Changes for next Week

[crow07]

I think that the main area for improvement atm is in the ruck / clearances. We are getting smashed, and bringing in Knights could hopefully improve this area.

As for Walker, for the amount of time he is spending on the ground he is averaging something like 3 shots on goal a game. Against Port he got 1.1. The one he missed he tried to bend around when he could have kicked it straight through as he has before. As well as that he tried to kick a big one from 50 which was marked on the line and had a fresh airy just outside of the square.

I know you can read as much as you like into anything you see and over analysis everything, but if the midfield gets it down there enough and he gets game time it will happen. Some of his weaknesses are important but others are not. He does need to hit the pack alot harder and make those marks stick, but he doesn't need to spend his time running around chasing defenders, someone like patrenko, dangerfield, jacky, cook should be down there as a crumber and putting the pressure on.

Its as though he needs a bit of a rev up and to be told to back himself and his ability.

Why doesn't dangerfield play more in the forward line?

lastly, back to the midfield, Vince needs some help so the others need to step up and really have an impact.

 

[Porps is a star!!]

Cook and Douglas out for me, with Maric & Knights to come in (as someone else suggested so we have two full time ruckman and play Tippett down forward for the whole game)

Would like to see Stiffy or Mcleod go forward this week.

Forward line:

HF Walker Stevens Dangerfield
FF Stiffy/Macca Tippett Porps.

maybe we could actually kick a half decent score!!

 

[Jars458]

No howls, just curious as to why him.

I reckon both have had more good games than at least two of our senior player this year

He hasn't really been getting enough of the ball for mine despite being solid. Symes adds a bit more physical presecene which I think we need after Saturday night.

If yo mean Goodwin and McLeod?? then its fair to say that certain senior players will not be dropped. I don't think any of htem have been that bad so far but a few more weeks could see me change my mind. I think Edwards has been excellent most games other than Saturdaynight where he burnt far too much ball.

 

[marvin]

He hasn't really been getting enough of the ball for mine despite being solid. Symes adds a bit more physical presecene which I think we need after Saturday night.

Fair enough. I'm always prepared to accept Mackay as a sub 20 possession player more than I am with some others, because he's good at lifting the eyes and looking upfield as his first option. And I wouldn't be crying with Symes as an inclusion.

If yo mean Goodwin and McLeod?? then its fair to say that certain senior players will not be dropped. I don't think any of htem have been that bad so far but a few more weeks could see me change my mind. I think Edwards has been excellent most games other than Saturdaynight where he burnt far too much ball.

I'm referring generally to a number of our 100 game plus players. Edwards has been better than I expected. Thompson's working his way back to form. Stiffy's had more good games than bad, especially in the circumstances. Bock's going OK.

However, Doughty's been quieter than I'd like (only 1 possession per game more than Mackay). Truck's down at the moment. Stevens has been in/out/unconscious, but way below his best the last 2 weeks. McLeod has had one good game and a couple of OK ones, and Goodwin's been mixed.

My worry about Goodwin is that although his raw statistics are fine, we've got him and McLeod both trying to play the same (quarterback, for want of a better word) role. They are both low in contested possessions, and they've both laid only one more tackle than Taylor Walker, which considering they are defenders isn't a pretty picture.

 

[CROW36]

in : knights, symes, moran, maric

out: vanberlo, cook, griffen, stevens

stevens out cos you just cant reward pathetic soft displays like that with another game

I agree with Stevens having a spell, needs a couple of games in SANFL to instil some confidence back but, as far as VB goes I could'nt believe how bad his skills were after watching the replay (with much pain I might add) I saw at least four turn overs that he alone created. He is a senior player now and should'nt be making those mistakes but, I suppose these are the sort of things that happen when you are hesitant to play the game plan the way the coaching staff want you to play .I know there was no excuse for the way we played the game over the weekend no intensity at all but we had a young side.After doing my research I discovered that at least 10 players only had 191 games between them, do you think that counts for anything.
What are your thoughts.

 

[adelaide_40]

Out: Cook, Stevens.

In: Knights, Maric.

Cook unlucky dont think he played really bad but he is the most obvious choice for knights to come back in. Stevens needs some time in the SANFL.

I'd like to see Maric and Griffin in while tippet is played up foward.

 

[ruscy002]

The more I think about it, the more I believe that the best way forward is to play both Maric and Griffin in the ruck with Tippett up forward. While this means that we're not taking advantage of the flexibility that Tippett brings as a forward/ruckman, it gives us something that we desperately need in general, which is stability and predictability.

Tippett is an imposing figure in the forward line, and the guys bringing the ball forward might do so with a bit more confidence in knowing that our best contested target is always going to be there, it's the right kind of predictability that we're currently lacking. That's not to say that you go to him all the time...others like Porpy, Walker, Moran, Stevens and Petrenko are all clever on the lead, so the midfielders should be able to look up and see the available options. But if all else fails, the quick decision (can't emphasise the word 'quick' enough here) to go long to Tippett will work, even if he only clunks one out of five then it's working.

This obviously doesn't help with regards to getting smashed in the clearances (which was a huge problem on Saturday night) but I'd like to think that using two full time specialist ruckmen is a start. Knights coming back in will help, but the problem seems bigger than something that can be rectified by bringing in one quality midfielder, and another ruckman for that matter. If these inclusions did turn things around then I'd be incredibly worried about our attitude and/or depth.

 

[TheLeftFist8]

In Knights Symes Maric

Out Cook (unlucky) Mackay(waits for the howls of derision) Walker.

Maic and Griffin to share the ruck. TIppett permanant forward. Realise that Moran may be a more versatile option than either Griffin or Maric.

Edit - perhaps Douglas should go before McKay. Both though are not doing enough IMO.

I can totally see why you have listed Mackay...he isn't get enough of it for the position he is playing. I actually reckon he is potentially a great ball user and a reasonably good attacking player. As such I'd move him off the wing where he is a little lost at present and put him on McLeod's HBF (who is getting tagged out too easily at present). Douglas to get the boot first.

Cannot agree re Maric. Has zero form in the ruck and while he played well up forward for Port, his will not be adequate defensively once the ball inevitably spills in the Crows forward line. Totally different to SANFL (see the criticism of Walker by others). Moran is ahead of Maric on both fronts.

 

[footy4ever]

OUT

Cook Walker, Douglas

IN

Knights Maric Symes

Macca to hff of fp / Symes to hbf

Tippet to FF

Knights to mid.

 

[footy4ever]

Ok so let's look at our (afc) stats for Walker.
He has:
Kicked 9 goals (2nd highest in team)
Had 20 scoring shots (9 goals 11 points) (Highest in our team)
Contributed to 10 goals (either his own goal or goal assists - 2nd highest in the team)

As a team which really struggles to kick a score, why do we want him dropped again?

As a side note, our leading goal kickers are:
Porplyzia 16
Walker 9
Tippett 7
Dangerfield 6

Yeah, I reckon you're right. I take back dropping Walker.

 

[johnnypanther]

changes for next week:

- send the coaches on holidays and tell the players to just get out there and play instinctive football

 

[WALL-e]

changes for next week:

- send the coaches on holidays and tell the players to just get out there and play instinctive football

Kurt Tippett posts up and calls for the isolation while Brad Moran alternates from rowing down the field to throwing backwards.

Brian Donnelly Stages for the penalty before going home and beating his wife for not having the potatoes cooked.

I'd pay to see that.

 

[Elder van Berlo]

Kurt Tippett posts up and calls for the isolation while Brad Moran alternates from rowing down the field to throwing backwards.

Brian Donnelly Stages for the penalty before going home and beating his wife for not having the potatoes cooked.

I'd pay to see that.

All whilst kicking the ball up to himself every 10m...

 

[KUNG FU]

Mackay is currently 4th at the club in clearances, one of the best kicks in the team and a 3rd year player. Not going to happen.

IN: Knights, Maric
OUT: Cook, Griffin

Harsh on Cook, but he has the most to benefit from the SANFL than any others.

 

[WALL-e]

Mackay is currently 4th at the club in clearances, one of the best kicks in the team and a 3rd year player. Not going to happen.

IN: Knights, Maric
OUT: Cook, Griffin

Harsh on Cook, but he has the most to benefit from the SANFL than any others.

Harsh on Cook, but he'll do well with a MacKay/Otten like time in the SANFL.

I see Griffin staying, and Maric in.

Time to have Tipp a permanant forward.

He's he's a good clearance man, but his forward pressure is amazing for his size an provides a permanant option up there.

 

[srv23]

We desperately need some semblance of forward structure. With Walker coming off the bench and Tippett alternating between ruck and forward we don't have the big bodied forwards down there constantly who can take a strong contested mark. this leaves Porps as our key forward which is ridiculous. He's a great player but we need to use his combination of strong clean hands and ability at ground level to cause a defensive mismatch. He should not be getting Matty Scarlett standing him.

We need to bring in Moran/Maric so that Tippett can play as a permanent forward - I know his ruck work has been very good but we desperately need some height and strength up forward.

Walker needs to start on the ground and be given the oppurtunity to get the feel of the game from the start. Lets actually give the opposition a forward line that challenges teams defensively. Tip will get the best big defender and Porps the best mid size leaving Walker as the "third best forward" so to speak. He needs other big bodies around him - he's only 19. Yes he desperately needs to improve his defensive game, chasing, tackling etc but we also need to channel that immense confidence he has (had???) and give him every oppurtunity to develop in the AFL, from the opening siren, with some other big bodies around him. He looked much better I thought when Rowdy was down there with him.

In short I think we need the selection committee to sit down and work out what we want our forward structure to look like in 2-3 years and work out the best way of developing those players within that structure. If we want Tippett to be a key forward then play him there. He's big and strong and creates a target. Get Porps/Dougie/Jacky whoever to stand under him because if he doesn't mark it he will bring it to ground. He is also incredibly agile at ground level. We can always give him a quick run in the ruck if he's struggling to get into the game but for me he should be spending 80-90% of his game time up forward.

I also think Stevo hasn't looked right since that knock and needs a spell to get his confidence back because he is fast becoming one of our most important players. Need him right and back in the 22 because the versatility he gives us is invaluable.

Cook is exciting and trys his guts out but is just not quite ready yet.

Knights must come in. Is a ball magnet and can actually get the ball inside a pack. Desperately needed his contested ball work on Sat night.

So for me:

Out: Stevens, Cook

In: Maric/Moran, Knights

 

[WALL-e]

Agree srv23,

I wouldn't be opposed to bring in Moran and go what some people are saying is 4 rucks.

St Kilda work it well.

Tipp FF Moran CHF Walker FP Maric and Griff rotate in the Ruck, one can go forward when Moran/Tippett need a rest.

 

[srv23]

It's an interesting one WALL-e. I think that calling them 4 ruckmen is a little misleading. Grif and Maric are definite rucks but Tip and Moran are both very versatile players. Both tall and athletic. Tip I believe we should genuinely be calling a key forward who also rucks and I see no reason why we can't play 3 "rucks ".

Moran is an interesting one. I really liked the little glimpses I saw of him up forward last year and he's a surprisingly good kick for goal.

I can't see Craigy ever playing all 4 but I have a feeling that IF he ever plays all 3 it will be Tip/Moran and 1 of Grif or Maric because of the versatilty Moran and Tip gives us. And we know Craigy wants all his players to be versatile.

Personally I'd eventually like our structure to be Maric and Grif in ruck with Tip permanent forward. Would love to see Moran get another go given his SANFL form though.

However I think Craigy is determined to only play 2 of the 4 in any one game.

 

[WALL-e]

I only see 2 of them as rucks as well.

I doubt we'll see all 4 especially against the Doggies, but Moran can play back as well so he can go almost anywhere.

 

[srv23]

Yeah. I'm worried that given it is the doggies we're playing that we'll persist with only playing 2 rucks. But we could really exploit them with height up forward if we brought in Maric or Moran.

 

[rooboy]

I couldn't disagree more. Define development for me?! Can he develop a better workrate in SANFL? Can he develop a better tackling technique in the SANFL? Can he learn to attack the contest better in the SANFL?!

Those are all the things that Walker needs to work on and those are all the things he CAN develop in SANFL.

When players are sent back to the SANFL they are given specific reasons why and specific instructions on what they need to improve on. I very much doubt that kicking goals is an instruction that would be given to Walker. His instructions would be very clear: lift your work rate, increase your defensive pressure, tackle better, attack the contest harder. It certainly won't be kick some goals and you will be back.

Don't see why Walker would be sent back to the SANFL to learn those three skills, as Macca won't be.

 

[ruscy002]

Harsh on Cook, but he'll do well with a MacKay/Otten like time in the SANFL.

I see Griffin staying, and Maric in.

Time to have Tipp a permanant forward.

He's he's a good clearance man, but his forward pressure is amazing for his size an provides a permanant option up there.

Agree srv23,

I wouldn't be opposed to bring in Moran and go what some people are saying is 4 rucks.

St Kilda work it well.

Tipp FF Moran CHF Walker FP Maric and Griff rotate in the Ruck, one can go forward when Moran/Tippett need a rest.

It's an interesting one WALL-e. I think that calling them 4 ruckmen is a little misleading. Grif and Maric are definite rucks but Tip and Moran are both very versatile players. Both tall and athletic. Tip I believe we should genuinely be calling a key forward who also rucks and I see no reason why we can't play 3 "rucks ".

Moran is an interesting one. I really liked the little glimpses I saw of him up forward last year and he's a surprisingly good kick for goal.

I can't see Craigy ever playing all 4 but I have a feeling that IF he ever plays all 3 it will be Tip/Moran and 1 of Grif or Maric because of the versatilty Moran and Tip gives us. And we know Craigy wants all his players to be versatile.

Personally I'd eventually like our structure to be Maric and Grif in ruck with Tip permanent forward. Would love to see Moran get another go given his SANFL form though.

However I think Craigy is determined to only play 2 of the 4 in any one game.

I've been an advocate for this line of thinking for a while now as well. Considering the way we've used the bench lately, I can't imagine that we'd be disadvantaged in terms of rotations with having the extra talls in the team.

Are the Bulldogs the right team to kick this off against though? Historically you'd say no because of matchup issues, but in good weather (which we're expecting for Sunday) the extra tall timber up forward could prove a decisive move. If Rutten is carrying an injury as many have speculated then it's also an opportunity to give him a rest. While I can't exactly remember what happened in our round 22 clash with the doggies last year, I certainly remember that in round 1 we didn't have a match up for him.

Interestingly, Maric (24 hitouts) and Tippett (9) broke even with Minson (23) and Skipper (10) in the hitouts in round 22. In round 1, Griffin (18) and Tippett (9) soundly beat Minson (10) and Hudson (9). I see us as being able to take a major advantage in the middle of the ground by playing both Maric AND Griffin in the ruck this week.

Do it craigy

 

[TheLeftFist8]

Looks like Rucci is advocating for Maric to return

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/sport/afl/story/0,26547,25430484-5014664,00.html


In their current form, playing Maric and Griffin leaves us a man down who must always be on the bench.

Noble reckons they can play forward and Moran back

Griffin can not play forward.

Maric can outmark smaller players and kick straight but will never be of consistent value up forward as he is a dinosaur

Moran is better than both up forward and should come in before we have two underperforming rucks who cant do much else

 

[L_Maximus]

Looks like Rucci is advocating for Maric to return

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/sport/afl/story/0,26547,25430484-5014664,00.html


In their current form, playing Maric and Griffin leaves us a man down who must always be on the bench.

Noble reckons they can play forward and Moran back

Griffin can not play forward.

Maric can outmark smaller players and kick straight but will never be of consistent value up forward as he is a dinosaur

Moran is better than both up forward and should come in before we have two underperforming rucks who cant do much else

Spot on - I'd like to see Moran given a chance up forward and leave Kurt + one of Ivan/Griff rotating in the ruck. Moran is by far the most mobile of all 4 rucks, however probably the least convicining in terms of what he's shown in the past (apart from the 4 goal effort against Carlton).

On a completely different topic, can I just say as a Melbourne based crows supported, I AM COMPLETELY LIVID WITH CHANNEL 7. This Sunday there are two matches: Crows vs Bulldogs and WCE v Melbourne. Guess what they're showing on Channel 10.

A REPLAY OF LAST YEAR'S GRAND FINAL.. FOR THE 20TH SODDING TIME!!!

This is absolutely disrespectful for not only crows/eagles supporters based in Melbourne, but more so for Melbourne & Bulldogs supporters. I mean, really come on, I understand that if there's ever a match with 2 Vic teams, they will always show this (delayed) in preference to a Interstate vs Vic... but to not show either of this Sunday's matches just shows pure disdain for supporters of these clubs.

Yes I realise it is easy to get along to a pub and watch it on Foxtel but it's the pure principle of it that I'm so furious about.

Channel 7, YOU SUCK.

 

[WALL-e]

Foxtel have the rights to both games.

Chennel 10 moved their Sunday game to Monday night. (StK v Pies)