A Bumper Trade Year

[WaynesWorld19]

What with Aka, & Gardiner being available now it appears Polak could also be up for trade.

Given the AFC desperately needs a key forward could Polak be the answer.
At 22 he's not that old but can his bad habits be turned around

Docker Polak set to move east next year

Stephen Rielly
July 28, 2006


GRAHAM Polak, the Fremantle key-position player who once vied with Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Chris Judd for the acclaim of being the No. 1 draft pick in the land, is expected to bring his career to Victoria next year.

The 22-year-old falls out of contract at the end of this season, having already fallen from a secure place in the Fremantle team and is understood to believe that to re-establish his credentials a move east is necessary.

It is believed that a Melbourne-based club positioned in the top eight has been identified as a preferred destination, which will inevitably lead to speculation that Neale Daniher's Melbourne, who have long been linked with an interest in Polak, is the club in mind.

Oddly, an interest from Melbourne would not be a bad thing for the Dockers, who selected the 194-centimetre Polak with the fourth pick overall in the celebrated national draft of 2001 behind Hodge, Ball and Judd.

Being out of contract at the season's end means that Polak has the option to be traded or to walk through to a new club via the pre-season draft. The four bottom teams on the ladder — Essendon, Carlton, the Kangaroos and Hawthorn — are all Melbourne-based.

A top-order team would have to trade for Polak because he would not reach them in the pre-season draft, which means that the Dockers would be less likely to lose him for nothing, although with this year's draft considered so rich they are unlikely to recoup anything like their investment.

Polak's manager Paul Connors declined to comment on his client's future this week, although Fremantle coach Chris Connolly said on Wednesday that while he hoped Polak could spend the next decade in Docker purple, a trade could not be discounted. "My position has always been that everyone is tradeable. But the way that I see it is that Graham Polak will be here for 10 years. That is how I see it," Connolly said.

Polak, though, has been playing WAFL football for East Fremantle for the past month, having last played for the Dockers in round 13 and after a 12-game season last year has managed only 10 games this year.

He injured a knee last year and was later dropped for disciplinary reasons but this year his recent absence has had more to do with a lack of form and the improvement of the Dockers, especially in defence where Polak first established himself.

If he has not quite become surplus to requirements, he is no longer a critical member of the side now that Michael Johnson has emerged as one of the best, young, tall defenders in the game and Luke McPharlin has returned to the back line.

Polak's last performances for Fremantle were in the ruck.

As Connolly said: "What we have is other players have taken a step forward."

 

[Vader]

No thanks.

Melbourne can have him - if they still want him.

 

[PrideOf]

All these name players available helps us for keeping Meesen, I think. If the first few picks in preseason draft are big names, there's more bargaining power for us if someone wants Meesen. He can't give it the old 'I'm going where I want or I'm off to the PSD'.

 

[rooboy]

But how desperate are we ? Given that we have Perrie, Macgregor, Hentschel, Roo, and even Bock and Biglands can go forward.
I think a good KPP draft pick is the way to go.

 

[- PC -]

But how desperate are we ? Given that we have Perrie, Macgregor, Hentschel, Roo, and even Bock and Biglands can go forward.
I think a good KPP draft pick is the way to go.

All those players named I would have in my side before Polak

Pass

 

[Eggzoi]

Polak=No, many people should know why.

 

[Alex99]

All those players named I would have in my side before Polak

Pass

We should look at trading Scott Stevens to the shockers (Fremantle Dockers) for a second round draft pick now they are looking at trading Polak. This would give us an opportunity to draft a young key forward. Something we will be in need of in a few years.

 

[Alex99]

Polak=No, many people should know why.

But we can still benefit from it, they trade Polak and we trade Stevens to them.

It’s a win-win for all parties.

 

[Stiffy_18]

What with Aka, & Gardiner being available now it appears Polak could also be up for trade.

Given the AFC desperately needs a key forward could Polak be the answer.
At 22 he's not that old but can his bad habits be turned around

Talent wise he would be a great pick up. Unfortunatly as we have learned ourselves, talent is just not enough so I say no thanks.

If I had to pick up 1 of those 3, then I would take Aker because he is a proven talent, produces consistently and doesn't exactly get into some ****ty business off the field other than blabbing which last time I checked is not a criminal offence.

 

[Stiffy_18]

But we can still benefit from it, they trade Polak and we trade Stevens to them.

It’s a win-win for all parties.

Or we could stop with the Stevens bashing and face the facts. Stevens has been performing a lot better than Polak. Stevens also happens to be a model citizen and a good team player. Not sure that the same things can be said of Polak.

If people thought that Redden and Pfeiffer were out of line, what would they think if they had Polak on the team. Talent wise you do that trade in a second but there is a LOT more to being a successful AFL footballer than Talent. Just ask Chris Ladhams, Brent Williams, Laurence Angwin, Karl Norman etc......

 

[AJ_No.4]

Talent wise he would be a great pick up. Unfortunatly as we have learned ourselves, talent is just not enough so I say no thanks.

If I had to pick up 1 of those 3, then I would take Aker because he is a proven talent, produces consistently and doesn't exactly get into some ****ty business off the field other than blabbing which last time I checked is not a criminal offence.

Yeah, I agree. Talent wise, Polak has a lot of potential, but would that help us, I think not.

Aker is too old for me, but he is a proven champion and maybe does shoot his mouth, but when has he not backed it up. I think Aker would cost way too much, Brisbane will want at least a 1st round draft pick or 2 and maybe an up and coming player.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Yeah, I agree. Talent wise, Polak has a lot of potential, but would that help us, I think not.

Aker is too old for me, but he is a proven champion and maybe does shoot his mouth, but when has he not backed it up. I think Aker would cost way too much, Brisbane will want at least a 1st round draft pick or 2 and maybe an up and coming player.

Preferably I wouldn't want any of them but I am saying if I had to pick one of the 3 then I would pick Aker.

 

[GoSarge]

Or we could stop with the Stevens bashing and face the facts. Stevens has been performing a lot better than Polak. Stevens also happens to be a model citizen and a good team player. Not sure that the same things can be said of Polak.

If people thought that Redden and Pfeiffer were out of line, what would they think if they had Polak on the team. Talent wise you do that trade in a second but there is a LOT more to being a successful AFL footballer than Talent. Just ask Chris Ladhams, Brent Williams, Laurence Angwin, Karl Norman etc......

Bingo. FIRST thing we should determine with ANY trade or draftee decision is whether the person has the attitude and determination to dedicate himself to being the best he can be for himself and the sake of the team.

These highlighted players have proved that if you lack the mental toughness you just wont make it. Adam Saliba was one of the most skilful players I have seen that should have made it, yet another example of fine talent not making it in the cut throat world of AFL.

As for Stevens, he's been very servicable for us, but please Stevo, hit the weights in the off season and you may find that you're able to go to the next level as a player next year.

 

[Smoooothy]

These highlighted players have proved that if you lack the mental toughness you just wont make it. Adam Saliba was one of the most skilful players I have seen that should have made it, yet another example of fine talent not making it in the cut throat world of AFL.

he had something like 2 near BOG's in his 3 games didn't he?

what ever happened to him?

 

[macca23]

Talent wise he would be a great pick up. Unfortunatly as we have learned ourselves, talent is just not enough so I say no thanks.

If I had to pick up 1 of those 3, then I would take Aker because he is a proven talent, produces consistently and doesn't exactly get into some ****ty business off the field other than blabbing which last time I checked is not a criminal offence.

Remember your 24 year old trade rule, Stiffy!! It's a damn good rule.

Polak is the only one who meets it age wise and his form has deteriorated along with his off-field activities.

We don't need any of these non-conformists.

 

[birdmanptr]

All these name players available helps us for keeping Meesen, I think. If the first few picks in preseason draft are big names, there's more bargaining power for us if someone wants Meesen. He can't give it the old 'I'm going where I want or I'm off to the PSD'.

Just to be my usual pain in the backside where does that leave us if we cant keep him.

I was told there was something on the news last night about him going home?did not see it but was told by some one .

 

[Adam BK]

Just to be my usual pain in the backside where does that leave us if we cant keep him.

I was told there was something on the news last night about him going home?did not see it but was told by some one .

What I saw on the news was that the club was confident that Meesen would be signing on the dotted line very soon.

 

[Southerntakeover]

Or we could stop with the Stevens bashing and face the facts. Stevens has been performing a lot better than Polak. Stevens also happens to be a model citizen and a good team player. Not sure that the same things can be said of Polak.

THANKYOU!

 

[Alex99]

Or we could stop with the Stevens bashing and face the facts. Stevens has been performing a lot better than Polak. Stevens also happens to be a model citizen and a good team player. Not sure that the same things can be said of Polak.

If people thought that Redden and Pfeiffer were out of line, what would they think if they had Polak on the team. Talent wise you do that trade in a second but there is a LOT more to being a successful AFL footballer than Talent. Just ask Chris Ladhams, Brent Williams, Laurence Angwin, Karl Norman etc......

How is that bashing Scott Stevens?

Theoretically the structure Neil Craig uses only requires 7 key position players (3 tall defenders and 4 tall/mobile forwards).

It’s a given that the back six will look something like this most weeks

FB: Bassett Rutten Hart
HB: Johncock Stevens (or Bock) McLeod


And the forward set up will line up something like this most weeks

HF: Burton Hentschel Perrie
FF: McGregor Ricciuto (or Welsh) Bode


Leaving player like Martin Mattner, Jason Torney, Scott Thompson and Brent Reilly to play on the wing or find a spot on the bench. (Plus the second ruckman on the bench)

Being realistic, it is going to be hard for the match committee to find a spot for every single tall player on our list, someone will miss out.

If by trading Scott Stevens will improve our list and also increase his chances at playing in the AFL on a full time basis it must be seen as a good thing. I would be looking at getting a second round pick for him.

I am also anticipating Chad Gibson taking giant strides over the next pre season and would almost be ready to put his hand up for a back up defensive post if it was needed.

If we get hit by the injury curse again, then the coaching staff will improvise and rearrange the set up to fit the need of the game plan.

 

[Stiffy_18]

How is that bashing Scott Stevens?

Suggesting we trade him for a draft pick isn't exactly a compliment

Theoretically the structure Neil Craig uses only requires 7 key position players (3 tall defenders and 4 tall/mobile forwards).

It’s a given that the back six will look something like this most weeks

FB: Bassett Rutten Hart
HB: Johncock Stevens (or Bock) McLeod


And the forward set up will line up something like this most weeks

HF: Burton Hentschel Perrie
FF: McGregor Ricciuto (or Welsh) Bode


Leaving player like Martin Mattner, Jason Torney, Scott Thompson and Brent Reilly to play on the wing or find a spot on the bench. (Plus the second ruckman on the bench)

Being realistic, it is going to be hard for the match committee to find a spot for every single tall player on our list, someone will miss out.

If by trading Scott Stevens will improve our list and also increase his chances at playing in the AFL on a full time basis it must be seen as a good thing. I would be looking at getting a second round pick for him.

I am also anticipating Chad Gibson taking giant strides over the next pre season and would almost be ready to put his hand up for a back up defensive post if it was needed.

If we get hit by the injury curse again, then the coaching staff will improvise and rearrange the set up to fit the need of the game plan.

Ok let me get this straight. We somewhat discovered that we have a dcent depth in KP department so now we should go out and trade a player or 2 so the match committee doesn't find it hard to fit them all in?

Seriously dude, that is NOT how you build a strong squad. What is wrong with keeping Stevens and have him and Bock fight it out for a CHB position? I think having competition for spots is a great thing and very much a wanted headache. Not that long ago our KPP dept consisted of Mark Stevens and no one else. Competition amongst peers makes them better. I'd rather have depth than no depth.

 

[Alex99]

Suggesting we trade him for a draft pick isn't exactly a compliment


Ok let me get this straight. We somewhat discovered that we have a dcent depth in KP department so now we should go out and trade a player or 2 so the match committee doesn't find it hard to fit them all in?

Seriously dude, that is NOT how you build a strong squad. What is wrong with keeping Stevens and have him and Bock fight it out for a CHB position? I think having competition for spots is a great thing and very much a wanted headache. Not that long ago our KPP dept consisted of Mark Stevens and no one else. Competition amongst peers makes them better. I'd rather have depth than no depth.

So you are dead certain that Scott Steven is going to have a long and successful career at CHB at the Adelaide Crows? Just as 99% of this board were dead certain about him being a dead man walking directly after we played the West Coast Eagles last time?

I am not fully convinced that the form he is showing at the moment is indicative of his talent; I believe that he is playing good consistent football because the team is up and flying and that is helping him combat his direct opponent.

As much as I don’t want to see the team go though a bad patch of form, this is when we will get a correct indication of how a player will perform. When the team is playing poorly, this is when good player perform at there best.

After the success of the 1997 and 1998 team had faded away a few player that were regarded as being very good player faded into the background very quickly simply because they were masquerading via the form of others. Matthew Connell, James Thiessen, Kym Koster, Clay Sampson, Troy Bond and Peter Caven* (he had 2 very good year, AA almost in 1997 and 1998 after that he virtually wasn’t seen). How quickly did they fade away after the success of the side had worn off, once they had to work and show there were good player they failed.

I am not saying Peter Caven is not a good player but what I am saying he is made to look like a much better player in a very good side.

Most will argue but I am correct, it happens in every single sport. A glaring example is BJ Armstrong with the Chicago Bulls, he was an ALL – Star with the bulls but after MJ left he was a dud. Rick Fox in the LA Lakers dynasty days, but other wise a dud.

 

[Southerntakeover]

So you are dead certain that Scott Steven is going to have a long and successful career at CHB at the Adelaide Crows? Just as 99% of this board were dead certain about him being a dead man walking directly after we played the West Coast Eagles last time?

I am not fully convinced that the form he is showing at the moment is indicative of his talent; I believe that he is playing good consistent football because the team is up and flying and that is helping him combat his direct opponent.

As much as I don’t want to see the team go though a bad patch of form, this is when we will get a correct indication of how a player will perform. When the team is playing poorly, this is when good player perform at there best.

After the success of the 1997 and 1998 team had faded away a few player that were regarded as being very good player faded into the background very quickly simply because they were masquerading via the form of others. Matthew Connell, James Thiessen, Kym Koster, Clay Sampson, Troy Bond and Peter Caven* (he had 2 very good year, AA almost in 1997 and 1998 after that he virtually wasn’t seen). How quickly did they fade away after the success of the side had worn off, once they had to work and show there were good player they failed.

I am not saying Peter Caven is not a good player but what I am saying he is made to look like a much better player in a very good side.

Most will argue but I am correct, it happens in every single sport. A glaring example is BJ Armstrong with the Chicago Bulls, he was an ALL – Star with the bulls but after MJ left he was a dud. Rick Fox in the LA Lakers dynasty days, but other wise a dud.

Whether or not Stevens will be our starting CHB and star for his whole career is irrelevant. Even if you decided Bock was a better option, it would be prudent to have a back up option for if he gets injured, as he seems prone to be. Even better to have an option who we know can play the position well, rather than rely on a player who hasnt even had a look in at AFL yet.

As for Caven, didnt he retire soon after? That would be a pretty good reason for not being heard of.

 

[The Crows Truth]

So you are dead certain that Scott Steven is going to have a long and successful career at CHB at the Adelaide Crows? Just as 99% of this board were dead certain about him being a dead man walking directly after we played the West Coast Eagles last time?

I am not fully convinced that the form he is showing at the moment is indicative of his talent; I believe that he is playing good consistent football because the team is up and flying and that is helping him combat his direct opponent.

As much as I don’t want to see the team go though a bad patch of form, this is when we will get a correct indication of how a player will perform. When the team is playing poorly, this is when good player perform at there best.

After the success of the 1997 and 1998 team had faded away a few player that were regarded as being very good player faded into the background very quickly simply because they were masquerading via the form of others. Matthew Connell, James Thiessen, Kym Koster, Clay Sampson, Troy Bond and Peter Caven* (he had 2 very good year, AA almost in 1997 and 1998 after that he virtually wasn’t seen). How quickly did they fade away after the success of the side had worn off, once they had to work and show there were good player they failed.

I am not saying Peter Caven is not a good player but what I am saying he is made to look like a much better player in a very good side.

Most will argue but I am correct, it happens in every single sport. A glaring example is BJ Armstrong with the Chicago Bulls, he was an ALL – Star with the bulls but after MJ left he was a dud. Rick Fox in the LA Lakers dynasty days, but other wise a dud.

no point arguing then

 

[The Crows Truth]

Whether or not Stevens will be our starting CHB and star for his whole career is irrelevant. Even if you decided Bock was a better option, it would be prudent to have a back up option for if he gets injured, as he seems prone to be. Even better to have an option who we know can play the position well, rather than rely on a player who hasnt even had a look in at AFL yet.

QUOTE]

of course it would be prudent and make sense to have competent back ups - unless someone has a ridicuolous bias against a player

 

[Alex99]

Whether or not Stevens will be our starting CHB and star for his whole career is irrelevant. Even if you decided Bock was a better option, it would be prudent to have a back up option for if he gets injured, as he seems prone to be. Even better to have an option who we know can play the position well, rather than rely on a player who hasnt even had a look in at AFL yet.

As for Caven, didnt he retire soon after? That would be a pretty good reason for not being heard of.

What I am saying is, sell whist the price is high and keep the wheel turning over. As a football club we cannot be seen as being stagnate, if we stand still we will get found out (just as every other club will)

When we hit a poor patch of form (and it will happen, see Port Adelaide and Brisbane) I don’t believe that he is going to be a viable option as a shut down defender. We can off load him now and get something in return, rather than in 2 or 3 year time get nothing for him.