Got to Keep Polak

[Wizard]

Just digging through my archives at home and happened to watch the First Derby from this season. There was one guy running around for us with number 12 on his back that took over as a ruckman when big Sandi got injured. He was dropping back acoss half back taking contested makr after contested mark opposed to Big Cox. And the guys skills were not as bad as they are mad out to be.

Just that one game showed me exactly why it will be one of the biggest mistakes this club has ever made if we trade him.

 

[Freo Shark]

He has talent no doubt, its just getting consistent application from him.

To give him his due I think he was injured soon after that game and in the few weeks he was out Freo turned around and he didnt get the chance to capitalise and build on that game.

But we need a very fast midfielder and another genuine forward to take pressure off Pav and assist him, Murph, the Wiz and the hobbling Longmuir.

 

[Wizard]

As far as i'm concerned it should have to take one ripping trade to get the guy.

 

[Freo Shark]

As far as i'm concerned it should have to take one ripping trade to get the guy.

It needs to be a good deal, no use throwing him away for a cheap pick.

 

[ImperialPurple]

Wizard, you beat me to it. Yesterday I was watching the round 3 game V Port at AAMI. There was Polly, in his first game for the season, taking contested marks in the forward 50, and then backing into packs in the defensive 50 to take marks there also. He was winning the ball at ground level as well as in the air, and setting up goals for the other forwards. It made me wonder how good this 22 year old talented 195cm courageous East Freo boy could become... and it made me a little sick with apprehension that he could become that at another club.

This trade will bite if it happens.

Problem is, if he's met with Carlton as well as Richmond, he could end up going there for nothing. And don't think that old Sheedy won't have a word in his ear at some stage between now and trade week.... I have a real bad feeling about this one.

 

[chook2734]

I think Polak took a few pretty huge steps forward this year in becoming a 'team' player - and that's probably what ended up hurting him the most. He slotted in when required in the ruck and did an outstanding job, but by the time Sandi and JLo were back, all the other key positions had been filled by other players stepping up.

I'm not sure exactly where Polak fits into the team, but I'm sure there is a spot for him if he's willing to fight hard enough for it. As much as I'd hate to see him go to a Richmond or Carlton and develop into a star, I'd hate it more if he went there and just bumbled along for the rest of his career due to the lack of a challenge at those clubs (not enough competition from other kpps) - if he's going to stay at Freo, he's going to have to take that next step or he's just not going to force his way into the 22.

 

[theGav56]

The club would be crazy not to look at any trades that can improve our list, especially in the midfield. Getting good players always means giving up good players or good draft picks. I would much rather give up a good player, and looking at our list we do have depth in the Talls department.

Of the Talls, Polak has not managed to establish himself as a first choice player, and it is difficult to see exactly where it is that he could force himself into the team.

Forward; Yes he can mark, but he consitently fails to kick goals. First choice Talls in the forward line are Pavlich, Murphy and Longmuir. We also have Campbell and Drum developing, and I would prefer Drum to Polak as he has better all round skills and mobility. In addition we have Warnock developing as a third ruckman, who also (apparently) has the skills to play forward. I think Warnock could be used up forward next year for some games while he is still building his body weight, and certainly the following year.

Back; In the backline he is an asset, but he is now competing in the area of the ground that we have the most Tall depth, and MacPharlin, Johnson, Grover and Mundy are all prefered to him as first choice Talls. All of them are more versatile compared to Polak as well.

In addition to the above first choice Talls we have Haddril and Thornton who if fit may easily be prefered to Polak come selection day if a Tall is required. If a more mobile player is required Gilmore and Webster are options, though they probably don't compete with Polak for a spot.

If Polak is staying on the list for the future then that is a fantastic positive for us because it mean we have exceptional depth in our Talls, though someone who could be playing regular AFL will not be getting a game. Alternatively, if he is traded it means that he will be getting the opportunity to be a first choice Tall in an AFL team, and that we will have strengthened another area of our list through trading.

 

[Wizard]

Lets look at a few names of guys we have traded away that were in simlar situations as Polly is now and we will see whether we should trade him or not.

James Clement
Adam McPhee
Brodie Holland
Jess Sinclair
Trent Croad
and there is many more.

Got to say there might be some regret in how these guys have prospered with the careers and made us look stupid.

Also i think there is a position at CHB for him in the future. You might say what about McPharlin or Johnson? Well Luke is pretty much bookmarked to be a full back, and Johnno is not a CHB. He should be played in a similar role to Adam Goodes is at the moment, he generally gets beaten when he plays as our CHB which may be due to his small body and age but that said he is best suited as a playmaker not a stopper.
That leaves the spot for the guy that is best suited to play at CHB for us............. Graham Polak.

 

[chook2734]

Lets look at a few names of guys we have traded away that were in simlar situations as Polly is now and we will see whether we should trade him or not.

James Clement
Adam McPhee
Brodie Holland
Jess Sinclair
Trent Croad
and there is many more.

Got to say there might be some regret in how these guys have prospered with the careers and made us look stupid.

I'd have to disagree on a few of those (if not most) making us look stupid - Clement (and maybe at a stretch Croad) is the only one playing reasonable football at the moment. The other point with all of these (except Croad) is that the trades were done under previous coaching/admin staff - we don't get screwed over like in the bad old days.

As much as I don't want to see Polak traded, if he does go, I'm confident that the club will get the best we can for him and it will be in the best interests of the team.

 

[dominguez]

We need to build a side capable of winning a premiership. The great thing about this year is that we got to see how our players handle finals pressure. We now know that Dessie isn't up to it after 3 woeful finals but unfortunately won't be traded. Schammer and Dodd also have something to prove after 2 poor finals and one good one, but both should be retained and should improve next season after experiencing finals football. JLo struggled and needs to get his body right for 2007.

Would Polak stand up to finals pressure, I don't think so. His skills are bad and he looks nervous when he has to kick the ball. He has off field issues, isn't in our best 22, and has apparently had problems with Connolly in the past. If a suitable trade presents itself we should take it. We are 2 midfielders away from being real contenders, hopefully Polak will get us one and Hasleby will be the other.

 

[dominguez]

Lets look at a few names of guys we have traded away that were in simlar situations as Polly is now and we will see whether we should trade him or not.

James Clement
Adam McPhee
Brodie Holland
Jess Sinclair
Trent Croad
and there is many more.

Clement, Holland and Sinclair got us Peter Bell, and Clement is the only one who has really gone on so I don't think that trade was too bad.

Crowley is better than McPhee.

Is was Connolly who pushed for Croad to be traded while at hawthorn so there was bad blood from the start. Connolly also insisted on playing him forward instead of back which didn't help. If we had drafted a decent player with pick 10 in 2003 the Croad saga wouldn't look so bad.

 

[Ysaye]

Clement, Holland and Sinclair got us Peter Bell, and Clement is the only one who has really gone on so I don't think that trade was too bad.

Crowley is better than McPhee.

Is was Connolly who pushed for Croad to be traded while at hawthorn so there was bad blood from the start. Connolly also insisted on playing him forward instead of back which didn't help. If we had drafted a decent player with pick 10 in 2003 the Croad saga wouldn't look so bad.

The thing about the Croad one is that we got McPharlin as part of that deal, and had been fit for the last two years could have been AA CHB twice.

I believe in the two midfielder idea fielded by Dom, but I just don't see how Polak is going to get us the other midfielder. Assuming he wants to stay, I would keep him unless a very good deal is going to be placed on the table.

If he wants to leave (And obviously there are the "Richmond" rumors), then an exchange of first round picks would be good win for us, so long as we can nab the right player in the draft.

 

[ImperialPurple]

No doubt Ysaye, you have been following the rumours, but there are a few on the Tigers board that are convinced that Polak + Pick 31 for Coughlan is pretty much a done deal. Not sure that Coughlan will solve our problems. As good as he is, he is also pretty injury prone and not that quick. A bottom of the pack player like Hase, JCarr and Cook. Of course we won't have Cookie for that much longer and Coughlan does have age on his side. Aaah, I dunno....

I have to remimd myself that to get quality you have to give quality, so I know you are right dominguez. Just a shame to see a product of the East Freo juniors possibly being given the heave-ho. Especially when we know how good he can be.

 

[dominguez]

If he wants to leave (And obviously there are the "Richmond" rumors), then an exchange of first round picks would be good win for us, so long as we can nab the right player in the draft.

Going from pick 13 to pick 8 isn't a great jump, probably need to add a 2nd round pick too. Polak + pick 13 + pick 47 for picks 8 + 26.

Pick 8 would guarantee us either Jetta or Collard though. The "experts" are tipping Jetta to go 6-8 and Collard anywhere in the 2nd half of the first round (9-16).

There's a Coughlan for Polak and pick 31 rumour going around.

 

[Redgum]

I hope we don't try and get Coughlan, the guy is injury prone ( will never be out on the park) and is too slow , probably in the mould of Hasleby and Jcarr,his best is behind him.We need TALL FAST midfielders. Some poeple suggesting Polak + a pick, ya got ta be kidding me ! A straight swap is laugable, I would suggest Coughlan would have to come with a pick at the very least. I have said all along, keep polak, he is our future. With his marking ability and once he fills out, he could be unstoppable as Sandy is as a ruckman.

 

[dominguez]

No doubt Ysaye, you have been following the rumours, but there are a few on the Tigers board that are convinced that Polak + Pick 31 for Coughlan is pretty much a done deal. Not sure that Coughlan will solve our problems. As good as he is, he is also pretty injury prone and not that quick. A bottom of the pack player like Hase, JCarr and Cook. Of course we won't have Cookie for that much longer and Coughlan does have age on his side. Aaah, I dunno....

Apart from Hasleby though the other 2 don't win a lot of clearances. Coughlan like Hasleby is your genuine West/Mitchell extractor when fit. I think that trade is worth a punt as long as Coughlan is keen. If Carr, Hasleby, Coughlan are all fit and playing well but we look slow we can play Hasleby forward for a half, where he is a strong mark and good kick.

We need to select a quick skillful midfilder with our first pick regardless.

 

[Scham]

No doubt Ysaye, you have been following the rumours, but there are a few on the Tigers board that are convinced that Polak + Pick 31 for Coughlan is pretty much a done deal. Not sure that Coughlan will solve our problems. As good as he is, he is also pretty injury prone and not that quick. A bottom of the pack player like Hase, JCarr and Cook. Of course we won't have Cookie for that much longer and Coughlan does have age on his side. Aaah, I dunno....

This may help IP?

http://www.finalsiren.com/PlayerCom...SelectedPlayers=755,772,1105,729,128,522,136,

A straight swap would be good, Polak for Coughlan- not very realistic though.

 

[raffrox]

Polak does not suit our future. Very low skill level by foot and bad attitude off the field. It needs to be a good trade but... see ya.

 

[pinkus maximus]

i dont think we will have much say. i think he is as good as gone

 

[dockers_bengals]

IMO he is regarded very highly by everyone and wants to stay so to get him to leave it will be hard and cost the club he is gonig to.Players like him who are very good contested marks are hard to get(even thou we have 4 or 5)He also provides another marking forward option.

 

[raffrox]

IMO he is regarded very highly by everyone and wants to stay so to get him to leave it will be hard and cost the club he is gonig to.Players like him who are very good contested marks are hard to get(even thou we have 4 or 5)He also provides another marking forward option.

With Longmuir injured he still didn't get a game.

Surplus.

 

[Ysaye]

I hope we don't try and get Coughlan, the guy is injury prone ( will never be out on the park) and is too slow , probably in the mould of Hasleby and Jcarr,his best is behind him.We need TALL FAST midfielders. Some poeple suggesting Polak + a pick, ya got ta be kidding me ! A straight swap is laugable, I would suggest Coughlan would have to come with a pick at the very least. I have said all along, keep polak, he is our future. With his marking ability and once he fills out, he could be unstoppable as Sandy is as a ruckman.

Coughlan is tall though at 187cm and he has pretty good skills. I wouldn't pay the moon for him but I think if Polak wants to go Richmond, he should come into contention.

 

[Brumbies]

This debate is getting old very fast

People that want to trade him obviusly have no idea about KPP's and the extra time needed in development. My god he is only 22 and has all the potential in the world. He is far better than any of our other reserve KPP's and i think he will be in our 22 next season for sure.
He was unlucky this season after having to play in the ruck and sacrifice his game for the good of the team when Sandilands was out.
If you want to get rid of anyone get rid of Thornton , he is 25 and is very SOFT. Will never bulk up and you cant play him in the same side as Johnson and Mundy as they are all similar and those 2 are so much better. Thornton is too weak to play as a key defender and drops his head as soon as things go wrong.

Anyway Freo will make a massive mistake if they get rid of Polak and will be evident if we get some injuries next season cos all the midfielders in the world cant replace a strong contested marking tall KPP.

 

[mick ryan]

I hope we don't try and get Coughlan, the guy is injury prone ( will never be out on the park) and is too slow , probably in the mould of Hasleby and Jcarr,his best is behind him.We need TALL FAST midfielders. Some poeple suggesting Polak + a pick, ya got ta be kidding me ! A straight swap is laugable, I would suggest Coughlan would have to come with a pick at the very least. I have said all along, keep polak, he is our future. With his marking ability and once he fills out, he could be unstoppable as Sandy is as a ruckman.

I know who is the better player and who has achieved the most and it sure as sh-t aint POLHACK and there is no doubt who is the better person. As for filling out if he fills out any more he'll be fat.

 

[dominguez]

There is no point being a fantastic mark if you can't kick. If Polak needs time to develop why was he a better player 3 years ago? He has gone backwards, lost confidence and has a bad attitude.

Sure if he is traded there is a good chance that he will turn out to be a good player, but that doesn't mean he will be a very good player if he stays. Some times a change of scenery does the world of good, from the looks of things the mesaage from the fremantle coaching staff isn't getting through.

Two years ago we could have got Kerr for him. Last year we could have got a top 10 pick. This year we will be lucky to get a top 20 pick. Another season at the sharks and we will be offered a 4th round pick for him.

Only 5 or 6 of the following can play each week- Polak, McPharlin, Pavlich, Johnson, Hadrill, Thornton, Murphy, Drum, Longmuir, Grover, Campbell. Even taking into account injuries I think we have the depth to cover Polak. What we lack is midfield depth, both those who can win the ball and those who can carry the ball.

You need midfielders to win in todays football. The team that scraped over the line in todays game had 4 key position players and 2 ruckmen in the 22.