Changes for next week

[bigman]

I have some concerns over a few players who seem to have lost the spark they had a few weeks ago.

Roo looked a million dollars in his first few games, but now looks as though he has aged 30 years. Is he playing hurt? Should he be given one or two weeks rest. If he is crook, we should look at Needles, Weekends or even Welshy

I stated in another thread Drummond will be happy that a number of us on the BF Boards agre with him that Clarkey should take some time off - he looks tired. I thought Biggles played very well in ruck yesterday and when he was on the ball he gave Thommo and and Gooday an armchair ride. When Doc came on we seemed to lose much of our momentum. Give him a rest for a week. Bring in the wild cossack -young Ivan.

Mattner also seems to be struggling. He has lost that quick acceleration, which has become a trademark of his game. Does he also need a rest? If he is carrying an injury bring in Edwards. If Tys is not fit bring in Horney Torney.

I honestly dont think we are playing as well as when we defeated the Bulldogs. We seem to have lost tour real intensity at the football which we have when are on song. Given there are a number of players that are not contributing as much as they have in recent weeks this is to be expected.

I watched the game closely, and although Shirley's men usually do not have big games (for example Nick Stevens today) Shirls does not seem to be getting as much of the ball this year and his ball handling has been poor at times - yesterday a case in point. VB could overtake Shirls in the next year or two as our number one tagger, given the improvement he has shown this year.

Lets hope Knighter gets some more game time next week. I thought his last quarter was the most convincing he has looked at this level since the NAB cup. He deserves to play a few games in the row to get used to the pace of the game and have more confidence to take other players on.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I watched the game closely, and although Shirley's men usually do not have big games (for example Nick Stevens today) Shirls does not seem to be getting as much of the ball this year and his ball handling has been poor at times - yesterday a case in point. VB could overtake Shirls in the next year or two as our number one tagger, given the improvement he has shown this year.

Now I didn't say it, or bring up the subject, BUT I agree completely.

Van Berlo has done a great job in his tagging roles and if I had to choose ATS it would be VB.

 

[bigman]

Now I didn't say it, or bring up the subject, BUT I agree completely.

Van Berlo has done a great job in his tagging roles and if I had to choose ATS it would be VB.

We will both be under attack now WW, but Shirls does not appear to be playing as well offensively this year.

Does anyone have his stats this year compared with last?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

We will both be under attack now WW, but Shirls does not appear to be playing as well offensively this year.

Does anyone have his stats this year compared with last?

Your trying get me attacked by Cro-Mo and Macca23 again

All I have said is that there are some richly talented kids coming thru and there will be a pecking order of who will make way for them....Skippy and Shirley head the list.
That does not mean those two are not good players .....just law of the jungle....unless someone can suggest others b4 them????

I do think Shirley has been steady, don't think he's a great tagger (minimal recognition from the industry) and that maybe he's a bit down on last years performances.

 

[bigman]

I must admit I am not a real Bode fan, but his form early in the year had me eating humble pie. He worked his clacker off and was duly rewarded with extended game time and good form.

His form since the concussion has not set the world on fire however.

I am not saying drop the little bugger, but he needs to get back to that form quickly, because he has Weekends, Needles, Welshy, Tyson, Knighter, Skippy and the Black Douglas (after injury) all breathing down his neck (sorry about the pun) wanting to get a game in front of him.

 

[bigman]

Your trying get me attacked by Cro-Mo and Macca23 again

All I have said is that there are some richly talented kids coming thru and there will be a pecking order of who will make way for them....Skippy and Shirley head the list.
That does not mean those two are not good players .....just law of the jungle....unless someone can suggest others b4 them????

I do think Shirley has been steady, don't think he's a great tagger (minimal recognition from the industry) and that maybe he's a bit down on last years performances.

Speaking of lack of recogntion WW, Dogga must get some respect and an apology from many on the BF board now. There are still many people saying Dogga is just a depth player at best. His form in the last 6 weeks or so has been as consistent and good as anyone in the team except for Goody, Tyson and Stiffy. He is more than just a handy player. He is now an integral part of the team.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I must admit I am not a real Bode fan, but his form early in the year had me eating humble pie. He worked his clacker off and was duly rewarded with extended game time and good form.

His form since the concussion has not set the world on fire however.

I am not saying drop the little bugger, but he needs to get back to that form quickly, because he has Weekends, Needles, Welshy, Tyson, Knighter, Skippy and the Black Douglas (after injury) all breathing down his neck (sorry about the pun) wanting to get a game in front of him.

I think he's done enough to hold his spot and Craigs patience for some time ...it's really only been 2 quiet games and he might have a couple of niggles they're nursing him thru.

Not as if we have immediate replacements, what with most of ouy ready youngsters also injured.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Speaking of lack of recogntion WW, Dogga must get some respect and an apology from many on the BF board now. There are still many people saying Dogga is just a depth player at best. His form in the last 6 weeks or so has been as consistent and good as anyone in the team except for Goody, Tyson and Stiffy. He is more than just a handy player. He is now an integral part of the team.

Dogga was ALWAYS mis-diagnosed by most on this board:

He was never a "scared" player not going for hard balls
He was one of the most highly skilled players on our list....some said the best kick, IMO his handballing was spot on.

But he has had an injury interrupted career and we are now seeing what he's capable of.

Continueing this form and he WILL NOT be in the backbone group much longer.

 

[bigman]

WW yesterday you suggested I was too harsh on Mass. Did you get a chance to watch the tape. I thought he was a bit loose on Slappy Lappin. (mind you in the second quarter so was most of the backline) and Slappy got three quick goals on him. I think Craigy took him off for this. Have I got this wrong or am I being too tough on the boy?

Dont get me wrong WW. Mass has been one of more consistent players this year and he has once again caused me to eat more of that pie. Betwen him and Bodey I need to go to weightwatchers. I do not want this to be an opportunity for others to say that he should be dropped either. He deserves an extended run in the team and I thought his last quarter was very good. I loved that quick reflex handball he speared through two players which resulted in a goal. Magical stuff Doughtyesque in nature

 

[WaynesWorld19]

WW yesterday you suggested I was too harsh on Mass. Did you get a chance to watch the tape. I thought he was a bit loose on Slappy Lappin. (mind you in the second quarter so was most of the backline) and Slappy got three quick goals on him. I think Craigy took him off for this. Have I got this wrong or am I being too tough on the boy?

Dont get me wrong WW. Mass has been one of more consistent players this year and he has once again caused me to eat more of that pie. Betwen him and Bodey I need to go to weightwatchers. I do not want this to be an opportunity for others to say that he should be dropped either. He deserves an extended run in the team and I thought his last quarter was very good. I loved that quick reflex handball he speared through two players which resulted in a goal. Magical stuff Doughtyesque in nature

Haven't watched tape in detail but it's often hard watching TV as you don't pickup all the matchups properly and players are changing roles and opponents frequently.

So it's hard to say ....maybe those who were at the game would be in a better position to comment

 

[Eggzoi]

Robert Shirley Career

Season	Num	MT	Team	        K	H	D	Avg	M	Avg	HO	Avg	T	Avg	FF	FA	G	Avg	B	SC	Rat	Avg
2006	12	9	Adelaide	50	90	140	15.6	23	2.6	1	0.1	25	2.8	4	5	2	0.2	0	12	501	55.7
2005	12	24	Adelaide	129	232	361	15	55	2.3	13	0.5	79	3.3	21	12	10	0.4	4	64	1394	58.1

I was feeling the same way about Shirley, but statistically apart from tackle count, he's having his best ever year. Something does seem off about him though.

 

[noddy]

Robert Shirley Career

Season	Num	MT	Team	        K	H	D	Avg	M	Avg	HO	Avg	T	Avg	FF	FA	G	Avg	B	SC	Rat	Avg
2006	12	9	Adelaide	50	90	140	15.6	23	2.6	1	0.1	25	2.8	4	5	2	0.2	0	12	501	55.7
2005	12	24	Adelaide	129	232	361	15	55	2.3	13	0.5	79	3.3	21	12	10	0.4	4	64	1394	58.1

I was feeling the same way about Shirley, but statistically apart from tackle count, he's having his best ever year. Something does seem off about him though.

Now i mean this in the nicest possible way but maybe it's because that Shirl's is just your "typical blue collar no frills worker" & a lot of his work on the ground does go unnoticed.

 

[Alex99]

Robert Shirley Career

Season	Num	MT	Team	        K	H	D	Avg	M	Avg	HO	Avg	T	Avg	FF	FA	G	Avg	B	SC	Rat	Avg
2006	12	9	Adelaide	50	90	140	15.6	23	2.6	1	0.1	25	2.8	4	5	2	0.2	0	12	501	55.7
2005	12	24	Adelaide	129	232	361	15	55	2.3	13	0.5	79	3.3	21	12	10	0.4	4	64	1394	58.1

I was feeling the same way about Shirley, but statistically apart from tackle count, he's having his best ever year. Something does seem off about him though.

Remember Robert Shirley is simply a tagger, nothing more, nothing less.

Don’t judge his form on how many times he gets the ball, judge it on much influence his direct opponent has on the game.

Robert Shirty was tagging Heath Scotland (Nick Stevens was running with Simon Goodwin) and Scotland may have got it 33 times but how many of those disposals were ineffective and did little or no damage at all, he got that ball in the defensive 50 and 85% of his disposals were soft gets.

That’s how he should be judged, not by his own possession count.

 

[bigman]

Robert Shirley Career

Season	Num	MT	Team	        K	H	D	Avg	M	Avg	HO	Avg	T	Avg	FF	FA	G	Avg	B	SC	Rat	Avg
2006	12	9	Adelaide	50	90	140	15.6	23	2.6	1	0.1	25	2.8	4	5	2	0.2	0	12	501	55.7
2005	12	24	Adelaide	129	232	361	15	55	2.3	13	0.5	79	3.3	21	12	10	0.4	4	64	1394	58.1

I was feeling the same way about Shirley, but statistically apart from tackle count, he's having his best ever year. Something does seem off about him though.

Thanks for the details Eggzoi.

 

[bigman]

Remember Robert Shirley is simply a tagger, nothing more, nothing less.

Don’t judge his form on how many times he gets the ball, judge it on much influence his direct opponent has on the game.

Robert Shirty was tagging Heath Scotland (Nick Stevens was running with Simon Goodwin) and Scotland may have got it 33 times but how many of those disposals were ineffective and did little or no damage at all, he got that ball in the defensive 50 and 85% of his disposals were soft gets.

That’s how he should be judged, not by his own possession count.

Agree in part Crows 98. He mishandled the ball a couple of crucial times yesterday. He must be able to play his part when weh have the ball as well as be our best tagger atm.

 

[Leigh Roy]

I need a cheatsheet for all these new boys' nicknames!

 

[Stiffy_18]

Remember Robert Shirley is simply a tagger, nothing more, nothing less.

I disagree strongly.

He is more than just a tagger. A tagger is not the one at the bottom of the packs all the time. A tagger sticks to his man like glue, but Shirley does a fair bit of creating on his own. As noddy said, he is a blue collar type player and a lot of his work goes unnoticed.

And bigman, who the is Weekends?

 

[macca23]

Your trying get me attacked by Cro-Mo and Macca23 again
All I have said is that there are some richly talented kids coming thru and there will be a pecking order of who will make way for them....Skippy and Shirley head the list.
That does not mean those two are not good players .....just law of the jungle....unless someone can suggest others b4 them????

I do think Shirley has been steady, don't think he's a great tagger (minimal recognition from the industry) and that maybe he's a bit down on last years performances.

And I won't let you and the others down on this score WW!!

Chris McDermott interviewed Rob Shirley on 5AA this morning and complimented him on not only his game yesterday - which I thought was a good one - and his overall development as a player in recent years.

Crows98 correctly tried to explain what the role of a tagger is; noddy made a correct comment that some people don't seem to appreciate the blue collar workers in the side.

If you spoke to Craig, he would tell you point blank that Shirley is NOT a fringe player in this side. He plays an important role in the structure of the whole mid-field.

Hopefully you'll get there one day on this one WW - hopefully!!

We are blessed to have a young star in the making in van Berlo doing such a great job for one so young as a second tagger. VB is a far more naturally talented player than Shirley though, and IMO will end up playing a Mark Bickley type role in the mid-field, rather than that of a pure tagger.

VB won't be a replacement for Shirley in the mid-field - he's an extra.

 

[Von Douche]

And bigman, who the is Weekends?

Bernie Vince (Weekend at Bernie's)

 

[Eggzoi]

I'd just like to throw it out there again, some of the nicknames some of you people are giving players are just plain stupid.
Roo, good nickname, everyone knows who he is and has a good reason for being called that.
Stiffy, great nickname. Once again, everyone knows who he is, funny and quick and easy to say.
Weekends, The Black Douglas(or whatever someone called him), horrible nicknames. Hardly make sense, long, not terribly clever and require too much thinking about.
Also, I think someone was calling about 3 different players "Doc," sometime recently. Multiple players with the same nickname, stupid.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Dogga was ALWAYS mis-diagnosed by most on this board:

He was never a "scared" player not going for hard balls
He was one of the most highly skilled players on our list....some said the best kick, IMO his handballing was spot on.

But he has had an injury interrupted career and we are now seeing what he's capable of.

Continueing this form and he WILL NOT be in the backbone group much longer.

Let's not go overboard WW. I think most would agree that Doughty has increased his intensity at the contest by 200% but no need to rewrite history.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Your trying get me attacked by Cro-Mo and Macca23 again

All I have said is that there are some richly talented kids coming thru and there will be a pecking order of who will make way for them....Skippy and Shirley head the list.
That does not mean those two are not good players .....just law of the jungle....unless someone can suggest others b4 them????

I do think Shirley has been steady, don't think he's a great tagger (minimal recognition from the industry) and that maybe he's a bit down on last years performances.

Despite his obvious limitations as a player I find it incredibly confusing how an AFC supporter can't acknowledge and appreciate what Shirley brings to the table. How can you not appreciate one of your own who is willing to put his body on the line in every contest he is involved in. First in, last out, as a supporter, how can you not appreciate that. Unless of course you prefer the "outside", look at me look at me types. I bet your a big Jericho fan hey WW?

 

[bigman]

Despite his obvious limitations as a player I find it incredibly confusing how an AFC supporter can't acknowledge and appreciate what Shirley brings to the table. How can you not appreciate one of your own who is willing to put his body on the line in every contest he is involved in. First in, last out, as a supporter, how can you not appreciate that. Unless of course you prefer the "outside", look at me look at me types. I bet your a big Jericho fan hey WW?

To be fair to WW I brought up Shirleys name.

There have been times in recent weeks when his ball handling has let us down in pressure situations.

Surely we can be critical when this situation occurs.

Below his knees he has not been clean.

No-one is talking about his ability to keep key players from the oppositon from having a big game.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Dogga was ALWAYS mis-diagnosed by most on this board:

He was never a "scared" player not going for hard balls
He was one of the most highly skilled players on our list....some said the best kick, IMO his handballing was spot on.

But he has had an injury interrupted career and we are now seeing what he's capable of.

Continueing this form and he WILL NOT be in the backbone group much longer.

Do me a favour and look at the round 22 game of 2004 season and then tell me whether or not Doughty pulled out of numerous contests.

His attack on the man and the ball has increased a hell of a lot since then. Doughty of 2004 would NEVER go in for the hard footy the way he has for us so far this year.

 

[tribey]

Do me a favour and look at the round 22 game of 2004 season and then tell me whether or not Doughty pulled out of numerous contests.

His attack on the man and the ball has increased a hell of a lot since then. Doughty of 2004 would NEVER go in for the hard footy the way he has for us so far this year.

Totally agree on all counts, he has improved out of sight in that area.

WW is indulging in some revisionist history if he thinks Dogga never had issues in that regard.