Craig Ellis

[Waltzing Woof Biscuit]

Now, I am not one to bag.....

What I will say is:

Where is Craig Ellis going with his footy? Since an encouraging first part of '97, he has tread football water like perhaps no other in the game - Aussie Jones and Corey McKernan excepted.

He looks lost at the moment - and not a little frustrated at times. He has seemed out of his depth regularly this year - for instance, John Barker's towelling of him was merciless.

Bottom line - I don't think that he is a key position option, and if we had someone else to fill the void in the backline, I would free him up. Tell him to go play on a wing and get a few kicks. Roam around. Be creative.

Now, at 2 and 4, I have to admit that I am disappointed with our season thus far - notwithstanding difficult circumstances. It is easy for a disgruntled supporter to point the finger, I know, whilst sitting on his arse in the grandstand, eating a pie. I'd like to really encourage Craig in particular though. Injuries have been a factor for him in the past, but if he is fit I see no reason why Plough shouldn't experiment with him. I did notice him in the forward line vs Port Adelaide but didn't see him collect a stat.

Craig, we are a patient lot, Bulldogs supporters, and would love to see you at your best. I just think that, with all the hooha surrounding Corey McKernan's loss of form, the plight of Craig is not dissimilar. I see a lack of confidence in him and really hope that he finds his way soon.

[HahnPremium8]

He's had some tough opposition eg Everitt and Richardson. He seems to stuggle to keep up with the forwards and i agree he does seem to lack confidence at the moment. :(

[Captain Sensible]

I thought that his game on Richo was OK. His kicking lets him down too much in the forward line. I'd give him a run on the ball, like you said let him roam around and be creative. Maybe play Hunter as a tall defender. Weve gotta do something about winning games we cant go on trying to save them from the start.

[X_box_X]

yep!
pretty boy!
i have to admitt, he has improved from 99.

[Westy Boy]

Fair call, WWB. You hit the nail on the head.

With Craig, he takes a lot of time to find form and confidence. Last year must have been devastating for him. I think it was round 12 or close to that, against Geelong, when he had finally strung a few games together, was holding down CHB, and did his knee and was out for the rest of the year.

He's got the athleticism and height (only just) to hold down a key position, but from my viewpoint, it looks like he's lost a yard or two, and most importantly of all, he seems to lack time and footy nous. Whenever he gets the ball, he panicks. Tough trait to get rid of, but as you said, in 97 he seemed to have the ability to be right up there.

Don't know about playing him on a wing, but anything's worth a try if it gets him back into some form. At full flight he would certainly be an asset to the team, but whether he'll be able to reach it again remains to be seen. I genuinely hope he does.

Localyokel,

Congratulations! :)

[Dogs_R_Us]

I thought Craig played very well against Melbourne. In fact I'd place him in the top 6 for the game. He positioned himself well and contested effectively. Hopefully he can turn on this form more consistently.

[bulldogs1]

I'm with you Dogs R Us. Ellis had a great game again on Friday night, and regularly took great grabs when we desperately needed them.

Originally posted by Dogs_R_Us
I thought Craig played very well against Melbourne. In fact I'd place him in the top 6 for the game. He positioned himself well and contested effectively. Hopefully he can turn on this form more consistently.

[Waltzing Woof Biscuit]

Yes B1 & DRU,

Craig did play reasonably well - a little tentatively at first, but his 'hard' hands gradually became softer as the game progressed. Perhaps he can really go on with it now.

If Luke Penny continues to do well in the backline, this may in fact be the best thing for Craig - just knowing that someone else can take a quality tall. This also allows more scope for Kingsley Hunter to have a stint up forward if needed. Even on Friday night I could sense Ellis playing with a bit more flair. He has to say - 'stuff it, I'm going to back myself.' If he gets beaten in a contest, so be it. But you're going to lose 9.9/10 times if you let your opponent dictate terms - as I've felt Craig has at various times.

All in all though, an encouraging display by Craig v Melbourne I thought.

[bulldogs1]

WWF,

I agree with you there. He has been lost in the wildnerness the past couple of years. Injuries have played their part in the loss of form, I'm sure. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have an in-form Ellis to give us more options?

All of a sudden there seems to be a silver lining to a very large grey cloud!

Originally posted by Waltzing Woof Biscuit
Yes B1 & DRU,

Craig did play reasonably well - a little tentatively at first, but his 'hard' hands gradually became softer as the game progressed. Perhaps he can really go on with it now.

If Luke Penny continues to do well in the backline, this may in fact be the best thing for Craig - just knowing that someone else can take a quality tall. This also allows more scope for Kingsley Hunter to have a stint up forward if needed. Even on Friday night I could sense Ellis playing with a bit more flair. He has to say - 'stuff it, I'm going to back myself.' If he gets beaten in a contest, so be it. But you're going to lose 9.9/10 times if you let your opponent dictate terms - as I've felt Craig has at various times.

All in all though, an encouraging display by Craig v Melbourne I thought.

[Ted's Robot]

What a goal! Woo Hoo On ya Craig

[Waltzing Woof Biscuit]

Craig's game today was great, and not without genuine flair. It's great to see him back in some form. Perhaps he read this thread and decided to stick it up me ;) I have no qualms about that!!

[bulldogs1]

I'd say Huddo must do some reading, too!

Originally posted by Waltzing Woof Biscuit
Craig's game today was great, and not without genuine flair. It's great to see him back in some form. Perhaps he read this thread and decided to stick it up me ;) I have no qualms about that!!