Opinion Mark Blicavs

[Partridge]

Well done Bobby.
You've got to like his hand balling under pressure.

And his ruck work was actually pretty good. Just inexperienced still and gets pushed around a bit.
Can't knock his endeavour.

Problem is, there's no way you can put him in there against someone like Sandilands. You might as well hand the ball to Fremantle and start running.

So it's a dilemma, do they develop him as a ruckman? In which case he needs to get bigger and stronger. Or purely as a midfielder (which he has been all season until Sunday)? In which case he needs to do a lot more.

 

[Pivo]

Problem is, there's no way you can put him in there against someone like Sandilands. You might as well hand the ball to Fremantle and start running.

Well, lucky Blicavs is in the side then.

So it's a dilemma, do they develop him as a ruckman? In which case he needs to get bigger and stronger. Or purely as a midfielder (which he has been all season until Sunday)? In which case he needs to do a lot more.

Since he has been played, this year, primarily as a mid then I look at it thus;

Blicavs obviously is "unique". He has elite running capacity but still needs to learn where to run (or, at the very least, yell louder so his teammates notice him more) to make himself more dangerous.

While his 13 touches on the weekend was servicable enough for a guy learning the game there are plenty of others in our twos who could do the same thing (minus the ruckwork but once Simpson returns I'll assume Blicavs won't be doing much rucking) in the team.

But I'll go further, right now, would you prefer Blicavs' "unique" take on playing wing or would you like a more traditional winger like, say, Polec learning to play the position?

Yes, Polec (22 senior games) played more footy growing up but Blicavs (28 senior games) actually has more senior experience.

Both are learning their roles but one looks a lot more damaging than the other and is probably impacting games more.

Polec averages 23 disposals a game while Blicavs averages 9.

Polec disposes of the footy at 80% while Blicavs operates at 73%.

Polec averages 7 contested possies a game to Blicavs 2.5.

Polec also wins the marks per game and tackle count per match categories.

This isn't a knock on Blicavs, he is coming from a way back against a guy like Polec.

When he adds "ball winning/recieving" to "elite running" then he'll be a weapon but I personally don't see why he can't do that learning, at this moment in time, back in the reserves (we have other guys on the list who can produce the same sorts of numbers and also need some senior experience).

There is no shame in playing 2s at Geelong. Horlin-Smith has been made to work down there, as has Smedts. Caddy did some time in the twos as well.

Paul Chapman only played 4 senior games in 2000 and 9 in 2001, didn't seem to do him any harm over the journey.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

Well done Bobby.
You've got to like his hand balling under pressure.

And his ruck work was actually pretty good. Just inexperienced still and gets pushed around a bit.
Can't knock his endeavour.

I think his endeavour and his capacity to learn and develop are characteristics the MC recognise and value.
He tried his guts out as a ruck last year , scrapped for the ball on the ground , laid tackles and improved his handball over the course of the season.
Even his ruckwork V Port looked better - he avoided wrestling and used his considerable spring - the kid is smart.
He is learning his role on the wing - imagine that - he is learning a new position at the elite level and he is making progress - I'll back him in not to get caught HTB that way again.
I'd give him a few more games and gauge his improvement - if he stagnates then give him some time in the 2's to learn and dominate.
I reckon he'll make it as a utility/ wing before he moves to the backline - after a few more preseasons and kgs are added.

 

[Partridge]

I think his endeavour and his capacity to learn and develop are characteristics the MC recognise and value.
He tried his guts out as a ruck last year , scrapped for the ball on the ground , laid tackles and improved his handball over the course of the season.
Even his ruckwork V Port looked better - he avoided wrestling and used his considerable spring - the kid is smart.
He is learning his role on the wing - imagine that - he is learning a new position at the elite level and he is making progress - I'll back him in not to get caught HTB that way again.
I'd give him a few more games and gauge his improvement - if he stagnates then give him some time in the 2's to learn and dominate.
I reckon he'll make it as a utility/ wing before he moves to the backline - after a few more preseasons and kgs are added.

The problem is though, people are assuming he's going to "dominate", that he's some sort of unique and devastating weapon, but there hasn't been any evidence at all of that yet. He's one young developing player among many.

 

[catempire]

Well, lucky Blicavs is in the side then.

Since he has been played, this year, primarily as a mid then I look at it thus;

Blicavs obviously is "unique". He has elite running capacity but still needs to learn where to run (or, at the very least, yell louder so his teammates notice him more) to make himself more dangerous.

While his 13 touches on the weekend was servicable enough for a guy learning the game there are plenty of others in our twos who could do the same thing (minus the ruckwork but once Simpson returns I'll assume Blicavs won't be doing much rucking) in the team.

But I'll go further, right now, would you prefer Blicavs' "unique" take on playing wing or would you like a more traditional winger like, say, Polec learning to play the position?

Yes, Polec (22 senior games) played more footy growing up but Blicavs (28 senior games) actually has more senior experience.

Both are learning their roles but one looks a lot more damaging than the other and is probably impacting games more.

Polec averages 23 disposals a game while Blicavs averages 9.

Polec disposes of the footy at 80% while Blicavs operates at 73%.

Polec averages 7 contested possies a game to Blicavs 2.5.

Polec also wins the marks per game and tackle count per match categories.

This isn't a knock on Blicavs, he is coming from a way back against a guy like Polec.

When he adds "ball winning/recieving" to "elite running" then he'll be a weapon but I personally don't see why he can't do that learning, at this moment in time, back in the reserves (we have other guys on the list who can produce the same sorts of numbers and also need some senior experience).

There is no shame in playing 2s at Geelong. Horlin-Smith has been made to work down there, as has Smedts. Caddy did some time in the twos as well.

Paul Chapman only played 4 senior games in 2000 and 9 in 2001, didn't seem to do him any harm over the journey.

Have i missed something? Is Polec running around in the VFL for the Bankers??

I'll say it again, Blicavs competition for a midfield spot at the moment is Schroder, Stringer, Jansen and Lang. But until they start putting strings of VFL BOGs together, the MC won't be looking to promote them.

 

[rooie]

he might have a big engine, but it is one paced. guys like smith at the hawks have a big engine, but can burn off a chaser as well, and he did it to blitz a couple of times last week.

where i can see blitz's engine being useful is either the ruck as he needs to cover ground but not so much at speed, or else as the spare man in defence. but he can't learn that spare man role at AFL level, he needs to learn it at VFL level and then when he has the knowledge about where to be and when, apply that to AFL.

i don't see him as a key defender or forward as he doesn't have the body yet, though that may develop. but if his biggest attribute is his fitness, then he needs a role that uses that, but doesn't also require a high level of accountability and ball winning on its own, such as the loose man in defence who gets to position to take the uncontested mark etc.

my personal thoughts is he should develop as a ruckman in the VFL, and be used as our 3rd ruckman, assuming Vardy when fit is considered a forward.

 

[KaraokeJoe]

I

...if he stagnates then give him some time in the 2's to learn and dominate.

I think that's an important point. Playing roughly all his footy at the senior level, the opportunity to experience being the dominate force in his role is likely lacking a bit. While there's always the chance that he stays in the senior side indefinitely due to circumstances and an elite fitness level, it would surprise me if there wasn't some worry on the MC that he wasn't actually getting the opportunity for time in the VFL.

 

[Partridge]

Have i missed something? Is Polec running around in the VFL for the Bankers??

I'll say it again, Blicavs competition for a midfield spot at the moment is Schroder, Stringer, Jansen and Lang. But until they start putting strings of VFL BOGs together, the MC won't be looking to promote them.

As midfielders I'd prefer Schroder and Stringer in a heartbeat.

 

[Partridge]

Yes, Polec (22 senior games) played more footy growing up but Blicavs (28 senior games) actually has more senior experience.

This isn't a knock on Blicavs, he is coming from a way back against a guy like Polec.

Sorry, but that excuse isn't valid anymore. As you say he's had 28 games now. That's actually more than any other sub 50-gamer on our list besides Guthrie and Caddy. He should be judged on what he produces without any free passes. Just like everyone else is.

 

[catempire]

As midfielders I'd prefer Schroder and Stringer in a heartbeat.

This is as surprising to me as "night follows day" and "water is wet"!

 

[nohairandfair]

The problem is though, people are assuming he's going to "dominate", that he's some sort of unique and devastating weapon, but there hasn't been any evidence at all of that yet. He's one young developing player among many.

Is there really a problem here? Haven't personally seen any wild calls on him dominating the competition... any links?

He's showing some real improvement though and coming on nicely. Loved his gather of the loose ball from 40m out and hooking one over the shoulder for a sausage roll on the weekend.

He's unique with lots of flexibility and the MC value that.

Great acquisition by the club.

 

[rooie]

Is there really a problem here? Haven't personally seen any wild calls on him dominating the competition... any links?

He's showing some real improvement though and coming on nicely. Loved his gather of the loose ball from 40m out and hooking one over the shoulder for a sausage roll on the weekend.

He's unique with lots of flexibility and the MC value that.

Great acquisition by the club.

i agree with that, he has attributes that will allow him to be a handy player in the future if he keeps improving, and i am glad they grabbed him as a rookie.

the point a few of us are making, perhaps ad nauseam, is that there are other players who also deserve time in the 1's, and who could arguably bring more to the team at present than he does, with the exception of his inclusion as a ruckman as it was this week.

 

[Partridge]

This is as surprising to me as "night follows day" and "water is wet"!

As indeed was your retort, although that was much more predictable. But I've always been guilty of wanting actual footballers to play for Geelong.

Stringer in particular gets more of the ball, kicks more goals, and lays more tackles. Fairly useful all round attributes I would have thought.

 

[Cattery]

He's unique with lots of flexibility and the MC value that.

This is the sort of thing we see all the time, he's unique, an elite runner etc, but how do these "attributes" transfer to performance?

I'm still yet to see anyone, even his staunchest supporters, state precisely what he brings to the team in terms of actual output (in a non rucking capacity) because being unique, a project player and an elite runner don't mean a whole lot when he's averaging eleven disposals, less then three marks and tackles per game, and has kicked one goal for the year.

 

[catempire]

As indeed was your retort, although that was much more predictable. But I've always been guilty of wanting actual footballers to play for Geelong.

How virtuous. The rest of us who want unicorns and sea urchins playing for Geelong shall hang our heads in shame...

Stringer in particular gets more of the ball, kicks more goals, and lays more tackles. Fairly useful all round attributes I would have thought.

A whole 0.6 possessions 1.2 tackles and 0.1 goals. The case is overwhelming!

http://finalsiren.com/PlayerCompare.asp?SeasonID=&SelectedPlayers=2238,2343,2267,&Compare=Go

 

[sarah.13]

As midfielders I'd prefer Schroder and Stringer in a heartbeat.

The problem with that Partridge is that in all likeyhood Stringer and possibly Schrodor won't be at the club next year,and the Blitz will be therefore he will get more games as they seem he has greater potential to become a very good player down the track,

 

[rooie]

The problem with that Partridge is that in all likeyhood Stringer and possibly Schrodor won't be at the club next year,and the Blitz will be therefore he will get more games as they seem he has greater potential to become a very good player down the track,

i worry that this might be true.
but why would we spend time investing in a rookie listed non footballer than a senior listed liston medalist?

 

[catempire]

i worry that this might be true.
but why would we spend time investing in a rookie listed non footballer than a senior listed liston medalist?

You only would if the long term prospects of the former are greater than the latter.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

Sorry, but that excuse isn't valid anymore. As you say he's had 28 games now. That's actually more than any other sub 50-gamer on our list besides Guthrie and Caddy. He should be judged on what he produces without any free passes. Just like everyone else is.

Agree it's not an excuse but it is an unquestionable fact.
A fact which I'm sure gives the MC some patience with his development. It's also a fact that he is a 197cm player with incredible athletic prowess and very impressive genes.
His upside could be huge , all we differ on is the pathway being taken to evaluate his ultimate value.
By September he could very well be usurped by a better performing player , I'm cool wiith that - whatever it takes to optimise our performance.........on the other hand he could be best 22 - time will tell.

 

[sarah.13]

i worry that this might be true.
but why would we spend time investing in a rookie listed non footballer than a senior listed liston medalist?

Where they are listed is irrelevant , Plenty of liston winners haven't been able to make the step up to Afl.
I did say possibly Schrodor, but the potential of a 6'7" mobile player to develop into a valuable player is greater then a solid mid which we have plenty of.
I believe that's the club's view of things.

 

[Cyclone Larry]

Clubs seem to be more enamored with 'project' players than actual footballers.
If you are 6ft3 or taller and come from a non AFL sporting background you will be gifted games and kept on lists far beyond your progress deserves.
Execution of elementary skills will be lauded.
Not many of these project players actually turn out to be true AFL footballers.

 

[Partridge]

Where they are listed is irrelevant , Plenty of liston winners haven't been able to make the step up to Afl. I did say possibly Schrodor, but the potential of a 6'7" mobile player to develop into a valuable player is greater then a solid mid which we have plenty of.
I believe that's the club's view of things.

True. Conversely a guy called James Podsiadly seemed to go ok at senior level, and for Geelong too. And much like Schroder, another slow nuggety midfielder called Sam Mitchell managed to carve out a reasonable career at the top level as well.

 

[vinum coupe]

No way will they move on Schroder.
Won a liston at a very young age.

And now he has to live with tags each week and learn how to break them.
Great thing for him to learn so early.

 

[rooie]

Where they are listed is irrelevant , Plenty of liston winners haven't been able to make the step up to Afl.
I did say possibly Schrodor, but the potential of a 6'7" mobile player to develop into a valuable player is greater then a solid mid which we have plenty of.
I believe that's the club's view of things.

it is a bit relevant. they chose not to elevate him this year, so still aren't sure about him.

You are right, many liston winners haven't made that step, but that is largely due to the fact that most liston winners aren't 21 year old AFL listed players not getting many games in the 1's, they are older VFL listed players. Some get a chance at AFL after winning, such as Pods and Callinan.

for him to win it at his young age, beating out many MEN who are very good footballers, and only played 14 games!!!

 

[sarah.13]

True. Conversely a guy called James Podsiadly seemed to go ok at senior level, and for Geelong too. And much like Schroder, another slow nuggety midfielder called Sam Mitchell managed to carve out a reasonable career at the top level as well.

You quoted both Stringer and Schroder, I said possibly Schroder...
I would love for Schroder to become our next Mitchell who was overlooked in his draft year then went on to win a Liston the following year got drafted and has been a good and then great player ever since.
I like Schroder but doubt he will develop into the person your comparing him too.