Graham Johncock

Stiffy_18

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Thread starter #1
Is it just me or has he been somewhat struggling in the last couple of week? He has still been doing the team things like chasing and tackling and shepparding and all that but in the last 2 weeks he has only kicked 1 goal.

We have been saying for a couple of years now we would like him in the midifield. Is it time to unleash Stiffy and let him play in the midfield for majority of the game?????? It might help turn his form. I reckon with our midfield weakened by Goody's absence and lack of form from a few others I reckon Stiffy in the midfield would be a weapon against the power. I am not saying its a match winning move (I don't think we have a hope in hell) but it might throw port off a bit.

Another question is can we afford to play him away from goals??????

Thoughts??????
 

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Fergus

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#2
I agree with you completely. Stiffy has struggled the last two weeks with his form and if not for his tackling and chasing would have had dead set shockers. His ball handling just doesn't seem as clean as usual and it probably reflects where the majority of our players have been in terms of confidence.

I would give him a few bursts through the midfield as opposed to playing him there for long periods. He has a great attack on the ball and player which we don't want to lose from the forward line as he helps set up goals for others with his efforts. It would be good for him though to just have a run and chase the ball - most players enjoy this and if he can rack a few touches up quickly then his confidence may grow quickly (a bit like S Burgoyne last week although he stayed in the midfield longer).
 

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#4
Originally posted by Stiffy_18
Is it just me or has he been somewhat struggling in the last couple of week? He has still been doing the team things like chasing and tackling and shepparding and all that but in the last 2 weeks he has only kicked 1 goal.

We have been saying for a couple of years now we would like him in the midifield. Is it time to unleash Stiffy and let him play in the midfield for majority of the game?????? It might help turn his form. I reckon with our midfield weakened by Goody's absence and lack of form from a few others I reckon Stiffy in the midfield would be a weapon against the power. I am not saying its a match winning move (I don't think we have a hope in hell) but it might throw port off a bit.

Another question is can we afford to play him away from goals??????

Thoughts??????
ATM I dont think we can afford to play him away from goals unless we are having a good game and McGregor and Carey are having a feild day, with Perrie playing defence, Burton more playing on the wing and Stevo and Welsh injuried it is a bit of a problem for the AFC ATM, ok was having a bit of a think last night and you guys can tell me if Im right or wrong, usually Im wrong:p Are we really in as much deep poo as we are making out?????We are missing alot of KPP Goodwin,Biglands,Hart,Welsh,Smart and Stevens we have alot of away games in the first 10 Rnds buyt only three away games in the last 12 Rnds, once we get most of our KPP back can we get 2004 back on track, even if we only pinch one or two wins in the next couple of weeks????Will 12 wins be enough to make the finals do you think???

Thoughts????????
 

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#5
IMHO I think we could use Johncock in the middle a bit more, but I'm guessing the reason why they don't use him is that he tends to be a two-grabber (a bit like Riccuito). The midfielders need clean hands and quick reflexes to not only get the ball but move it on quickly.

Unfortunately we have quite a few guys in a similar boat such as Riccuito and Edwards....which is probably why they're not always in the middle. Bring back Sugar, Jars and Brett James....they were excellent in this area!
 

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#6
Originally posted by Crow_Magnon

Bring back Sugar, Jars and Brett James....they were excellent in this area!

You forgot to mention Mark Bickley amongst those above.

His never say die hard at it attitude is being sorely missed. :mad:
 
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#7
It's not too surprising to see Stiffy drop in form over the last couple of weeks. The team has been playing some pretty ordinary footy and there weren't too many guys out there playing with confidence and to the best of their ability. It was only a matter of time before the glum rubbed off on the few players that were still doing well.

The only way to get confidence back is to win games. The Crows need to do whatever they can to win games now, even if it means winning ugly. It may mean taking some chances e.g. rotate Stiffy and Roo between the centre and the forward line (these two guys should never be off the ground while fit).

McLeod should be kept out of the middle atm, his confidence is just too low at the moment. He was doing ok front the back flank. Maybe he should be given a job on on of the Burgyuones, force him to play accountable footy.

We should play a spare man in defence in front of Tredrea to try and fill the gaps so he can't lead into them. Most of their forward thrusts go to Tredrea which he feeds off or kicks goals himself. We dont have anyone good enough to go one on one with Tredrea.

If our ball getters can do their job I think we have a good chance of winning the clearances. Port will be relying on 2nd string runners to step up.

They need to try and drag Cornes away from CHB where he gives them a lot of drive out of defence. Whoever plays on him needs to try and drag him further up the ground or towards th goal square.

Thery are my thoughts anyway. Bottom line is every Crows man needs to be accountable for their opponent. They need to start doing more team things like sheprerding to create space for their runners. They need to put kicks into the forward 50 to space and not over the head of Carey.
 

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#8
Originally posted by MaccasNeighbour
It's not too surprising to see Stiffy drop in form over the last couple of weeks. The team has been playing some pretty ordinary footy and there weren't too many guys out there playing with confidence and to the best of their ability. It was only a matter of time before the glum rubbed off on the few players that were still doing well.

The only way to get confidence back is to win games. The Crows need to do whatever they can to win games now, even if it means winning ugly. It may mean taking some chances e.g. rotate Stiffy and Roo between the centre and the forward line (these two guys should never be off the ground while fit).

McLeod should be kept out of the middle atm, his confidence is just too low at the moment. He was doing ok front the back flank. Maybe he should be given a job on on of the Burgyuones, force him to play accountable footy.

We should play a spare man in defence in front of Tredrea to try and fill the gaps so he can't lead into them. Most of their forward thrusts go to Tredrea which he feeds off or kicks goals himself. We dont have anyone good enough to go one on one with Tredrea.

If our ball getters can do their job I think we have a good chance of winning the clearances. Port will be relying on 2nd string runners to step up.

They need to try and drag Cornes away from CHB where he gives them a lot of drive out of defence. Whoever plays on him needs to try and drag him further up the ground or towards th goal square.

Thery are my thoughts anyway. Bottom line is every Crows man needs to be accountable for their opponent. They need to start doing more team things like sheprerding to create space for their runners. They need to put kicks into the forward 50 to space and not over the head of Carey.
All very good points.

I agree that Roo & Stiffy should not be rotated through the forward line rather than the bench.

Not sure what we do with Macca. Either play him off a HBF, but don't let him get dragged back deep (with the support of other derenders) or give him a run with role against P Burgoyne, as will make him work harder.

Kenny must play on Tredders & let him get easy kicks up the ground, so hopefully he does less damage inside-50m.

Assuming Sarge plays on C Cornes, then he needs to play very accountable football & pressure him. If C Cornes is doing too much damage, then Sarge should play as a decoy & get out of the action.
 

Stiffy_18

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Thread starter #9
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
I agree that Roo & Stiffy should not be rotated through the forward line rather than the bench.
Don't you mean should be??????:confused:

For what its worth I think we need to think outside the square when it comes to team line up and come up with something that might surprise Port. FWIW, here is my 2 cents worth

IN: Welsh, Schuback
OUT: Bock, Burns

_F: _ 26. Jacob Schuback _ 24. Brett Burton _ 2. Wayne Carey
HF: _ 17. Scott Welsh _ 22. Ian Perrie _ 27. Scott Stevens
_C: _ 18. Graham Johncock _ 20. Tyson Stenglein _ 30. Luke Jericho
HB: _ 3. Kris Massie _ 16. Ken McGregor _ 23. Andrew McLeod
_B: _ 37. Trent Hentschel _ 8. Nathan Bassett _ 28. James Begley
1R: _ 4. Matthew Clarke _ 32. Mark Ricciuto _ 9. Tyson Edwards

INT: _ 10. Matthew Bode _ 11. Michael Doughty _ 13. Ben Hudson _ 21. James Gallagher

If Scott Stevens fails the fitness test then bring in Smart as his replacement


Obviously Jezza and Stiffy might not have the aerobic capacity to run out th egame on the wing but we can always rotate them. Stiffy should go to FP and Jezze to the bench for a breather. Burton could prove to be a headache for Port playing from FF
 
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#11
Originally posted by Stiffy_18
Don't you mean should be??????:confused:

For what its worth I think we need to think outside the square when it comes to team line up and come up with something that might surprise Port. FWIW, here is my 2 cents worth

IN: Welsh, Schuback
OUT: Bock, Burns

_F: _ 26. Jacob Schuback _ 24. Brett Burton _ 2. Wayne Carey
HF: _ 17. Scott Welsh _ 22. Ian Perrie _ 27. Scott Stevens
_C: _ 18. Graham Johncock _ 20. Tyson Stenglein _ 30. Luke Jericho
HB: _ 3. Kris Massie _ 16. Ken McGregor _ 23. Andrew McLeod
_B: _ 37. Trent Hentschel _ 8. Nathan Bassett _ 28. James Begley
1R: _ 4. Matthew Clarke _ 32. Mark Ricciuto _ 9. Tyson Edwards

INT: _ 10. Matthew Bode _ 11. Michael Doughty _ 13. Ben Hudson _ 21. James Gallagher

If Scott Stevens fails the fitness test then bring in Smart as his replacement


Obviously Jezza and Stiffy might not have the aerobic capacity to run out th egame on the wing but we can always rotate them. Stiffy should go to FP and Jezze to the bench for a breather. Burton could prove to be a headache for Port playing from FF
Interesting forward set up. Burton could possibly rotate with Stiffy on the wing.

Somehow I can't see Ayresy trying it though.
 

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Stiffy_18

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Thread starter #12
Originally posted by MaccasNeighbour
Interesting forward set up. Burton could possibly rotate with Stiffy on the wing.

Somehow I can't see Ayresy trying it though.
neither can I but I reckon its worth a try. Lets face it we have absolutely nothing to lose.
 

crowmyzone

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#13
Originally posted by MarksGirl-kbcrowgirl
Yes he has been a bit down the last couple of weeks. Perhaps he is having a "McLeod Moment". Lets hope he gets back into gear really soon.

k
xx
Is that similar to a "Melting Moment":confused: ...one of my fave biscuits.
But seriously; hes been terrific until last week. He'll turn it on this week...I hope.

And just on his role as a goalkicker, I can see him getting amongst the goals from the midfield; he has the pace to tearaway and drill 'em from 50. We just need a ruck knock to find him; not a deft tap...a knock;)
 
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#14
Along the lines of thinking aside the square for a bit...

If Welsh is fit he must play, it's the only option to get Johncock out of the forward lines, otherwise Burns will be the small and I don't think that will happen (****en hope not!)

Now what to do with Johncock....
Option 1) play him in the midfield.
Bet he get's caned by their midfielders. Still needs to learn the craft of getting to the ball before they do.
Option 2) play him across HB like they have with McLeod. Pick the right flanker to man up on and he will do this role at least as well as McLeod has with his longer kicks.

That frees up Mcleod to go back in the midfield or go forward.
If he's in the midfield, I'd get him to tag P. Burgoyne. He'll get lead to the ball a lot and has the pace to stay with Burgoyne on the burst. The other option is to play Normie forward, pretty good crumber and this could cause the power some match-up problems, especially if he wonders through the centre from time to time.
 

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Thread starter #15
Originally posted by naughty monkey
Now what to do with Johncock....
Option 1) play him in the midfield.
Bet he get's caned by their midfielders.
So that West End Medal in showdown 13 means nothing or a couple of games at the start of last year where he played in the midfield and got as many as 30 possesions.

My only query with Johncock in the midfield is whether he is aerobically fit to play majority of the game in the midfield. He still has to get unfer that 17:30 minutes mark in the 5 Km time trial to be considered a midfielder. If he can play 60% in the midfield and 40% as a forward for the rest of the year I would be happy with that.

What happened to that rotation that we used in pre-season with Roo and Johncock swapping betwen forward line and midfield. It worked well and I was hoping that was a sign of things to come but it looks like we have thrown it out the window.
 
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#16
Originally posted by Stiffy_18
So that West End Medal in showdown 13 means nothing or a couple of games at the start of last year where he played in the midfield and got as many as 30 possesions.

My only query with Johncock in the midfield is whether he is aerobically fit to play majority of the game in the midfield. He still has to get unfer that 17:30 minutes mark in the 5 Km time trial to be considered a midfielder. If he can play 60% in the midfield and 40% as a forward for the rest of the year I would be happy with that.

What happened to that rotation that we used in pre-season with Roo and Johncock swapping betwen forward line and midfield. It worked well and I was hoping that was a sign of things to come but it looks like we have thrown it out the window.
I wonder what Roger James' time for the 5km would be. He seems kind of slow but has a fantastic footy brain and when fit is one of the best midfielders in the AFL.

I think Stiffy has a knack of finding the ball, has v. good foot/hand skills and knows where the goals are. I agree that extra pace/endurance would not go astray, but pace is not everything. Just look at Burton.
 

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Thread starter #17
Another thing Johncock is fantastic at is his ability to hold his feet and don't go to ground in the congested situations.
 
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#18
Originally posted by Stiffy_18
So that West End Medal in showdown 13 means nothing or a couple of games at the start of last year where he played in the midfield and got as many as 30 possesions.
I believe Johncock's weakness is the same as most of the other Adelaide midfielders, they need a Bickley in there to get the ball for them.

I'm not saying Johncock's a reciever ala Doughty, Reilly and co, but that he tends to play a bit 'loose' and I am not sure that you can afford to do that against Port.

Port have struggled against teams that have manned up on them and denied them their space. I don't see Johncock doing this.

Stiffy, neither you nor I are fans of R. Shirley but this is the sort of game I would have picked him for.
 

Kane McGoodwin

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#19
Originally posted by naughty monkey
I'm not saying Johncock's a reciever ala Doughty, Reilly and co, but that he tends to play a bit 'loose' and I am not sure that you can afford to do that against Port.
I reckon Dogga has been one of our better players lately when it comes to centre square clearances.
 

Stiffy_18

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Thread starter #20
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
I reckon Dogga has been one of our better players lately when it comes to centre square clearances.
Stenglein is our king of clearences ;)
 

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#22
Originally posted by naughty monkey
I believe Johncock's weakness is the same as most of the other Adelaide midfielders, they need a Bickley in there to get the ball for them.
Exactly. Over the past three years we have lost our best two in-and-under midfielders in Sugar and Bicks. Who has replaced them?

No one.

Stinger and Doughty might be ok at centre clearances, but they simply aren't damaging enough, and they don't dish out to running recievers the way Johnson and Bickley did.

We need to rectify this at seasons end, along with our lack of a strong FB.

To put it bluntly and truthfully, however, we are ****house at recruiting and the AFC needs to shake up the people in charge of it.
 

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#23
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
I reckon Dogga has been one of our better players lately when it comes to centre square clearances.
To an extent but I think Doughty is better off on the wing where he can find open space. No-one ever wants to pick him up and he can use the ball quite well.

Put Burton up forward and Gallagher and Doughty on teh wings to feed him

Stenglein Roo and McLeod in the middle.

Ewdwards and Macca changing off the Half forward flank.
 

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Thread starter #25
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
Edwards has been having goal-kicking practice this week, which would suggest he is playing up forward as part of the Mattner/Burns change.
In that case what I would like to see is a tandem. Edwards and Johncock and Ricciuto and McLeod. I want 2 of those in the midfield at all times. The 2 that are not in the midfield at the time should be playing in the forward line and none of this rotations crap. Rotate these 4 through forward line and midfield and keep them on the field for the entire game.
 
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