2 things

[lacrow]

Just some random thoughts to spur debate/discussion in the off weeks:

1. I like the fact that Craig has chosen to keep virtually the same team on the park for the entire season. Now, before you all say anything, I KNOW that we've been lucky with injuries - however it seems like many AFL teams swap guys in and out of the side way too much based upon a bad game or two. That kind of thing seemed to happen a lot during the Ayres years.

In my opinion, the club should know it's top 22 guys and stick with them as the starters for the entire season unless injury happens. You don't see NBA or NFL teams swapping guys in and out of the side every week. I think it's a real bonus to keep the continuity of the team as best as possible because guys who are consistently playing together get a better feel for how each other plays, rather than having to guess about how somebody new is gonna react. I think this is especially important given the speed of the AFL. You need to make decisions extremely fast and that slight edge gained by knowing exactly what your team mate is gonna do goes a long way.

2. The confidence of the younger "backbone" players has increased markedly under Craig. Maybe these guys were this good all along, just that nobody got to see it because Ayres shattered their confidence?

Bock now looks like a monster, dominating the CHB spot and brushing off the smaller midfielders like they were flies.

Mattner (who was probably the only one Ayres showed faith in) is really flying this year and you can see that a lot of that comes from his confidence in taking the man on, rather than panicking. IMO, this is his natural style.

Even Hentschell looks a lot more poised. No longer is he drooping his head around the ground. Now he looks to be gaining some swagger.

And then there's Brownlow favorite Hayden Skipworth . Say what you will about his size, speed, etc. but the guy produces the goods. Ask yourself how many times this year he's bobbed up with some timely goals. Plus, IMO the guy crumbs the ball really well. I'm as shocked as any of you out there, but hey, give credit where it's due.

So much of this improvement can be attributed to confidence, IMO. And for that Craig deserves loud applause.

Thoughts?

 

[outback jack]

i like mattner, he's really good. A young simon goodwin, depends on how much improvement he has in him. Probably more of a straight run the lines player. But cant agree with skippy as has been said b4 not a long term option, too short, slow and tends to put the teammates under pressure. Hentchesl has been disappointing, but you can tell its only a matter of time till he comes good. Needs to get some more hardness in him like he friend lukey jericho. Bock is a nice example who, with some extra body weight isnt scared to throw himself around, so maybe there is hope for those two.

And i agree that with craigy's theme of team first and working as a grp, the lack of injuries/droppings have been good. It also means that players are only dropped when there is a point being made. Hentschesl was an example and after Jerichos very soft effort against geelong when all his teammates were putting everything on the line he was deservedly dropped. I also like that perrie and welsh have started on the bench a few times, just so they dont take their spot for granted, cause they are the type of guys that tend to drop off a bit.

The test will be if we get some injuries, which as we have been playing many guys sore is probably only a matter of time. Also would be nice to get knights and VB in to hopefully overtake skippy when finals come, but cant see it happening.

 

[lacrow]

Damn, why doesn't anybody reply to my posts?

I know I'm an American, but am I that out of it?

Maybe I need to start talking in the third person like Jack. L.A. Crow is feeling lonely and unappreciated. L.A.Crow is gonna go for a walk to the liquour store. L.A.Crow is going LOCO!

 

[lacrow]

P.S. L.A.Crow thanks Jack for the input.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Damn, why doesn't anybody reply to my posts?

I know I'm an American, but am I that out of it?

Maybe I need to start talking in the third person like Jack. L.A. Crow is feeling lonely and unappreciated. L.A.Crow is gonna go for a walk to the liquour store. L.A.Crow is going LOCO!

Sorry mate...I'll have a little squizz on the weekend and post a reply. Don't get alot of time during the day to read and reply to in depth posts.

BTW As an American, how did you come to support the mighty Crows?

 

[lacrow]

LA Crow lived in Melbourne for about 3 years 94-97. During that time the Crows weren't very good and - typical of the provincial Melbourne populace - everybody and their dog gave them sh*t and bagged all over them.

They were the underdog team for LA Crow, so LA Crow went for them. It helped that I really liked their players too. Only bad thing was I had to come back to LA mid way through 97 so I missed out on both the premierships.

Anyway, been with the Crows ever since and have loved every minute of it.

P.S.. Bring back the Weed!

 

[crowie]

LA Crow lived in Melbourne for about 3 years 94-97. During that time the Crows weren't very good and - typical of the provincial Melbourne populace - everybody and their dog gave them sh*t and bagged all over them.

They were the underdog team for LA Crow, so LA Crow went for them. It helped that I really liked their players too. Only bad thing was I had to come back to LA mid way through 97 so I missed out on both the premierships.

Anyway, been with the Crows ever since and have loved every minute of it.

P.S.. Bring back the Weed!

That's a cool story, did you ever get a chance to come to Adelaide in your time here? and did you attend many games?

What sports are you into over there in the US? Not to be disrespectful but I don't know how Americans can watch games like Basketball and especially Baseball. I hate how teams are franchises and tend to move when the going gets rough, it really takes away from the whole love of the game mentality and makes sport over in the US look more like a business than a sport. I don't mind NFL, I learnt the basic rules from Madden NFL games on the old Sega Megadrive and more recently Playstations 1 and 2. But it is still very stop start and seems to be played by the coaches rather than the players.

I keep a keen eye on the NHL and the Toronto Maple Leafs, I have reletives that live in Toronto plus they are a team with great history and a great rivalry with the Canadians.

From what I can tell it is far from being one of the most popular sports over there which I find a little perplexing since it is by far the most exciting.

 

[ignoranus]

Not to be disrespectful but I don't know how Americans can watch games like Basketball and especially Baseball. I hate how ...

That's like saying, "I don't mean to be rude but you are fat, ugly and stupid."
Just by prefacing an insult with, "Not to be disrespectful" does not make it any less of an insult.
Hey, he's on our side, talking about AFL. Dissing American sports isnt relevant.
This is just a pet peev of mine.

 

[lacrow]

Crowie, no offense taken to your post. Basketball is highly watchable, but baseball.... well that's another story. And yes, there's too much importance placed upon the biz side of things in American sports. But what can you do? They're still fun to watch.

I was actually in Adelaide about 2 years ago to visit a friend of mine and went to one of the Showdowns. Had a great time over there. Got into Melbourne on Friday afternoon (from LA), had a 3 hour nap and then flew to Adelaide and partied until 7 in the morning. Got up around 2 the next day, had lunch and then straight to the pub with my buddy, who's a Port fan. Went to the game and then partied again until about 6am. Result: Complete and utter self destruction. But I had a great time.

Went to a ton of games when I was in Melbourne, including just about every time the Crows came to town.

Only thing I was slightly disappointed with is that during my stay in Adelaide I expected that everybody would be psyched and talking about the game. Was really looking forward to getting some inside stories about the club from some local heads, but it didn't happen. When I lived in Melbourne you couldn't get away from football, all you had to do is walk into a pub and mention football and there'd be 2 or 3 guys ready to talk your ear off.

Actually, I do have another good story for you. Back when the Wayne Carey scandal was erupting and he flew over here to get away, I met him at a pub and ended up partying all night with him and his buddy. I told him I was a Crows fan and we started talking about potential teams for him to play for. I basically did a huge sell job on him joining the Crows. At one point I said to him "Can you imagine how sweet it would be receiving passes from McLeod and Goodwin?" and he replied "Mate, I probably won't even have to move." He told me how him and Roo were good friends. So even though it didn't work out to plan, I was still geeked when I heard he was joining the Crows.

 

[ant]

That's an awesome story LACrow. What a great night that would have been, one to tell the grandkids, and everyone on Bigfooty!

As for your first post, can't disagree with any of it, makes a lot of sense and I'm sure that's part of the reason we're playing quite well so far this season.

 

[crowie]

Crowie, no offense taken to your post. Basketball is highly watchable, but baseball.... well that's another story. And yes, there's too much importance placed upon the biz side of things in American sports. But what can you do? They're still fun to watch.

I was actually in Adelaide about 2 years ago to visit a friend of mine and went to one of the Showdowns. Had a great time over there. Got into Melbourne on Friday afternoon (from LA), had a 3 hour nap and then flew to Adelaide and partied until 7 in the morning. Got up around 2 the next day, had lunch and then straight to the pub with my buddy, who's a Port fan. Went to the game and then partied again until about 6am. Result: Complete and utter self destruction. But I had a great time.

Went to a ton of games when I was in Melbourne, including just about every time the Crows came to town.

Only thing I was slightly disappointed with is that during my stay in Adelaide I expected that everybody would be psyched and talking about the game. Was really looking forward to getting some inside stories about the club from some local heads, but it didn't happen. When I lived in Melbourne you couldn't get away from football, all you had to do is walk into a pub and mention football and there'd be 2 or 3 guys ready to talk your ear off.

Actually, I do have another good story for you. Back when the Wayne Carey scandal was erupting and he flew over here to get away, I met him at a pub and ended up partying all night with him and his buddy. I told him I was a Crows fan and we started talking about potential teams for him to play for. I basically did a huge sell job on him joining the Crows. At one point I said to him "Can you imagine how sweet it would be receiving passes from McLeod and Goodwin?" and he replied "Mate, I probably won't even have to move." He told me how him and Roo were good friends. So even though it didn't work out to plan, I was still geeked when I heard he was joining the Crows.

So we can blame you then!!!!! Only joking

Great story. What a small world hey, what the hell were you thinking when you seen him there?

 

[crowie]

That's like saying, "I don't mean to be rude but you are fat, ugly and stupid."
Just by prefacing an insult with, "Not to be disrespectful" does not make it any less of an insult.
Hey, he's on our side, talking about AFL. Dissing American sports isnt relevant.
This is just a pet peev of mine.

I'm not going to hijack this thread by having a go at you, I think i'll leave it at that.

 

[Damp Squarie]

Discretion is the better part of valour eh Crowie.

lacrow... I agree with your post; and really, we havent seen NC under the pump just yet (in terms of injuries) so hes had no need to explore players not in our best 22.

At some stage though Id like to see new players explored in our Ruck department. e.g. Sure, Clarke has expressed interest in playing next year but if he doesnt play we need a back up ruckman whos had a taste.

Meeson and Maric MUST be given a chance at AFL level before seasons end if for no other reason than to give them an understanding of thier capabilities.

Watts is another that needs to be tried...God knows we need a forward.

Gotta keep developing in game time is all Im sayin'

 

[Markthirtytwo]

Just some random thoughts to spur debate/discussion in the off weeks:

1. I like the fact that Craig has chosen to keep virtually the same team on the park for the entire season. Now, before you all say anything, I KNOW that we've been lucky with injuries - however it seems like many AFL teams swap guys in and out of the side way too much based upon a bad game or two. That kind of thing seemed to happen a lot during the Ayres years.

In my opinion, the club should know it's top 22 guys and stick with them as the starters for the entire season unless injury happens. You don't see NBA or NFL teams swapping guys in and out of the side every week. I think it's a real bonus to keep the continuity of the team as best as possible because guys who are consistently playing together get a better feel for how each other plays, rather than having to guess about how somebody new is gonna react. I think this is especially important given the speed of the AFL. You need to make decisions extremely fast and that slight edge gained by knowing exactly what your team mate is gonna do goes a long way.

2. The confidence of the younger "backbone" players has increased markedly under Craig. Maybe these guys were this good all along, just that nobody got to see it because Ayres shattered their confidence?

Bock now looks like a monster, dominating the CHB spot and brushing off the smaller midfielders like they were flies.

Mattner (who was probably the only one Ayres showed faith in) is really flying this year and you can see that a lot of that comes from his confidence in taking the man on, rather than panicking. IMO, this is his natural style.

Even Hentschell looks a lot more poised. No longer is he drooping his head around the ground. Now he looks to be gaining some swagger.

And then there's Brownlow favorite Hayden Skipworth . Say what you will about his size, speed, etc. but the guy produces the goods. Ask yourself how many times this year he's bobbed up with some timely goals. Plus, IMO the guy crumbs the ball really well. I'm as shocked as any of you out there, but hey, give credit where it's due.

So much of this improvement can be attributed to confidence, IMO. And for that Craig deserves loud applause.

Thoughts?

Just cottoned onto this thread. LAC you said it beautifully and totally agree.
Nice story about how you followed the might AFC.
Follow the Bengals myself, only due to their colours are similar to my West Adelaide FC.

 

[Mad Dog]

Just some random thoughts to spur debate/discussion in the off weeks:

1. I like the fact that Craig has chosen to keep virtually the same team on the park for the entire season. Now, before you all say anything, I KNOW that we've been lucky with injuries - however it seems like many AFL teams swap guys in and out of the side way too much based upon a bad game or two. That kind of thing seemed to happen a lot during the Ayres years.

In my opinion, the club should know it's top 22 guys and stick with them as the starters for the entire season unless injury happens. You don't see NBA or NFL teams swapping guys in and out of the side every week. I think it's a real bonus to keep the continuity of the team as best as possible because guys who are consistently playing together get a better feel for how each other plays, rather than having to guess about how somebody new is gonna react. I think this is especially important given the speed of the AFL. You need to make decisions extremely fast and that slight edge gained by knowing exactly what your team mate is gonna do goes a long way.

2. The confidence of the younger "backbone" players has increased markedly under Craig. Maybe these guys were this good all along, just that nobody got to see it because Ayres shattered their confidence?

Bock now looks like a monster, dominating the CHB spot and brushing off the smaller midfielders like they were flies.

Mattner (who was probably the only one Ayres showed faith in) is really flying this year and you can see that a lot of that comes from his confidence in taking the man on, rather than panicking. IMO, this is his natural style.

Even Hentschell looks a lot more poised. No longer is he drooping his head around the ground. Now he looks to be gaining some swagger.

And then there's Brownlow favorite Hayden Skipworth . Say what you will about his size, speed, etc. but the guy produces the goods. Ask yourself how many times this year he's bobbed up with some timely goals. Plus, IMO the guy crumbs the ball really well. I'm as shocked as any of you out there, but hey, give credit where it's due.

So much of this improvement can be attributed to confidence, IMO. And for that Craig deserves loud applause.

Thoughts?

mate I reckon you're spot on with your thoughts here. The likes of Bock and Skipworth have shocked the ******** out of me this year. I still think they are transition players in our squad....but to their credit they haven't put a foot wrong this year. I like your comments on team stability.....if it isn't broke...don't fix it........the secret to building a tight unit is not to change it up too much. I think there have been too many easy games given to players over the last few years.....and it's good to see that this year it's harder to get into the side than get out of it......which is a pleasant change. If Watts, Knights, and The Count continue to have good form....NC won't have much option than to start looking at the performances of Doughty, and maybe Shirley if he wants to give them game time. What makes it more interesting is that Johncock needs to come back into that side....and unless there is an injury.....there will be some tough selection decisions to make......which says a hell of a lot about how far we've come in 6 months.....cheers mate - keep posting !!!

 

[Mad Dog]

Discretion is the better part of valour eh Crowie.

lacrow... I agree with your post; and really, we havent seen NC under the pump just yet (in terms of injuries) so hes had no need to explore players not in our best 22.

At some stage though Id like to see new players explored in our Ruck department. e.g. Sure, Clarke has expressed interest in playing next year but if he doesnt play we need a back up ruckman whos had a taste.

Meeson and Maric MUST be given a chance at AFL level before seasons end if for no other reason than to give them an understanding of thier capabilities.

Watts is another that needs to be tried...God knows we need a forward.

Gotta keep developing in game time is all Im sayin'

I agree - but at who's expense ???.....do we have the guts to drop Biglands ????.....do we have the guts to bring in Liam or Ivan if there is an injury instead of Clarke ?????

....I hope we do.......

 

[Damp Squarie]

Probably not.
So the only other options are...

1. Bring a ruck in if an injury occurs... at Clarkes expense
2. Play one anyway up forward to take on the ruck duties... at a crumbers expense = 3 rucks; ala Lade Primus Brogan
3. Loose 'em by not usin' 'em

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Skippy is a transition player who should only be played to cover injuries or if the young guys aren't playing well in the sanfl. However, as Knights is burning at the moment, it's time to bring him at Skippy's expense.

As for Shirls, he is edging his way off the tansition list due to some gutsy performances IMHO.

 

[crowsfan2004]

Damn, why doesn't anybody reply to my posts?

I know I'm an American, but am I that out of it?

Maybe I need to start talking in the third person like Jack. L.A. Crow is feeling lonely and unappreciated. L.A.Crow is gonna go for a walk to the liquour store. L.A.Crow is going LOCO!

ah i am european(nope and never been to australia), and i enjoy watching crows and AFL in general (on afl.com.au).Cant wait to move to adelaide and watch the mighty crows live.

 

[macca23]

Maybe I need to start talking in the third person like Jack. L.A. Crow is feeling lonely and unappreciated. L.A.Crow is gonna go for a walk to the liquour store. L.A.Crow is going LOCO!

Macca23 thinks you are too!!

I mean, oops macca23 means, fancy talking in the 3rd person all the time.

Macca23 thinks that's very strange.

 

[outback jack]

P.S. L.A.Crow thanks Jack for the input.

yes jack never saw this.

I've kinda gone off talking in third person, not sure why its sorta lost its gloss. Only sometimes when it suits the occasion shall I throw it in. Its all yours L.A.crow, although i think it attracts ridicule more than admiration/respect (and thats what jack's really craving for lets face it ).

Oh your predictions/observations were spot on, werent they. Except for skippy who has had a hammy injury. But otherwise everything is coming together very nicely for September me thinks.

Btw, whats happened to pext>? That just reminded me. Has jack's number 1 fan left bigfooty>.....?

 

[macca23]

Btw, whats happened to pext>? That just reminded me. Has jack's number 1 fan left bigfooty>.....?

Jack, you haven't killed pext off have you?

 

[outback jack]

Jack, you haven't killed pext off have you?

no, believe it or not he was a real person! We have lost a bigfooty poster. Maybe cause scotty welsh has come good>

jericho rox is another one (slightly understandable since some shameful performances by lukey).... any others...

 

[Mr Crow!]

In my opinion, the club should know it's top 22 guys and stick with them as the starters for the entire season unless injury happens. You don't see NBA or NFL teams swapping guys in and out of the side every week. I think it's a real bonus to keep the continuity of the team as best as possible because guys who are consistently playing together get a better feel for how each other plays, rather than having to guess about how somebody new is gonna react. I think this is especially important given the speed of the AFL. You need to make decisions extremely fast and that slight edge gained by knowing exactly what your team mate is gonna do goes a long way.

Good analysis and analogy!