Josh Walker

[sarah.13]

Actually we don't know that at all. He hasn't played there at senior level. He's barely played there at VFL level. The one thing we do know about Walker is, that as any kind of key defender we have absolutely no idea. Given that in the majority of his 10 senior games he's been at best adequate and far more commonly awful, there is very little we do know right now. Actually he struggles to hold chest marks in the forward line, we know that as well.

For some reason it doesn't seem to matter. The most important qualities are showing mongrel (which I'd love for people to define as I have no idea what it means), and running around exuberantly. The ability to get possessions, and mark and kick the ball well seem to be less urgently required.

Thought he showed plenty of that in the VFL finals!! That at least shows he does have the skills and needs to bring them at the higher level. The kid is 20 , he has the determination to improve and I for one won't right him of as useless like some others.
He has 2 more years to prove us right or wrong so lets see what happens.

 

[you pick one]

Walker is just another Playfair.

The kid tries hard just doesn't have the talent. Hope he makes it but doubt he will not enough smarts or kicking ability.

I get the impression this kid lives and breaths the game and will leave no stone unturned in his endeavorers,but at the end of the day if he falls short it won't be for the lack of trying and that's all anybody can ask I guess of any one.

 

[Vdubs]

Thought he showed plenty of that in the VFL finals!! That at least shows he does have the skills and needs to bring them at the higher level. The kid is 20 , he has the determination to improve and I for one won't right him of as useless like some others.
He has 2 more years to prove us right or wrong so lets see what happens.

Not sure he is being labelled as useless, and yes, he is young, and looks great at VFL level. I really hope he makes it, loved Peter, #34 back in the day, but all I'm saying is, there are ?? about his AFL skill levels at present. There were some questions about Andrew Swallow, but he has steadily worked on his deficiencies to become a wonderful player.

 

[you pick one]

Max Rooke- could mark, could kick, could spoil, could tackle, COULD PLAY.
Just having the BIG attributes might not be enough.

So what are you saying Josh should change his name to Max?

 

[Vdubs]

So what are you saying Josh should change his name to Max?

That should be Rivers goal over summer.
Just saying being big, hearty, and physical should be backed up by skill and nous.
Walker may yet have the whole package, but in 2013, he was very raw.

 

[you pick one]

That should be Rivers goal over summer.
Just saying being big, hearty, and physical should be backed up by skill and nous.
Walker may yet have the whole package, but in 2013, he was very raw.

Doubt he will ever excel in either department,but he's at the right club to improve.

 

[goodoldcats]

We are long way from a flag, we proved this by promoting this dud.

 

[LifeSpan-Void]

We are long way from a flag, we proved this by promoting this dud.

Partridge, VDubs, here's an example of writing Walker off as useless. I don't know what filter you use on the forum but several threads have been littered with this kind of sentiment since the end of the season.

 

[meto]

Of course who actually knows?

But at the same age Harry Taylor and Lonergan hadn't made it as defenders in the AFL either.
In fact both probably looked more like respective forwards at Walker's age now.
You can throw Brown into that mix for the hell of it too.

Mooney started to make it as a defender after failing up forward around the same age was it?

Plenty of examples of where guys like Walker have become decent defenders.

Once again, the jury is completely out, but it can and does work.
I have no issue with the speculation he should be tried there.

A big tank is actually one of the essential criteria.....many others of course too!

Very interestingly said THP.

 

[Vdubs]

Partridge, VDubs, here's an example of writing Walker off as useless. I don't know what filter you use on the forum but several threads have been littered with this kind of sentiment since the end of the season.

Fair point.
As you are aware after all this time, I tend to rate all our players, like to give them all a chance, including Walker, and he has a lot to work with.
If I had my way, a certain F-S would still be rucking for us.
Useless to me is a player who is recruited, stays on the list for 3-4 years, and never plays a game.
A harsh call I agree.

 

[dazbroncos]

Not every player will kick like Jimmy, have hands like Boris, run like Blitz, tackle like Rooke and be as hard as Selwood.

We are gonna have players that are best 22 but always are selected 16 - 22.

Not everyone is a top draft pick. Some guys have to do it the hard way. Seems like a few of my peers on here like being spoon food champion first rd picks and expect everyone else to be the same.

Granted, they take longer and may not be as good as a Jimmy, Hawk etc, but FFS can we make that call after they have played 50 games and might be older than 22.

I appreciate the stars for their talents and I appreciate the rest for their sheer will to succeed - and Im gonna support both until they wash out or retire.

GO Catters

 

[4quarter_cat]

Well said Daz. I have to say some of the self styled optimists on here make me feel like a glass is 3/4 full kinda guy.

They are all potential Champs until they wash out. Sorry Daz, I'm stealing that I like it so much.

 

[vinum coupe]

The thing is Daz, how the hell is he going to get to 50 games?

For him to even get to 30 in the next 2 years 2 or 3 of Hawkins, Vardy, McIntosh, Blicavs, Simpson, Taylor, Lonergan have to get LTI's
And I bloody hope that doesn't happen.

 

[vinum coupe]

My gut feel on his promotion is that they are really worried about Simpson and McIntosh.
Because if they dont come up then Vardy has to ruck (dread the thought) and Walker will play forward (dread the thought)

But then the flip side is, why didn't they keep West if they are worried?

 

[you pick one]

My gut feel on his promotion is that they are really worried about Simpson and McIntosh.
Because if they dont come up then Vardy has to ruck (dread the thought) and Walker will play forward (dread the thought)

But then the flip side is, why didn't they keep West if they are worried?

I don't think their worried at all,I think they have excepted the window has finally closed and the rebuild is now in full swing, they can't openly say that but actions speak louder than words,Pods and Chappy.
The kids and some not so young have all had to wait there turn,(frustrating for some on this board) but there time has arrived and I'm looking forward to seeing exactly what we have got in the locker.
Winning flags is great but there is also a lot of joy watching a good rebuild and it will need to be good to compete with the franchises short term IE in the Selwood / Hawkins era so we need to get on with it now.

 

[Willo_]

I don't think their worried at all,I think they have excepted the window has finally closed and the rebuild is now in full swing, they can't openly say that but actions speak louder than words,Pods and Chappy.

I'm not sure they have accepted the window is closed... letting Pods and Chappy go was a calculated risk to make sure we don't drop off anytime soon.

The kids have been banging down the door and we simply have to give them the chance... or risk really bottoming out if they walked AND the Pods and Chappys also retired.

They may not expect to win a flag in 2014.. but I'd suggest they expect to contend again

 

[candiehappy]

Not sure he is being labelled as useless, and yes, he is young, and looks great at VFL level. I really hope he makes it, loved Peter, #34 back in the day, but all I'm saying is, there are ?? about his AFL skill levels at present. There were some questions about Andrew Swallow, but he has steadily worked on his deficiencies to become a wonderful player.

there were plenty of question marks over Hawkins too. I thought big guys were given a bit longer to develop? Some harsh comments on here for a kid who is yet to be given some decent playing time in the one's

 

[Partridge]

Thought he showed plenty of that in the VFL finals!! That at least shows he does have the skills and needs to bring them at the higher level. The kid is 20 , he has the determination to improve and I for one won't right him of as useless like some others.
He has 2 more years to prove us right or wrong so lets see what happens.

That wasn't the question. He was being advocated as Lonergan's replacement at full back - IN THE SENIORS. To which we have no evidence at all that he can do the job.

 

[Partridge]

Of course who actually knows?

But at the same age Harry Taylor and Lonergan hadn't made it as defenders in the AFL either.
In fact both probably looked more like respective forwards at Walker's age now.
You can throw Brown into that mix for the hell of it too.

Pretty dodgy argument there. Taylor didn't debut until he was 21, and was from his very first game a far better defender or player than Walker has gotten close to so far. I'll go further, Walker might make it as a player (and I hope he does), but I'll be extremely surprised if he ever gets close to Taylor as a player. Especially as a defender.

 

[Partridge]

Partridge, VDubs, here's an example of writing Walker off as useless. I don't know what filter you use on the forum but several threads have been littered with this kind of sentiment since the end of the season.

And? What's it got to do with us? I posted this in case you missed it.....

Even I'll admit it's far far too often to make such a definitive statement. I'll say the same thing I've said for all our young players. If you chopped every player after their first 10-15 games because they hadn't done anything or had struggled.......well you can wipe pretty much all the premiership players of the last 7 years except Selwood.

 

[Partridge]

there were plenty of question marks over Hawkins too. I thought big guys were given a bit longer to develop? Some harsh comments on here for a kid who is yet to be given some decent playing time in the one's

Hawkins showed more in his first 2 games than Walker has in total so far. That's the difference. We had seen Hawkins play well - very well - in the seniors. Walker hasn't done that so far.

 

[TheHonestyPolicy]

Pretty dodgy argument there. Taylor didn't debut until he was 21, and was from his very first game a far better defender or player than Walker has gotten close to so far. I'll go further, Walker might make it as a player (and I hope he does), but I'll be extremely surprised if he ever gets close to Taylor as a player. Especially as a defender.

Not quite sure what is dodgy about the argument mate given you verify it for me in your own post.
Taylor was nearly 22 actually when he made his debut.

Taylor was drafted when he was 21.5 years and Walker has just turned 21 a week ago.
Its convenient for you to make the comparison between the two players now, but the actual comparison should begin in 12 months time, if you line up their ages. Taylor is an AA but didn't start off being an AA.
Yes he started as a more competent player than Walker is now, but lets give it another 12 months.
It may not make much difference, but it's always good to be fair and equitable making comparisons.

Interesting you ignore the other comparisons. Lonergan, Brown a favourite of yours, Mooney. All forwards, struggled for a time and found/finding themselves in defence. Lonergan and Mooney really started to get going in their mid 20s. Brown is 4 years older than Walker, how far ahead is he? Oh as a defender. Ok. Is that what Brown was drafted to be?

My argument is simply to say plenty of forwards find themselves in defence. Plenty of examples.
And Walker is at an age where the comparisons shouldn't even really start yet is the other point.

 

[Partridge]

Not quite sure what is dodgy about the argument mate given you verify it for me in your own post.
Taylor was nearly 22 actually when he made his debut.

Taylor was drafted when he was 21.5 years and Walker has just turned 21 a week ago.
Its convenient for you to make the comparison between the two players now, but the actual comparison should begin in 12 months time, if you line up their ages. Taylor is an AA but didn't start off being an AA.
Yes he started as a more competent player than Walker is now, but lets give it another 12 months.
It may not make much difference, but it's always good to be fair and equitable making comparisons.

Interesting you ignore the other comparisons. Lonergan, Brown a favourite of yours, Mooney. All forwards, struggled for a time and found/finding themselves in defence.

My argument is simply to say plenty of forwards find themselves in defence. Plenty of examples.

So when do you see Walker playing in defence then, in the seniors? This year or next?

 

[TheHonestyPolicy]

So when do you see Walker playing in defence then, in the seniors? This year or next?

When did I say I prefer to see Walker playing in defence?
Or would like to see him as a defender ongoing?

Point it out.

It has nothing to do with the argument I am making.
I am simply saying plenty of other players drafted as forwards have found form in defence.
So I can see why other posters are suggesting he could be tried there also.

Waiting to still here what's dodgy about it based on the examples I have made.
And waiting to hear how a guy just turned 21 doesn't fit into the same criteria as mentioned?

 

[Partridge]

When did I say I prefer to see Walker playing in defence?
Or would like to see him as a defender ongoing?

Point it out.

It has nothing to do with the argument I am making.
I am simply saying plenty of other players drafted as forwards have found form in defence.
So I can see why other posters are suggesting he could be tried there also.

Waiting to still here what's dodgy about it based on the examples I have made.
And waiting to hear how a guy just turned 21 doesn't fit into the same criteria as mentioned?

Because:

1. He hasn't been played in defence at senior level yet.
2. He hasn't shown he's even up to senior standard yet in any position.
3. He isn't even playing defence in the VFL at the moment. Others are and are doing it better.
4. An argument was put forward than he can replace Lonergan. Which right now is ludicrous. In 12 months' time it might not be.

He might make it. Great. He might make it as a defender, which would be great too. But right now there are others ahead of him.