It's Time

[Freddy Bassett]

We need to have the courage to pick the kids and give them prominent roles. We need to have the courage to draft kids that werent born with a silver spoon in their mouth and arent going to be rocket scientists or doctors.
We can do this and still try and win games. Just imagine Adelaide vs Sydney this weekend and we play Otten, Petrenko, Kite and Walker and two of them get in the best. It would be the highlight of my year ( except the showdown win) win, lose or draw.

 

[Alex99]

Yep spot on Drum.

Springy – he doesn’t have any other option but to play the kids and reinvent his football philosophies. Other clubs have worked his defensive game plan out and our second tier players have passed there used by date. I would like to see 5 or 6 teenagers (Danger, Walker, Kite, Otten, Mackay) play the majority of the season next year and add those to the younger player who have played this season; we are heading in the right direction.

 

[Caramelas13]

Are you for real? We were never going to be in the position to have a crack at the top 4. We do not have the side for it. Before the year most had us between between 6 and 12. Our earlier results have completely flattered our position as to where we really are in the pecking order.

We are still playing kids, one that has played only 50 games of Aussie Rules so just get off your high horse about having a shot at the top 4.

On another note, I guess you don't read a lot about some of our recruits like Dangerfield. He will not be playing this year due to his schooling.

Look i agree with you but the competition this year is so wide open from 4th place onwards. We win 3 of our last 5 and we're right in there. None of the teams above us are in any real consistent form. Top 4 was never my expectation but geez at 8-3 and a bit of luck we could be have been there. I accept our position as the last 5 weeks has confirmed where we are as a football club.

I know whats going on regarding Dangerfield. My comment was purely based on the fact he has been named as an emergency a few times this year and maybe playing him in the 2 games left in Melbourne this year wouldn't hurt him. Just my observation mate.

 

[CROW36]

We must play some youngsters over the next 6 weeks.

Look what happens in a normal recent Crows year...start with a flurry, play a few youngsters jumping out of their skins (Mackay, Griffin early on). Not many young fellas can maintain a full 22 rounds. We drop off mid year and fight for a half decent ladder position. No more youngsters.

We need to play them for 6 weeks NOW for their development because it's the perfect time frame so they can have a break then push on next year. Start them round 1 next year and we'll fall into another hole.

Of the young players, we gotta find someone to replace Bassett and/or Massie as one probably will get the chop and so many opposition teams most damaging forwards are the mobile speedy 187-192cm types.

 

[Crow-mo]

What do you mean by saying he wasn't a dud? What did he ever to for the AFC?

if you don't understand that, then there isn't much anyone here can do to help.

 

[Crow-mo]

As has been stated, we have a void in the key 24-28 year old bracket of our playing group. That's Ayres responsibility, and will take a while to address.

Regarding the bet, are you going to put any terms/conditions upon it?

you seem confused. so there was 100%, no doubt, total certainty that we will a flag under craig - and now you're talking about the void in our playing group? ummm... how does that fit together.

you might also like to consider that Craig prob won't be a long term coach from here on in, as he has always said he never really wanted to be. so your window isn't that large either

 

[Crow-mo]

Just on Carmelas and JR; my understanding is that Reid didn't make those decisions, Gary Ayres did.

Bzzzzt.

as JR was Ayres' boss, it is not as simple as that. Reid may have allowed the decision to be made by entirely by Ayres - but that was a contributory decision in itself.

NB. I have always been a huge JR fan.

 

[Crow-mo]

Shhh, he's not a good scapegoat when people want to whine because they're milk has been spilt, he's already gone!

You can take that common sense back where it belongs, off this board today!

what common sense, that Ayres' Boss could do nothing to stop him?

 

[Crow-mo]

Easy..... Mick Malthouse, no scientist just a bloody good footy coach.

Micky is the best coach in the league by a long way.

 

[Crow-mo]

I said available coach. He's not.

Also True

 

[Crow-mo]

Look here jenny, if we have been in remodeling mode for three years as you said, then why haven’t we moved forward on field? In fact, we’re going backwards. We’re on the worst losing streak for about 5 years and we still refuse to play the youngsters and if we do actually play them, we show no faith in them. Let him develop his list you say, let him do it HIS way? Well that’s what’s been happening for over 4 years now, and especially over the past 18 months when we have really entered rebuilding mode. And what steps has he taken to help us move forward? Barely any. You keep hearing names like Knights, van Berlo and Douglas thrown up as examples of Craig weaving his magic. The former two are in their 4th year in the AFL and the latter is in his third, of course you expect them to be playing and performing. No magic there, just natural progression.

His game plan has been exposed; we are far too defensive and have few, if any, players that are attacking, risk takers who can do the unpredictable. He is developing a side that is rigid and is seemingly unable to play with any flair and attacking nature. We are unbelievably boring to watch. Sure you don’t need to be exciting to win the premiership, just look at the Swans from a few years back, but I cannot imagine the players having too much fun playing in a side that is lifeless and has to do everything perfectly and cannot step out of the square. Walker plays with flair and such great enthusiasm and he always gets the crowd pumped after a goal. He’s already a fan favourite at Norwood and he responds to the crowd. I’m fearful of what will happen when he eventually makes it to the AFL. I can’t imagine Craig wanting a guy who likes to passionately celebrate a goal because it’s not what this club stands for. Everything has to be by the book and nothing can be out of the ordinary.

We want to see the youngsters played because they are the future. What happened to his lecture on not placing limitations on the youngsters and how if their form dictates selection then he won’t hesitate in playing them? Was that a lie? Walker, Otten and Petrenko are three that more than deserve a chance and yet Petrenko can’t even get upgraded, Otten played and got 25 minutes, and Walker has already been ruled out despite kicking 13 goals in 3 weeks. He ruled him out a week after harping on about how he wouldn’t be afraid to play him. Another lie, he IS afraid. He is scared of playing the youngsters. He’d prefer to make the 8 and save face than to roll the dice on a few youngsters and potentially miss out on the finals. I know what I’d rather, long term success any day over a bit of short term success, in this case making up the numbers in the finals.

Why is he trying to develop every aspect of their game before they enter at the top level? You’re only going to take the next step by playing at the NEXT LEVEL! Look at Chris Knights for he is the perfect example. Dominated in the SANFL in 2005, played 10 or so AFL games in 2006 and struggled but absolutely tore it up in the SANFL. His kicking was still a concern and he was missing targets too regularly. But enough was enough, there was nothing left for him to learn in the local comp so he played every game he was available in 2007 for Adelaide and as a result he was much improved and we saw what he was capable of. He only got to the next level because he played at the highest level, pretty simple. Craig leaves players for FAR too long in the SANFL when he should be blooding them with the Crows and letting them learn and gain experience.

We cleaned up in the draft last year and yet he's still afraid to give a few of them a shot because he still has his eye on finals. Making the finals is great, it should always be the goal, but he has once again taken his eye off the prize at the end of the tunnel, a premiership. We are far too short sighted, look at last year; we fought an uphill battle all year to make the 8, gallantly got there and for what? To be knocked out in the first week and be in no better position than half the teams that missed out on the 8? We are far, far too conservative in everything we do.

Have to say, I agree with almost all of this.

very well thought out post Drum. good stuff

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Micky is the best coach in the league by a long way.

Yep, spot on CM. Regardless of what people think of malthouse, he is the best coach in the compeition IMO. I'm not sure any other coach, including Matthews, could have got Collingwoods list into the GF in 2002 and 2003. If he was coaching the AFC in 2005 and 2006 I reckon we would have at least made 1 GF. Not a slur on NC, who I think is also a fantastic coach.

 

[jo172]

Yep, spot on CM. Regardless of what people think of malthouse, he is the best coach in the compeition IMO. I'm not sure any other coach, including Matthews, could have got Collingwoods list into the GF in 2002 and 2003. If he was coaching the AFC in 2005 and 2006 I reckon we would have at least made 1 GF. Not a slur on NC, who I think is also a fantastic coach.

He does however have his faults. Namely his complete refusal to recruit an actual ruckman at Collingwood until Wood last year. They may have gotten over the line but for in one of those years.

Just worth noting when the periodical complaining of Craig's stuborness begins.

 

[Freddy Bassett]

Craigs biggest fault was getting so much out of our list in 2005. Im not sure any coach could of done better. He created a premiership window from no where. That window closed again last year, this year we started a rebuild and 'presto' we are 8-3 and our expectations were well and truly back.
Neil Craig has done incredibly well since he started and he is the man to lead our club to our next flag. All the great coaches have had years where there side has had a shocker, alot worse than the year we are currently in. Next year, unless Craig can do it again, is going to be a very long year. Get used to it and show some faith.

 

[Kennyrocks]

Craigs biggest fault was getting so much out of our list in 2005. Im not sure any coach could of done better. He created a premiership window from no where. That window closed again last year, this year we started a rebuild and 'presto' we are 8-3 and our expectations were well and truly back.
Neil Craig has done incredibly well since he started and he is the man to lead our club to our next flag. All the great coaches have had years where there side has had a shocker, alot worse than the year we are currently in. Next year, unless Craig can do it again, is going to be a very long year. Get used to it and show some faith.

Absolutely right

 

[KUNG FU]

Well i only wished i saw some of that talent.

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This was from last year. Heaps of talent. Just a complete idiot.

 

[Crow-mo]

He does however have his faults. Namely his complete refusal to recruit an actual ruckman at Collingwood until Wood last year. They may have gotten over the line but for in one of those years.

Just worth noting when the periodical complaining of Craig's stuborness begins.

ummm... Wood is still a backup at best.

Josh Fraser is still a much much better player than wood. though a very marginal ruckman it must be said.

they were within 1 kick of last years premiership. and when you consider how shit they were when he took over. he's rebuilt them twice!!!

 

[Caramelas13]

Craigs biggest fault was getting so much out of our list in 2005. Im not sure any coach could of done better. He created a premiership window from no where. That window closed again last year, this year we started a rebuild and 'presto' we are 8-3 and our expectations were well and truly back.
Neil Craig has done incredibly well since he started and he is the man to lead our club to our next flag. All the great coaches have had years where there side has had a shocker, alot worse than the year we are currently in. Next year, unless Craig can do it again, is going to be a very long year. Get used to it and show some faith.

Did anyone see Footy Classifieds 2 or 3 weeks ago when NC was on? The question was asked to him whether the Premiership window was closed and he doesn't seem to think so. Now are we supposed to believe him here?

 

[Crow-mo]

Craigs biggest fault was getting so much out of our list in 2005. Im not sure any coach could of done better. He created a premiership window from no where.

Really?

where were we in 2002/2003?

we had an unbelievably bad injury run in 2004, that NC couldn't do any better with when he had the team in the second half of the season.

2002/03/05/06

I'm not sure how that's is out of nowhere. He did very well of course, but not quite water into wine either.

 

[kirky]

Easy..... Mick Malthouse, no scientist just a bloody good footy coach.

Who hasn't won a flag since 1994. Good call!

 

[Crow-mo]

Who hasn't won a flag since 1994. Good call!

not as good as yours though

 

[kirky]

ummm... Wood is still a backup at best.

Josh Fraser is still a much much better player than wood. though a very marginal ruckman it must be said.

they were within 1 kick of last years premiership. and when you consider how shit they were when he took over. he's rebuilt them twice!!!

And still they have no chocolates and won't over the next couple of years. In my opinion he is over-rated. Anyone could have coached West Coast in the early 90's and got them a couple of flags (look at the talent in those sides).

Yes, he has a competitive side (hm sounds like someone else we know) but he can't get them to the last step. Difference is he has been around since 1984 (24 years) not 4 years!

 

[Alex99]

And still they have no chocolates and won't over the next couple of years. In my opinion he is over-rated. Anyone could have coached West Coast in the early 90's and got them a couple of flags (look at the talent in those sides).

Yes, he has a competitive side (hm sounds like someone else we know) but he can't get them to the last step. Difference is he has been around since 1984 (24 years) not 4 years!

Clearly Ron Alexander or WA coaching legend john Todd was not up to that job.

 

[Pedro]

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y35Lewh-LM

You guys have probably seen this, but pretty funny anyway.

 

[Alex99]

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y35Lewh-LM

You guys have probably seen this, but pretty funny anyway.

It would be funny if it was original, but it’s not. No prizes for second place.