Player Watch #11: David Zaharakis - Deep cut to his knee, infected, may miss Good Friday - 16/4

Lore

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Hopefully he goes down the Merret route of taking unders so we have a bit more in the kitty to throw at a free agent

I'm assuming he's not though given the CBA is a sticking point
I think it's a bit different to take unders at 22 than it is to take unders at 27. It's pretty much 'last big contract' age, if you pass that up there's no thought of getting money later.
 

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Killer_Mike

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I would be disappointed if he's holding the club to ransom on money which it appears he might be if the CBA is a sticking point. At 27 I think the gap between his best and worse should be significantly less and all that tells me is he can't be relied upon if and when it becomes finals time.

I have enjoyed his last month or so but I still have no confidence in Zaka as a player.
 

Lore

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I would be disappointed if he's holding the club to ransom on money which it appears he might be if the CBA is a sticking point. At 27 I think the gap between his best and worse should be significantly less and all that tells me is he can't be relied upon if and when it becomes finals time.

I have enjoyed his last month or so but I still have no confidence in Zaka as a player.
They're all holding out for the CBA. It'll impact things like base contract vs performance bonuses, super, retirement fund, health insurance, additional money for any media work or where their image has been used for promotional purposes... etc etc etc. Some of that can probably be varied as long as overall they get the minimum that's in the CBA.
 

Killer_Mike

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They're all holding out for the CBA. It'll impact things like base contract vs performance bonuses, super, retirement fund, health insurance, additional money for any media work or where their image has been used for promotional purposes... etc etc etc. Some of that can probably be varied as long as overall they get the minimum that's in the CBA.
That tells me nothing.

Schache just signed and he's in greater position than Zaka to profit from waiting for the CBA.

I'm not suggesting that I don't want Zaka at the club but I just hope that he is realistic about his value. When he is playing well he is close to our top ten players, but when he's not he shouldn't even be in the side.

If he's after financial security then I hope the club weighs up what is best for the club and not whats best for Zaka.
 

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Eleven 38

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That tells me nothing.

Schache just signed and he's in greater position than Zaka to profit from waiting for the CBA.

I'm not suggesting that I don't want Zaka at the club but I just hope that he is realistic about his value. When he is playing well he is close to our top ten players, but when he's not he shouldn't even be in the side.

If he's after financial security then I hope the club weighs up what is best for the club and not whats best for Zaka.
I don't agree that Schache would be in a better position than Zaka to profit from the CBA. Lions would have paid a lot more than he's worth right now too keep him. They just can't have anymore high draft picks walk out.
 

Killer_Mike

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I don't agree that Schache would be in a better position than Zaka to profit from the CBA. Lions would have paid a lot more than he's worth right now too keep him. They just can't have anymore high draft picks walk out.
Clearly Zaka agrees with you.
 

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Really impressed with his turnaround in form and effort. Had him as our best player last night (for posterity, vs. Sydney) and it's the first time I can remember him being my best in a tough, losing game. He usually only has rippers when we win big.

Praying to the footy deities that he doesn't regress to bruise-free Zaka again in the future.

Well done, David!
 
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blitzer

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At least this time when he put in a poor match it was after he had strung together a good 6 matches in a row.

Still it must be acknowledged that we need our senior midfielders to stand up every week and not just when they are 'in form'.

In truth as good as he has been recently it still doesn't excuse his really poor form to start the year where really he was barely in the best 22 on merit.

There's a reason why even though his best is very good - he's likely to be on a middling contract. Truly a frustrating player.
 

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How Zaka responds to last week's poor game will tell us plenty. Previous years would've seen him have a run of several poor games in a row. I'd love for him to turn it around in the space of a week and tear Collingwood a new one. It would show maturity and a mental strength that seems to have been lacking over his career.
 

JDavey

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Anyone else think its crazy that he isn't getting tagged?

Bucks sent Greenwood to Merrett who and 25 and 2 goals despite missing most of the third.

Zaka who has struggled with extra attention in the past allowed to rack up 38 touches.
 
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Anyone else think its crazy that he isn't getting tagged?

Bucks sent Greenwood to Merrett who and 25 and 2 goals despite missing most of the third.

Zaka who has struggled with extra attention in the past allowed to rack up 38 touches.
Its a good point but Brissie tagged Merrett and Zaka was largely unnoticed..
I just think his best position is to play as a follower. He is at his best when he is hunting the footy and is involved constantly in the play..
 

SherbertLemon

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Anyone else think its crazy that he isn't getting tagged?

Bucks sent Greenwood to Merrett who and 25 and 2 goals despite missing most of the third.

Zaka who has struggled with extra attention in the past allowed to rack up 38 touches.
Maybe Nafan had the same opinion re Mitchell? He doesn't damage you as much as another player would.

I'm putting my hand up to say that I honestly don't think him being at the club on a marquee level contract will be good for the club.

For a senior player (in my very humble opinion) I don't think he's worth it. He's a trier, but I just get so pissed off watching him when he doesn't finish, or he doesn't attack the contest as hard as he should.

Maybe I should judge him a little more fairly. Meh, I might be the only one who thinks this.
 

JDavey

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Maybe Nafan had the same opinion re Mitchell? He doesn't damage you as much as another player would.

I'm putting my hand up to say that I honestly don't think him being at the club on a marquee level contract will be good for the club.

For a senior player (in my very humble opinion) I don't think he's worth it. He's a trier, but I just get so pissed off watching him when he doesn't finish, or he doesn't attack the contest as hard as he should.

Maybe I should judge him a little more fairly. Meh, I might be the only one who thinks this.
What you're describing in Mitchell is EXACTLY the criticism Merrett gets. Makes it even more confusing that he'd tag Merrett.

And I totally agree about Zaka - two years ago I would've been happy to trade him - did not do any of the two way running we required. Happy hes back to his best now but I hope we don't pay through the teeth for it.
 

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Had 17 nothing touches. Is currently in contract negotiations.

Honestly if I were the club I would halt discussions - you have less than eight weeks, otherwise you can exercise your free agency options.
Reminded the club what he can do on the weekend. Last week was surely an arberation because he has played some seriously good football for us this year
 
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