C-section Ammo's 2007

[The Tigers Nuts]

Gees, cut people some slack, willya?

This is the one time of the year when you can safely make predictions of glory and bask in the warmth of what might be.

Why be a killjoy? Allow me to say "This is the year of the Tigers! Premiers 2007!!!" and feel a little tingle of happiness. I probably won't get the opportunity later in the season when they have won 5 and lost 10, Richo is banging them out on the full, and they are vying for bottom three position on the ladder.

Same thing here in C section!

Tigernuts

 

[Jack Mihocek]

Far bit of chatter regarding players in C grade this year but what about the coaching staff who has new coaches? Often it can take a year for a coach to get their team platying the way they want. New coaches that I am aware of are

Friars
Reds
Rovers

any others?

 

[Scribe]

Jack - you might mean Parkdale, who are being led by Dale Bower in 2007, rather than Hampton, who are in D1 this season.

Not aware of any other coaching changes as yet.

 

[kingbrown]

Friars to smash the Reds in the grand final

Parkdale and Rupo to be relegated, not impressed with Rupo last year against the struggling Bulleen Temp, too short

Its a shame the Friars are atleast a few years away from possibly fielding a superb old boys side, but hopefully a few of the superstars return to the club by the time we get back to A grade

Old Camberwell are a joke, it would mean C grade is alot weaker than I thought if they made the finals, I used to enjoy being sent out there but their performances this year put me to sleep they were so ******** (Although one day was too cold to fall asleep and the ground is a disgrace, a little bit of rain puts it underwater )

Its so good to be able to discuss VAFA footy freely now

Eddie, you are clearly a mad Big Footy contributor. Good on ya! I don't recall you being unimpressed with Rupo against BT last year. In fact you were glowing. As a Rupo man i would be slightly concerned if you were an umpire as i suspect, generally people making predictions would attempt to ensure their thoughts are achieved. God help Old Camberwell. Our performance last year against BT was the best in our history and all the boys are still growing!!!

 

[eddiesmith]

Eddie, you are clearly a mad Big Footy contributor. Good on ya! I don't recall you being unimpressed with Rupo against BT last year. In fact you were glowing. As a Rupo man i would be slightly concerned if you were an umpire as i suspect, generally people making predictions would attempt to ensure their thoughts are achieved. God help Old Camberwell. Our performance last year against BT was the best in our history and all the boys are still growing!!!

There is a reason I am able to make bold predictions for the upcoming season after being careful the last 5 years

As for Rupo, they werent that great against BT who were extremely poor last season and on what I saw Rupo are not good enough to challenge the top teams in C grade

 

[kingbrown]

There is a reason I am able to make bold predictions for the upcoming season after being careful the last 5 years

As for Rupo, they werent that great against BT who were extremely poor last season and on what I saw Rupo are not good enough to challenge the top teams in C grade

Eddie we have been written off more times than Shane Warnes marriage. Be bold, make your predictions, we will enjoy the challenge of "C" Grade no matter where we finish.

 

[Monkeyboy]

BT were in 2nd possy until about rd 16 last year. They were full strength the day they played Rupo at Bulleen. Including a few gun under 19's.
Yes Rupo are short, but they are full of kids who have so much room for improvement. Never have i seen a younger side. I am guessing that they had 15 players in their teens??
They have gone from D4 to C in 4 years (this may not be true, but KB can correct me if i am wrong) so they deserve massive respect.
Rupo will not be relegated. How could Sandra let this happen!

KB - All the boys playing again next year? Any recruiting? Any bad departures?

Cheers,

Monkey

 

[eddiesmith]

BT were 2nd? Damn, they didnt play like it that day One of the worst games for the year that I saw

 

[Monkeyboy]

BT were 2nd? Damn, they didnt play like it that day One of the worst games for the year that I saw

Yeah. Believe it or not, BT went from 2nd at rd 17, to 5th after the loss. If they won, they would have finished 2nd behind Carey, and if they had lost by less than 10 goals, they would have still made the finals at Rupos expense.
Funny game footy.

 

[Concrete boots]

As much as we all enjoy speculating about the relative strengths of each and every side/list/club going into the commencement of pre-season 2007 for C section, I think a few points should be born in mind:

1. picking up a couple of gun players (as I believe the Wellers have in Rory Hilton and Rayden Tallis) could be a double-edged sword in that:

(a) the side/club may rely too heavily on these talented players who, without devoting the same amount of time and effort to their own game as they would have when playing at the highest level, may actually struggle to find their way in Ammo footy for a while. So it's important that clubs don't put too much of an emphasis or reliance on any gun players they may acquire; but

(b) the real positive should be in the enthusiasm it can engender in the younger players on the list, who should feel extra motivation to put in harder to earn the right to play with these high profile players.

2. the key to a good season is to have as many of your players, regardless of their talent levels, putting in as full a pre-season as possible. Sides which perform well in C section usually have deeper lists (St Bede's 2006) or fitter lists (AJAX 2006) than the rest. Whilst it's good to have your best players up and flying in March, it's even better if they've got 45-50 mates in the same nick.

3. clubs who have effected minor or wholesale changes to their coaching staff (Friars, Reds, Vultures) have the benefit of players returning with renewed enthusiasm and the perception of a 'clean slate'. Naturally, there are several regular senior players who the coaching staff will be informed about, and would expect to return to those roles BUT (and again this gets back to list depth), if the non-automatic senior players feel there's a chance to cement a spot in the senior side via a big pre-season and good early form, then that's going to help with achieving the key goals of a fit and deep list in good form.

4. I believe there's every chance a Rupertswood or Old Carey could start the season on fire, whilst a Mazenod or Whitefriars could start with a splutter. It all comes down to the next 3 months and I don't care how good/bad/otherwise sides looked when playing in B, C or D Section last season, that's ancient history, and should not be used as any guide to the prospects of any C section team for 2007.

Bring it on......

 

[kingbrown]

BT were in 2nd possy until about rd 16 last year. They were full strength the day they played Rupo at Bulleen. Including a few gun under 19's.
Yes Rupo are short, but they are full of kids who have so much room for improvement. Never have i seen a younger side. I am guessing that they had 15 players in their teens??
They have gone from D4 to C in 4 years (this may not be true, but KB can correct me if i am wrong) so they deserve massive respect.
Rupo will not be relegated. How could Sandra let this happen!

KB - All the boys playing again next year? Any recruiting? Any bad departures?

Cheers,

Monkey

We at this stage have not lost anybody to other clubs. Players are being offered considerable money elsewhere, they have to this date not succumbed. We do have some strong possibilities in the recruiting area but cannot completely commit any names. I do believe Rupo would be an exciting place for a veteran footballer to end his career without the dollars. The young blokes have grown and we are happy, they are a very close group. How much better is "C" Grade than D1, i was very impressed with the competition of D1 and loved it. 5 goals? 10 goals?

 

[can't mark can't kick]

Concrete Boots
there seems to be a serious flaw in your post.
for some reason you are using logic and sense to construct a valid set of well-thought points.
Please remember this is BigFooty and as such, in future, you will be asked to check these items at the door.
thank you
CMCK

 

[can't mark can't kick]

Eddie we have been written off more times than Shane Warnes marriage. Be bold, make your predictions, we will enjoy the challenge of "C" Grade no matter where we finish.

Eddie, Rupo may not look much when you see them play, but they certainly have one of the most important commodities for any team (football or otherwise) and that is an undeliable team-ethic. It is this that will take them a fair way in 2007, but they will also need to bolster their stocks with a bit more talent to continue the rise they have enjoyed in the last five years. don't expect to see them return to any of the D-grades in the next few years.
KB & boys best of luck for 2007, hopefully a trip to Toorak Park will be on your agenda in 2008, unless of course you do make it to B section.

 

[DG-Man]

Very quiet on the C-Grade thread. Any rumours or club info? How about some season predictions?

Friars and Reds favourites??

 

[BarryDawson]

Very quiet on the C-Grade thread. Any rumours or club info? How about some season predictions?

Friars and Reds favourites??

I am so sick of mid Jan predictions and player rumours. How about some facts like, how are clubs unable to use their ovals training? I'm bored of running up the beach and want to kick a footy at a set of posts. What is your club doing in order to prepare for a season that may not even happen?

Sorry DG, no offence intended, just getting frustrated with the drought!

 

[overtheline]

Very quiet on the C-Grade thread. Any rumours or club info? How about some season predictions?

Friars and Reds favourites??

Spot on D-G, Reds and Friars clearly the top two, with a large gap to Mazenod and Carey. Reds have made a very impressive start to pre-season and I understand the friars are very, very confident of doing well.

 

[Grant Thomas]

Who at the moment are actually training on their ground?

 

[Midas]

Just some food for thought for opposition supporters/coaching staff/players - do your homework on Rupo!

They are the most underestimated team I've been involved against in three years of involvement at the Two Blues, and they are just one of those teams, a little like Sydney, that find a way to win but look like absolute battlers.

The facts are this - they are skillful without being flashy, they are quick without looking flashy, they are first in and hard at it without looking tough, and they are one of the most willing to learn, listen and develop sides you'll come up against. Most of all their effort is consistent.

Can they make the step up - I still have grave doubts, but be prepared when you play them. Do some homework because if you don't they'll be 6-3 at the half way mark before you know it and full of self belief - that will make them difficult to stop. Crush them early and they might start to question themselves.

Just an opinion.

 

[Scribe]

Who at the moment are actually training on their ground?

Reds are being asked to tread softly on Peterson Oval at present, but a few more days of rain may see things improve. Most ball work is being done in the smaller ovals in the Edinburgh Gardens, with longer / full ground drills only on the main deck.

If things don't improve, we have a few contingency plans in place, with alternative venues available if necessary.

Better news is the quantity and quality of players who have fronted. I've already met 90+ blokes whose names I'm starting to pick up, and plenty of them are new recruits. Obviously a few from Trinity, and a couple of other A grade clubs, with a sprinkling of suburban and country lads who've played seniors in strong bush leagues.

A few more big blokes would be handy, 'coz we don't really want Mappa to have to hold down CHF in the seniors on his own. We're currently working on our "running game plan" at the moment, which means lots of blokes waking up a little tight below the waist. I reckon a few more should've joined me in my optional 10 x 250m strides after training last night, but.....

All-in-all I'm very impressed, and excited.

 

[overtheline]

Reds are being asked to tread softly on Peterson Oval at present, but a few more days of rain may see things improve. Most ball work is being done in the smaller ovals in the Edinburgh Gardens, with longer / full ground drills only on the main deck.

If things don't improve, we have a few contingency plans in place, with alternative venues available if necessary.

Better news is the quantity and quality of players who have fronted. I've already met 90+ blokes whose names I'm starting to pick up, and plenty of them are new recruits. Obviously a few from Trinity, and a couple of other A grade clubs, with a sprinkling of suburban and country lads who've played seniors in strong bush leagues.

A few more big blokes would be handy, 'coz we don't really want Mappa to have to hold down CHF in the seniors on his own. We're currently working on our "running game plan" at the moment, which means lots of blokes waking up a little tight below the waist. I reckon a few more should've joined me in my optional 10 x 250m strides after training last night, but.....

All-in-all I'm very impressed, and excited.

Well said Frase! Basically what I have been saying all summer about the Reds...lots of quality recruits and a new era! Friars the only danger.

 

[Scribe]

Well said Frase! Basically what I have been saying all summer about the Reds...lots of quality recruits and a new era! Friars the only danger.

Unfortunately for the Friars, they are one of the C section sides who are not permitted to train on their ground (NB - Trinity were asked if they could spare the Bulleen grounds one night per week for the Friars until things improve, but I don't think it's possible).

Whilst it's still 7 or 8 weeks before practice matches, it is a big concern as all players would prefer a pre-season involving T W Sherrins, lush grass and big white sticks, rather than running tracks, weights rooms and swimming pools. I guess those clubs who can keep their pre-season programs as close to normal may have a slight advantage re: preparation going into round 1.

 

[Surly23]

Unfortunately for the Friars, they are one of the C section sides who are not permitted to train on their ground (NB - Trinity were asked if they could spare the Bulleen grounds one night per week for the Friars until things improve, but I don't think it's possible).

Whilst it's still 7 or 8 weeks before practice matches, it is a big concern as all players would prefer a pre-season involving T W Sherrins, lush grass and big white sticks, rather than running tracks, weights rooms and swimming pools. I guess those clubs who can keep their pre-season programs as close to normal may have a slight advantage re: preparation going into round 1.

The two OC's from what I am hearing will romp in C section in 2007. Strong recruiting from both clubs of Scotch player who are feed up with RA RA!

 

[Mappa]

'coz we don't really want Mappa to have to hold down CHF in the seniors on his own.

You can say that again. You wouldn't even want Mappa holding down CHF in the 4ths on his own !

 

[Archangel17]

With thoughts of retirement, and of maybe finishing my career elsewhere i have watched a few sides train preseason(before and after christmas) without actually joining in.

Have seen OGS, OC*2, Fitzroy,Prahran , Sth Melbourne.

The most impressive numbers wise was Fitzroy who seemed to have plenty on the track- hard to guage skills preseason, but seemed to have some handy types. OC* 2 both looked ok- Old Carey seemed to have some pretty big boys and after playing against them in previous seasons, they seem to have picked up a few. Old Camberwell looked slick , but no sign of supposed guns. OGs were average- Sth Melbourne were impressive for a D2 team, and Prahran seemed to have plenty of new faces. On the rumour scale have also heard several OS are headed to both OC- the big rumour is that the FF is headed to Carey- didnt see him either- but then wouldnt know what he looked like so that is a pointless observation.

I think Fitzroy, and both OC will contest finals.Rupo will need to recruit strongly- just dont have the bodies, size or experience to cope , despite all their heart.

 

[overtheline]

With thoughts of retirement, and of maybe finishing my career elsewhere i have watched a few sides train preseason(before and after christmas) without actually joining in.

Have seen OGS, OC*2, Fitzroy,Prahran , Sth Melbourne.

The most impressive numbers wise was Fitzroy who seemed to have plenty on the track- hard to guage skills preseason, but seemed to have some handy types. OC* 2 both looked ok- Old Carey seemed to have some pretty big boys and after playing against them in previous seasons, they seem to have picked up a few. Old Camberwell looked slick , but no sign of supposed guns. OGs were average- Sth Melbourne were impressive for a D2 team, and Prahran seemed to have plenty of new faces. On the rumour scale have also heard several OS are headed to both OC- the big rumour is that the FF is headed to Carey- didnt see him either- but then wouldnt know what he looked like so that is a pointless observation.

I think Fitzroy, and both OC will contest finals.Rupo will need to recruit strongly- jsut dont have the bodies, size or experience to cope , despite all their heart.

Interesting to note that according to their websites, Carey started on Monday and Camberwell haven't started yet! So are all these observatios based on Monday's session or were you at all the sessions pre-christmas?
Agree thats Reds are impressive!