Andrew Otten

[AFC979810]

Just curious to hear posters thoughts on where Andy Otten will play in 2011...

Obviously had a stellar year in 2009 playing as the third 'tall' defender - but the AFC came out saying that he was being groomed for a midfield role in 2010...

Then blew out his knee in December of 2009, with the only positive being that it happened in December - not March. With the extra 4 months of recovery - I am expecting him to hit the ground running and be in our starting 22....

So the question is does he play the majority of the season in the backline assisting Philthy and Truck or does he get a midfield role?

Personally - I think he will start the season in the backline and as he catches up to the speed of AFL again will move into the midfield around Rd. 15

 

[Allefgib]

Back.

Towards second half of season - depends on so many factors but I reckon he'll still be back. We like to have a reliable backline first and foremost. Not sure we have the players to cover what he provided the backline in 2009 just yet.

 

[Pilchard_Adams]

Id like to see him on the wing, with MacKay on the other side. Im sure he will start the season in the backlines though. Possibly even eased back into the game through the sub position, where he could be used in the middle or backline after subbing for someone.

 

[Punchy Bassett]

Down back at first while he gets confidence in his knee back, then slowly moving into midfield. Really missed him last season.

 

[Allefgib]

Id like to see him on the wing, with MacKay on the other side. Im sure he will start the season in the backlines though. Possibly even eased back into the game through the sub position, where he could be used in the middle or backline after subbing for someone.

by the time we bounce the ball in round 1 it will be nearly 18months since he went under the knife right?

I'd be VERY suprised to see him come back through the sub position.

 

[Slippery Pete]

Back.

Towards second half of season - depends on so many factors but I reckon he'll still be back. We like to have a reliable backline first and foremost. Not sure we have the players to cover what he provided the backline in 2009 just yet.

Agree. Played some ripping football in defence in 2009.

That mark in the 09 semi would have entered Crows folklore........

 

[SugarShane]

Agree. Played some ripping football in defence in 2009.

That mark in the 09 semi would have entered Crows folklore........

Should have. It still makes my hair stand on end. Amazing moment for a first year player even if it only lasted 3 seconds.

 

[Slippery Pete]

Just had a look at his stats - he's 192cm. Certainly a nice size for a key defender. Think he has some incredible defensive qualities too which would be wasted in a midfield role.

 

[dylan123]

I would love to see him on the wing but I'm guessing he will be used as a 3rd tall in defense.

 

[OldCrowBloke]

He has great attributes for a modern defender.
Calm under pressure.
Sure hands.
Good reader of the play.
Able to weave out of trouble.
Delivers the ball well.

Would be very surprised to see him start anywhere but HBF

 

[Coopers]

3rd tall yeah.

And look at it this way - he's missed out on the second year blues!

 

[KUNG FU]

There is little doubt in my mind his future is in the midfield. Maybe he'll be introduced gradually, but I'd be very surprised to see him in defence come round 22. Played a fantastic season for Souths in 08 playing wing/HBF. He's also tremendous in traffic and can extract the hard ball. His ability to play as a defender is only another weapon to his arsenal, where he can rotate.

 

[ManInTheArena]

Otten the new Bock.

 

[Cap]

I hope he plays as a tall midfielder, we have enough players to go back (I know but are they the same quality).

He has too much ability to be wasted running out of defence on the odd occasion.

 

[Geoffa32]

we habe lost bock goody and macca this year. meaning our backline has lost a heap of talent. he will be needed in defence, primarily then a defensive mid role.

 

[KUNG FU]

we habe lost bock goody and macca this year. meaning our backline has lost a heap of talent. he will be needed in defence, primarily then a defensive mid role.

B: Johncock, Rutten, Stevens
HB: Doughty, Davis, Tambling

Backline is pretty safe. Midfield is where we have the biggest problems.

 

[Crows Feet]

B: Johncock, Rutten, Stevens
HB: Doughty, Davis, Tambling

Backline is pretty safe. Midfield is where we have the biggest problems.

I was thinking nothing but backline until I saw this post. I wouldn't be surprised if he and Tambling rotated through the middle and off the back line.

 

[Geoffa32]

Tambling and Otten to rotate makes sense. Symes is missing from that list. like it it or not he is in the best 22

 

[macca23]

Definitely down back IMO when he resumes, where most of his running is in a straight line, so as to build up his confidence in the knee that failed him previously.

Besides, he was one hell of a good player in that role in 2009 - desperately missed last year for the run and dash he had been providing from defence.

Long term he'll probably end up in the mid-field, and maybe even towards the end of this coming season, depending upon how the mid-field fires.

But when he resumes, it should be as the 3rd tall for mine.

 

[Cap]

He was missed from the Backline only because pther players weren't performing that role due to injury etc

with a fit and firing Tambling and Johncock along with Davis at CHB I just don't see the point in leaving him back there.

he is a midfielder through and through.

 

[Allefgib]

If Ottens is everyones first choice as 3rd tall down back... where does that leave Scotty Stevens

(sub sub sub sub....)

 

[KUNG FU]

Tambling and Otten to rotate makes sense. Symes is missing from that list. like it it or not he is in the best 22

Yeah, I was going to put an extended interchange/emergency list on, but that would just open a can of worms for no reason. Point is, we have plenty of strength & depth in the backline and Otten has always played as a midfielder. By round 1, the ACL injury would be 15 months past. Sure, we shouldn't expect too much from his this year, but that's no reason not to play him through the middle, playing as a defender second.

 

[alex_is_on_fire]

If Ottens is everyones first choice as 3rd tall down back... where does that leave Scotty Stevens

(sub sub sub sub....)

Walker at Norwood.

 

[Geoffa32]

Walker at Norwood.

walker will play 22 gamrs and finals next year. Pele get sucked in to roochs crap but forget that he played 18 games last year. How many other key position 19 year olds did that?

 

[Chief Crow]

If training thus far is any indication of the coming season then Andy will primarily play midfield. He was doing work in the ruck/midfield drill at training yesterday while the defenders done seperate work.
Andy also looks to be very fit as he was often leading his pack in the runs yesterday.