Opinion 10 Burning Questions (Thursday 15th FINAL QUESTION)

[you pick one]

1. Yes. On paper the greatest starting midfield of all time.

2. Doms hurts a lot. Henderson is an average one on one defender and plays better as a third tall. Harry has been a star but has slowed down. Big concern with no real backups. Our mediums and small backs are good so mackie is not big loss

3. I could name a bunch of spuds who never play but that is no fun. Players who could go either way include stanley (lacks a heart, dumb as dogshit), mccarthy (not young, average 10 touches and less than 1 goal a game), guthrie (gone backwards, has talent), menzel

4. Meh

It doesn't stop with them,the key is to get them and the other could have been champions fit and performing at their very best,names like Gregson Murdoch,Thurlow,Blicavs,Koljazknee,Cocky,have all been around a while now and for one reason or another including injuries are not having the sort of impact we need to take us past a prelim.
If we can get a big lift from that group of 10, I exclude Menzel his 2017 was as good as you could expect from him IMO, and players like Menagola Parsons,Parfitt,Buzza Zuthrie keep improving,we can win a flag.
Can Scott and his staff bring that all together that's the burning question in my mind.

 

[Willo_]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

 

[Cataholic]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

No.

 

[Hello Kitty]

It doesn't stop with them,the key is to get them and the other could have been champions fit and performing at their very best,names like Gregson Murdoch,Thurlow,Blicavs,Koljazknee,Cocky,have all been around a while now and for one reason or another including injuries are not having the sort of impact we need to take us past a prelim.
If we can get a big lift from that group of 10, I exclude Menzel his 2017 was as good as you could expect from him IMO, and players like Menagola Parsons,Parfitt,Buzza Zuthrie keep improving,we can win a flag.
Can Scott and his staff bring that all together that's the burning question in my mind.

I've always wondered if Geelong's sport psychologists work with players, like those you mentioned above, to help them overcome issues? Remember when Mooney had the yips?

Are the performances of players, who under-achieved during Finals, considered + addressed? Not just in Finals. Do they study the reasons for their poor form?

Consider Ford’s notion that your mentality has a powerful effect on your ability to succeed.

Confidence is crucial, not the appearance of confidence to mask insecurities, but inherent confidence, which negates doubts, inspires others + helps them to achieve success.

Mentally tough people identify their emotions + never allow anger or frustration to cloud their judgement or to fuel internal or external chaos. Their approach to difficulties is rational - approaching an issue with an open mind, considering different points of view, finding common ground + solutions to problems.

Accepting change is vital because fear of change is paralysing. The ability to find opportunities in change is a means to success. Fear of change is ultimately the source of regret. The ability to take risks, even with the chance of failure, is fundamental in achieving success. Failure is a tool, which strong/successful people, use for improvement. It's the ability to get right back up + try again - you know, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. Mentally tough people ask 'Is this going to kill me?' They learn from mistakes, without dwelling on failure.

Another strong quality of strong people is their ability to rise above the negativity of those who attempt to pull them down. People's criticism can only affect you, if you allow it. This includes their ability to allow others their success, without jealousy + resentment - no criticism of others to make themselves feel better or the need to feel superior. Another aspect of mentally strong people is they forgive + refuse to hold grudges. They know that forgiveness does not condone bad behaviour, but it stops you being a victim. Letting go is liberating.

Mentally tough people only focus on what they can control, letting go of the uncontrollables. They focus on the result, not the process + being consumed by what could go wrong.

Mental strength is a quality that can be learned. It simply involves flicking a switch in the brain. The decision to flick that switch can scare people, making them procrastinate. Mentally strong people embrace it.

Menzel really is the epitome of mental strength, determination, with a highly developed Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Can you imagine the enormous strength, physical + mental that was required to return to AFL footy?

I wonder what strategy Geelong has to develop strengths, to overcome doubts + achieve success - or is that all too 80s?

 

[Mad_Hatter]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

To me, no.
I understand why the MC love what he can do, I get all of that, but to me he doesn’t warrant an automatic selection for eternity just because he can play 6-8 different roles a game.
But I also think he’s comfortably top 22, so I’m a hypocrite lol.

 

[Hello Kitty]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

I think that is a tough one.

Blitz has the respect + confidence of the coaches because of his flexibility + acceptance of his varying roles in the team. He is known to inspire other players + relishes challenges. This makes him an ideal utility player, yet he still needs to make improvements, which he also enjoys. He can also be a ruck relief for Smith.

I think Blitz is considered 'best 22' by coaches + the MC. We probably have to see his progress in 2018 before dismissing him as an automatic inclusion. 2018 is a make or break year, I think.

 

[Hello Kitty]

To me, no.
I understand why the MC love what he can do, I get all of that, but to me he doesn’t warrant an automatic selection for eternity just because he can play 6-8 different roles a game.
But I also think he’s comfortably top 22, so I’m a hypocrite lol.

Blitz fits that 'versatility' requirement that Scott wants from players.

 

[Down at K Park]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

With kelly, fogarty and constable potentially breathing down his neck for a spot in the 22, and ablett coming in, then to me he is no way an automatic selection. Unless they do what they should, and leave stanley in the vfl, and have blitz play wing or whatever, and use him for a couple of minutes per quarter giving smith a chop out in the ruck, so he can have a few minutes on the bench.

To me, its better having blitz as a part time ruck for a few minutes per quarter and using him in another area the rest of the time, than wasting a spot in the 22 on someone as useless as stanley who contributes next to nothing.

 

[Landgraft]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

I can confidently say that he starts the year as one, but I can't confidently say the he finishes the year as such.

Its pretty unlikely that he'll be anywhere other than the 22, tho.

 

[Warhorse]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

The question for me is can you fit both s selwood and blicavs in the same team. Can blicavs add any other skills on top of his current game. I think it has to be left in the vfl as a key back. He is perfect from an athletic point of view to cover the large endurance key forwards who cover a lot of ground.

 

[you pick one]

No.

X2

 

[you pick one]

Blitz fits that 'versatility' requirement that Scott wants from players.

Versatile players are fine but I'd prefer them to have majored in a specialized role first,they make the best utilities.

 

[ChookNorris]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

Most pundits say no. Coaching staff disagrees.

 

[Hello Kitty]

Versatile players are fine but I'd prefer them to have majored in specialized role role first,they make the best utilities.

Completely agree with you YPO! It appears that Blitz hasn't been given the opportunity to major in a specialised role, are they moving him about to find that role for him?

Also, players given out of position roles is a bête noire of mine! Smedts comes to mind. Then I saw an interview with Harry Taylor, who explained his success at FF - he knew the tactics of the defenders, so was able to outplay them. Consequently, I can see the value of playing someone in the opposite position, to assist in their development. But persisting with the failure of players out of position, is ludicrous. Some players adjust to the reverse position, e.g. from FB to FF well. Some cannot.

 

[Larry Donohue]

Q6: IS MARK BLICAVS AN AUTOMATIC SELECTION ( SO BEST 22 PLAYER) GOING FORWARDS?

Noone should be automatic. Of course if champions are fit they are played, but Blicavs hasnt been that since his b&f year. He sometimes looks lost and awkward and other times is a strong link up player. We cannot afford any strong and awkward passengers come the pointy end. If they dont find a real role for him by round six or seven we need to give our other talent a run and give buzza the second ruck role.
Kelly fogarty gregson etc need a decent run at it

 

[you pick one]

Most pundits say no. Coaching staff disagrees.

Maybe more options this year chook.

 

[ChookNorris]

Maybe more options this year chook.

I just feel that if they were happy to play all 3 slower mids last year (scooter, Menegola, Blicavs) it will continue.

 

[Seeds]

Says you now- let him at least start the season and see how he goes please?

um what?

You are the ones saying his knee is already stuffed and certain to only ruin his life if he keeps playing. if thats the case he should retire now and not in a year.

If there is no such certainty about this then why the hell would you wish it to get worse so that he should need to retire in a year. How about we wish he wins the norm smith and his knee continues to recover and enables him to have a long and fruitful career without any ramifications that will worsen with more playing. To wish him a Norm Smith and for his leg to worsen to make retirement a prudent decision in a year is bizarre.

 

[Seeds]

so what happened to the question. Is blitz going to be the next star mid of the comp making it a dynamic threesome of danger, selwood and blicavs?

 

[Vdubs]

um what?

You are the ones saying his knee is already stuffed and certain to only ruin his life if he keeps playing. if thats the case he should retire now and not in a year.

If there is no such certainty about this then why the hell would you wish it to get worse so that he should need to retire in a year. How about we wish he wins the norm smith and his knee continues to recover and enables him to have a long and fruitful career without any ramifications that will worsen with more playing. To wish him a Norm Smith and for his leg to worsen to make retirement a prudent decision in a year is bizarre.

Your reaction is extreme. He did NOT wish him to get worse; it appears to be inevitable. There is no precedent for anyone playing with 5 ACL surgeries, or 4, and he has clearly struggled and his knees, we know for certain, will continue to degenerate, not necessarily in a year, but it's ongoing.
You are sounding absolutely black and white about this and there is no need for that.

 

[you pick one]

I just feel that if they were happy to play all 3 slower mids last year (scooter, Menegola, Blicavs) it will continue.

It will be Stanley and Buzza that will keep Blits in the side,if there is no pressure from them for the second ruck spot he becomes automatic pick.

 

[Larry Donohue]

I just feel that if they were happy to play all 3 slower mids last year (scooter, Menegola, Blicavs) it will continue.

I think if anything he'll be holding the 4th bench spot at the minute. By the scruff.
Stewart Hendo Bews
Tuohy Taylor Kolo
Kelly Duncan S.Selwood
Crameri Hawkins McCarthy
Menzel Danger Cockatoo
Smith J.Selwood Ablett
Menegola Fogarty Parfitt (Blitz)
Stanley Buzza Guthrie Thurlow Murder Gregson Zuthrie Constable Parsons Miers Gardiner knocking the doors down to take his spot.

 

[Art Vandelay_]

Yes.

Buzza isn’t really a factor at AFL level and Stanley is utter trash.
Now if someone like Abbott can take a few more strides and provide another back up ruck option then who knows.

 

[Vdubs]

I think if anything he'll be holding the 4th bench spot at the minute. By the scruff.
Stewart Hendo Bews
Tuohy Taylor Kolo
Kelly Duncan S.Selwood
Crameri Hawkins McCarthy
Menzel Danger Cockatoo
Smith J.Selwood Ablett
Menegola Fogarty Parfitt (Blitz)
Stanley Buzza Guthrie Thurlow Murder Gregson Zuthrie Constable Parsons Miers Gardiner knocking the doors down to take his spot.

I still believe and hope JM will continue on from his more assertive actions in 17, and more run and carry, more tackling. He could still be a very valuable player for us.

 

[Vdubs]

so what happened to the question. Is blitz going to be the next star mid of the comp making it a dynamic threesome of danger, selwood and blicavs?

How do you see that one?
He is a key player in our team, not limited to being a classical mid.