Nick Stevens is...

[Dooky]

Lets just hope he plays a blinder on sunday and proves us all wrong...

 

[1981]

Hasn't been in our top 3 in any game this year, which is disgraceful for a VC, and he can't blame it on injuries this year.

Double suspension also a disgrace from a VC.

right now, Scotland is a better player and contributor.

 

[Kramer1]

We dropped Houlihan for the game against Fremantle probably because he has benchmarks that he did not meet in the game against Hawthorn. I have no problem with this but we need to be consistent with our players across the board. Stevens has put in a few below par performances over the last few weeks. There is absolutely no way he has met the benchmarks the coaches will have set for him, and if he has, then those benchmarks are way too low.

I agree with the vast majority of your post.
With Stevo though I am generally cautious about criticizing, not wanting to encourage the significant number of posters who get caught up in the hysteria of paying him out.

Last year was a case in point. He played a very high standard of football across the year, his best since coming across from PA. His 3-4 poor games were balanced out by 3-4 extraordinary games, but a good number of people seem happy to dwell on the negatives.

This year he does seem a little off the boil...not to the extent that much of this thread makes out, but enough to raise the question of a run in the two's. I'm all for consistency, and would be happy for the MC to apply the same rule to Stevens that they obviously have to Scotland, Hadley and Houlihan so far this year.

That said I'd like to see a similar level of consistency applied on the board (incredibly wishful thinking I know). Fev's effort on Saturday night was petulant, weak and quite simply deplorable...one of the worst performances I have seen from someone in a Carlton jumper in a very long time. Stevens was poor, but his application was still miles ahead of Fevola.

So if Stevo is in the gun, fair enough, I just wonder why a few here apply such blatant double standards.

 

[BlueYoss]

This year he does seem a little off the boil...not to the extent that much of this thread makes out, but enough to raise the question of a run in the two's. I'm all for consistency, and would be happy for the MC to apply the same rule to Stevens that they obviously have to Scotland, Hadley and Houlihan so far this year.

That said I'd like to see a similar level of consistency applied on the board (incredibly wishful thinking I know). Fev's effort on Saturday night was petulant, weak and quite simply deplorable...one of the worst performances I have seen from someone in a Carlton jumper in a very long time. Stevens was poor, but his application was still miles ahead of Fevola.

So if Stevo is in the gun, fair enough, I just wonder why a few here apply such blatant double standards.

Because Fev had one bad game, how many has Stevo had now?

 

[Jamie007]

I agree with the vast majority of your post.
With Stevo though I am generally cautious about criticizing, not wanting to encourage the significant number of posters who get caught up in the hysteria of paying him out.

Last year was a case in point. He played a very high standard of football across the year, his best since coming across from PA. .

Well thats your opinion which I highly and strongly disagree with... I would say yr very easily pleased.. After round 11 he wasnt even in our top 10 in the Best and fairest...

 

[Show_Me_The_Money]

Well he did skip his brother's wedding in order to play in an pre-season night premiership for us, so I would suggest that the will to win/be successful is in Stevo, it's just that some people choose to ignore it ..

Ridiculous point that proves nothing. It was originally agreed upon that he would attend his brothers wedding. Even Dennis Pagan mentioned that family is the most important thing when it comes to life, in full support of his decision. When Ian Collins got wind of what was going on he demanded that Stevens play and that was the end of the matter.

I have no doubts as to Stevo's character whatsoever, esp when I read a couple of years ago that he and his partner actually hang out/take care of a boy (who is about 10 years old) with down syndrome a couple of times a month as part of a big brother program (which he didn't want to be mentioned in the media/papers btw, but it got revealed etc) and I thought that showed the sum of the man's parts ..

I've heard this too and it's fantastic that Nick does this. I think the interviewer might of asked if this made life tough at times for Nick to which he replied (and sincerely I might add) that it was the exact opposite. Good for him, he's obviously a top bloke in that regard but it does not make him any less soft on the football field, nor does it excuse him from the critique he deserves.

BTW Making fun of his weight isn't a very good argument, it was hardly players we had in the past, like Wayne Harmes, were light weights either ...

Once again, terrible argument and ridiculous point to make. Wayne Harmes was not a professional footballer being paid 500k per annum in a professional football era.

The comments about him not going for marks overhead are right on the money. He will not lead into space if he has an opponent on his back as he does not like being unable to see what's coming.

Finally, for those who wish to point to his neck injury as the main reason behind his softness Stevens' shortcomings were well and truly there, well before any neck injury. The guy had never won a hardball in his life at Port and was unable to adjust to become the more accountable, tougher play we really needed at Carlton.

Just another waste of talent.

 

[Jamie007]

Ridiculous point that proves nothing. It was originally agreed upon that he would attend his brothers wedding. Even Dennis Pagan mentioned that family is the most important thing when it comes to life, in full support of his decision. When Ian Collins got wind of what was going on he demanded that Stevens play and that was the end of the matter.



I've heard this too and it's fantastic that Nick does this. I think the interviewer might of asked if this made life tough at times for Nick to which he replied (and sincerely I might add) that it was the exact opposite. Good for him, he's obviously a top bloke in that regard but it does not make him any less soft on the football field, nor does it excuse him from the critique he deserves.



Once again, terrible argument and ridiculous point to make. Wayne Harmes was not a professional footballer being paid 500k per annum in a professional football era.

The comments about him not going for marks overhead are right on the money. He will not lead into space if he has an opponent on his back as he does not like being unable to see what's coming.

Finally, for those who wish to point to his neck injury as the main reason behind his softness Stevens' shortcomings were well and truly there, well before any neck injury. The guy had never won a hardball in his life at Port and was unable to adjust to become the more accountable, tougher play we really needed at Carlton.

Just another waste of talent.

Gee for a newbie.. You sure make a hell of a lot of sense... I like your work..

 

[Show_Me_The_Money]

Gee for a newbie.. You sure make a hell of a lot of sense... I like your work..

Just stating the obvious.

 

[thylacine60]

Way to slip into the pool with barely a ripple... not. Quality.

 

[Kramer1]

Because Fev had one bad game, how many has Stevo had now?

One bad game?

His effort in Sydney was poor, his 4.7 against Essendon wasn't a great deal of help by someone paid to kick goals, and as I say the effort on the weekend is one of the poorest performances I have seen in a long time from anyone.

And it's not like we don't have precedent...these petulant, disinterested displays are a common occurence.

 

[blue gunslinger]

One bad game?

His effort in Sydney was poor, his 4.7 very little Essendon wasn't a great deal of help by someone paid to kick goals, and as I say the effort on the weekend is one of the poorest performances I have seen in a long time from anyone.

And it's not like we don't have precedent...these petulant, disinterested displays are a common occurence.

He did not even get a chance to give away a 50m penalty on the weekend

 

[celtic_pride]

Even for the simple fact of our precarious win/loss ratio so far this season means that we simply cannot afford to drop a player of Steven's calibre this week, and lets not forget he always plays well against the Pies.

 

[Bluebear]

Finally, for those who wish to point to his neck injury as the main reason behind his softness Stevens' shortcomings were well and truly there, well before any neck injury. The guy had never won a hardball in his life at Port and was unable to adjust to become the more accountable, tougher play we really needed at Carlton.

Just another waste of talent.

While I agree with much of what you have written, the bolded commment is no less emotive and overstating the case than those you wish to argue against.

Does he win a majority of hard ball? No. Is that his job? No.

I think Nick is having some trouble adjusting from life as the number 1 midfielder in an average side, and everyone looked to him to use the footy all the time.
Now, in the space of 1 year, he has gone from number 1 to number 4, with Judd, Murphy and Gibbs being the preferred options.

IMHO, rather than look upon this as an opportunity, to run "off the leash" and with less attention, Stevens without the expectation, has got a little lazy, and even his finishing skills now don't cover for his defensive problems.

Whether or not it relates to not getting the captaincy is another issue that may be realted as well, but he should have been coming into this season in the best shape ever, knowing that as the third or fourth midfielder, he could be back to his best "running and gunning" Port type footy.

Sadly, he presented overweight, got himself suspended, and proved why he was not the best choice for captain.

Off field I;m sure he is a nice bloke, but IMO for the sake of our team and for his future, he should be dropped - just to make it clear we expect so much more from him.......not in tackling and winnig hard ball (though that would be nice), but I'd just settle for the things we know is is good at......finishing with great skills.

 

[celtic_pride]

While I agree with much of what you have written, the bolded commment is no less emotive and overstating the case than those you wish to argue against.

Does he win a majority of hard ball? No. Is that his job? No.

I think Nick is having some trouble adjusting from life as the number 1 midfielder in an average side, and everyone looked to him to use the footy all the time.
Now, in the space of 1 year, he has gone from number 1 to number 4, with Judd, Murphy and Gibbs being the preferred options.

IMHO, rather than look upon this as an opportunity, to run "off the leash" and with less attention, Stevens without the expectation, has got a little lazy, and even his finishing skills now don't cover for his defensive problems.

Whether or not it relates to not getting the captaincy is another issue that may be realted as well, but he should have been coming into this season in the best shape ever, knowing that as the third or fourth midfielder, he could be back to his best "running and gunning" Port type footy.

Sadly, he presented overweight, got himself suspended, and proved why he was not the best choice for captain.

Off field I;m sure he is a nice bloke, but IMO for the sake of our team and for his future, he should be dropped - just to make it clear we expect so much more from him.......not in tackling and winnig hard ball (though that would be nice), but I'd just settle for the things we know is is good at......finishing with great skills.

What happened to the idea of 'using' as a sweeper off the Half-Back Flank, in a very similar role that Hawthorn did with Luke Hodge year ? That really seemed like a good idea at the time, but the coach hasn't implemented it enough IMHO.

 

[as0l0]

What happened to the idea of 'using' as a sweeper off the Half-Back Flank, in a very similar role that Hawthorn did with Luke Hodge year ? That really seemed like a good idea at the time, but the coach hasn't implemented it enough IMHO.

Grigg got injured...I think that's what happened to that idea.

 

[celtic_pride]

Grigg got injured...I think that's what happened to that idea.

Well he's recovered from his injury, and now played the last few weeks in the Bullants, so I don't think that can honeslty be used as an excuse.

 

[as0l0]

Well he's recovered from his injury, and now played the last few weeks in the Bullants, so I don't think that can honeslty be used as an excuse.

I don't get your meaning? I'm saying that Grigg being injured (and probably add Walker to that) means that Stevens needs to come into the midfield to cover for them. Therefore, he can't play the sweeper role....since he is having a holiday in the midfield.

 

[TheNumber4]

Well he's recovered from his injury, and now played the last few weeks in the Bullants, so I don't think that can honeslty be used as an excuse.

CP, Grigg has not played for the Ants during the past few weeks and they have a bye this week too so no chance in the next few weeks for him to get into seniors.

 

[Sublime]

CP, Grigg has not played for the Ants during the past few weeks and they have a bye this week too so no chance in the next few weeks for him to get into seniors.

Correct. He definitely didn't play the last few weeks.

 

[BlueYoss]

One bad game?

His effort in Sydney was poor, his 4.7 against Essendon wasn't a great deal of help by someone paid to kick goals, and as I say the effort on the weekend is one of the poorest performances I have seen in a long time from anyone.

And it's not like we don't have precedent...these petulant, disinterested displays are a common occurence.

His return in Sydney may have been poor but the delivery to him was more than just poor. Furthermore, the next week he redeemed himself against the Doggies and he went to another gear the following week against Hawthorn. The Fre game was disturbing, but knowing Fev he will bounce back and kick a bag this week. My point is that Stevo is yet to produce a good game (by his standards) yet this year in the games that he has had the god grace not to get suspended for. Neither is he carrying an injury that requires injections that make his goal kicking foot numb for games, and that is probably why there are more calls for him to get a red and white wake up call than Fev.

What happened to the idea of 'using' as a sweeper off the Half-Back Flank, in a very similar role that Hawthorn did with Luke Hodge year ? That really seemed like a good idea at the time, but the coach hasn't implemented it enough IMHO.

I prefer Scotland and Waite doing it.

 

[diesel1]

Why do I have a feeling that the MC are going to drop this bloke for this week? After watching his game against the Hawks, we can't afford to drop this bloke, his probably one of this best kicks in the league.

He contributed to 3 goals that game, and hit Fevola on his right nipple twice. Had 26 touches of the pill and had 5 important tackles.

Having said all that, yes, I do agree he needs to work both ways. It needs to be worked on by the coaching staff. To important to our structure to be sent to the magoos.

 

[TheNumber4]

It doesn't matter what Nick Stevens does. He had a good game against the Hawks but the next week wasn't good enough. Nothing ever will be for some. There will still be people gunning for him to be dropped.

This is the same with players like Russell, Thornton and Setanta (I am one of the people who dislike Setanta and will admit that.) Players like these divide supporters but they are just opinions at the end of the day.

 

[celtic_pride]

It doesn't matter what Nick Stevens does. He had a good game against the Hawks but the next week wasn't good enough. Nothing ever will be for some. There will still be people gunning for him to be dropped.

This is the same with players like Russell, Thornton and Setanta (I am one of the people who dislike Setanta and will admit that.) Players like these divide supporters but they are just opinions at the end of the day.

Thank god though our club's board and admin doesn't bow down to fan pressure, unlike the soft Richmond board, whom caved and decidied to draft Ben Cousins after massive fan backlash and that protest outside Punt Road, the day before the PSD

 

[[ToTTi]]

...overrated and gets exposed too easily.

You could add:

- soft
- unaccountable
- lazy
- selfish
- wannabe rockstar
+ good kick (when he isnt being lazy)
+ great for a pie eating contest

 

[goreds]

Plenty of bashing in this thread!

At the end of the day, HE WILL PLAY THIS WEEK AND NEXT until he gets injured.

Quality ball player on both sides of his body.

Get off his back. After he puts 8-10 games together, we can judge him, until then just enjoy.