Crows 2007 = Port 2005

[Coobk001]

I'm a Port supporter with a soft spot for the Crows and I'm not gonna abuse the Crows because I'm not like that but I'd like to just see where you think the crows are at? Port started 2005 exactly the same as the crows have 2007, and we all know that Port fell from flag favouritism to no hopers. Injuries struck Port early but everyone still thought they'd turn it around but once you get down 1-4, 2-6, it's all over. So are the crows facing the same fate. I haven't been watching the crows that closely so I'd like the opinion of some well-versed crows supporters.

It was only round 1 and as a Port supporter I can tell you first hand when you keep going deep into september you always start slowly, Sydney is a prime example. So I think the crows may still be OK but your draw is very concerning.

The crows play, the bulldogs away, the power at home, sydney at home and freo away.

Seriously 0-5 is possible if the boys dont lift.

So my post is to pose a question? Where is the turnaround to come from for Adelaide? Without Goodwin & Bassett next week do you just give up on the bulldogs and take aim at Port & Syd???

I didn't see todays game but the usually well drilled and well coached crows have obviously got problems and so where will the change come from? And what will turn it around? Given that W/B will win next week, the showdown is always 50/50, and Freo have the wood over the crows recently. Not to mention Adelaide lost 4 out of the last 6 in the final rounds last year, and 1 of 2 in the finals. Where are they really at. Will they still make the 4??

 

[RoosterLad]

4-1 you mean

 

[Cap]

4-1 you mean

saying that there could be a big chance that we could be 0-5

 

[RoosterLad]

saying that there could be a big chance that we could be 0-5

George Michael and Fred Durst. They both had faith. So should you.

 

[*PAF]

... I didn't see todays game but the usually well drilled and well coached crows have obviously got problems and so where will the change come from? And what will turn it around? ...

TV was on for the whole game but I only was able to watch it bits here and there, however one thing seemed evident and that is today's game was no different to other games over the last 2 years.
The Crows are not a fast team but their speed in moving the ball from HB to HF is as fast as anyone. When they got that going they looked a million dollars, when it fell apart they looked shyte.
For that to happen there needs to be intense pressure from the other players around them and atm that is supplied mainly by their older top shelf players and today Roo was out and Goodwin got injured.
Unfortunately the KPP stocks (long term injuries etc) atm are such that the fast rebound is one of the few cards up Craig's sleeve and if injuries deplete the side, such as with Roo and Goodwin, a number of sides with quick players that can apply forward line pressure will be able to take advantage of it.

What will turn it around? Short term IMO that is mostly in the hands of the forwards, take advantage of their opportunities so that the team does not have to rely so much on the midfielders and rebounding HB players.
Long term _ well that is no different to every other team and depends entirely on how far the youngsters develop.

 

[relapse]

The TC does make some valid observations IMO. Hence the reason why many people including myself were so adament that Knights and Douglas played in round 1. The premiership chance is gone, grasping to the past will only make it worse for us in the long term.

I am not saying make massive changes, but we have to identify which players we view as being our future and start getting game time into them.

 

[Southerntakeover]

I didn't see todays game but the usually well drilled and well coached crows have obviously got problems and so where will the change come from? And what will turn it around? Given that W/B will win next week, the showdown is always 50/50, and Freo have the wood over the crows recently. Not to mention Adelaide lost 4 out of the last 6 in the final rounds last year, and 1 of 2 in the finals. Where are they really at. Will they still make the 4??

We beat Freo 2 times last year....

 

[Spadge]

Showdowns ALWAYS 50-50? History begs to differ

agreed
the record is 12-9 so its more like 57-43 ports way

 

[RoosterLad]

Yeah but if you include finals and multiply the margins then its about 537589376846-57 Adelaide's way.

 

[PrideOf]

agreed
the record is 12-9 so its more like 57-43 ports way

According to Chad, there is only one Showdown that matters.

That makes the score 1-0.

 

[maccas_no1]

The TC does make some valid observations IMO. Hence the reason why many people including myself were so adament that Knights and Douglas played in round 1. The premiership chance is gone, grasping to the past will only make it worse for us in the long term.

I am not saying make massive changes, but we have to identify which players we view as being our future and start getting game time into them.

Exactly and persisting with crap like Perrie anit going to get the AFC anywhere.

 

[Sheeds]

Certainly it is hard to defend Perrie after what I saw yesterday as a neutral watching the game BUT in his defence how underdone was he? I heard numerous reports before the game he was not at prime fitness leading into round 1.

Surely he will not play like that again if he is match fit.

 

[- PC -]

Certainly it is hard to defend Perrie after what I saw yesterday as a neutral watching the game BUT in his defence how underdone was he? I heard numerous reports before the game he was not at prime fitness leading into round 1.

Surely he will not play like that again if he is match fit.

You would have to suggest he wasnt fit

It was even mentioned on the call that Perrie has a lot of endurance and if he took off, Mall Michael would struggle to keep up with him...yet Perrie stayed still ( as far as I could see on tv)

 

[Papa G]

You would have to suggest he wasnt fit

It was even mentioned on the call that Perrie has a lot of endurance and if he took off, Mall Michael would struggle to keep up with him...yet Perrie stayed still ( as far as I could see on tv)

Perrie's problem was his goal kicking - not his fitness. If he had kicked those 2 easy shots, he would have had 3 goals and a reasonable game.

 

[birdmanptr]

Certainly it is hard to defend Perrie after what I saw yesterday as a neutral watching the game BUT in his defence how underdone was he? I heard numerous reports before the game he was not at prime fitness leading into round 1.

Surely he will not play like that again if he is match fit.

Thats the problem him and Welsh aint match fit

 

[westdog54]

You just cannot say that. The Bulldogs WILL win? No game is ever a certainty and the minute you start thinking like that it comes back to bite you on the bum. Showdowns ALWAYS 50-50? History begs to differ, and you've still got a very young side; do not underestimate us just because you've had a good start to the season. Lastly, Freo do not have the wood over the Crows...if they did, they wouldn't have come out of last year with a 1-2 record against us. Round 1 is round 1 and nothing more. We're just getting started.

Absoulutely spot on.

Dogs fans are not taking this week as a given and nor should we.

This is still a team that has contested 2 prelim finals in a row. They're still a class outfit even without Ricciuto and Hentschel (ridiculously underrated player IMO)

 

[Cap]

Thats the problem him and Welsh aint match fit

Welsh is never match fit

o unless he kicks a bag

 

[feenix67]

Where does the improvement come from???

Easy...one word.....SELECTION

If they keep not selecting the hardest working, most defensively proficient, dangerous small forward in the comp, then as a selection panel they will lose all credibility. I dont even have to say the player's name. Please tell me he was injured (I doubt it). I was so sure they had to pick him I even had him in my Dream Team...I was amazed he didnt make the 22.

And if Bock cant kick straight during the game with a corky and Stevens is getting pumped by Lucas, how about a swap? Our very theme is to build a versatile team but what good is it if the match day coaching staff arent willing to use that versatility to their advantage? Even Burton to Lucas would have been a positive move - would have got Burton into the match and then possibly been able to release him in the last Q when we needed a goal.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

The TC does make some valid observations IMO. Hence the reason why many people including myself were so adament that Knights and Douglas played in round 1. The premiership chance is gone, grasping to the past will only make it worse for us in the long term.

I am not saying make massive changes, but we have to identify which players we view as being our future and start getting game time into them.

Spot on. Despite what some think, our premiership window has closed, albeit for the time being. Time to see who will form part of our next crack at a flag. IMO the next two years are about rebuilding, before having possibly one more crack at the flag in 2009 and maybe 2010 before Macca, Edwards and Goody retire. Also gives Trent H 2008 to recover and find his feet ( hopefully). Even still, alot would have to go right for us to be a serious contender in this period.

Look how Port have turned it around in the space of just over 12 months. Mind you, they did have a better foundation in the players aged between 23-28 to build on. Something that we lack.

 

[*PAF]

... Look how Port have turned it around in the space of just over 12 months. Mind you, they did have a better foundation in the players aged between 23-28 to build on. Something that we lack.

The spread of players is something that Choco has always worked towards, a look at the players he has traded for over the years shows just that. Apart from the odd one it has all been age and depth rather than fill gaps with expensive players.
If Carr and Stevens had not gone there would be two more decent players that would fit into that bracket.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

The spread of players is something that Choco has always worked towards, a look at the players he has traded for over the years shows just that. Apart from the odd one it has all been age and depth rather than fill gaps with expensive players.
If Carr and Stevens had not gone there would be two more decent players that would fit into that bracket.

Yep spot on. You guys have used your 1st round draft picks wisely. As for us, .

 

[*PAF]

Yep spot on. You guys have used your 1st round draft picks wisely. As for us, .

We did swap one for Wakelin (pick 4) but at the same time made sure we got one back by swapping Bode for pick 12.

The only other times has involved Pickett, once when he wanted to come over and then when he wanted to go away and we got Lonie and Motlop.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Do people forget that Gill is a worse shot at goal than Perrie?!

If you guys are looking for him to be this instant boost then we are looking in the wrong place.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Is Gill really that bad a shot at goal?

Yes!!!

Out of 3 shots at goal he will average 1 goal, 1 behind and 1 out of bounds on the full

 

[jmorg1]

Yes!!!

Out of 3 shots at goal he will average 1 goal, 1 behind and 1 out of bounds on the full

What about his marking, mobility and recovery?