Crunch Player

[tristo]

With the retirement of Hird who will become the player that will lift the dons when the chips are down and everything is going against us. For years it was James, going into the middle and getting that all-important clearance, going back and becoming that loose player in defense, or going forward and kicking that crucial goal.

Who will be Hird's immediate successor, and who from the kids will be the one to step in the future?

For the immediate successor i think McVeigh has the goods to play this role, Lovett to i think can do it as well. If McPhee can recapture his early Essendon form he could also easily fit this role, the potential is there.

In the future I think the likes of Hislop, Monfries, Ryder, Winderlich could all play this role.

 

[B-Bomber]

Answered the question pretty well yourself -- First name that came to mind was McVeigh.

However, other then the ones you mentioned, I think we've already seen that Laycock can take on a game when the pressure is on, and do the job given to him be it in the ruck, the forward line or in defense.

To be a real crunch player like what you suggest I think it's important to be in the thick of the action so being able to play on the whole ground is important.

 

[Not a Wellman]

Monfries mate, he will play midfield all year surely and will become our next captian in 3 or 4 years.

 

[Gus2Gumby]

I agree.

I think next season it will be McVeigh. He is a leader and has real heart and passion for the club. Most importantly, he has the talent.

I think as far as providing inspiration when it is so badly needed, Davey has shown he can be that guy.

He may not provide the leadership that Jim did, but he can spur the other 21 do step up too because, let's be honest, no one can do what James did...

 

[Merv]

We don't have one atm and we don't want one either atm.

What we need is to have a more realistic and improved output from the younger guys.

Having Hird, while so good to watch him win games off his own play, has only hurt us in the development in the last few years.

So many times he would put himself into the play and win the ball at will, but this was hindering our other players having the chance to do similar.

We have no one on our list who is CURRENTLY ready to step up and be the Crunch player, on a consistent basis and that type of player is not what we need YET.

We have a few players that in a few years MIGHT turn out be that player but they are not ready yet.

 

[tristo]

Answered the question pretty well yourself -- First name that came to mind was McVeigh.

However, other then the ones you mentioned, I think we've already seen that Laycock can take on a game when the pressure is on, and do the job given to him be it in the ruck, the forward line or in defense.

To be a real crunch player like what you suggest I think it's important to be in the thick of the action so being able to play on the whole ground is important.

Spot on, was the reason I didnt include Gumbleton in there, sure he will kick goals but if the ball isnt getting down there then its hard to life the team with some individual brilliance.

Agree with your Laycock statement, must say his name escaped me when thinking of my crunch players.

 

[Longy413]

Davey...

 

[The Donners]

Jetta.

 

[Jex]

We don't have one atm and we don't want one either atm.

What we need is to have a more realistic and improved output from the younger guys.

I'm with you. No single player can grab a game by the throat the way Jim could, so we'll need several players to pick up the slack. McPhee is probably the one player with a range attributes that could allow him to become a genuine match winner...unfortunately, he has nowhere near the smarts that Hird possessed.

 

[Pevers-Legend]

Lucas - has been doing it for a few years in games that count.

 

[The Donners]

Lucas - has been doing it for a few years in games that count.

How true you are!

 

[The Dustbin]

Jetta.

Looking forward to seeing Leroy burn the grass in 08. Prescott has spoken very highly of him, can't wait to see Leroy perform again....

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Courtney Dempsey.

 

[16flags]

McVeigh has the hardness and the mental strength to get into the tough situation. Lovett can also turn a game on his own. Just needs to be more consistent. he dropped away toward the end of the year. Was great early on. But I agree with Merv, we need more consistency and overall improvement especially among the youngsters. That's what will help us going forward

 

[monty1104]

I reckon Reimers could do this. He has alot of Steve Johnsons onfield assets about him. He can find the ball, kick a goal, and push up into the midfield if need be. Cant wait to see him blossom.

 

[Tonche]

Definitely Reimers.

Also Jobe though, witness the last quarter in our first game against Richmond for a perfect example.

 

[TheDon35]

We don't have one atm and we don't want one either atm.

What we need is to have a more realistic and improved output from the younger guys.

Having Hird, while so good to watch him win games off his own play, has only hurt us in the development in the last few years.

So many times he would put himself into the play and win the ball at will, but this was hindering our other players having the chance to do similar.

We have no one on our list who is CURRENTLY ready to step up and be the Crunch player, on a consistent basis and that type of player is not what we need YET.

We have a few players that in a few years MIGHT turn out be that player but they are not ready yet.

Well said, we have relied on Hird to do this for too long and now represents a great opportunity for some of these kids to put their hands up and collectively go in and make it happen.

Still think that we're a few years off seeing anywhere near the best of the likes of Hislop, Dempsey, Jetta, Houli, Gumby, Neagle who all have the potential to be that cruch player.

In the mean time, our 4 best players - Lucas, Lloyd, Fletcher and McVeigh will be the crunch players.

 

[BABYBOMBERS2007]

I reackon Davey will be that player. The way he plays is electrifing and he always puts in 100% and plays the 1 percenters too. Also it is exciting every time he gets the ball.

 

[Margim]

Lucas - has been doing it for a few years in games that count.

Glad someone said it...

Of the younger players, Davey.

 

[Burzum]

Leroy Jetta.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Monfries or Houli

 

[super_wog]

one word JOHNSY the great. he will be our go to man wen we want to tank our season.

 

[jules101]

Davey...

Jetta.

Dempsey

Lovett

 

[mojon95]

I reckon Reimers could do this. He has alot of Steve Johnsons onfield assets about him. He can find the ball, kick a goal, and push up into the midfield if need be. Cant wait to see him blossom.

Hislop or Masten

also agree mcveigh, but i'm looking further into the future

 

[The Donners]

Courtney Dempsey.

Looking forward to seeing Leroy burn the grass in 08. Prescott has spoken very highly of him, can't wait to see Leroy perform again....

Add Gumbleton to these 2 players and they're the players I look forward to watching develop the most!