Rutten - the case for and against

[spindoctor]

I think a lot of people on here unfairly degrade him. Rutten has been excellent in the SANFL and he was excellent in his first game. His leading was spot on and his hands were very strong. I see him as a forward target more than a backline player. I was completely bemused when Ayres moved him out of full-forward and put McGregor in there. Why IN THE HELL would you take out a player who is clearly on fire and put in some other dude who never cut it as a forward?

But anyway, he has put real bulk on his frame and his speed off the mark can be improved with coaching. I think he is a great prospect.

[spindoctor]

By the way, I wanted you guys to make your cases for or against if that wasn't clear...

[MarksGirl-kbcrowgirl]

I want to firstly say - I am not a Westies supporter - so I haven't seen a lot of this kid play. However...........

When he played for the Crows (again please understand I was in Darwin so I didn't see the game) he was played at CHF or FF against Freo in WA. He kicked (I think) 4 goals. A good effort.

When he plays at Westies they play him at CHB - a different position.

I think he is worth keeping for another 12 months. Whether the Crows chose to do this is another thing all together.

k
xx

[Stiffy_18]

He was played at CHF for the Westies for most of the season and hasn't really set the world on fire.

His pace and turning circle are major worries IMHO and if he wants to make a living as a AFL footballer these aspects MUST improve.

I think he could make a bloody good key forward if he can improve his pace and agility. How much he can improve it by remains to be seen.

I have faith in Charlie Walsh and Schwedy:)

[macca23]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
He was played at CHF for the Westies for most of the season and hasn't really set the world on fire.

His pace and turning circle are major worries IMHO and if he wants to make a living as a AFL footballer these aspects MUST improve.

I think he could make a bloody good key forward if he can improve his pace and agility. How much he can improve it by remains to be seen.

I have faith in Charlie Walsh and Schwedy:)

I hate bagging Rutten because he has got tons of ability and really puts in - not like that big streak of misery Marsh.

BUT

He lacks leg speed and mobility - badly. If he wants to make it as a regular at AFL level he is going to have to improve dramatically in these areas.

Even in that game where he kicked 3 on debut, he was eventually taken off because they were clearing the ball from our forward line far too easily because of Rutten's lack of mobility.

I'd like him to make it - but I doubt that he will. I'd love to be proven wrong.

[spindoctor]

Hey Stiffy from what I understand he played most of the season in the backline for the Westies...and when he did play at CHF he was a very good route through to goal...

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by spindoctor
Hey Stiffy from what I understand he played most of the season in the backline for the Westies...and when he did play at CHF he was a very good route through to goal... He only played CHB when he got dropped from the Crows.

He played majority of the game at CHF and did some good things but he hardly dominated. If he can improve his pace and mobility he could be very very good player. He has everything else.

[spindoctor]

How do you think you go about improving those things?

[Kane McGoodwin]

Originally posted by MarksGirl-kbcrowgirl
I think he is worth keeping for another 12 months. Whether the Crows chose to do this is another thing all together.

Crows will keep him on their list, unless they are offered a good trade for Rutten. He is not in any danger of being delisted.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by spindoctor
How do you think you go about improving those things? I am not sure but I know that Charlie Walsh has designed some biking program that enables players to improve their pace of the mark. I am sure I heard Walshy on the radio say that someone like Mark Bickley did this program when he had a broken leg and has improved his speed off the mark by 25%.

[Kane McGoodwin]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
I am not sure but I know that Charlie Walsh has designed some biking program that enables players to improve their pace of the mark. I am sure I heard Walshy on the radio say that someone like Mark Bickley did this program when he had a broken leg and has improved his speed off the mark by 25%.
Also, remember Kenny has improved out of sight with his mobility too, so is possible. Just need to reduce his puppy fat.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
Crows will keep him on their list, unless they are offered a good trade for Rutten. He is not in any danger of being delisted. Correct, he just signed a new deal couple of days ago.

[spindoctor]

Rutten has played 2 games, looked good and has an awesome body type for a KPP. We would be derelict as a club to delist him.

Another good pre-season and he could be a revelation next season.

[macca23]

Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
Also, remember Kenny has improved out of sight with his mobility too, so is possible. Just need to reduce his puppy fat.

Have you ever seen him close up Kane??? There's no fat on this kid, I can tell you!! He's very muscly hard and strong.

His major problem is that he is very heavy legged, which is why I fear a bit for him. A 25% improvement would make him passable - but that's a big improvement to ask for.

You're right about Kenny - but he was carrying a bit of puppy fat on him.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by macca23
Have you ever seen him close up Kane??? There's no fat on this kid, I can tell you!! He's very muscly hard and strong.

His major problem is that he is very heavy legged, which is why I fear a bit for him. A 25% improvement would make him passable - but that's a big improvement to ask for.

You're right about Kenny - but he was carrying a bit of puppy fat on him. Correct there is absolutely no puppy fat on Rutten. Its it all muscle.

I agree he is heavy legged and you are right that 25% improvement is huge. Charlie Walsh said that rate was exceprional. Usually they are very happy with 2% improvement.

25% is bloody HUGE

[spindoctor]

There have been plenty of heavy-legged forwards who excel in standing and marking, or short leads.

He has very strong hands, and is apparently a good contested mark.

Ian Perrie ain't exactly the quickest, most mobile player either, and I have a feeling Rutten is a better player than Perrie.

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by spindoctor
Ian Perrie ain't exactly the quickest, most mobile player either, and I have a feeling Rutten is a better player than Perrie. Mate, Ian Perrie as far as athletic ability is concerned sh|ts all over Rutten. If Rutten has Perrie's athletic ability he would be a gun;)

You would be surprised by Perrie's speed off the mark and his turning circle is a lot smaller than Rutten's.

[macca23]

Originally posted by spindoctor

Ian Perrie ain't exactly the quickest, most mobile player either, and I have a feeling Rutten is a better player than Perrie.

I have to agree with Stiffy here. If Rutten had Perrie's leg speed and agility he'd be a top class player and we wouldn't even be speculating on his future.

Or alternatively if Perrie had Rutten's strength, marking ability and skills he'd be the top class player.

[Jerome]

i have always had high hopes for Rutten ever since I saw him in the Wiz Cup 2002.

As people have mentioned his pace is his only concern. As for strength, build, footy brain - its all there. he just needs more experience.

A thumb injury at the start of 2003 stuffed up his year. He had a better year at Wests last year finishing 3rd in their B & F. He played almost every game at CHB for Wests last year. Rehn moves him around more than Borchard did, which might also explain his 2003 form. he has not been as settled this year.

Having said that, I'd say that Rutten and Hentschel were the two best AFC players in the 2003 finals which is a good sign for the Crows.

[spindoctor]

Yeh those games in the 2002 pre-season cup were really promising, he moved well and provided a good target at CHF, kicked a few goals as well I seem to remember.