Make or break for Walker

[Aphrodite]

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24747855-19742,00.html

ADAM Cooney's 2008 Brownlow Medal win was just another reminder of the player Andrew Walker could one day become. Much of Walker's formative career was mirrored by that of Cooney, so comparisons between the pair who were taken at No. 1 (Cooney) and No. 2 in the 2003 national draft were only natural.

The comparisons have so far weighed heavily in Cooney's favour, but there is a feeling at Carlton that Walker will explode in 2009.

That same expectation has existed since Walker's debut in 2004 when he was voted best on ground against West Coast at Princes Park.

There have only been glimpses of that form since from a 23-year-old entering his sixth AFL season.

As for Cooney, Walker looks at his Brownlow win as a victory for all players taken in the 2003 draft.

"I was over the moon for him because it was great to see blokes coming through my draft who are now challenging the big names in the AFL," Walker said.

"I don't put myself in that category, but I want to see what can happen after a full pre-season and injury-free year.

"I have had three shoulder operations over the past four years and haven't been able to settle in to playing regular football. I will never regret playing well on my debut, but I have played a few better games than that since, say five or six.

"My strength is good and my running is as good as it has ever been (he recently ran 10 minutes 37sec around Princes Park, 4sec behind Chris Judd).

For coach Brett Ratten, Walker is an important piece in the Blues jigsaw.

"He provides energy to our team and is a real X-factor. We saw that at times last year, but he got injured and then had to play catch-up," Ratten said.

 

[Team Mo']

Can't wait for an injury free year from Walker.

Will be so exciting to watch him Fevola, Kreuzer and Yarran all in the one forward line

 

[Silvagnis]

Walker will struggle to displace Bannister from the team.

Just leave him on the HFF for the year and tell him to run hard both ways.

That would be a huge improvement on Wiggins' input this year.

 

[FieryNayta]

"i have had 3 shoulder operations over the past 4 years"...

Says it all really, the bloke hasn't managed to be out on the field for long enough to make a great impression. In the glimpses we've seen recently, we know that he will be a very damaging player for us. May never be a Cooney, but he may never need to be.

 

[OZBomb]

I know this may be a controversial statement, but did Cooney really have a Brownlow worthy year? I wouldn't have had him in the top ten best players last season, let alone the best.

 

[Canyouhearthedrums]

Cooney was easily in the top 5 players last year. After that, the Brownlow is a bit of a lottery

 

[OZBomb]

Walker will struggle to displace Bannister from the team.

I just wanted to note this quote again, just to prove it really exists.

I'd imagine Walker will be vying with Fisher and Russel this year to be the lead-up HFF's Ratten loves so much. Whereas Bannister will be either a tagging option or back-up to Bret Thornton's role as third tall defender.

I'm not sure there's really room for Walker in the mid-field rotation beyond the occassional (Eddie Betts style,) 2-3 minute burst to give the opposition something different to look at. I see him being more of a role playing impact guy going forward.

 

[FRUMPY]

I know this may be a controversial statement, but did Cooney really have a Brownlow worthy year? I wouldn't have had him in the top ten best players last season, let alone the best.

Cooney's first half of the year was as good as anybody's, ablett included. He was a quieter for the the majority of the second half but finished ok.

If he did the other way around, quiet early, finish strong, he would have been almost favorite.

 

[ECHUCABOY]

Let him lose on the wing pushing forward...Richo style..thats where he'll win matches for the blues

 

[WeAreHatedAgain]

I just wanted to note this quote again, just to prove it really exists.

I'd imagine Walker will be vying with Fisher and Russel this year to be the lead-up HFF's Ratten loves so much. Whereas Bannister will be either a tagging option or back-up to Bret Thornton's role as third tall defender.

I'm not sure there's really room for Walker in the mid-field rotation beyond the occassional (Eddie Betts style,) 2-3 minute burst to give the opposition something different to look at. I see him being more of a role playing impact guy going forward.

I'd like to see Andrew on the wing where his ability to break the lines can be utilised. His ability to run can provide defensive numbers and a target up forward on the fast break or turnover.

 

[Canyouhearthedrums]

All I know is that I am very excited about the potential that a Yarran/Walker HF line has.

 

[Silvagnis]

You must be joking?

Bannister would be lucky to make it into our second 18 side.
He will not play one game next year, yet Walker must be given the chance to prove what we all know he can do.

Of course I was joking.

Your comment about Bannister not even making our second 18 is the real joke.

Bannister was solid this year and will get a game next year.

He has to run with Chad Cornes again.

 

[stakes12]

Let him lose on the wing pushing forward...Richo style..thats where he'll win matches for the blues

Agree 100 percent,ley him play on the wing,hes got the agility,speed and thats where hell play his best footy

 

[footy75]

good luck to him...

 

[HBF]

I still believe that Walkers best position is floating accross HF, much like Robert Murphy does at the Western Bulldogs. The game that really sticks in my mind from '08 was the game against Port at TD. Played really well that day at half forward, and I don't believe there is any reason why we couldn't expect Walks to contribute 40 goals for us in '09.

 

[FieryNayta]

I still believe that Walkers best position is floating accross HF, much like Robert Murphy does at the Western Bulldogs. The game that really sticks in my mind from '08 was the game against Port at TD. Played really well that day at half forward, and I don't believe there is any reason why we couldn't expect Walks to contribute 40 goals for us in '09.

That seems to be Rattens plan for him this season. Will spend alot of time playing as a CHF. With his athletic marking ability, he could do some real damage in that position.

 

[blues4flag]

I love you, Mr Walker (in a _____ way).

Sorry, but it had to be said.

 

[OZBomb]

... and I don't believe there is any reason why we couldn't expect Walks to contribute 40 goals for us in '09.

Well we haven't seen a lot of his goalkicking yet. With Yarran and Betts in the forward line, having Walker jumping into packs would be pretty useful even if he doesn't get the goals himself.

 

[Marc Shmurf 3]

Here is a big comment....

But a fit Andrew Walker could be just as important as Juddy & Fev & Kreuzer...

Just think about a fully fit Andrew Walker and what he could do & where we could play him (ALMOST ANYWHERE besides the ruck) No one else on our list could...

Im willing to lay those cards on the line... Provided he is fully fit though

 

[SurreyBlue]

Andy Walkers best position is wing! Let him use his athletisicm and versatility up and down the ground causing headaches while linking with others as he likes. He will be a star, it's just a matter or putting a season together.

 

[Warsaw]

The article sums up everything we thought of Walker. We know his potential is great yet it's time he showcases his talent. IMO he should be used primarily on the wing providing speed but should be used at times in the half forward line. He can be quite dangerous there as we saw in the Port game.

 

[Extend the Dukes]

He has to run with Chad Cornes again.

Bryce Gibbs anyone?

 

[BlueYoss]

If Walker gets the right tutelage over the pre-season to know when to fly for the hanger and when to wait down for the crumb he could turn out to be a very versatile and dangerous forward.

I just hope he spends almost all of the pre-season training with the forwards.

My ideal forward 6 for 2009:

Walker Kreuze/Cloke Yarran
Betts Fevola Houlihan

Talk about giving our mids options in the forward line!

 

[Zhesty]

Forgot about this guy. Goodluck to him he's been so unlucky with injuries.

 

[true blue19]

walker should be played as an inside midfielder his pace over 3km would put him close to the top 10 in the afl. he is 2nd at the blue and if fully fit could be and should be as good or if not better then judd. he's strong, he's quick, he's tall and he's got good skills. as we head towards no. 17 walker will be one of our most import player and forget about cooney walker will be better.