower
30 Dec 2002, 21:59
Originally posted by noddy
I think macca23 has been a little on the kind side with his assessment especially on Wanganeen, Schofield, old burger, Che, Paxman, & a few of your so called project players but i also think he was a little hard on Guerra,
Wanganeen is a Brownlow medalist, who is yours?
ok.crows
30 Dec 2002, 22:39
Originally posted by Paralowiepower
Wanganeen is a Brownlow medalist, who is yours?
Wanganeen was a Brownlow medalist for Essendon.
Same player in a Power gurnsey has no show of the same award, even if he now plays better footy, IMO.
The Crows best player of 2001 got closer in that year to a Browlow whilst playing in a jumper of SA colours than your Brownlow medalist ever got to a Brownlow while playing in a different jumper of SA colours.
Paralowiepower
30 Dec 2002, 22:45
Sorry is this thread about players, not clubs? Dosent matter what club Wangas was playing for he still has a Brownlow.
Paralowiepower
30 Dec 2002, 22:48
The Crows best player of 2001 got closer in that year to a Browlow whilst playing in a jumper of SA colours than your Brownlow medalist ever got to a Brownlow while playing in a different jumper of SA colours. [/B][/QUOTE]
SA colours ???? Do you get Brownlow votes for state of origin matches?
ok.crows
31 Dec 2002, 00:31
Originally posted by Paralowiepower
The Crows best player of 2001 got closer in that year to a Browlow whilst playing in a jumper of SA colours than your Brownlow medalist ever got to a Brownlow while playing in a different jumper of SA colours.
SA colours ???? Do you get Brownlow votes for state of origin matches? [/B][/QUOTE]
Sorry, I expressed that poorly.
I meant the colours of his jumper was those of an SA-based side.
Wanganeen polls far less Browlow votes wearing Power colours than he would if he were still wearing Red & black colours.
That is what I mean. Do you agree, or not?
macca23
31 Dec 2002, 01:23
Originally posted by koulagirl22
*cries* I know you're a Crow supporter, but seriously? I have a feeling you're going to be backing up on that sometime during the season...
Koulagirl, when I wrote about him, I knew that you in particular didn't want to hear that, and nearly softened what I wrote. but sadly that is what I think. I hope that I'm wrong and you're right, and if that is the case I will give you a big sorry in capital letters - okay? :)
On reflection I probably was a bit harsh on Nick Stevens by lumping him in the same category as Schofield and stand corrected on that one.
As far as Hardwick goes, my comments primarily were that he is a top class defender. The tough man hero comment is how I see his general attitude, not whether he is a good player or not. Would love to have him at the Crows. We just see that aspect of his game through different eyes.
As for Brent Guerra, I thought he was going to be anything when he first started. IMO he is one of those second tier players that needs to really stand up to consolidate his spot in the side and improve Port overall.
However, as I said at the start, we were never going to agree on everything, and the idea was to promote opinions and comments.
:)
PAfolwr
31 Dec 2002, 01:49
All in all 9/10 for effort. Well done macca23.
Don't necessarily agree with it all, but fairly accurate.
Some minor differences from MPOV are :
Guerra__ victim of circumstances. Had he been at most other clubs he would be holding down a spot and starring. At Port he is required as a Mr fix it No 2. Wanganeen is No 1.
Hardwick__ We need him as a tough guy, irrespective if people like that or not.
Carr__ not just a negating player.
Morgan, Thurstan, White and Champion__ Nothing to say yet and all to prove for all of them. Hopefully at least one of them will make the grade. You were a bit kind.
CCC__ What can anyone say. :confused:
footballphantom
31 Dec 2002, 14:58
Macca23 koulagirl says not to worry but don't do it again. She will probably tell you herself when she gets back BUT you should know never to say anything about koula that is not glowing.
Originally posted by noddy
I think macca23 has been a little on the kind side with his assessment especially on Wanganeen, Schofield, old burger, Che, Paxman, & a few of your so called project players but i also think he was a little hard on Guerra,
Dunno what was wrong with the Burgoyne assesment. One of the most skillful players on our team. Sure he has his odd brainfade moment...but in reality, he is regularly one of our best players each week. Averaged 18 disposals a game since he became a regular, and kicked 71 goals in the last 2 years. Cant fault that in my opinion.
As for the original comments about Guerra. So very wrong. I dont think Guerra is in any trouble of losing his spot. He can play anywhere on the ground....has performed well on many occasions in attack and even better in defence. Is our best tackler. Can play midfield and get the ball. Is probably in the top 5 kicks quality wise at our club (meaning ive rarely seen him **** up a kick). If only he got the gametime he deserves (you might not of noticed but he gets probably only 30-40 minutes gametime a week). When hes been given full games he regularly shines.
I cant see anyone getting his position really.
Originally posted by noddy
I think macca23 has been a little on the kind side with his assessment especially on Che,
I don't see how he's been kind. Unless you mean his assessment is less blunt than that of most Port supporters, which is that Che is, for most of the year, a waste of space.
Kane McGoodwin
2 Jan 2003, 20:34
Originally posted by Eago77
Out of the full list these are the only ones i could really disagree with.
The Guru: I'd say a bit better than a middle of the road player. Not that many 20 year olds are built like him, his problem is he's too versitile! Maybe a little ahead of himself in terms of games played compared to what most would have thought, however more actual game time would benefit the Guru no end.
Dimma: Sure he plays the tough man but on many occassions he wins a free from the opposition player reacting. A cagy old defender is DImma. Tough & skillful to boot. All teams would love to have him in their colours.
Stevens: You've under-rated him big style IMO. Reckon Macca did a fair analysis like Asguardian did with the Crows. I agree with Eago in that these are the 3 players I would have assessed differently. I have been impressed with what I have see of Guerra. He is only still young & IMO hasn't been given enough game time. I find it hard to believe you guys couldn't find a place for him in your 2003 team. Dimma is definitely cagey - how many frees did he end up getting last year - I lost count, but he has overtaken Wangas in the acting stakes. ;) Stevens (of the Nick variety) is a class act & match winner, although I would suggest he has room for improvement in terms of his consistency. Will he still be at the Power in 2004?
Nick is out of contract this year, I believe, so whether he's at Port in 2004 is entirely up to him.
So overall, apart from Guerra, Hardwick and Stevens (I had missed that one first time round) pretty fair effort.
Whoops forgot Koula. ;)
Kane McGoodwin
2 Jan 2003, 20:56
Originally posted by Porthos
Nick is out of contract this year, I believe, so whether he's at Port in 2004 is entirely up to him. I thought Port had tried to extend his contract, but Nick has said he wants to wait until the end of 2003, to keep his options open. That doesn't sound too good. Hopefully he will have a good year like Sugar to get his trade value up. ;)
dreamkillers
2 Jan 2003, 20:58
Originally posted by Porthos
Nick is out of contract this year, I believe, so whether he's at Port in 2004 is entirely up to him.
I wasn't sure if it was this year or next as it was 2 years ago he re-signed but they never went public with the length of the contract as has been the clubs policy in general - it would have more than likely been 2 or 3 years.
If he's not with us in 2004 I'd see us picking up a pretty handy player in return as I doubt he would want to risk waiting til the pre-season draft lottery..........
dreamkillers
2 Jan 2003, 21:16
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
I thought Port had tried to extend his contract, but Nick has said he wants to wait until the end of 2003, to keep his options open. That doesn't sound too good. Hopefully he will have a good year like Sugar to get his trade value up. ;)
The way I understood that was he wanted to wait until the end of the 2002 season. It's already been mentioned in the articles about Mick Moylan returning to the club that one of his first jobs will be to re-sign Nick Stevens.
It will be interesting considering the comments he made mid season upon reaching 100 games.......
“I probably would have said (in 1997) I don’t think I’ll play 100, but now I’m happy to be reaching that milestone at the club. It’s been fantastic. I’ve enjoyed the last 99 games and hope there are a lot more to come.
“Once I started playing in the senior side and just started to enjoy my footy, then everything sort of goes from there. You make great friends over here and now I just like the place.”
koulagirl22
3 Jan 2003, 16:51
Originally posted by mic59
To add to those other comments I'd have to say that Paul Koulouriotis is not a definite "gone at the end of 2003". Sure he has to stand up but he is a young player who has had a bad run with injury. Mark Williams wants him to play games in 2003 and if he can be at least a bench player for over 5 games he should get at least another year.
It is good you pay attention to Choco! Pity few others do... hmm... hey I wonder whether if 10 games means 2 years... would 22 games make 4 1/2 years??
Originally posted by noddy
I think macca23 has been a little on the kind side with his assessment especially on Wanganeen, Schofield, old burger, Che, Paxman, & a few of your so called project players but i also think he was a little hard on Guerra,
Kind? And how exactly would you make not rating a player at all less kind? ;)
Originally posted by macca23
Koulagirl, when I wrote about him, I knew that you in particular didn't want to hear that, and nearly softened what I wrote. but sadly that is what I think. I hope that I'm wrong and you're right, and if that is the case I will give you a big sorry in capital letters - okay?
Okay, but if you hope you're wrong what does that mean you think? I'm all dizzily confused... whatever. Just um, don't be REALLY mean to Koula, okay? You might find yourself having to more than just say sorry...
Originally posted by footballphantom
Macca23 koulagirl says not to worry but don't do it again. She will probably tell you herself when she gets back BUT you should know never to say anything about koula that is not glowing.
Yeah. What she said. ;)
Originally posted by PAfolwr
So overall, apart from Guerra, Hardwick and Stevens (I had missed that one first time round) pretty fair effort.
Whoops forgot Koula.
Are you paying me out, by any chance?
Originally posted by koulagirl22
Are you paying me out, by any chance?
Is there a peace smilie? :)
If a non Port supporter is to do a Port list, he can/will hardly say anything else about Koula.
Koula has/(had?) the skills to make it. However if he is unfortunate enough to have his football career taken away from under him by injuries, he will neither be the first nor the last to do so.
Personally I hope he makes it to his full potential, and that it is at Port. Those few minutes that I have seen him play showed promise. The negative from his point of view is that they were a while ago.
koulagirl22
3 Jan 2003, 18:06
Originally posted by PAfolwr
Is there a peace smilie? :)
If a non Port supporter is to do a Port list, he can/will hardly say anything else about Koula.
Koula has/(had?) the skills to make it. However if he is unfortunate enough to have his football career taken away from under him by injuries, he will neither be the first nor the last to do so.
Personally I hope he makes it to his full potential, and that it is at Port. Those few minutes that I have seen him play showed promise. The negative from his point of view is that they were a while ago.
I saw Koula play probably the among the most recently of most of the people who come to this forum, in round 20 of the SANFL season, and I have to say that he's improved so much that your few minutes from a while ago would look like Daffy Duck trying to take a specky ;)
Originally posted by Macca19
As for the original comments about Guerra. So very wrong. I dont think Guerra is in any trouble of losing his spot. He can play anywhere on the ground....
etc...
I'd agree with that Macca....but I still think he can be a bit patchy. Not a consistently great player like James (for example) has turned into.
dreamkillers
9 Jan 2003, 15:18
Originally posted by Pred
I'd agree with that Macca....but I still think he can be a bit patchy. Not a consistently great player like James (for example) has turned into.
Don't forget the age difference.........Guerra still has plenty of time given he is only 20 - it can be deceptive if you use hair as a guide.......:D
Originally posted by dreamkillers
Don't forget the age difference.........Guerra still has plenty of time given he is only 20 - it can be deceptive if you use hair as a guide.......:D
That's probably the reason why most supporters under rate him. At 20 he is a really good player. Infact not many players that we have had have shown so much at such a young age.
I see Brent as the new Hardwick. Solid, brave, sensible, and calm (yes I do think that Hardwick is able to think calmly).
But with our recent additions to the squad, esp Pickett and Wilson (who was looking great at practice earlier this week) he may have some difficulty getting a lot of games this year.
Next year perhaps. I hope that we do not lose him.
Even if The Guru only plays a handful of games next year I still wouldn't entertain the idea of trading him as he will come into his own once Gav (our number 1 spare parts man) and Dimma call it a day.
dreamkillers
11 Jan 2003, 12:42
Originally posted by Eago77
Even if The Guru only plays a handful of games next year I still wouldn't entertain the idea of trading him as he will come into his own once Gav (our number 1 spare parts man) and Dimma call it a day.
Hopefully he sees it in the same way............:D
Originally posted by dreamkillers
Hopefully he sees it in the same way............:D
Yes that will probably be what it comes down to. Hopefully he doesn't come out of contract untill the end of 2004 as by then there should be a couple of spots open to him to make his own.