John Meesen

[Southerntakeover]

Unbelievable; and this goes to show some people really don't think about the situation. Let's have a look at it shall we?

Hudson was slated to be our leading ruckman in 2008 while Biglands was probably expected to play mostly and FF with the occasional spell in the ruck. I would’ve thought either Maric, Griffin or Meesen, depending on pre-season form, would’ve been the back-up to Hudson. So therefore at least 2 of the youngsters will miss out on a regular spot, if Meesen suffered an injury or was out of form when Round 1 came around, his whole year is effected.

So when you really think about it, Meesen’s chances of “building a solid career” in 2008 would still be relatively low. Now that Hudson is gone they’ll probably look to Biglands to carry the ruck division, and therefore Meesen is fighting against Maric and Griffin for one lone spot. He should be good enough to win the battle, but if something goes wrong it could be another 2007 for him…

So, the logic here is that if he cant get on the field, or isnt good enough to beat out two other ruckmen he was drafted before, he wont play AFL at the Crows.

I dont see that as changing at any club in the country. If Meesen cant back himself in to a) be fit, and b) be good enough to get a spot, then he should really consider another career.

 

[crowman_23]

Unbelievable; and this goes to show some people really don't think about the situation. Let's have a look at it shall we?

Hudson was slated to be our leading ruckman in 2008 while Biglands was probably expected to play mostly and FF with the occasional spell in the ruck. I would’ve thought either Maric, Griffin or Meesen, depending on pre-season form, would’ve been the back-up to Hudson. So therefore at least 2 of the youngsters will miss out on a regular spot, if Meesen suffered an injury or was out of form when Round 1 came around, his whole year is effected.

So when you really think about it, Meesen’s chances of “building a solid career” in 2008 would still be relatively low. Now that Hudson is gone they’ll probably look to Biglands to carry the ruck division, and therefore Meesen is fighting against Maric and Griffin for one lone spot. He should be good enough to win the battle, but if something goes wrong it could be another 2007 for him…

In comparison to at Geelong he has a hell of a lot better chance. And in using Biglands, I personally believe that Meesen has the ability to pass him this coming season. Biglands is handy, but nothing special, coming back from the knee reco. I think the young guys will definately take over this season.

 

[Drummond]

So, the logic here is that if he cant get on the field, or isnt good enough to beat out two other ruckmen he was drafted before, he wont play AFL at the Crows.

I dont see that as changing at any club in the country. If Meesen cant back himself in to a) be fit, and b) be good enough to get a spot, then he should really consider another career.

As I’ve said, he should be able to beat Maric and Griffin for the back-up ruck spot but as we’ve got a lot of depth he’ll struggle to get a spot in the side if anything goes wrong. I’m pretty sure he’ll back himself to stay fit but you do realise some injuries are unavoidable?

He’s got the talent to lead our ruck division in the next couple of years but there’ll still be a juggling act amongst our ruckmen next year IMO.

 

[Southerntakeover]

As I’ve said, he should be able to beat Maric and Griffin for the back-up ruck spot but as we’ve got a lot of depth he’ll struggle to get a spot in the side if anything goes wrong. I’m pretty sure he’ll back himself to stay fit but you do realise some injuries are unavoidable?

He’s got the talent to lead our ruck division in the next couple of years but there’ll still be a juggling act amongst our ruckmen next year IMO.

Of course some injuries are unavoidable, but you dont plan for getting injured in round one. If he gets another half a season injury in the first round next year at any club he'll struggle to get a game.

There will be competition for a spot next year, but really, a class player should back himself in, and considering Biglands doesnt have much left in the tank, this is a serious opportunity to forge a 10 year ruck career.

 

[Drummond]

Of course some injuries are unavoidable, but you dont plan for getting injured in round one. If he gets another half a season injury in the first round next year at any club he'll struggle to get a game.

There will be competition for a spot next year, but really, a class player should back himself in, and considering Biglands doesnt have much left in the tank, this is a serious opportunity to forge a 10 year ruck career.

You’re right, and although it shouldn’t (and wouldn’t) happen, there’s still a chance of him being 3rd or 4th in line next year. But if he went to a club like Carlton, Collingwood or Melbourne he’s basically guaranteed to be the back-up because the competition is non existent.

So with Adelaide he’s got a chance to be the back-up but he could just as easily be lower down the pecking order while at one of the clubs I mentioned above he’s a lock to be the back-up.

 

[Dogga79]

As I’ve said, he should be able to beat Maric and Griffin for the back-up ruck spot

I have got no doubt he has the aerobic capacity and the skills necessary to hold his own as an AFL ruckman. My only gripe from what I have seen of his Norwood games and the two games he played for Adelaide was his intensity at the football. If only he can get a bit of grunt about him. Get a bit angrier and meaner, then who's to say he cant play every week and become that player that showed so much promise as a junior.

 

[hugecannon]

Any news yet? This seems to be dragging on for an eternity. Slightly off topic has Ian Perrie made any announcements yet on his future? Everybody here seems to think it's inevitable he'll retire but I would have thought we'd have heard something by now maybe he plans to go on next year after all.

 

[WheresGroomgone]

As I have posted before I don't think Perrie has any plan to retire, and I think the club are intending to keep him on the list. It was the AFC that ruled him out of the SANFL finals which seems to suggest they want him cherry ripe for next year, however it will all be revealed in coming weeks.

 

[Drummond]

As I have posted before I don't think Perrie has any plan to retire, and I think the club are intending to keep him on the list. It was the AFC that ruled him out of the SANFL finals which seems to suggest they want him cherry ripe for next year, however it will all be revealed in coming weeks.

 

[bus24]

**** Perrie.

Seriously, if we're keeping this bloke on our list, we deserve to win a decades worth of wooden spoons.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

**** Perrie.

Seriously, if we're keeping this bloke on our list, we deserve to win a decades worth of wooden spoons.

Harsh.


I think his time is over, but he is by no means Matthew Smith.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

It's Wednesday .......3 days since he was to make his decision

No news? ....any news? .....surely this means a new contract is being negotiated?

 

[Stiffy_18]

It's Wednesday .......3 days since he was to make his decision

No news? ....any news? .....surely this means a new contract is being negotiated?

I tend to agree with you!

He should have made the decision by now but we are yet to find out what it is. IMHO, the longer it takes, the better news it is for us!

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I tend to agree with you!

He should have made the decision by now but we are yet to find out what it is. IMHO, the longer it takes, the better news it is for us!

He had 3 days to mull over his decision ......a fact frankly I can't fathom as he's had all season to think about his future ......surely he's not that uncommitted ...one way or the other

So an additional 3 days and silence???

Seems to me he's still looking for gurantees of getting games ...either with us OR another club ......FFS what about rolling up your sleeves and busting your gut to be better than the other blokes

 

[macca23]

Seems to me he's still looking for gurantees of getting games ...either with us OR another club ......FFS what about rolling up your sleeves and busting your gut to be better than the other blokes

Can't argue with your logic there WW.

He has had a ton of time to think it over in reality, and should have been able to decide one way or the other by now.

Personally I disgree with those that say straight out that he will go past Griffin and Maric next year.

He could and maybe should, but he won't unless he significantly increases his intensity.

To me up until now he's played as if it's his right to be out there rather than an honour and an obligation.

If I were him I would seek to be traded to a club where he is virtually guaranteed a game - unless he really intends to pull his finger out next year.

For what it's worth, I'm expecting Griffin to bulk up over summer and be the big improver in ruck next year.

He's a very talented player IMO.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Can't argue with your logic there WW.

He has had a ton of time to think it over in reality, and should have been able to decide one way or the other by now.

Personally I disgree with those that say straight out that he will go past Griffin and Maric next year.

He could and maybe should, but he won't unless he significantly increases his intensity.

To me up until now he's played as if it's his right to be out there rather than an honour and an obligation.

If I were him I would seek to be traded to a club where he is virtually guaranteed a game - unless he really intends to pull his finger out next year.

For what it's worth, I'm expecting Griffin to bulk up over summer and be the big improver in ruck next year.

He's a very talented player IMO.

Fair point BUT, you question Meesen's intensity and then go on to say that Griffin is the one to watch out for. He isn't exactly the most intense footballer either

 

[Cap]

I tend to agree with you!

He should have made the decision by now but we are yet to find out what it is. IMHO, the longer it takes, the better news it is for us!

yes - so you would think....

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Can't argue with your logic there WW.

He has had a ton of time to think it over in reality, and should have been able to decide one way or the other by now.

Personally I disgree with those that say straight out that he will go past Griffin and Maric next year.

He could and maybe should, but he won't unless he significantly increases his intensity.

To me up until now he's played as if it's his right to be out there rather than an honour and an obligation.
If I were him I would seek to be traded to a club where he is virtually guaranteed a game - unless he really intends to pull his finger out next year.

For what it's worth, I'm expecting Griffin to bulk up over summer and be the big improver in ruck next year.

He's a very talented player IMO.

That's my thinking as well ....maybe not intensity but certainly his workrate.

I just get the impression with some of these high draft picks and the media and community attention they get that it all gets to their head.

I'm sure Meesen thought he would play year one ....particularly as we took him over the local in the draft ......he's probably got a dented ego

There's no doubt he's one talented rooster .....but as you know that doesn't mean much unless you work hard at training and on the ground.

He should just say I'm staying irrespective of circumstances and I'll prove to everyone that I DESERVE an AFL game by PERFORMANCES

 

[BunjiMac]

just hope griffen doesnt become the next B Marsh.... I remeber marshes first few games, a lot of people were raving about him.

I have a feeling he wont tho

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Fair point BUT, you question Meesen's intensity and then go on to say that Griffin is the one to watch out for. He isn't exactly the most intense footballer either

On that point I'd say long striding players tend to look less intense PLUS once he has some extra weight he'll start to throw that weight around (like the bully at school) and that'll make him look more intense as well

 

[macca23]

Fair point BUT, you question Meesen's intensity and then go on to say that Griffin is the one to watch out for. He isn't exactly the most intense footballer either

Tries a hell of a lot harder than Meesen Stiffy.

Only a lack of weight has limited him somewhat, whereas Meesen has the body and doesn't use it.

IMO Griffin is going to end up a first class ruckman - I wouldn't dare say that about Meesen at this stage.

 

[Stiffy_18]

There's no doubt he's one talented rooster .....but as you know that doesn't mean much unless you work hard at training and on the ground.

This I agree with. However, I am pretty sure that Neil Craig has come out and praised the change in Meesen's approach to his football. His words were to the effect that there were times where you wouldn't notice Meesen on the training track where as now he is dominating in the drills.

Some players can come in and adapt sraight away (van Berlo), others take a bit longer to get there (Reilly) and some never quite get there (Ladhams). From all the reports Meesen has improved a lot in this area.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

This I agree with. However, I am pretty sure that Neil Craig has come out and praised the change in Meesen's approach to his football. His words were to the effect that there were times where you wouldn't notice Meesen on the training track where as now he is dominating in the drills.

Some players can come in and adapt sraight away (van Berlo), others take a bit longer to get there (Reilly) and some never quite get there (Ladhams). From all the reports Meesen has improved a lot in this area.

But he's still indicisive about what he wants or where the grass is greener

IMO you'll see the best of Meesen as a 23/24 year old with a more mature body and mental approach .....I just hope we can babysit him long enough to get a return

 

[Stiffy_18]

But he's still indicisive about what he wants or where the grass is greener

IMO you'll see the best of Meesen as a 23/24 year old with a more mature body and mental approach .....I just hope we can babysit him long enough to get a return

I don't particularly blame him for trying to make the right decision for his career. I think if we were in his situation we would also look at all the options and take our time to make the decision because its arguably the biggest of his career.

I do agree with you that we will start seeing the best of Meesen at the 23/24 years of age when he matures both physically and mentally. I also hope that he sticks around with us for a long time because I strongly believe he will be an elite AFL ruckman. He just needs some time to get there.

I know I would be VERY VERY happy if he signs on with us and I would be shattered if he left.

 

[Mismatched]

Which means that Meesen would probably have more opportunities in Adelaide than in Geelong in both short and long term.

Agree mate, just saying that if he did decide to go, there could be room in a year or so at Geelong, however definitely more opportunity at adelaide and I hope he does stay.