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Consolidated Taylor Walker thread

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Re: Walker Now!!!

I can understand both sides of the argument, in one hand we got a kick arse forward who is our next Modra, but then again iff we play him there is a chance it can blow his confidence if plays a shocker, especially considering the hype around him.

What I reckon is get a game into him, let him know where he is and what to work on because as you all have stated SANFL and AFL are completely different things. Then next year we have an awesome forward who has perfected everything he needed and will dominate. (Ok a bit exaggerated but you get my point).
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

I wonder what afc.com.au is doing right now....

Shaking my head in dismay, that's what ...

First of all, not everything that goes on the club site is written, endorsed or filtered by the club. And it shouldn't be. Media Giants are content suppliers for all AFL sites and in Adelaide they have Katrina Gill covering both Port and the Crows. She supplies the copy but doesn't write the headlines for her stories (an editor or producer would do that in Melbourne). The Walker article was one of three stories she filed from Sunday's game and was based on Neil's press conference, when he was asked a couple of questions about Taylor. I think Neil made it pretty clear that he has Taylor's best interests at heart, that Taylor's not going to be an instant answer in attack, and that he would pick Taylor when he thought he was ready. So please don't take this article as the club having a crack at one of its own players. Taylor is obviously a topic of debate among the fans, therefore it is not surprising that Katrina wrote a story.
 

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Re: Walker Now!!!

Early in the season Neil craig said he needs to be consistant, and Taylor has delivered on this. Now Craigy is saying he needs to work on other things. This seems like a get out clause for Craigys stubberness.

Even if on debut he didnt kick any goals, but perhaps took a couple of strong marks, ala Moran, I think it would give Walker confidence. And may also get the crows fired up and get out of this 5 game loosing streak.

With Burton and Porps out, and Mcleod struggling the crows need to find some mo-jo. Walker would provide this, even if he didnt kick a bag of goals.

I truly think this is a problem with the crows.

2 examples:

1) At the start of the season there was a real vibe about the club, with a revamped list over summer. The inclusion of some new blood in Sellar, Jacky, Moran, Symes, Mckay and Tippet. The young revamped crows were playing some great football. But now with only the later playing consitantly the crows are looking stale again. I am not saying all these youngsters should all be playing now. But there was a different midset from the coach which showed in the playing group. I think Jacky was added for extra spark, although his AFL debut was premature I was more than happy to see him given a few AFL games.

However I am more dumbfounded that Walker is not given the same opportunity for these reasons a) similar age b) Walker far better SANFL form c) Walker lifetime of Footy, Jacky new to game d) Walker used to playing against men from time at Broken hill, and now 2/3 of SANFL Season. Jacky handfull of SANFL games. 4) Proven big game performer with 7 goal Broken Hill grand final and big bags of goals in SANFL and mo-jo to burn. 5) Although both lightly framed I would say Walker would have the more AFL ready body.

2) I would Imagine that Walker could be for us what Dale Thomas is for Collingwood. Altough playing different roles Thomas as a running half forward flanker and Walker as a Forward Pocket/Duel Full Forward. They would be similar in terms of the passion and flair they bring to the game. Both born to play footy, and love the big stage. Both are young players with a cult following who give fans and teammates a lift. From memory Dale Thomas played round one after drafting and had an instant impact. Why cant Craig be open minded like Malthouse and give Walker a few games and see what happens. After all I thought the game plan for season 2008 was to be more attacking and have a bit more fun.
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I hope he gets his chance
 
Re: Walker Now!!!

He does make a fair point, if you go back to the 9 goal game though, only two or three of them are going to come about in an AFL game, the other 6 were either great positioning by Taylor mixed with atrocious manning up by WWT or fluke. Now of course to kick 9 at any level of footy a fair bit of fluke is going to be required, but it wasn't quite the magical, dominant performance it was hyped to be. I for example thought the 5 he kicked against North the other week was a far superior game to the 9.

This is all by way of saying that sometimes it is not about the number of goals but the way you score them.

.

I went to the game with a few mates who have seen him this year, who said the exact same thing, re: The 5 goal game was alot better, then the 9. They assumed thats what NC was talking about when he said its how he is getting his goals rather then the number of goals.

But just a question, any chance he's not getting a game due to not having enough exposure to NC's forward "structure"?

Stiffy said earlier this week that 4 or 5 years ago; playing in the forward line meant go up there run around and kick goals. But know he cant go up there bc he doesnt understand the way the structure works.

It looked odd in the 3rd quarter, the way the Crows forwads were lining up, kinda like Buddy's box abd leading into each others space.
 
Re: Walker Now!!!

I went to the game with a few mates who have seen him this year, who said the exact same thing, re: The 5 goal game was alot better, then the 9. They assumed thats what NC was talking about when he said its how he is getting his goals rather then the number of goals.

But just a question, any chance he's not getting a game due to not having enough exposure to NC's forward "structure"?

Stiffy said earlier this week that 4 or 5 years ago; playing in the forward line meant go up there run around and kick goals. But know he cant go up there bc he doesnt understand the way the structure works.

It looked odd in the 3rd quarter, the way the Crows forwads were lining up, kinda like Buddy's box abd leading into each others space.
I dont think any of our forwards know how the structure works..............
 
Re: Walker Now!!!

I went to the game with a few mates who have seen him this year, who said the exact same thing, re: The 5 goal game was alot better, then the 9. They assumed thats what NC was talking about when he said its how he is getting his goals rather then the number of goals.

But just a question, any chance he's not getting a game due to not having enough exposure to NC's forward "structure"?

Stiffy said earlier this week that 4 or 5 years ago; playing in the forward line meant go up there run around and kick goals. But know he cant go up there bc he doesnt understand the way the structure works.

It looked odd in the 3rd quarter, the way the Crows forwads were lining up, kinda like Buddy's box abd leading into each others space.

Reilly, as a midfielder, has made a similar point on radio.

How can we be expected to play as a cohesive team when each playing group doesn't really know what each other is trying to achieve?

When these blokes have a long pre-season, countless training sessions and meeting, every player on the list should know the team structures. Give them the playbook gift-wrapped for Christmas for some reading over the summer break if necessary (though all this is complicated with mid-year strategy changes). That's fine unless the plan for each third of the ground is ridiculously complex.

It seems players cannot even get their own section together, let alone work as one team!

There is no room left for a game-breaker to do the instinctive thing. The opposition has worked us out, players are thinking so much, their decision-making and skills are suffering, confidence is dropping.

Needs to be a simpler plan!
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

Shaking my head in dismay, that's what ...

First of all, not everything that goes on the club site is written, endorsed or filtered by the club. And it shouldn't be. Media Giants are content suppliers for all AFL sites and in Adelaide they have Katrina Gill covering both Port and the Crows. She supplies the copy but doesn't write the headlines for her stories (an editor or producer would do that in Melbourne). The Walker article was one of three stories she filed from Sunday's game and was based on Neil's press conference, when he was asked a couple of questions about Taylor. I think Neil made it pretty clear that he has Taylor's best interests at heart, that Taylor's not going to be an instant answer in attack, and that he would pick Taylor when he thought he was ready.

So please don't take this article as the club having a crack at one of its own players. Taylor is obviously a topic of debate among the fans, therefore it is not surprising that Katrina wrote a story.

Thanks for that clarification. The hype and expectations on this kid are massive. Those saying they don't expect anything are kidding themselves. And in my experience in here, if he has a couple of crappy games, many of them will be howling from the roof-tops to drop him back to SANFL (ala Tippett).
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

Tails14, you don't live in Adelaide do you?

I only say this because between the TV news, talkback radio and the newspapers Walker has been hailed as the immediate saviour of the Crows forward line. They are swearing that he can come in next week and 6 goals. The pressure being caused by this media attention would be huge if he was pulled up to the seniors next week.

I interpret this as the Crows trying to douse expectations which are getting very unrealistic so when he does debut and god willing puts in a reasonable performance of 2-3 goals there isn't a massive backlash against the poor kid.

Name one quote that has said that.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

WTF?

You actually want them to put the pressure of the entire team on Walkers shoulders?

I would have thought it was an obvious point, and one that some people apparently need reminding. Its not fair to Walker to develop this expectation that hes going to instantly solve all of our problems. Theres no way he alone can.

The pressure building on Walker and the club is entirely the clubs fault. They had the chance to blood him when we had other forwards in the team hence the pressure wouldnt have been great. The weight of Walkers performances and the clubs need for forwards demands he gets a game. But they refuse, so hence the build up. If they played him when they should have it would now not be an issue. Throw in the fact that until last Sunday they keep saying he is in the mix, hell Craig has even mentioned his name in post match questioning.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

Shaking my head in dismay, that's what ...

First of all, not everything that goes on the club site is written, endorsed or filtered by the club. And it shouldn't be. Media Giants are content suppliers for all AFL sites and in Adelaide they have Katrina Gill covering both Port and the Crows. She supplies the copy but doesn't write the headlines for her stories (an editor or producer would do that in Melbourne). The Walker article was one of three stories she filed from Sunday's game and was based on Neil's press conference, when he was asked a couple of questions about Taylor. I think Neil made it pretty clear that he has Taylor's best interests at heart, that Taylor's not going to be an instant answer in attack, and that he would pick Taylor when he thought he was ready. So please don't take this article as the club having a crack at one of its own players. Taylor is obviously a topic of debate among the fans, therefore it is not surprising that Katrina wrote a story.

A bit OT, but since you're here afccomau, would there be any benefit for Porplyzia to undergo his shoulder surgery now? A lot of us are thinking it may be best for him to get himself right for next season rather than to play through the pain and risk further damage this season.
 

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Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

Shaking my head in dismay, that's what ...

First of all, not everything that goes on the club site is written, endorsed or filtered by the club. And it shouldn't be. Media Giants are content suppliers for all AFL sites and in Adelaide they have Katrina Gill covering both Port and the Crows. She supplies the copy but doesn't write the headlines for her stories (an editor or producer would do that in Melbourne). The Walker article was one of three stories she filed from Sunday's game and was based on Neil's press conference, when he was asked a couple of questions about Taylor. I think Neil made it pretty clear that he has Taylor's best interests at heart, that Taylor's not going to be an instant answer in attack, and that he would pick Taylor when he thought he was ready. So please don't take this article as the club having a crack at one of its own players. Taylor is obviously a topic of debate among the fans, therefore it is not surprising that Katrina wrote a story.


Despite the disclaimer that sits at the bottom of the stories, of course most people are going to think that these articles are vetted by the club, it is the club site after all. I’m pretty surprised that you appear surprised by that.
 
Re: Walker Now!!!

Otten: He was one who was performing at SANFL level, regularly racking up 25+ possessions for South and featuring in their best players. Was called in as a late replacement to make his debut in a crunch match and played about 25 minutes. Didn’t get a shot, and as a result didn’t fire a shot. Dropped the next week.

I keep reading that he didn't get get a go when he got his chance which is rubbish. His total game time is a whole quarter of football, and if you cann't tell in that time that he is not AFL ready then your reputation as being a good judge on here is shot. Jacky got more of the ball in his first game (about 3 possesions I recall).

He looked like Jericho MkII which he obviously isn't.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

Oh how wonderful, joyful, marvellous, we're a chance for the 8! And should we get there, it's party time everyone because Craigy and co have reached their goals! Forget long term; let's just put all our resources into making the finals and making up the numbers while doing so…! Are we a chance for the premiership? No. If we made the finals would we be making up the numbers? Of course so. If I had the choice between missing the 8 but getting a month to six games of footballer into the likes of Mackay, Otten, Walker, Petrenko OR making the 8, crashing out in the first week and investing no time into the youth, I know what option I’d take.

I had this EXACT same argument last year. There were pleads for the Crows to put off rebuilding until we were out of the finals equation. So we didn’t play any of the kids, instead opting to try and make the 8. Well we made the 8 and look what happened, crashed out first week and nothing to show for not playing the kids. I do not want the same thing to happen again, and yet I am 110% confident that it will, such is the philosophy of Craig.

This is what gets me with your posts. We lost by one kick last year we didn't crash out. Get a grip on reality. It is the job of each and every coach to make the finals and if they don't then they are not doing their job and they are letting their supporters down.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

Still beat him convincingly and Knights correctly praised his effort.

Was simply responding to a fool calling Knight's an idiot when it wasn't warranted.

If you cannot see the irony in that comment then you are a dunce.

The whole club are a joke for picking Knights as your coach.

When you hit rock bottom in the next year or two you'll find out why.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

I would be really happy if that was me and that is what written on the website of the club I was recruited to and aspire to play with.
What a great kick in the arse !
Where is the responsibilty of the AFC to the kid !
Player welfare obviously does not exist and perhaps that is reflected in the lack of team spirit and enthusiasm at the moment !
Make a mistake..your done !
Make a fist of it and we will publicly humiliate you on your own website !
Bitter taste !!!!!
I've avoided even reading these threads, but when I caught that one had been started by tails14 (now merged), and with such a provocative thread title I couldn't help but have a look.

First of all, I'm a little disappointed that someone so obviously close to Taylor would feel this way. I certainly hope that Taylor doesn't, because there are a few rational explanations for his non-inclusion. Before I go into them I am not vehemently against him playing, but the hysteria it would cause in the media is not worth it. It's a Catch 22 because it's smart man management not to play him, but it's smart squad management to play him in my view. With our current forward line and his season so far I reckon he's a logical inclusion to be honest, but there's external influences holding him back.

Anyway, the first point about Taylor needing to find consistency within games is a very accurate observation by the club. It's difficult over in Victoria with ABC2 being complete dick wads and not showing SANFL replays during the week, but from what I've been reading he has been drifting in and out of SANFL games. I don't like formulating opinions without seeing, but I can back this up by saying that I had noticed he tended to do this when I saw him last year.

I've heard some posters saying that it doesn't matter when he kicks them, as long as he gets the results. That's all well and good for Norwood putting a score on the board, but projecting to AFL where he'll be playing against higher quality defenders with more concentration, fitness, speed, hell every aspect of athleticism it's not going to be so easy. In the AFL it is a constant battle between forwards and their direct opponent. State league football allows players to drift in and out of games and still be effective because of the lesser structure and lower standard. AFL is more of a mind game with your opponent. It's not as simple as trying to catch the next ball that comes down your end of the ground.

The other issue is regarding the hype surrounding Taylor. The overplayed hype that this bloke is going to be our "next Modra" - an actual quote I've seen used that makes me want to projectile vomit all over my monitor. To clear up, I don't think there's much wrong with comments like "best key forward prospect since Modra" like I've seen from macca23 because that is comparing Walker's potential with Modra's potential on their arrival at the club - fair call. Actually projecting Walker to be as good as Modra, like I've seen from guitar god for one is a totally unfair expectation to put on an 18 year old.

It's unfortunate that our forward line/forward line structure is so impotent right now that not even Viagra could give it a lift, so to speak. It means that we start looking for answers within our list and Taylor is the obvious candidate. Dude's been in top form for the past year and a half (and presumably before that too). He's been kicking goals at every level he's played in the past 18 months - country footy, TAC Cup, Division 2 U/18 Nationals, SANFL Reserves and then SANFL Seniors. Really, it looks impressive, but it doesn't mean diddly squat.

Sure, they're lovely numbers to point to, and I am immensely impressed by his ability to adapt to every jump in skill level that he's encountered. It's a good indication that he will be able to adapt to AFL, but don't expect for him to take to it like a duck to water. It's also important to keep in mind that he gets a lot of gifts in the SANFL that he simply wouldn't get in the AFL. Thanks to CC I've at least managed to see his nine goal haul against WWT and there were plenty of cheapies in there. Not his fault, and you've gotta be there to kick them, so good on him for that. The point is that it inflates his figures somewhat. This is probably a point for the more uninitiated fan that we don't see too many of on Big Footy because I think we all understand on here that he wouldn't get those cheapies in the AFL.

I honestly think now would be the right time to debut him, but there are greater factors holding him back. In fact, there is one major factor holding his debut back and that is the Adelaide fans and the media. I understand Neil Craig's concerns. If he isn't the second coming right from his first game then the media and many fans alike will tear him to shreds. He has already been built up as our next Modra and that is way too big a tag to hang on a kid. On top of that, our forward line is so woeful that the need for our supposed saviour is intensified. Fans want it more so they'll be more irrational and unfair if that saviour doesn't deliver.

The hype on Taylor Walker has been too much for MORE than a year on Big Footy. Long before he was even on our list. Some have been calling Taylor our saviour since before any of us had even seen him play! Maybe it was facetious at the time, but over the past year that sentiment has become more and more serious every time our forward line fails and Tex kicks a few in the SANFL.

I see Big Footy as a microcosm of the wider supporter base, except that we're a bit quicker and more knowledgeable of all the goings on around the club. Taylor-mania is a case in point because many of us on here were shooting our collective loads about him before we even drafted him. The average mug who has their agenda set by 5AA and the Advertiser is starting to catch on a year down the track.

What do I think should happen? The hype over Dangerfield has cooled a bit, but it will heat up again in the pre-season next year when he moves to Adelaide and is with the club full time. It will go into fever pitch. For that reason I think it would be smart management to have both of these young men spread the hype by debuting them both in the same game, which will probably be next year. The Adelaide media will have such a raging hard on that they won't know which way to point their dick, so as I see it it's the only way for both of them not to be over exposed because they'll be taking some gloss off one another.

Richmond did it beautifully with Trent Cotchin this year. Late inclusion when the Coburg Tigers were playing a curtain raiser to Richmond at the MCG. They even stuck some plodder in Cotchin's Coburg guernsey to make some of the stupids think that Cotch was playing VFL that morning. No hype, no fuss because Richmond didn't allow it to happen.

I think it's absolutely pathetic that media hype and fan expectation comes into play, but we only have two groups to blame there. The media and the fans. Those two groups that are currently sitting in the "play Walker now or I'll rip up my membership and cry a lot" camp will naturally deflect the blame back onto the club and the coaching staff. In my view the unrealistic expectations built up by the media and many fans contributes to why Taylor Walker isn't playing yet.

Congrats if you're still reading. I didn't plan for it to go that long. :eek:
 

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Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

I keep reading that he didn't get get a go when he got his chance which is rubbish. His total game time is a whole quarter of football, and if you cann't tell in that time that he is not AFL ready then your reputation as being a good judge on here is shot. Jacky got more of the ball in his first game (about 3 possesions I recall).

He looked like Jericho MkII which he obviously isn't.
3 possessions and a tackle in a quarter of football, his first, in a crunch match against the Hawks. Obviously wasn't going to get any Brownlow votes on the back of it but it's not as though he was complete rubbish. And how is my reputation as being a good judge on here is shot? I'm not even that much of an Otten fan. He deserved a go, barely got one, and hasn't been seen since.

This is what gets me with your posts. We lost by one kick last year we didn't crash out. Get a grip on reality. It is the job of each and every coach to make the finals and if they don't then they are not doing their job and they are letting their supporters down.
Neil Craig would adore you. Craig thinks he speaks on behalf of all the supporters when he harps on about making the finals and doing everything he can to make it. I'd rather miss out, play the kids and look long term than sneek into 8th position only to lose first week...

And VC that's one heck of a post, I'll read it in a sec. :p
 
Vic Crow, you seem to be saying that the main reason for holding Walker back is because of the pressure from the media and supporters. That seems to be a pretty weak reason for holding someone back who could in fact be ready to play now. There's a lot worse things that players need to get over besides not living up to the expectation of the media.

God knows how many players have debuted despite being been less AFL-ready than Walker.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

I would be really happy if that was me and that is what written on the website of the club I was recruited to and aspire to play with.
What a great kick in the arse !
Where is the responsibilty of the AFC to the kid !
Player welfare obviously does not exist and perhaps that is reflected in the lack of team spirit and enthusiasm at the moment !
Make a mistake..your done !
Make a fist of it and we will publicly humiliate you on your own website !
Bitter taste !!!!!


I think the point he was trying to make is that it wouldn't matter who you put in the forward line at the moment, it wouldnt fix the real problem ............. Delivery.

I wouldn't chuck Walker to the wolves this year either, it is such a leap these days from SANFL to AFL it's not funny.

Plus being in a disfunctional forward line could damage his confidence way beyond repair.

Let him mature first, then start him off in next years pre-season.
 
VC, great post. But a couple of things:



Now that we have a consolidated thread we have two main themes being played out here. The first being whether or not Walker should come into the team asap and the second being the thread begun by Tails14 relating to the quality of the media piece released on afc.com.au.

I think you have pretty much summed up one school of thought relating to issue 1. I’d say there are a lot of people here that would agree that the club is in the best position to decide when and how Tex makes his debut, I sit happily in that camp. But lets face it, this forum would not exist if we agreed with the club all the time.

Issue 2 relates to what was a poor article released onto what is the club website. Intentionally or not, it is poorly worded and can be easily taken out of the context and mood in which it was presented. From a PR point of view, its quite frankly what you attempt to avoid doing.

I’m not sure what Tails14 relationship is to Tex, but I’d be fairly sure NC has Tex very clued in on what he needs to do to make the team. But if you want to use your microcosm analogy again, clearly the article has a negative undertone to most readers and therefore fails in the purpose it is attempting to achieve.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

3 possessions and a tackle in a quarter of football, his first, in a crunch match against the Hawks. Obviously wasn't going to get any Brownlow votes on the back of it but it's not as though he was complete rubbish. And how is my reputation as being a good judge on here is shot? I'm not even that much of an Otten fan. He deserved a go, barely got one, and hasn't been seen since.

I guess that you got the brunt of my frustration where I constantly read about Otten not getting a fair go after his debut. Put that with the post about us being smashed in our finals appearance last year and wham. Seeing as most of your posts are usually full of quality but then you came on with the same dig and I wanted to vent my spleen at one of you.

But back to topic, I do believe the club has addressed their original plans of debuting some youngster but when three of them didn't have the impact that some thought might, then I believe they have reverted back to the cautious track of not wanting to do it again with Walker. While I can understand supporters such as you being frustrated, I am in the minority here in believing that they are doing the right thing by keeping him on ice until next year.


Neil Craig would adore you. Craig thinks he speaks on behalf of all the supporters when he harps on about making the finals and doing everything he can to make it. I'd rather miss out, play the kids and look long term than sneek into 8th position only to lose first week...

And VC that's one heck of a post, I'll read it in a sec. :p

I'm not particularly one of those supporters you talk about, cause I didn't have very high expectations of our 2008 form as our list would tell you that we wouldn't be in the high finals mix. But a club coach does have the responsibility to get his club to the finals if he has the opportunity/abilities to do so. Anything less than that and he should be investigated in obtaining money under false pretences.

As the year as gone on, I think we are now seeing where we are. Having said that I think the club should be congratulated in trying so many first year players that we have and while some have not yet been as successful as hoped, it would have to be the biggest season of debut players the club has seen since inception.
 
Re: Afc Website.......walker Not The Answer

Stu, it does disappoint me that some of our younger players have not retained their spots in the team after getting a gig this year. To play Otten and Sellar for one game and then drop them is not the way I think the club should be going.
Someone mentioned giving them three games to show something, regardless of form and I think thats a much better way to go. Its not fair on a kid to chuck him in and then dump him after a match, you've got to back them in and give them a chance to adjust to AFL level.
 

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