View Full Version : Cameron Thurley
rockdog
24 Nov 2003, 15:41
This guy could play double figure games in his first season. He dominated the first half of the recent VFL season until injury struck.
Are cats fans happy to have him?
Originally posted by rockdog
This guy could play double figure games in his first season. He dominated the first half of the recent VFL season until injury struck.
Are cats fans happy to have him?
who is he?
rockdog
24 Nov 2003, 15:56
you guys drafted him at around pick 22 or something close to it.
he played for the Devils in the VFL
So far he has had the same impact in the seniors as Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonegan.
That is about what I think of him.
storrma29
24 Nov 2003, 16:04
if thurley is as good as i think mackie and loners will be
hes a great pickup
Although I am still a little perplexed with the selection, it is only fair to allow Cam Thurley the time to see how he progresses. No point asking whether we think it's a good choice. Ask again nearing the end of season 2004. I must say, I was shocked when we drafted Andrew Mackie last year, but after watching him in the VFL, I was in awe of the kid. He wasn't a high profiled kid, and wasn't on the AFL's 'hot list', just like Cam Thurley. For all we know, Thurley could become a good player just like Mackie will. Time will tell.
ScouseCat
24 Nov 2003, 22:00
Originally posted by GeeCat
Although I am still a little perplexed with the selection, it is only fair to allow Cam Thurley the time to see how he progresses. No point asking whether we think it's a good choice. Ask again nearing the end of season 2004.
That's exactly right, lets see how he goes with the Cats before making a judgement on how good or bad he is.
rockdog
25 Nov 2003, 08:16
Originally posted by Mr X
So far he has had the same impact in the seniors as Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonegan.
That is about what I think of him.
You obviously have know idea what you are talking about.
Thurley dominated the league last year, unitl he was injured
Originally posted by rockdog
You obviously have know idea what you are talking about.
Thurley dominated the league last year, unitl he was injured
What the hell does the first sentence mean? It does not even make sense.
What AFL senior team did Thurley play in last year?
I understand he comes from the Tassie Devils, who are a VFL team. The same VFL that Mackie and Lonegan have played in.
This is not senior AFL experience.
No-one can judge a the impact, or how good a untried rookie is going to be for a club before he has played.
Come back and ask in 2-3 years.
Just out of interest how did Gilmore go as compared to Thurley?
Unwritten_Law
29 Nov 2003, 17:51
Originally posted by blaise
Just out of interest how did Gilmore go as compared to Thurley?
That is like comparing Milburn to Steve Johnson, plus I think Gilmour only played a handful of games at the end of the season, around 4-5ish.
ps Thurley is more like Corey Jones of North than Steve Johnson.
ScouseCat
30 Nov 2003, 19:47
Here's an article from the GFC's website which gives us some more information about Cameron Thurley.
Thurley set to take next step
David Davutovic
Geelong Advertiser
http://gfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=127776
Cameron Thurley rated himself ‘no chance’ of being drafted on Saturday. The thought of his now Tasmanian Devils teammate Ian Callinan taking 12 months to get over the devastation of not being drafted is still fresh in his mind.
http://gfc.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/article/127734af.jpg
"A few years ago he was told (by some clubs) he was going to get drafted and on the day missed out and it took him 12 months to get over it," he said.
"I didn’t think I had a chance, I spoke to a few clubs but I didn’t really want to get my hopes up because I’ve seen boys that have been told that they’ll get drafted."
Thurley, who turns 22 on Wednesday, is the classic late developer and a prime example of the benefits of the restructured VFL competition.
Cats officials have cast a close eye on Thurley in recent seasons and a stellar year in the VFL, which included a finals win over Geelong, renewed their interest.
A pint-sized onballer who never contemplated being drafted when playing with the Tassie Mariners under 18s, Thurley has piled on 11 kg in the past two years with the Tasmanian VFL side.
Thurley was taken at no. 22 with Geelong’s second selection and is regarded as a courageous player with exquisite foot skills, who’s dangerous around goals.
The versatile Thurley spent most of his time on the wing and half-forward this year, and that’s where he hopes to make an impact with the Cats.
Thurley is aiming to add six kilograms to his 182 cm, 75 kg frame.
"That’s probably a positive that I’ve already played 50 VFL games so they probably drafted me to virtually take the next step straight away, which I’d love to do, I can’t wait to get over there and get into it," he said.
Geelong Falcons ruckman Mark Blake was taken with the club’s third selection, no. 38, under the father-son rule, and has already commenced training with the club.
Swan Districts centre half forward Matthew Spencer, was the club’s final pick at 42.
Spencer, 18, captained the West Australian under 18 side and was the WAFL colts best and fairest winner, despite playing 12 games.
He’s fairly well developed at 193 cm and 88 kg with good stamina.
Jim Boy
30 Nov 2003, 20:15
Originally posted by Mr X
Come back and ask in 2-3 years.
As an older player, it is going to have to be sooner than that. If he doesn't play much senior footy next year , then you can mark him as a dud.
catattack
4 Dec 2003, 17:49
Thurley aims to shake Cats' Tassie curse
David Davutovic
Geelong Advertiser
10:12:46 AM Thu 4 December, 2003
http://gfc.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/article/128490bk.jpg
Cameron Thurley has arrived in Geelong confident he can shake the Tasmanian curse that's plagued the Cats since the draft system was introduced in 1986.
In that time, the Cats have recruited eight Tasmanians, for a total of 49 games, four of which failed to make a senior appearance.
Adrian Fletcher was the most successful of those, notching 23 matches before crossing to St Kilda, closely followed by Peter Street, who was recently traded to the Western Bulldogs.
Thurley said he's confident of changing the trend.
"Hopefully I'll play a fair few more games than 23,'' Thurley said.
"I've spoken to him (Fletcher) and Cressa's another one from Tassie so there's a couple of ex-Tassie boys in the coaching staff to help me out.''
Thurley, who's staying with new teammate James Kelly until Christmas, arrived in Geelong on Sunday and hit the track running the next day.
He said the success of the Tasmanian VFL side has given many players increased exposure to AFL recruiters, giving those who aren't drafted at TAC Cup level further opportunities.
"I think with the success of the Tassie side last year in making the finals, recruiting managers all are saying `they're playing good footy and there's got to be good players there', so I guess you base it on success - the better you're playing the more players are looked at,'' he said.
"The Devils are a great stepping stone, you're playing in the second best competition in Australia and if you do well clubs will certainly look at you.''
The half-forward flanker said the jump from VFL to AFL level is already obvious and he wants to play at the highest level this season.
"The professionalism is great, the actual jump from VFL to AFL standard you can see it already in training,'' Thurley said.
"That's the advantage I've got now and getting drafted, playing 50-odd VFL games, hopefully I can work on my form.''
Hit And Rum
4 Dec 2003, 17:59
The last photo!
Cameron Thurley looks like the illegitmate love child of Jack Nicholson!
catattack
4 Dec 2003, 18:07
Yeah, it's sure one of his best photos! :p