Luke McPharlin

[beetz]

Yeah they've had some luck in that regard too. Polec also fell straight into their laps.

But the bulk of their stellar young midfield (which is their strength imo) is the result of astute drafting.

Yeah true, when are we going to be on the receiving end of some homesick WA lads.. even the damn SA kids in Vic/Qld want to go BACK to Adelaide

 

[Wigarus]

Doesn't a rebuild occur after a number of retirements though? If Pav, Sandi, McPharlin and a couple of other old timers called it quits I'd agree we would be in a huge rebuilding phase.

To the best of our knowledge Sandi could play another great year, Pav could contribute and our backline could function reasonably well with McPharlin being managed or even a backup to SCOS.

Technically we still have a (potentially) elite midfield - Fyfe, Barlow, Mundy, Hill and the emergence of younger players such as Neale, Crozier, Morabito, Sutcliffe etc the only player over the age of 28 in that group in Mundy.

With Sandi ageing our ruck stocks aren't exactly decimated with options in Griffin, Clarke and Hannath. Mayne, Ballantyne, Walters, Taberner/Apeness aren't exactly seeking the Pension anytime soon either.

In fact the only real concern is our backline - with next year McPharlin 33, Johnson 30, Duffield 30, and Dawson 29 - at least in this one area though Ross Lyon is fairly knowledgeable and I can't see our defence rankings slipping any lower than 3rd or 4th.

The key for us is grabbing a couple of solid young recruits and another viable forward option.

I think the big problem is that people seem to think a 'rebuild' is a one or two year prospect when in actual fact it is quite rare for a club to draw a line through the list and start a full rebuild. That is what we did in 08 and we are not finished. Any of the pre 08 players still on our list are obviously not going to be thrown out because they are too good to do that but we have taken a significantly different approach to list management since 08 and if we had started that in 03 (like the hawks did) we would be in a completely different position right now.

The fact we first used a ND pick on a tall 2 years ago is perfect evidence of that. Its absurd to think that the club banked entirely on trading all our future kpps in as opposed to drafting. The fact is that we are still a few years away from seeing the fruits of our labour with this rebuild.

Even just doing the basic maths, you need 3 players every year to improve your side from the year before and be solid best 22 / 30 players. To get a solid 30 players you need 3 a year for ten years. As it currently stand we have value from 2008, 2009 and 2011 only. 2010 was a complete bust, 2012 and 2013 are still just potential. Any talk of us starting a rebuild is mind boggling.

 

[Arcassius]

I always associate a rebuild with that moment a club realises it has shit on the park and decides to move on it's good older players for draft picks and churns a huge amount of it's playing list in a short time. We won't need a rebuild when Pav, Sandi, McPharlin retire - we've had our model in place to try 'fill in the gaps' for a while, and we'll continue to do so. It's more a slight reno than a rebuild

 

[Mr Peabody]

The fact that we got to a grand final last year doesn't mean that they abandon their rebuild plan and throw everything at winning a flag next year, they have consistently referred to our list management model and drafting players. Outside perception of us being in a window aren't going to change that.

Bondy referred to it as "a Sustained Success Model that we want to do" in this morning's interview which he defined as not selling the farm for one player that will have a huge impact on our TPP and our young talent moving forward whilst also acknowledging we need to fill the holes in the list through trading if the right person fits into our environment (which I imagine is in the cultural sense but also in that the trade deal stacks up).

I think the active / high profile trading of the early days (e.g. Croad, Tarrant, Carr) and the perceptions that we sold the farm on some of those deals is still ringing in their ears...

 

[Wigarus]

Bondy referred to it as "a Sustained Success Model that we want to do" in this morning's interview which he defined as not selling the farm for one player that will have a huge impact on our TPP and our young talent moving forward whilst also acknowledging we need to fill the holes in the list through trading if the right person fits into our environment (which I imagine is in the cultural sense but also in that the trade deal stacks up).

I think the active / high profile trading of the early days (e.g. Croad, Tarrant, Carr) and the perceptions that we sold the farm on some of those deals is still ringing in their ears...

Well neither WA team has a good track record trading players in and West Coast don't even want to pick players outside WA because they lose them too easily. I think that going for big trades as evidenced over the last few years with us is going to become rarer and rarer.

 

[E Shed]

Bondy referred to it as "a Sustained Success Model that we want to do" in this morning's interview which he defined as not selling the farm for one player that will have a huge impact on our TPP and our young talent moving forward whilst also acknowledging we need to fill the holes in the list through trading if the right person fits into our environment (which I imagine is in the cultural sense but also in that the trade deal stacks up).

I think the active / high profile trading of the early days (e.g. Croad, Tarrant, Carr) and the perceptions that we sold the farm on some of those deals is still ringing in their ears...

Yes this is what it is. Freo in a way have pioneered this model which other clubs are using now too. Sydney of course do it, Geelong are trying to as are Hawthorn. Rather than bottom out and load up on the draft you try and keep the list balanced across all demographics using a combination of early draft picks, mature age players brought in through rookie draft or free agency. It may be that if Pav, Sandi and Luke all call time after next season we do a bit of a mini rebuild but ultimately we are attempting to remain in contention every year.
Find it surprising that there is a fair bit of negativity around Luke going around again. If it was a choice between Tanner Smith or Alex Pearce and Luke going up against Buddy for the flag next year I know who I'd take.

 

[theGav56]

I think the big problem is that people seem to think a 'rebuild' is a one or two year prospect when in actual fact it is quite rare for a club to draw a line through the list and start a full rebuild. That is what we did in 08 and we are not finished. Any of the pre 08 players still on our list are obviously not going to be thrown out because they are too good to do that but we have taken a significantly different approach to list management since 08 and if we had started that in 03 (like the hawks did) we would be in a completely different position right now.

The fact we first used a ND pick on a tall 2 years ago is perfect evidence of that. Its absurd to think that the club banked entirely on trading all our future kpps in as opposed to drafting. The fact is that we are still a few years away from seeing the fruits of our labour with this rebuild.

Even just doing the basic maths, you need 3 players every year to improve your side from the year before and be solid best 22 / 30 players. To get a solid 30 players you need 3 a year for ten years. As it currently stand we have value from 2008, 2009 and 2011 only. 2010 was a complete bust, 2012 and 2013 are still just potential. Any talk of us starting a rebuild is mind boggling.

I guess you mean as part of the rebuild.

Before that Polak, Drum, Murphy, Campbell, Houghton. Those players all drafted by the club and using decent to very decent picks. All should be in their prime, and all are KPPs. Collectively and individually they gave us nothing. In contrast Bradley, Dawson, Tarrant, Croad, MacPharlin were not drafted, and as individuals gave more than the others gave collectively. Even Croad gave us more than any of them.

Draft picks are over-rated as a means for getting KPPs. Sure you need to draft some on the list. But far, far better to get Pav and MacPharlin on advanced breeding programs.

 

[Square Peg]

Clubs are businesses in the end. Sustained success for the club probably means 7-8 years of continuous finals. That is a better business model than shooting for the flag for a brief periodand crashing and burning to the wooden spoon a few years later.
But ask the diehard supporters whether they would be willing to sell their souls and sacrifice years in the wilderness for a flag, some will dance with the devil.
I am genuinely conflicted on whether over the next 8 years I would rather 8 years of finals with no flag, or a flag and 7 years of bottom 4. But ask the club and it is a no brainer, they would rather the former.

 

[Silent Alarm]

I am genuinely conflicted on whether over the next 8 years I would rather 8 years of finals with no flag, or a flag and 7 years of bottom 4. But ask the club and it is a no brainer, they would rather the former.

Absolutely, undeniably, every day of the week the latter

 

[beetz]

Absolutely, undeniably, every day of the week the latter

....unequivocally, unmistakably, positively....

 

[FUS_RO_DAH]

Anyone else remember how McPharlin started this year? Kept Cloke goalless, held Roughead to 2 goals in a slaughter, picked up a lazy 31 touches, 13 marks and a sausage roll against Essendon...

The man's a Rolls Royce. He's earned the right to call time on his career, and I'm stoked he's going around again. It'll be interesting to see how he's managed, happy for him to be wrapped in cotton wool for large chunks of the year.

 

[malpaso]

I just want us to have a first round draft pick that can contribute in year 1. Sick of health issues, crap injuries or culture problems, every other club seems to get their first round pick involved the first year.

 

[PapaJ]

Anyone else remember how McPharlin started this year? Kept Cloke goalless, held Roughead to 2 goals in a slaughter, picked up a lazy 31 touches, 13 marks and a sausage roll against Essendon...

The man's a Rolls Royce. He's earned the right to call time on his career, and I'm stoked he's going around again. It'll be interesting to see how he's managed, happy for him to be wrapped in cotton wool for large chunks of the year.

I agree, he should be able to make the call himself. However, you cite the start of the season, that's great, but go to the other end of the year - it was pretty clear at the end of the season he was a borderline liability. Which brings me to this:

...
If it was a choice between Tanner Smith or Alex Pearce and Luke going up against Buddy for the flag next year I know who I'd take.

I'd take Luke everyday, but only a fit Luke. And that is where the nervousnesses is. Everybody knows how good he is, but as I just said above, he finished the year being a bit of problem for us not the star player we've all come to know and love.

I'm not against it though all considered. I just hope we do it right. IF he's managed well, and IF he's only played when he can actually go 100% (or close to) then I'm happy with it. But, as has been said above by a few, if he's trundled out simply because he once was an All Australian but he's not up to it, then I'll be a bit annoyed. It's up to the club to do this smart and, if done right, it could work out really well.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Anyone else remember how McPharlin started this year? Kept Cloke goalless, held Roughead to 2 goals in a slaughter, picked up a lazy 31 touches, 13 marks and a sausage roll against Essendon...

During a half time interview during one of the finals, he alluded to those run of games at the start of the season and how he actually felt the fittest he had at any time of his career. Obviously had issues later with the medial and then the calf which they eventually correctly diagnosed as a deeper tendon issue by which time the season was shot.

Now the decision has been made, let's hope Luke re-captures that level of fitness for one more tilt. He deserves it and we need it.

 

[coldlunch]

I expected him to retire, but what would I know.
He's not an idiot and he doesn't strike me as someone who has nothing better to do with his time, so I don't doubt he knows his body is good to go for another year, which frankly I am thrilled by.

 

[clogged]

Problem for McPharlin is that he has barely played in September for three years.

Seems a reasonable chance that Fremantle may field the oldest side in AFL history next year.

 

[coldlunch]

I would have no problem at all if we keep him on ice half the year, then pop him in the microwave somewhere around July

 

[Righteo]

Problem for McPharlin is that he has barely played in September for three years.

Seems a reasonable chance that Fremantle may field the oldest side in AFL history next year.

Can only assume he's going to be heavily managed next year to ensure he's actually fit at the business end of the season, wouldn't even bother taking him outside of WA personally.

 

[coldlunch]

Can only assume he's going to be heavily managed next year to ensure he's actually fit at the business end of the season, wouldn't even bother taking him outside of WA personally.

even better, leave him in Melbourne.

 

[Square Peg]

No way should the club be signing a guy and telling him you are in our best 22 but we only expect you to play a few games that really matter like finals. That is a recipe for utter disaster in a team sport.
If we are signing him he has to be either expected to be able to play a full season, or more likely he is being signed with the expectation that he is depth and second fiddle and he will spend the year in Peel unless there are injuries. Cannot work any other way. We are not a bloody retirement home where people are allowed to age gracefully.

 

[clogged]

Can only assume he's going to be heavily managed next year to ensure he's actually fit at the business end of the season, wouldn't even bother taking him outside of WA personally.

I just don't see it happening that way. Lyon prefers to keep a stable team every week. If you're going to chop and change each game, why not just give Pearce/Smith an extended run at it to develop consistency in their routine?

The intention will be to play McPharlin most games.

 

[coldlunch]

No way should the club be signing a guy and telling him you are in our best 22 but we only expect you to play a few games that really matter like finals. That is a recipe for utter disaster in a team sport.
If we are signing him he has to be either expected to be able to play a full season, or more likely he is being signed with the expectation that he is depth and second fiddle and he will spend the year in Peel unless there are injuries. Cannot work any other way. We are not a bloody retirement home where people are allowed to age gracefully.

10 games building into the finals is not out of the ordinary. players do that coming off injury all the time.
they won't do it in this case, but it's not "a recipe for utter disaster".

 

[Righteo]

I need to dig this up but I swear I remember reading comments from Lyon relatively recently that they would be taking that approach with Sandi next year, may have been a dream though.

 

[Righteo]

I just don't see it happening that way. Lyon prefers to keep a stable team every week. If you're going to chop and change each, why not just give Pearce/Smith an extended run at it to develop consistency in their routine?

The intention will be to play McPharlin most games.

Leaving him home for the bigger road trips isn't really "chopping and changing every week" though is it? Would only be like 2-3 games max.

 

[clogged]

Leaving him home for the bigger road trips isn't really "chopping and changing every week" though is it? Would only be like 2-3 games max.

I don't really see how cutting his long road trips helps. His problem is that he is 34 next year and has a history of leg injuries. They don't easily resolve themselves past 30.