Hurley vs Walker

[Lance Uppercut]

Fair points. The hype around Hurley from some Essendon fans has been Lance Franklin-eque or Wayne Carey-esque, both who were pretty much the best or in the top 2 players in the comp during their 4th season ( and it's obviously Hurleys 4th year now ). Perhaps that's why some people tend to judge him harshly.

all supporter bases have idiots in them. It is clear that Hurley is not a Carey or a Franklin.

Yet

 

[mufassa]

Fair points. The hype around Hurley from some Essendon fans has been Lance Franklin-eque or Wayne Carey-esque, both who were pretty much the best or in the top 2 players in the comp during their 4th season ( and it's obviously Hurleys 4th year now ). Perhaps that's why some people tend to judge him harshly.

I was at the Ess V Port game this year and each time Hurley went near the ball a group of Essendon supporters would call him "the future" each time he was in a contest.

The next "Carey" tag has been a curse for a long time now. The difference between Carey and Hurley at the same age is big and getting bigger each time he runs out.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

I was at the Ess V Port game this year and each time Hurley went near the ball a group of Essendon supporters would call him "the future" each time he was in a contest.

The next "Carey" tag has been a curse for a long time now. The difference between Carey and Hurley at the same age is big and getting bigger each time he runs out.

I think it's fair enough that Essendon supporters get excited about good prospects, don't you?

I think he's the future too. Come at me, bro

 

[mufassa]

I think it's fair enough that Essendon supporters get excited about good prospects, don't you?

I think he's the future too. Come at me, bro

You should be excited - he could be a gun. But the hype is a long way short of the output. Every team in the comp have these players - we actually may have more than most. I was wrong about Watson but I think I am correct with Hurley falling well short of the King - mainly because he is more of a Jakovich and should be playing back.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

You should be excited - he could be a gun. But the hype is a long way short of the output. Every team in the comp have these players - we actually may have more than most. I was wrong about Watson but I think I am correct with Hurley falling well short of the King - mainly because he is more of a Jakovich and should be playing back.

good post, you could be right. I think he will do well forwards but is far from proven, whereas the junior AA gongs and some good AFL level performances say he is a bloody good back. Again, a good problem to have.

 

[mufassa]

good post, you could be right. I think he will do well forwards but is far from proven, whereas the junior AA gongs and some good AFL level performances say he is a bloody good back. Again, a good problem to have.

He help turned the game V the Swans when switched back - his aggression at spoiling as a backman is greater than his marking prowess as a forward. The thing is Carlie is not a forward either. If only Gumby had lived up to expectations there would be a chance I would be in hiding for the next couple of years.

 

[Jesse Custer]

Well old boy, Gumbleton is still a chance to make something out of his career but i say that without much confidence atm.

 

[Jmac2225]

2015 All Australian Team
FF/CHF Taylor Walker

FB/CHB Micheal Hurley

I don't like this poll as it's comparing a forward to a back (even if Hurley has been role filling in the forward line). Most people are probably comparing them solely as forwards which is why Walker is getting the clear nod.

Edit: For the record I took Hurley with no real conviction based on his flexibility and potential to be one of the best defenders in the game.
I don't expect to be seeing Hurley vs Walker shootouts over the next 10 years I expect to see Hurley and Walker going head to head. Only then we will find out who really is better.

 

[Groupie_]

Walker quite easily atm.

Don't know about long run though. Could go either way.

 

[ADL9798]

In his own words, Walker has started "playing like a man" this season. We all saw the freakish goalkicking and ability to read the game in the past, but until this year he didn't really dominate the forward line as all good key forwards should.

Instead of trying to position himself to collect the ball over the back of the pack, he is now busting through it. He's collecting the ball off the ground like a midfielder and standing up while 3 tacklers hang off him as he fires off a handball to set up a goal for his teammate. His body is fully developed and he knows it, and what was talent and potential last season has now been realised.

He's never had a problem taking his opportunities and scoring goals (I personally think he's got the best goalkicking action and is now the best set shot in the league given his ability to consistently slot them from 60m), but the aggression and power he's brought to his game this year has meant that he is now creating twice as many of those opportunities, not just for himself but for the rest of the players around him.

He's a pleasure to watch at the moment, you listen to the kids in the crowd before the game, they're all there to see Tex.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

Walker is a better player easily right now, can't predict the future though, Hurley could easily end up a Full Back. Or even a very good forward.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

That said, I firmly expect Hurley to start kicking more goals.

aahhh

 

[Jcpdragonx]

haha **** this thread is filthy. Neither teams would trade players, thats it. Walker is the 9th youngest player ever to reach 100 goals. Im pretty ****ing happy with him and I could not give a rats arse how bombers fans think Hurley has the potential to be the best KPP in the game.

This pretty much, too many Essendon supporters are too protective of their hopes for Hurley. Walker can have the occasional lazy game which needs to be removed from his game, but he is only 22 and hitting AA form (if not close to it). It seems Hurley is suppose to be elite sometime soon given how much Essendon supporters rate him as well has his 5 year deal. Whether he will reach that I don't know and its no guarantee that he will, but at the moment I would take Walker all day over Hurley.

 

[roosaints]

Walker, easily. Though i'm sure Hurley's excellent performance last night in which he doubled his season goal tally will buy him another few months of 'next big thing.' Walker is actually producing as a level that puts him in the top 5 key forwards in the game this season. Very impressive.

Of course, with all this hype on young players, lets not forget that Franklin and Nick Riewoldt were basically the best forwards in the competition at the same age, Jon Brown had 3 premierships and Pavlich was all australian. Neither are tracking at a level comparable to the modern champions.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

Walker, easily. Though i'm sure Hurley's excellent performance last night in which he doubled his season goal tally will buy him another few months of 'next big thing.' Walker is actually producing as a level that puts him in the top 5 key forwards in the game this season. Very impressive.

Of course, with all this hype on young players, lets not forget that Franklin and Nick Riewoldt were basically the best forwards in the competition at the same age, Jon Brown had 3 premierships and Pavlich was all australian. Neither are tracking at a level comparable to the modern champions.

yeah it's a disgrace on Hurley's behalf that he doesn't have 3 premierships yet

 

[Seb78]

Hurley is a solid defender who can go forward and make an impact.

Walker is a solid forward........

I know who I'd want

 

[Schulzenfest]

Walker >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hurley.

 

[Necromancer Beth]

To be fair to Essendon supporters, it's only a couple of nut jobs on here who pump up Hurley like he is the best kpf in the comp. We all know who the fruitcakes are, so we shouldn't tarnish all bombers posters with the same brush.

 

[cash]

To be fair to Essendon supporters, it's only a couple of nut jobs on here who pump up Hurley like he is the best kpf in the comp. We all know who the fruitcakes are, so we shouldn't tarnish all bombers posters with the same brush.

To be fair your a complete knob of a bloke.

On topic. Walker now, Hurley in the future, I hope.

 

[Necromancer Beth]

To be fair your a complete knob of a bloke.

On topic. Walker now, Hurley in the future, I hope.

It's you're, not your. Basic English 101.

 

[Necromancer Beth]

To be fair your a complete knob of a bloke.

On topic. Walker now, Hurley in the future, I hope.

It's you're, not your. Basic English 101.

 

[PykeDream]

Of course, with all this hype on young players, lets not forget that Franklin and Nick Riewoldt were basically the best forwards in the competition at the same age, Jon Brown had 3 premierships and Pavlich was all australian. Neither are tracking at a level comparable to the modern champions.

Pavlich was All-Australian as a Full-Back (age 20) and HFF (as he spent a fair amount of time midfield at age 21). He wasn't carving up as a forward and making AA as CHF/FF until 23, a year older than Walker is now. As a forward, Walker has been more successful in his first four years to date, but of course lacks that swingman ability/opportunity (which is arguably a good thing).

Brown didn't average more than 1.5 goals until his fifth year, despite having played in three premiership sides prior. Likewise Riewoldt didn't average over 1.5 until his fourth year.

Walker has averaged (0), 1.6, 1.9, 2.5 and 3.2 (YTD) goals in his first five years (didn't play in 08). While games played and perceived defensive ability have a factor, it is a myth that those players were better forwards and tearing the comp apart long before Walker. Could be argued that Pavlich had a better AFL career to the same age given his exploits as a utility at a young age. Franklin also clearly ahead given 2008, but then he is just a rung above any other key forward. Walker is the tenth youngest player in VFL/AFL history to kick 100 goals.

Haven't really kept track of Hurley's progress, but a player so effective at both ends of the ground is always gonna be a star. If Gumbleton can get fit, a forward line of Hurley + Gumby + Crameri is truly terrifying. Can't really blame Essendon supporters for getting excited, a promising young key forward coming through for your team would have to be the most exciting prospect for any follower.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

Quality Post ^. .

 

[Jesse Custer]

Have a feeling Hurley will be the better player long term.

 

[E Shed]

Go with Hurley on the basis that Walker is close to most obnoxious bogan in the competition.