Brad Miller - Captaincy material?

[The Dr]

Before you all laugh, let me explain....

I reckon Miller could be a version of Geelong's captain Tom Harley - hardly the best player in the team, but gives his all, is loved by his team-mates and plays his role really well. (I know Harley is a defender, and Miller a forward, but you know what I mean).

I don't think Miller will never be our No.1 forward but he has some great attributes: his intensity, professionalism, hardness, willingness to put the team first and the fact he was retained in the leadership group at the start of the year despite not being guarenteed to be in our first 22 (I think he is safely in it now) says he is really respected by the players.

Don't get me wrong - we have some very good captain candidates - Green, Brock, Junior, Bruce, Jones or a combination of these blokes, but I just want to see if other people think Miller should be at least thrown into that mix.

What does everyone think?

 

[demonfan9]

He would have to have another couple of good seasons first. I don't think he has done enough to earn it for 2009.

 

[Marns]

It certainly has some merit. He definitely comes across as someone who wants it, it just shows.

One thing that he's gotten out of his game (that helps) is trying too hard to be that enforcer type. He mentioned this on MMM after the game.

Like demonfan9 said though, he needs to have a couple of good seasons before it happens. Certainly deserves a spot as a VC if not captain, if he keeps it up. Stuff the leadership group.

 

[bloodpumpsRnB]

Agree, still a fair way to go, but he has come a long way since last year. I met his girlfriend at the end of last year and she told me that he was devastated with what happened last year and that he was really motivated to get back to his form of 2004-2005. Looks like she was right.

 

[the russian40]

He would have to have another couple of good seasons first. I don't think he has done enough to earn it for 2009.

That can be said about most of our potential candidates too

 

[deeswant13]

When he was the enforcer back in 2004 he was playing really well. Sure he got suspended a couple of times but he was looking like a superstar. Then Daniher told him to cool it and he started to play terribly. He's now just learned to play with being aggresive at the ball instead of the man.

I think Bruce or Green should be captain for the next 2 years then either Bruce or Mclean could take over.

 

[Bartram_Class]

Still a big step behind some of the other candidates but not doing his chances any harm with his form this season.

Obviously well-liked and respected at the club.

 

[cannons]

I think you make a pretty good diagnosis Dr

Miller has a lot of the attributes required to be a good captain, and I think the fact he was selected in the leadership group this year despite his efforts last year illustrates that. I agree with the above that he needs to be consistent over a greater duration to be considered, but his name should be taken into account.

I think Bruce or Green should take over for a season or two. This will enable players such as Jones, Mclean, Miller etc. to show why they should be considered, and then a more accurate decision can be made on those players once the other captain is ready to step down.

 

[Pipefitter]

Hmm, He plays too close to goals these days and its hard to get up and inspire your team from the goal square when you are getting pumped (see david neitz). I think we need someone in the thick of the action.

 

[cannons]

Hmm, He plays too close to goals these days and its hard to get up and inspire your team from the goal square when you are getting pumped (see david neitz). I think we need someone in the thick of the action.

Are you serious? Or is your post somewhat sarcastic? Internet forums don't give you a sense of tone or intonation.

Anyway, when captaincy discussions come around, I don't think a player will suggest Miller, only for Bailey to say 'Nah, we're going to get thumped this year and as a forward he won't be able to have any influence.' I would hope Melbourne has slightly more ambition than that.

 

[RandB]

First Brock then Green, I think we should quell Captaincy talks all together unless we want Miller to join the injury list as well.

 

[Clean Heels]

At first, Miller started playing good this yr, I was like - great, he is getting up his trade value, things are looking good, we might get something for him. But as the season has gone on, he has played like a future captain, the boys rise, when he is going well - we start lifting.

I know some big names do have to leave us at the end of the yr, thats the reality of things when you are sitting last - with a handy list, but the last player I want to trade now is Miller, he is a team player and I agree with the captaincy statement.

Unfortunately, some of my other favs will be floated for trade, with mixed feelings, but I know it will be better for the future of the club, I wont like saying goodbye to Brucey, Whitey, Colin and even Big Jamars - but I would much rather see them off than Captain Miller

 

[The Dr]

At first, Miller started playing good this yr, I was like - great, he is getting up his trade value, things are looking good, we might get something for him. But as the season has gone on, he has played like a future captain, the boys rise, when he is going well - we start lifting.

I know some big names do have to leave us at the end of the yr, thats the reality of things when you are sitting last - with a handy list, but the last player I want to trade now is Miller, he is a team player and I agree with the captaincy statement.

Unfortunately, some of my other favs will be floated for trade, with mixed feelings, but I know it will be better for the future of the club, I wont like saying goodbye to Brucey, Whitey, Colin and even Big Jamars - but I would much rather see them off than Captain Miller

I thought exactly the same thing CH - hoping we might be able to get a 3rd round pick or something for him at the end of the year if he played OK.

But now he's gone past that - he's really delivering. And providing some real inspiration - acts and attitude that makes the rest of the team really take note and lift.

As good as Bruce/Junior are/may be next year, it cant really be said that they inspire their team-mates on the field, and that's what i really want from a captain.

I think Brock/Miller would be the best onfield combo for MFC Captain.

 

[Colin Grigson]

yeah, i'm not convinced he's captaincy material at this stage...

would like to see him put in at least 'one' solid season, performing consistently week-in- week-out, and not doing stupid things to put himself in front of the tribunal.

you've got to remember that he hasn't even got the runs on the board yet...six quality games in one season does not make for 'captaincy' material. He needs to master his own game, then learn to bring his teem mates into it. As far as i'm concerned he's done neither to an appropriate degree.

While its good to see him have a good run of form, you've got to remember that he's been on the list for about 6 or 7 years and probably would've been delisted if he was at most other clubs by now. He has plenty of potential, but he needs to deliver on that potential before he can even be considered as captaincy material.

 

[chiliboy]

Its not crazy, although 6 weeks ago it would of been..

Which is why it cant/wont happen..

Green MUST be captain, he bleeds for the jumper, which is something i never ever thought i would say about him!

But its true, he has been outstanding!

Brock VC!

 

[JuveRule]

I wouldn't say no just yet. To have been retained in the leadership group after an average year obviously suggests that there's far more going on behind closed doors than we know about in terms of his standing with the players/coaches. This year he's started to repay the faith they've shown in him and I'm hoping that it continues into next year and beyond.

I'd hold off giving it to Brock - if you have a look at the way that Green, Miller & Bruce (who are the frontrunners for the main job) have conducted themselves both on and off the field this year and compare it to Brock, you get the sense (at least i do) that chook's actions leave a bit to be desired. I've got no doubt that Brock will captain us at some stage, and i think he'll do a great job, but he just doesn't seem to be the type who can handle the captaincy at a young age.

However, i hope in a way that he proves me wrong.