Opinion Jared Petrenko

[1990crow]

Not suggesting he's been the reason for our turnaround, but it does seem that when he plays well we look a much better side.

 

[pjcrows]

I can see Laird being a 200-game player.

 

[pjcrows]

Not suggesting he's been the reason for our turnaround, but it does seem that when he plays well we look a much better side.

I agree, but a lot of that has to do with our opponents. He disappears when the heat is on. And I'm not saying he's the only one.

 

[Dandy_GO]

Petrenko can be so hard to like for a guy with qualities that I absolutely love in a footballer. I am glad we're persisting with him, however.

Firstly, he is definitely hard at it, and I will argue all day with anyone that disagrees. It's his best quality. He has a habit of hitting big tackles at big moments and making them stick. This seems to be undervalued here, which is strange, given how many people complain about the lack of a hard edge in our team. Petrenko is one of the least guilty. He has the ability and ferocity to bury guys bigger than him with his tackles. This is invaluable in the forward 50. It builds pressure on the oppositions defence and makes them rush their disposal. This leads to more chances at goals for us. He averages 5.3 tackles per game this season. That's double the team average. Big tick here.

The crows have often been accused as a club who play without passion. This was especially evident when Neil Craig was around and we got the 'crowbot' label. It persists. Petrenko's passion for the game and club is evident. It fires up his teammates and fires up the crowd. I love this side of him.

But he does go missing and has failed when we've needed him. Maybe I'm too optimistic but I put this down to confidence. His passion is a double edged sword and he looks terrified to fail when called upon to nail an important set shot. Particularly when he has time to think about it. You can very clearly tell when he's playing with confidence and when he isn't. This is related to his inconsistent output.

People here need to understand, however, that all small forwards are inconsistent. It's the hardest position on the ground to get cheap touches. And when you do manage to get the ball, it's harder to find easy options. You're expected to be kicking goals or creating goals - not chipping the ball around to maintain possession under little pressure. Every touch is likely to be under pressure. Small forwards will always drift in and out of games, and will always have very quiet games. I do not fault Pets for that.

What he does need to do is improve the value he gets out of his touches. As I said, when a small forward is involved in the play, they need to make the most of it. Right now, Petrenko has a lot of improving to do. He misses too many easy goals, and makes too many bad choices.

I am happy for us to keep playing him as it's the only way to build up his self belief. A new mentor in Betts may be exactly what he needs. Hopefully he can stay injury free for a long enough time to really prove to us, and himself, what he can do. I think he's got it in him to be a very handy asset to a side that needs more tough, passionate players. But he's running out of chances. He needs to believe in himself when it's his turn to take responsibility and nail a set shot or a running goal. With Eddie's help, I'm optimistic he'll get there.

 

[Cleric]

Petrenko can be so hard to like for a guy with qualities that I absolutely love in a footballer. I am glad we're persisting with him, however.

Firstly, he is definitely hard at it, and I will argue all day with anyone that disagrees. It's his best quality. He has a habit of hitting big tackles at big moments and making them stick. This seems to be undervalued here, which is strange, given how many people complain about the lack of a hard edge in our team. Petrenko is one of the least guilty. He has the ability and ferocity to bury guys bigger than him with his tackles. This is invaluable in the forward 50. It builds pressure on the oppositions defence and makes them rush their disposal. This leads to more chances at goals for us. He averages 5.3 tackles per game this season. That's double the team average. Big tick here.

The crows have often been accused as a club who play without passion. This was especially evident when Neil Craig was around and we got the 'crowbot' label. It persists. Petrenko's passion for the game and club is evident. It fires up his teammates and fires up the crowd. I love this side of him.

But he does go missing and has failed when we've needed him. Maybe I'm too optimistic but I put this down to confidence. His passion is a double edged sword and he looks terrified to fail when called upon to nail an important set shot. Particularly when he has time to think about it. You can very clearly tell when he's playing with confidence and when he isn't. This is related to his inconsistent output.

People here need to understand, however, that all small forwards are inconsistent. It's the hardest position on the ground to get cheap touches. And when you do manage to get the ball, it's harder to find easy options. You're expected to be kicking goals or creating goals - not chipping the ball around to maintain possession under little pressure. Every touch is likely to be under pressure. Small forwards will always drift in and out of games, and will always have very quiet games. I do not fault Pets for that.

What he does need to do is improve the value he gets out of his touches. As I said, when a small forward is involved in the play, they need to make the most of it. Right now, Petrenko has a lot of improving to do. He misses too many easy goals, and makes too many bad choices.

I am happy for us to keep playing him as it's the only way to build up his self belief. A new mentor in Betts may be exactly what he needs. Hopefully he can stay injury free for a long enough time to really prove to us, and himself, what he can do. I think he's got it in him to be a very handy asset to a side that needs more tough, passionate players. But he's running out of chances. He needs to believe in himself when it's his turn to take responsibility and nail a set shot or a running goal. With Eddie's help, I'm optimistic he'll get there.

Well said. Pretty much my feelings as well. I also have to add to the point about his confidence.
You speak to anyone who has worked with alot of young Aboriginal footballers and they will tell you they tend to lack confidence, are very quiet around people and are quite sensitive.
When you see Pets diving on the loose ball and throwing the ball on his foot to kick around his body, most of the time he nails the goal. When he takes a set shot he isnt such a great kick. This tells me when he is playing on instinct his skills hold up and he does the difficult. However when he has time to think about the kick, and he starts to doubt himself and then he lets himself down. 90% of Pets issues are in the head. And if he gets to a place where he is happy with himself and confident he will do well.

 

[potatoe]

Is it ironic, because you mispelled potato?

I am glad someone 'gets' me. I like the intentional misspelling of 'mispelled', assuming it was intentional.
Bacon and potato are a good match, now all we need is butter and cheese.

 

[Coopers]

He has the tools, he just goes to shit when he has to use them.

Had a good couple of weeks. Just like the rest of the club - lets see what happens vs some teams higher up the ladder.
If he can't perform then - then that's enough chances, he's had a long time in the system.