47. Ryan Bathie (2011-)

[bulletproof]

Anyone heard about this?

[hamG]

198cm small forward, good shooter.

[vinum coupe]

A saints supporter posted that we'd signed him 25 days ago !!

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=762472&page=2


Geelong has signed Ryan Bathie, 23, originally from Melton as a mature age rookie.

Bathie, is a 6’ 4” talented basketball player having played for Nicholls State University in Louisiana before returning to Australia to play for the Melbourne Tigers in the NBL.

This year he played for the Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras in the SEABL league. Bathie played for the Australian Under-18 basketball team and was member of the Australian Youth Olympics team that won the bronze medal.

[hamG]

Oh well, cool. He's Victorian, that gives him a good start.

We delisted Adam Varcoe. I had no idea. I liked the cut of his jig.

[Selective Retention]

Worth a shot at something different with the compromised drafts.

[Pure_Ownage]

If true, I like.

Seems to have some talent, and while he'd need to learn the game, punts like these are what the rookie list is for, and we could use an athletic big man if it works out.

If true, we should know just before the rookie draft, because he has to be pre selected (i.e. we announce that we are taking him, and he comes to us with our final rookie pick, as per all 'international' rookies).

[dazbroncos]

This is a massive trend in the NFL right now - taking players from basketball and turning them to footy / NFL.

Antonio Gates from SD Chargers is a prominent example. Guys with all the physical tangibles just not the playing history - ball skills are ball skills...you either have them or you don't....

For a cheap gamble, not a bad theory.....

Go Catters:thumbsu::D

[CF]

I wish they'd recruit one of those big tall mobile Afro American Basketballers. That would be cool.

[Pure_Ownage]

I wish they'd recruit one of those big tall mobile Afro American Basketballers. That would be cool.

Ah yes, so long as he's not one of the sort to cry and fake injuries! ;) (sorry vegas)

But, LeBron, GFC awaits you :D

Seriously, Bathie's probably pretty mobile, just white man mobile. (not that I've ever seen him play)

[Copernicus]

I wish they'd recruit one of those big tall mobile Afro American Basketballers. That would be cool.

We can't afford them. Even a chump NBA player would be on more coin than most, if not at all AFL players due to the very small lists. Of course there are plenty of good college athletes who never make it to the Pros, but scouting them out would be a task of gargantuan proportions.

[MightyMark]

Alot of NBA players wouldnt be able to keep up with AFL players. Le Bron James is almost 120kg. His knees would buckle after a few games.

[Turbocat]

We can't afford them. Even a chump NBA player would be on more coin than most, if not at all AFL players due to the very small lists. Of course there are plenty of good college athletes who never make it to the Pros, but scouting them out would be a task of gargantuan proportions.

Why not grab some of guys that come out here for NBL and give them a go , let the local basketball guys do some of the work for you. They would already have a fair list of players to look at. Anybody playing NBL would be well under what AFL could offer. The Dragons had a guy in their last season (Donta Smith) who had some moves which would liked to seen in a football game. Different game but some of the guards athleticism would put some of our ruckmen to shame.

[Turbocat]

Alot of NBA players wouldnt be able to keep up with AFL players. Le Bron James is almost 120kg. His knees would buckle after a few games.

Fair point but just like with the recruits like CMH from NRL , you would train up to playing fitness for the game your playing. The K's required would shed size naturally. If James played he would be competing against guys like Sandlilands and Mumford so he would play at and around the 100-110.

[MightyMark]

Fair point but just like with the recruits like CMH from NRL , you would train up to playing fitness for the game your playing. The K's required would shed size naturally. If James played he would be competing against guys like Sandlilands and Mumford so he would play at and around the 100-110.

There would be alot of conditioning involved. But could you imagine having Le Bron line up in the ruck against Sandilands. Gold.

[The rabbi]

I wish they'd recruit one of those big tall mobile Afro American Basketballers. That would be cool.


I think that AFL teams may not have to recruit Afro-Americans in the near future. I lived in North Geelong for a few years before recently shifting the Geelong West. What I noticed in that suburb was the amount of tall young Sudanese kids.

They are at present occupied with soccer and basketball, but as they become encultured into the Aussie ways I can see them being very good AFL players. What I noticed about them was their fantastic athleticism and ball skills.
I am sure that there will be at least a few very good Sudanese kids playing at AFL level within this decade.

[AKONER]

Ryan Bathie is originally from Melton. I just spoke to a friend who has known him for a number of years. Phenominal athlete apparently, good size, interesting to see how he goes..

[MightyMark]

If he turns out like Tippett or Brogan i'll be happy

[Pure_Ownage]

Hey guys, in today's age in the scoreboard section it has the full list lodgement for every club and it confirms 'R Bathie, 3 year non registered* rookie', so I think we can safely assume this is happening. Not sure if the club will announce it soon given the rookie draft isn't until December, but if they've lodged the paperwork with the AFL, which they had to do yesterday, as that was the rookie deadline, we've obviously pre selected him.

Welcome to GFC Ryan :thumbsu:

(hopefully he can teach Blake a thing or two about athleticism :D)

*for anyone confused as to what non-registered means, in this context it simply means he hasn't played in any registered football competition in aust in the last 3 years, and as such is eligible to be pre selected as a rookie without having to go through the draft. Port snared an ex college basketballer the same way last year. The pre selection is finalised pre draft, and then he comes to us with our last pick in the rookie draft, so now we only have 3 'live' picks, not 4.

EDIT: further confirmation of Bathie's addition and our other list changes here:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-clubs-updated-player-lists/story-e6frf9jf-1225945367592

[S for September]

I think that AFL teams may not have to recruit Afro-Americans in the near future. I lived in North Geelong for a few years before recently shifting the Geelong West. What I noticed in that suburb was the amount of tall young Sudanese kids.

They are at present occupied with soccer and basketball, but as they become encultured into the Aussie ways I can see them being very good AFL players. What I noticed about them was their fantastic athleticism and ball skills.
I am sure that there will be at least a few very good Sudanese kids playing at AFL level within this decade.

Haha, you know North Geelong is full of Croatian's and others from southern Europe right? If they go to north geelong high school they wont even see a footy there.

[MightyMark]

They will see plenty of Football, just not the Australian version. :D

[magic_johnson!]

A few of them play for the Geelong Rangers soccer club

[The rabbi]

Haha, you know North Geelong is full of Croatian's and others from southern Europe right? If they go to north geelong high school they wont even see a footy there.

Some of them may make the journey across the Ballarat Road and pull on a Bell Park footy jumper.(10 minute walk) That club has produced a few good players.

[The rabbi]

Haha, you know North Geelong is full of Croatian's and others from southern Europe right? If they go to north geelong high school they wont even see a footy there.

Well isn't it lucky that there is also a large Sudanese community south of the river in Belmont. They are predominately from Anglo-Celtic back ground in Belmont and the leafy suburb of Highton. South of the river is also the home of the current Power GFL club. Give it time.

[The rabbi]

We are getting off the track a bit but...

http://www.afl.com.au/afl/vfl%20players/tabid/16679/default.aspx

Croatia: Adrian Barich, Alan Didak, Marc Dragicevic, Jon Dorotich ,Damien Gaspar, Darren Gaspar, Travis Gaspar, Brent Grgic, Ilija Grgic, Allen Jakovich, Glen Jakovich, Stephen Jurica, Ivan Maric, Matthew Pavlich, Val Perovic, Steven Salopek, Craig Starcevich, Peter Sumich, Jacob Surjan, Scott Watters

Greece: Ang Christou, James Condos, Josh Francou, Paul Koulouriotis, Anthony Koutoufides, Angelo Lekkas, Zeno Tzatsaris, Spiro & Tony Malakelis, Athas Hrysoulakis, Con Gorozidis, Peter Kanis, Spiro Kourkoumelis, Andrew Lukimitis, Steve Malaxos, Daniel Metropolis, Albert, Alby, Charlie Pannam & Vasil
Varlamos

Italy: Steven Alessio, Ron Barassi Sr, Ron Barassi Jr, Scott Camporeale, Matthew Capuano, Blake Caracella, Andrew Carrazzo, Vin Catoggio, Nick Dal Santo, Danny Delre, Brett Deledio, Andrew Dimattina, Paul Dimattina, Robert Dipierdomenico, Brendan Fevola, Anthony Franchina, Daniel Giansiracusa, Brent Guerra, Anthony Koutoufides (Italian mother, Greek father), Tony Liberatore, Paul Licuria (Italian father, Spanish mother), Phil Manassa, Al Martello, Peter Matera (Italian father, Aboriginal mother), Phillip Matera (Italian father, Aboriginal mother), Wally Matera (Italian father, Aboriginal mother), Mark Mercuri, Mark Merenda, Joe Misiti, Leigh Montagna, Romano Negri, Mark Ricciuto, Guy Rigoni, Michael Rischitelli, Anthony Rocca, Saverio Rocca, Sergio Silvagni, Stephen Silvagni, Andrew Leoncelli

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Nick Malceski, Peter Berbakov, Mark Nicoski, John Gastev, Peter Daicos, John Rombotis, Jason Trianides


Ukraine: Alex Jesaulenko, Steven Kolyniuk, Steven Kretiuk, Shane Woewodin



Sudan: Majak Daw

Daw will not be the last.

[darren forssman]

Poland: Brian Sierakowski, David Sierakowski, David Wojcinski

and pods and the porpoise....pretty sure kretiuk and kosi (both got that real blockhead look) are actually polski names as well.

what about this which i came across:

*Phil Krakouer & *Jim Krakouer-Great-Grand Father was born & bred in the town of Krakow- Poland, moved to England then arrived on the first fleet, origin of surname is taken from the polish town of Krakow-Source-The Book ---Brother Boys...

http://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/1617746

[S for September]

They will see plenty of Football, just not the Australian version. :D

Heh, yeah having a Croatian father I know I was pushed in to the round ball code myself. AFL never came around until it was too late :|

A few of them play for the Geelong Rangers soccer club

They should come along to the warriors.

Some of them may make the journey across the Ballarat Road and pull on a Bell Park footy jumper.(10 minute walk) That club has produced a few good players.

Bell park is a pretty strong club and has some strong players, (Jimmy Bartel), but the Bell park area is always going to be more towards soccer.

Well isn't it lucky that there is also a large Sudanese community south of the river in Belmont. They are predominately from Anglo-Celtic back ground in Belmont and the leafy suburb of Highton. South of the river is also the home of the current Power GFL club. Give it time.

I guess there would be a few closer to the waurn ponds region because of the uni there. makes sense. Lets hope they see our great game and take it up.

We are getting off the track a bit but...

http://www.afl.com.au/afl/vfl%20players/tabid/16679/default.aspx

Croatia: Adrian Barich, Alan Didak, Marc Dragicevic, Jon Dorotich ,Damien Gaspar, Darren Gaspar, Travis Gaspar, Brent Grgic, Ilija Grgic, Allen Jakovich, Glen Jakovich, Stephen Jurica, Ivan Maric, Matthew Pavlich, Val Perovic, Steven Salopek, Craig Starcevich, Peter Sumich, Jacob Surjan, Scott Watters

Greece: Ang Christou, James Condos, Josh Francou, Paul Koulouriotis, Anthony Koutoufides, Angelo Lekkas, Zeno Tzatsaris, Spiro & Tony Malakelis, Athas Hrysoulakis, Con Gorozidis, Peter Kanis, Spiro Kourkoumelis, Andrew Lukimitis, Steve Malaxos, Daniel Metropolis, Albert, Alby, Charlie Pannam & Vasil
Varlamos

Italy: Steven Alessio, Ron Barassi Sr, Ron Barassi Jr, Scott Camporeale, Matthew Capuano, Blake Caracella, Andrew Carrazzo, Vin Catoggio, Nick Dal Santo, Danny Delre, Brett Deledio, Andrew Dimattina, Paul Dimattina, Robert Dipierdomenico, Brendan Fevola, Anthony Franchina, Daniel Giansiracusa, Brent Guerra, Anthony Koutoufides (Italian mother, Greek father), Tony Liberatore, Paul Licuria (Italian father, Spanish mother), Phil Manassa, Al Martello, Peter Matera (Italian father, Aboriginal mother), Phillip Matera (Italian father, Aboriginal mother), Wally Matera (Italian father, Aboriginal mother), Mark Mercuri, Mark Merenda, Joe Misiti, Leigh Montagna, Romano Negri, Mark Ricciuto, Guy Rigoni, Michael Rischitelli, Anthony Rocca, Saverio Rocca, Sergio Silvagni, Stephen Silvagni, Andrew Leoncelli

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Nick Malceski, Peter Berbakov, Mark Nicoski, John Gastev, Peter Daicos, John Rombotis, Jason Trianides


Ukraine: Alex Jesaulenko, Steven Kolyniuk, Steven Kretiuk, Shane Woewodin



Sudan: Majak Daw

Daw will not be the last.

Probably being a bit generous saying they are from there and having their background there, but the guys from the Balkan's seem to all be tall and be big bodied... At least the Croats are anyway.

For the amount of croatians in Geelong, (at least 10k) you would think there would be a few to make it in the VFL, let alone afl. I think the close knit community deters from this really.

Yet when you seen soccer there have been a few to make it big time.

From just North Geelong alone Awartefe, Horvat, Spiranovic, Cervinski, Skoko
and Joey Didulica are all playing/played in big leagues.

[Pure_Ownage]

Anyway, back on topic (not that your segue isn't interesting guys :)), here's some background on our new rookie if anyone wants to read:

http://www.aussiehoopsamerica.com/players/ryanbathie.html

http://geauxcolonels.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/120408aaa.html

http://geauxcolonels.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/102108aaa.html

http://geauxcolonels.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030308aaa.html

http://geauxcolonels.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011708aaa.html

http://www.kilsythbasketball.com.au/index.php?id=21&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=513&cHash=875964c35d

http://www.kilsythbasketball.com.au/index.php?id=21&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=654&cHash=b5be683262

(youth player of the year award)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB0vfOh_h2A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg1l1lLyxMI

Will put up any more good info/footage when and if I find it later.

GO CATS!

[Aliago]

from my neck of the woods he played in the SEABL this year after he got the arse by the melbourne tigers good size at 198 top guy and well worth the risk for virually nothing

[Just do something]

Looks a big boy hope he goes well. Has he ever played any football at all? Did he play any in juniors or the like?

[Cat Attack08]

From the footage he seems to have a solid frame too him coming from a basketball background should see him have good awareness as most players who come from a basketball back ground seem to have more time than most i.e Pendlebury.

Hopefully he can turn out to be like a former rookie listed Ruckman we plucked from nowhere with the proviso that he sticks around of course

[Pure_Ownage]

from my neck of the woods he played in the SEABL this year after he got the arse by the melbourne tigers good size at 198 top guy and well worth the risk for virually nothing

Ah we won't hold that against him, especially since I think this year's recruitment philosophy by the tigers is 'if you are under 210 GTFO' :D, so it doesn't mean he ain't good.

From what I've read, seems like he was a pretty good junior player and at college, and obviously was in good form this year. Wonder how/where/why Wells spotted him and what he did to convince him to try footy, but a) you can bet Wells has a plan, he always does and b) yeah I agree, in a compromised draft, it's a good gamble for basically no risk.

[Aliago]

Looks a big boy hope he goes well. Has he ever played any football at all? Did he play any in juniors or the like?

he only played school footy so it is a big risk considering but he surely could have mark blake covered in covering the ground....

[catgal 006]

Here's an article from today's Geelong Addy about Ryan;

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/11/02/222731_gfc.html

Definitely worth a shot I think.

[Cat Attack08]

Here's an article from today's Geelong Addy about Ryan;

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/11/02/222731_gfc.html

Definitely worth a shot I think.

Considering his place in the squad is outside the offical list and he isn't taking a list spot away from anyone else it seems to be a very low risk high reward situation

[tremors]

Interested to see whether he can make the conversion

[Pure_Ownage]

Considering his place in the squad is outside the offical list and he isn't taking a list spot away from anyone else it seems to be a very low risk high reward situation

I was mistaken then, I actually thought he took up a spot on the rookie list. In this case, since he's not even taking up that, it really is a no brainer. The only thing we're 'giving up' is the time our development coaches will have to put into him, but if they're prepared to do it, and think there's potential to be brought out, and he's got the right attitude, I'm all for it.

[randy12]

i have a mate who was at the vfl this year and he was saying that ryan was a hack. he used to say that these basketballers use to train before them and do these marking and kicking with amos and ryiley and apparently they couldnt even take a mark or kick properly.. not saying these are my words but these are from some 1 who use to see them and not rate them at all and say they struggled even at vfl level.. dunno what this holds in stephen wells mind and maybe geelong should be chasing actual footballers instead of trying basketballers and go for young guys who actually play the game and maybe know a thing or two.

[Pure_Ownage]

i have a mate who was at the vfl this year and he was saying that ryan was a hack. he used to say that these basketballers use to train before them and do these marking and kicking with amos and ryiley and apparently they couldnt even take a mark or kick properly.. not saying these are my words but these are from some 1 who use to see them and not rate them at all and say they struggled even at vfl level.. dunno what this holds in stephen wells mind and maybe geelong should be chasing actual footballers instead of trying basketballers and go for young guys who actually play the game and maybe know a thing or two.

Your mate doesn't send text messages to Kingy in his spare time does he? :D

No seriously, no disrespecting your mate, but I'm much more prepared to rely on the judgement of our development coaches, and Wells, rather than anyone else. They'll have done their due diligence, and if they think it's worth a go, then why not give it a go.

Since he's on the supp list anyway it's not taking the place of "actual footballers" because I doubt they are eligible for the supp list, so there's no issue there. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

[The Fourth Son]

Interesting choice as I recall Stephen Wells and Neil Balme being very, very excited about the times former Townsville rostered player Josh Jenkins put up at State Screening...

And he has the advantage of football background and his video shows legitimate skills

[vinum coupe]

You still trying Josh? :D
Good luck with it all. :thumbsu:

[LifeSpan-Void]

Interesting choice as I recall Stephen Wells and Neil Balme being very, very excited about the times former Townsville rostered player Josh Jenkins put up at State Screening...

And he has the advantage of football background and his video shows legitimate skills


ahahahahaha this is awesome, seriously.

[Pure_Ownage]

Interesting choice as I recall Stephen Wells and Neil Balme being very, very excited about the times former Townsville rostered player Josh Jenkins put up at State Screening...

And he has the advantage of football background and his video shows legitimate skills

Hi Josh, it's great to have you back on our board, it's not the same without your self promotion :D

Because Bathie is on the supplementary list (admittedly I'm still trying to learn the ins and outs of the list) he is not taking up a rookie list spot that you could otherwise have occupied, and as you play footy, you're not eligible for the supp list, you have to go through the drafts.

So I would fear not Josh, us picking up Bathie will have no bearing on you trying to realise your GFC dream, whether we pick you up will come down solely to what talent falls through from the national draft, and how we rate it on rookie draft day.

[SJ]

2010 Rookie Draft selection no. 71 - Geelong

http://psrdrafttracker.afl.com.au/

http://mm.afl.com.au/portals/0/images/development/x-bathie-2010.jpg

Rookie Draft Pick 71 ~ Ryan Bathie
Geelong Cats

Player statistics
Former club:N/A
DOB:15/04/1987
Height:198cm
Weight:95kg

Player assessment
Spent four seasons playing college basketball in the US before returning to Australia where he was listed on the Melbourne Tigers' NBL roster. Has been signed by the Cats under the rule that allows players to join clubs on a supplementary list who haven't played football for three years

http://psrdrafttracker.afl.com.au/

[Pure_Ownage]

http://www.geelongcats.com.au/GeelongNews/NewsArticle/tabid/3933/newsid/121118/default.aspx

“It’s been good,” Bathie said. “It’s been a bit of an eye-opener, but it’s pretty much what I expected. It’s gone pretty quickly and it’s good to see how far I’ve come along in such a short amount of time.”

“My expectations were not as much as they are now, but I started off pretty well and had a bit of a slump halfway through the season and now the last seven or eight games have been good. The standard has been pretty good and the coaches have been happy. The turnaround during the season has been good.”

The feedback from Geelong’s coaching staff is that Bathie is a good and fast learner, enacting his lessons on the footy field without too much trouble and rarely needing to be told twice.

http://www.geelongcats.com.au/GeelongNews/NewsArticle/tabid/3933/newsid/121118/default.aspx