Giving the "Crushers" Experience

[Vader]

Fact #1: Neil Craig stated last year that one area he wasn't happy with in 2005 was his inability to get more gametime into the Crows' younger players (or words to that effect). The reasons being a lack of injuries, combined with outstanding form on the paddock making it impossible to justify dropping anyone.

Fact #2: In the past week, Rupert's Rag has quoted both McLeod & Ricciuto as saying that the "big-4" will be spending more time forward or back and less time in the midfield in 2006. Thus, there should be more "minutes in the middle" available for the "crushers".

Fact #3: Adelaide currently have 10 players on the senior list who are yet to debut. They also have VB (11 games) and Knights (2) who debuted in 2005.

With the retirements of the "big-4" rapidly approaching, 2006 is the year where our "young crushers" need to step up to the plate.

It is worth noting that "spending more time up forward (or down back)" means there will be more game time available to the youngsters. However, as these players will still be selected week-in-week-out (as they should be given that they are champions one and all) we still have to find positions in the starting 22 for them to be able to take advantage of the extra opportunities.

This leads to a few questions:

• Which of the younger players will get game time in 2006?
• Given that none of the first-pick 22 from 2005 have departed, who will be dropped in order to bring them into the side?

Which players will get game time in 2006?
VB & Knights both debuted last year and in my opinion should be automatic selections in the first-22 this year.

Porplyzia was drafted as a "mature age" recruit who is now physically ready for AFL football - the language I am hearing from West Lakes indicates that he is likely to see some game time in 2006.

Douglas was our first draft selection last year and like Porps it sounds like he will be given some opportunities this year. Whether or not he's physically ready for AFL footy is another matter (he still needs to bulk up considerably), but he may get a guernsay on talent alone.

Maric & Meesen are likely to fight it out for the position made available by the injury to Hudson. I see Clarke's role this year as back-up ruckman, being more of an "insurance policy" than active player. I would not be surprised to see these two split the games almost evenly between them.

That leaves Pfeiffer, Obst, Gibson, Hinge, Griffin & Vince. Obst will almost certainly spend the whole season in the SANFL. Gibson is apparently suffering the dreaded osteitis pubis, and barring injury to several of our key forwards I don't see him playing in 2006. Griffin continues to stack on the muscle, but still has some way to go before he's physically ready for an AFL role. The remaining three (Pfeiffer, Hinge & Vince) seem to have slipped under the radar - I haven't heard or read anything about them since they were promoted/drafted. Anyone care to fill in the gaps?

Which players will make way for the "young crushers"?
Some positions will no doubt be freed up by injuries to regular players. Adelaide are better than most at managing their players and minimising soft tissue injuries, but given the physical nature of AFL footy a certain injury toll will always be inevitable.

Ignoring injuries, positions will still need to be made available to bring the kids into the side.

To my mind, the three most vulnerable players (barring dramatic form reversals by other players) would appear to be Skipworth, Doughty & Reilly.

Doughty in particular has been around for ages (currently aged 26, drafted as a rookie in 1999). Whilst he is generally serviceable and hard working, he's never going to be a superstar. If you haven't "made it" by the time you turn 26, one can only wonder how long you have left on an AFL list.

Skipworth is younger (turns 23 just before the start of the Wok), but I think we've all seen enough of him to know that he's never going to terrorise the opposition. Granted, he had one good game against North last year, but his limitations are such that he's still one of the last players selected each week.

Reilly is burdened by the expectations raised by being our first selection in the 2001 super draft and being taken ahead of Dal Santo. Early in 2005 he looked like having a breakthrough year, only to fade towards the end of the season. This year is probably "make or break" for him with so many young midfielders gunning for a spot in the 22. Should his form disappoint early, expect to see him spending time in the SANFL and being offered as "trade bait" at the end of the year.

Having put forward my thoughts, I'll reiterate my questions:
Which of the younger players will get game time in 2006?
Given that none of the first-pick 22 from 2005 have departed, who will be dropped in order to bring them into the side?

 

[macca23]

Excellent piece, Vader, and one worthy of the theoretical BigFooty poster/journalist JohnK was referring to in his thread.

I'm amazed that you haven't had any responses yet, because it is a genuinely thought provoking piece.

Everyone wants to see the new and relatively new boys in the team, but there are only 22 spots each week, so barring injuries, the competition is pretty hot for spots. Someone has to go before someone can come in - a pretty obvious scenario.

Of the 3 that you nominated as being in danger of doing just that, Doughty Skipworth and Reilly (by the way, you forgot the mandatory "young" in front of Doughty ), Doughty is the one I see as being most as risk, followed by Skippy and then Reilly. However, cometh the moment, cometh the man, and I'm expecting Reilly to be given a heap more playing time and grab it with both hands.

IMO that brings us back to Doughty and Skippy, with the natural contenders for their spots being Van Berlo and Knights, as I think these 2 must be played in our 22 as often as possible this year - preferably all year. These 2 will both be 200 game plus players for us IMO.

Your thoughts that Maric/Meesen will play as ruckmen with Clarke as the back-up insurance ruckman only is interesting. I saw it more the other way around with Clarke taking an occasional rest to nurse him through the year; but you may well be right.

Porplyzia and Vince will both sneak games IMO, possibly only as fill-ins for injury, but if they perform could well force the selectors to pick them more often.

Hinge is only a remote chance, but could get a fill-in HBF in the event of injury and a desire to keep the rest of the side intact.

Douglas is a beauty, but built like a skeeter. Will be a little bottler for us but most likely not until 2007. Pfeiifer also is a very talented lad who isn't as eye-catching as Douglas, but is another with a good long term future as well, but again will have to wait until 2007 IMO.

Griffin, Gibson and Obst in that order aren't ready for AFL footy yet and IMO won't be seen in the tri-colours this year (Centrals excluded).

Summary: With all of our players available, only 2 changes. Knights and Van Berlo in - young Doughty and Skipworth out. Skippy would be just a little stiff IMO but we must play these 2. Others as dicussed to get a go to cover for injury and suspension.

Once again, a very good piece, Vader.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

After the BIG 4 and Shirls my midfield options would go Thommo, Reilly ( we may as well see once and for all if he has what it takes - although I think he is better suited to a wing ), Knights, Bode, Hinge, VB, Porp, Doughty, Skipworth, Douglas, Pfeiffer.

Unless they show exceptional SANFL form, Douglas and Pfeiffer should be blooded in 2007.

As for Doughty and Skipworth, if they're still in the midfield rotations come rnd 1 then our intention to rebuild our midfield is a myth.

 

[Crow-mo]

excellent post. will think this through some more.

 

[Blue Red and Gold]

Great post Vader, must say I didnt even see this before hand.

I think what you have said is pretty spot on. I would also include Bode as being in real danger of being swallowed up by the next generation. I really like him as a player and I think he has the edge over the other players mentioned just due to the fact he is a real tough nut who is prepared to get his own ball. I hope for his sake and the AFC that he steps up this year and remains injury free because if we have him and Thommo running around in the midfield we will be a much stronger footy club.

I agree the Knights and VB have to be automatic selections, they both showed something and I dont think having Knights racking up game after game of 30+ possesions is going to help him anymore.

 

[Vader]

Your thoughts that Maric/Meesen will play as ruckmen with Clarke as the back-up insurance ruckman only is interesting. I saw it more the other way around with Clarke taking an occasional rest to nurse him through the year; but you may well be right.

My thinking is that this is definitely Clarke's last year. Last season he was demoted to 3rd ruckman when Hudson took such a great leap forward. I don't mean any disrespect to the big man - he was (and is) one of the great tap ruckmen. However, Adelaide need to be moving forwards and playing a 32 year old when you have two kids aged 19 & 20 who are bursting onto the scene seems to me like trying to hold onto past glories.

That said, I hope Adelaide do give him one last home game, towards the end of the season, where the fans can farewell him properly.

 

[Vader]

I think what you have said is pretty spot on. I would also include Bode as being in real danger of being swallowed up by the next generation. I really like him as a player and I think he has the edge over the other players mentioned just due to the fact he is a real tough nut who is prepared to get his own ball. I hope for his sake and the AFC that he steps up this year and remains injury free because if we have him and Thommo running around in the midfield we will be a much stronger footy club.

Bode would be fighting to hold his position on the list.

The reason I didn't include him in my list of vulnerable players is that he wasn't a regular in the senior side for much of last year - granted he was missing by virtue of injury, but he still wasn't in the side. He would be another player, along with the "crushers" who would be looking to force his way back into the side. My question was more along the lines of "which of the incumbents will have to miss out in order for the crushers to get their opportunities"? I don't see Bode as an incumbent.

 

[NikkiNoo]

Great post Vader, well thought out and interesting points made.

On 'young' Doughty he is in the team as the back up for Shirley often when Shirley comes off for a rest. So which of the younger guys would make a good replacement as our main tagger? To me Van Berlo springs to mind as the most obvious of the list that you suggested. The problem I think though is that physically he is not up to scratch with Doughty or Shirley to match it with the hard bodies of the top midfielders, and probably never will be. If he has been given the knowledge to use what he has then he may be able to do so. On the other hand Knights could possibly be used to teach him some good defensive sides to his game and what taggers do for when he is released into the midfield at AFL level.

On Bode, the one training session I went to I was quite impressed with how hard he was working, but also how annoyed at himself when his delivery was not 'perfect'. He was also almost everywhere after that ball. Knights on the other hand got a stern comment from Craig (one of the few times I actually heard Craigy) when he made the wrong decision and later was called over to Allan Stewart for a good discussion while the rest of the team took a break. But overall Knights was another that really wanted that footy, which was great to see.

Will be interesting to see which path the coaches take this season. I can't wait for next Friday.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

On 'young' Doughty he is in the team as the back up for Shirley often when Shirley comes off for a rest. So which of the younger guys would make a good replacement as our main tagger? To me Van Berlo springs to mind as the most obvious of the list that you suggested.

Johnny Hinge come on down.

 

[- PC -]

Great post Vader

I think its about the fit. Do you play Knights and VB just through the midfield? Can you play them elsewhere?

I saw VB play a few games off the HBF ( Reillys spot?) Knights I understand can play forward etc.

How much longer will Ben Hart play? With NC slotting McLeod and Johncock into the BP it doesnt leave much scope for Ben apart from the bench.

Like most I agree the 3 mentioned will always be under pressure to hold their spots( among us anyway) but I do think we need to look at Ben Hart as well. Dont get me wrong great servant etc etc , but unless his form warrants , and there were some poor decisions made last year by Ben, then he must also come into calculations.

 

[Vader]

GHow much longer will Ben Hart play? With NC slotting McLeod and Johncock into the BP it doesnt leave much scope for Ben apart from the bench.

Like most I agree the 3 mentioned will always be under pressure to hold their spots( among us anyway) but I do think we need to look at Ben Hart as well. Dont get me wrong great servant etc etc , but unless his form warrants , and there were some poor decisions made last year by Ben, then he must also come into calculations.

You raise a valid point. With Roo going forward joining Edwards (who was named HFF more often than not anyway), and Goody & Macca going back there's every possibility that the "unlucky" incumbent may come not from the midfield by the forward/back lines.

Given that I expect this to be Hart's last season (though he and many of his fans beg to differ), it is just possible that he may be spending more time on the bench this year. While he certainly deserves to be treated with respect, loyal and true club servant that he is, the needs of the team must always come first.

If Roo is going to be playing at FF, which of our current forwards is going to miss out?

Interesting times ahead.

 

[Truck Rutten]

It will be a miracle if we have as good a run with injuries as we did last season, so the crushers will probably get more opportunities by virtue of that.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Based on 2005 form and age, whose position in the side is most vulnerable.

Age:

Clarke,
Hart.

Ability:

Doughty,
Skip

Looking over their shoulder:

Reilly,
and to a lesser extent Burton depending on how Reilly performs.

IMO If at least 2 of the crushers can step up to be regulars ( hopefully a ruckman and midfielder ) then our "renovation" is going according to play. Actually 3 would be better - a ruckman ( Maric or Meeson ), midfielder ( Knights or Hinge )and a backman ( VB or Hinge).

Which begs the question, where does Jericho sit within the scheme of things?

 

[Vader]

Which begs the question, where does Jericho sit within the scheme of things?

I considered including him in my list of "crushers", but had to discount him.

At 21, he's only a month older than Porplyzia, but unlike the others in that group he already has 20 games to his credit and has been on Adelaide's senior list for three years. Most of the Crushers (VB & Knights excepted) are looking for their first opportunity to play at senior level, Jericho has already been tried and found wanting - he's now out to prove that he's improved enough to justify being given a second chance.

Like the Crushers, and Bode, he will be fighting hard to earn a spot in the starting 22. IMHO he has already been swallowed up by the "crushers" and will probably be delisted at the end of '06 (subject to when his contract expires).

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

I considered including him in my list of "crushers", but had to discount him.

At 21, he's only a month older than Porplyzia, but unlike the others in that group he already has 20 games to his credit and has been on Adelaide's senior list for three years. Most of the Crushers (VB & Knights excepted) are looking for their first opportunity to play at senior level, Jericho has already been tried and found wanting - he's now out to prove that he's improved enough to justify being given a second chance.

Like the Crushers, and Bode, he will be fighting hard to earn a spot in the starting 22. IMHO he has already been swallowed up by the "crushers" and will probably be delisted at the end of '06 (subject to when his contract expires).

Getting back to Reilly, he hasn't proven to me that he has what it takes to be a midfielder. His best position is either wing or HB. However, if he doesn't demand, through good form, Burtons wing that only leaves half back. Unless their a special player in the Johncock or S Burgoyne mould, using a first round draft pick on a specialty HB flanker is a real waste.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Johnny Hinge come on down.

How about he gets to cement a place in glenelg seniors befoe we start "gifting" him AFL games

 

[Stiffy_18]

Based on 2005 form and age, whose position in the side is most vulnerable.

Age:

Clarke,
Hart.

Ability:

Doughty,
Skip

Looking over their shoulder:

Reilly,
and to a lesser extent Burton depending on how Reilly performs.

IMO If at least 2 of the crushers can step up to be regulars ( hopefully a ruckman and midfielder ) then our "renovation" is going according to play. Actually 3 would be better - a ruckman ( Maric or Meeson ), midfielder ( Knights or Hinge )and a backman ( VB or Hinge).

Which begs the question, where does Jericho sit within the scheme of things?

Firstly, Hart's and Burton's spot is pretty safe no matter what anyone here would like to think. They are among the first picked every week.

Secondly, Jericho is most certainly ahead of Hinge in the pecking order. Hinge might come good but c'mon now. He struggled to get a game for Gelengl seniors and now we he should be considered in our top 25 players or so??????

Serioulsy Springy, your obsession with Hinge is quite staggering. He has shown absolutely nothing to date other than a great game against Norwood in a trial at the Parade some 12 months ago. His SANFL form is not even worth discussing.

Porplyzia would also probably be ahead of Hinge at this state. In fact, Hinge would be right down towards the end of the list at the moment.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

How about he gets to cement a place in glenelg seniors befoe we start "gifting" him AFL games

Can you show me where I said he will be "gifted" a game. IMHO he is a possibility for a tagging role as is VB.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Can you show me where I said he will be "gifted" a game. IMHO he is a possibility for a tagging role as is VB.

You always group him together with Knights and Van Berlo as players that should be given time in the AFL. He hasn't shown a hell of a lot to date to suggest that he even deserves to play in the pre-season cup let alone in the home and away season.

He is a good prospect that has a bit of toughness about him but c'mon, there are at least half a dozen players ahead of him in the pecking order.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Firstly, Hart's and Burton's spot is pretty safe no matter what anyone here would like to think. They are among the first picked every week.

Secondly, Jericho is most certainly ahead of Hinge in the pecking order. Hinge might come good but c'mon now. He struggled to get a game for Gelengl seniors and now we he should be considered in our top 25 players or so??????

Serioulsy Springy, your obsession with Hinge is quite staggering. He has shown absolutely nothing to date other than a great game against Norwood in a trial at the Parade some 12 months ago. His SANFL form is not even worth discussing.

Porplyzia would also probably be ahead of Hinge at this state. In fact, Hinge would be right down towards the end of the list at the moment.

Talking about obsessions, how is your special friend James, the guru, going. Let's hope "my obession" doesn't reach your levels.

Howdo you know Hart and Burton are the first picked every week. Your a sponsor mate, not a selector. Get over yourself, we are all entitled to our opinions. I have seen a few things in HInge that make me feel confident that
he may be player. If you don't like that, stiff sh*t. Keep on pushing the Jericho wagon.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

You always group him together with Knights and Van Berlo as players that should be given time in the AFL. He hasn't shown a hell of a lot to date to suggest that he even deserves to play in the pre-season cup let alone in the home and away season.

He is a good prospect that has a bit of toughness about him but c'mon, there are at least half a dozen players ahead of him in the pecking order.

It could be argued that VB hasn't shown a hell of alot yet but i'm more than happy to push his wagon too. Show some balls Stiff. It's not much point jumping on a wagon (ala Henstchall ) after he has already been labelled in the media as having potential.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Talking about obsessions, how is your special friend James, the guru, going. Let's hope "my obession" doesn't reach your levels

I see you are yet to grow up. Using childish snipes as always. Very original

Howdo you know Hart and Burton are the first picked every week. Your a sponsor mate, not a selector. Get over yourself, we are all entitled to our opinions. I have seen a few things in HInge that make me feel confident that
he may be player. If you don't like that, stiff sh*t. Keep on pushing the Jericho wagon.

Pot. Kettle. Black.

Do you actually listen to the coaching staff and do you observe things or do you just make decisions on the go.

Hart is in our leadership group and please prove to me how is he not among the first picked every week. If Burton's or Hart's positions were in danger then tell me why do they NEVER come back through SANFL after coming back from injuries or suspensions????? How come Skipworth and the likes always come back through SANFL (even for a week) but Hart after no pre-season comes straight back into the side when he is ready to go???

C'mon man, Burton cops a lot of ******** but do you recall what Craig said after one of his post match conferences in the middle of Burton's and Perrie's slump?????? Hardly words of a coach who thinks that one of those players is in danger or losing a spot to unproven youngster.

Hinge has shown some promising signs but he needs to show a lot more before we go ahead pencilling him in as a major player from the crushers.

 

[Stiffy_18]

It could be argued that VB hasn't shown a hell of alot yet but i'm more than happy to push his wagon too. Show some balls Stiff. It's not much point jumping on a wagon (ala Henstchall ) after he has already been labelled in the media as having potential.

VB has shown a hell of a lot more than Hinge at training track, in SANFL and in the AFL.

Dude, there you go talking crap again. I was on the Hentschel bandwagon BEFORE he even got drafted. That was after I watched him in a reserves game for WWT in the second half of 2001.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

I see you are yet to grow up. Using childish snipes as always. Very original

You sound like you've developed a little SpringChoke complex there Stiff. I'm quite staggered, I didn't see it coming. Maybe I questioned James' remarkeable recruiting record once too often for your liking. As for the "childish snipes" comment who brought up the obsession comment in the first place.

Hart is in our leadership group and please prove to me how is he not among the first picked every week. If Burton's or Hart's positions were in danger then tell me why do they NEVER come back through SANFL after coming back from injuries or suspensions????? How come Skipworth and the likes always come back through SANFL (even for a week) but Hart after no pre-season comes straight back into the side when he is ready to go???

So your in the Hart will play until he's 40 gang too. Haven't we learnt anything from Port Power circa 2005. A list, or starting 22, with too many oldies is fraught with danger. This year we will have 9 players in our first 22 turning 29 +.

QUOTE]

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

VB has shown a hell of a lot more than Hinge at training track, in SANFL and in the AFL.

Dude, there you go talking crap again. I was on the Hentschel bandwagon BEFORE he even got drafted. That was after I watched him in a reserves game for WWT in the second half of 2001.

Hang on you've just destroyed your own argument. So you're saying you jumped on the Trent H bandwagon after only wtahcing him play 1 game of reserves football way back in 2001. Considering he hasn't really shown anything until 2005, you could say, in hindsight, that's a pretty big call wouldn't you say. Yet, you have a go at me for making the same call with regard to Hinge. Who knows what he could become in a few years. Pfft hypocrite.