Toast Mark Blicavs

[vinum coupe]

What's there to be prepared about? The player has to WANT to leave. If Blicavs isn't a greedy two-faced coward like Mumford there won't be an issue.

lol.

If I was a rookie ruckman and 'firmly' at that stage behind 2 others and offered an extra 150k for 4 years I'd be outta there.

A ruckman is a lot like a wicket keeper. There's not a lot of roles you can play to get a spot.

 

[supahoops]

Would like to think Blitz is a better character than Mumford, and though there are similarities in their stories surely the club won't fall victim again.

Can see them going with a three year deal, the first being retained on the rookie list to ease our list squeeze issues, and back-ended years 2/3 when our salary cap should be more accomadation with the retirements of Corey Hunt and Chapman.

The kid doesn't want for any confidence in himself, let's hope he sees the big picture and acts accordingly. Will be an integral part of his team for the next 5-10 years. What a story!

 

[David the Cat]

What's there to be prepared about? The player has to WANT to leave. If Blicavs isn't a greedy two-faced coward like Mumford there won't be an issue.

I usually appreciate your alternative approach....glass half empty approach to keep things in perspective, however.......

This isnt one of your better efforts.

 

[winty]

The beauty of how Blicavs is playing is he can create so many opportunities for us going forward, even when the likes of Dawson Simpson or Hamish McIntosh are playing. I can see a number of possible roles he can play when those two are back on deck:

1. In 2008, Richo nearly won a Brownlow playing as a tall winger who regularly snuck forward and created another marking option across half forward. Who would be able to go with Blicavs in such a role nowadays? Most other tall players wouldn't have his running power, and smaller players could easily get isolated one on one against him in the forward line.

2. I remember back in the late 80's when Melbourne were regular finalists, John Northey on occasion would play Steve O'Dwyer in the ruck and have Jim Stynes in the middle as a ruck rover. We've seen how good Blicavs is at centre clearances when he's the ruckman. Imagine how damaging he could be if his sole role in the midfield is to get the clearance without having to worry about contesting the tap first.

3. This is probably the most damaging role in my opinion. We could easily have Blicavs playing either of the roles listed above for the first three quarters, and then be able to sub either Simpson or McIntosh at three quarter time and push Blicavs into the ruck. If we had a smaller runner as a sub like most times this year, we would then be able to implement more run into the side resting one of the lumbering ruckmen. We all know how good Blicavs' stamina is. Could you imagine being an opposition ruckman running their guts out for three quarters, and then realising you now have to follow a running machine around for the last term?

 

[Lager]

a) greedy - We only draft players of character remember? Why then would they be greedy? All the criticism levelled at Ablett should just as equally be levelled at Mumford - leaving purely and simply for money. He's absolutely entitled to do that, but it's still greed. You want to look after yourself fine, but don't expect to be liked for it.

No it's not. Having your financial future secured is not greedy, it's wise.

 

[AM]

No it's not. Having your financial future secured is not greedy, it's wise.

You have a point. There was also that he felt he had a better chance of getting a regular game with the Swans.

On the other hand, some feel that it was our club that dragged a fat country player from obscurity and turned him into an AFL ready player and he owed the club at least a year or two more. Particularly as he would have been well rewarded down the track.

Anyhow, as many have pointed out, we got Mitch Duncan out of it. Probably a 200 game player.

 

[_Me_]

It's nothing new, these arguments have been said many, many times.

a) greedy - We only draft players of character remember? Why then would they be greedy? All the criticism levelled at Ablett should just as equally be levelled at Mumford - leaving purely and simply for money. He's absolutely entitled to do that, but it's still greed. You want to look after yourself fine, but don't expect to be liked for it.

b) and c) I was at the Best and Fairest in 2009 when Mumford had been offered the deal by Sydney. No one I spoke to - players, coaches, officials - begrudged him his offer, his good luck, or his right to look after himself. This bit is crucial, he never said a word to anyone that he wasn't anything but happy about Geelong and how he'd been treated.

Then, only after he had left, he started spouting off about how he would have stayed if he'd played in the Grand Final. Given that his last game in Geelong colours returned stats of 5 possessions and 5 hitouts (Blake had 12 possessions and 29 hitouts in the same game), and he was obviously running on fumes, he was quite deservedly and correctly droppped for Ottens, allowing Ottens and Blake to help deliver a premiership. So to say that you were unfairly treated shows he has a very selective memory, and he's absolutely gutless and a coward because he had plenty of time to say that to Geelong while he was there and didn't.

Back to topic, I don't see Blicavs leaving. Even if McIntosh gets on the park he won't be around forever. With Vardy likely to spend more time up forward there's still room for him.

Please explain how mummy and family were supported like judas
Please explain how mummy was paid overs on his first contract

And as usual it's all about flake

 

[Partridge]

Please explain how mummy and family were supported like judas
Please explain how mummy was paid overs on his first contract

And as usual it's all about flake

Please explain what that has to do with anything.

What he was paid in his first contract, what his third cousin twice removed was given by the club is irrelevant. He chose to leave (which is fine), but only complained about how he was treated after he was 800km away (which isn't). You've got a problem have the balls to say it to their faces. Which he didn't do.

It's got very little if anything to do with Blake. But some see what they want to see.

 

[_Me_]

Please explain what that has to do with anything.

What he was paid in his first contract, what his third cousin twice removed was given by the club is irrelevant. He chose to leave (which is fine), but only complained about how he was treated after he was 800km away (which isn't). You've got a problem have the balls to say it to their faces. Which he didn't do.

It's got very little if anything to do with Blake. But some see what they want to see.

The comparison with judas is not a balanced one

Mummy had a brain fart like Eddie, and will be off to gws next year

Blake bitched when on our list and it was his own doing, have a sook

 

[Aussiemac82]

Subtle as a sledge hammer.

Mummy took the money and run. Mercenary, opportunist, Judas call him what you want. Either way. he made a choice that he did not want to be a part of Geelong.

I am of the firm belief that you should give something back. If it's carrying you through injury or providing training and opportunities that some people can only dream of, it should be acknowledged.

If you are good enough to get a permanent spot on the team. You get the spot. It shouldn't just be given to you to stop you leaving. That is what causes mediocrity. Blitz has been given a spot because of his effort on the track and on the field.

Players like Blitz, who have been thrown a lifeline of following their dream of being a professional athlete should extend that courtesy to the club. He has been on our list since late 2011.

Having followed Blitz since he has been on our list, I firmly believe he feels the same. He is grateful to be part of our club.

I stand by my call that he will be polling Brownlow votes in the not to distant future. He is a potential 150-200 game player.

 

[Jon Douglas]

We just have so much potential that other posters see so much in presently.

Menzel and McCarthy are on hold presently. So no point going there.

Blitz is getting good raps for his excellent progress, Vardy has been touted as a top AFL player, GHS as a genuine midfielder, Murdoch as one who will become a player for us, Smedts could become a gun player, Guthrie a 200 game player, Caddy a possible future star, Stringer a handy inclusion, Walker a player who could well make it, Thurlow a new Mackie/Enright, Burbury a real up and comer and Eardley as a real chance to make it. Simpson some can see may yet have an impact at some stage.

These asessments I am saying are not wrong but we have a fair way to go before any of these players meet the potential some are heaping on them.

Then we have HMac and Rivers - who do have runs on the board but not runs on the Kardinia Park ground yet. You need to durable to be a good player. You must get on the park often to make a difference to a team.

I am getting a bit over all the potential. I want to see it translated into something and soon. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush as they say. We have 10 in the bush.

I reckon for sure now Motlop has been the one to go from potenial to a genuine player with impact for us this year. No one lese yet has done this.

I do recognise that Guthrie is developing but I am unsure that he will be better than JHunt by this season's end.

It seems of all these players maybe Smedts and Vardy may make a decent contribution this year in the finals of all the young players with potential.

I see Rivers as coming back and making a contribution - and think it likely HMac has still got a real chance of getting on the park, getting match fitness and making a significant contribution.

Partially due to injuries we have not had all this potential on the park in the VFL and AFL to develop it and see who can make a difference this year.

I am becoming a bit resigned to putting my hopes on Rivers and Hmac primarily - and then Vardy and Smedts. If these guys play well they do offer something. Maybe Guthrie.

The rest are being given reward for good VFL games and developed for 2014/5.

I suppose given the horrific run we have had with injuries over the past few years I would accept these 4/5 players coming thru this year as a good result. It maybe enough for us to win a flag.

We just needed another player or two to ad to our senior team this year to make a flag a real possibility IMO. Motlop's development into a best 22 helps but maybe not enough at this point in time.

 

[vinum coupe]

I am of the firm belief that you should give something back. If it's carrying you through injury or providing training and opportunities that some people can only dream of, it should be acknowledged.

If you are good enough to get a permanent spot on the team. You get the spot. It shouldn't just be given to you to stop you leaving. That is what causes mediocrity. Blitz has been given a spot because of his effort on the track and on the field.

Incorrect.
This is their income, their job, their career.
They should be allowed to make a call on it.

Gillies could have gone to Hawthorn a few years back, but the Cats kept him. And he almost lost his career because of it.

Brown wanted out (apparently) and was kept (apparently) He may find his career in trouble due to a lack of opportunities.

Yes loyalty and paying back to the club should be applauded, but you can't expect everyone to do it.

 

[FredLeDeux]

We just have so much potential that other posters see so much in presently.

Menzel and McCarthy are on hold presently. So no point going there.

Blitz is getting good raps for his excellent progress, Vardy has been touted as a top AFL player, GHS as a genuine midfielder, Murdoch as one who will become a player for us, Smedts could become a gun player, Guthrie a 200 game player, Caddy a possible future star, Stringer a handy inclusion, Walker a player who could well make it, Thurlow a new Mackie/Enright, Burbury a real up and comer and Eardley as a real chance to make it. Simpson some can see may yet have an impact at some stage.

These asessments I am saying are not wrong but we have a fair way to go before any of these players meet the potential some are heaping on them.

Then we have HMac and Rivers - who do have runs on the board but not runs on the Kardinia Park ground yet. You need to durable to be a good player. You must get on the park often to make a difference to a team.

I am getting a bit over all the potential. I want to see it translated into something and soon. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush as they say. We have 10 in the bush.

I reckon for sure now Motlop has been the one to go from potenial to a genuine player with impact for us this year. No one lese yet has done this.

I do recognise that Guthrie is developing but I am unsure that he will be better than JHunt by this season's end.

It seems of all these players maybe Smedts and Vardy may make a decent contribution this year in the finals of all the young players with potential.

I see Rivers as coming back and making a contribution - and think it likely HMac has still got a real chance of getting on the park, getting match fitness and making a significant contribution.

Partially due to injuries we have not had all this potential on the park in the VFL and AFL to develop it and see who can make a difference this year.

I am becoming a bit resigned to putting my hopes on Rivers and Hmac primarily - and then Vardy and Smedts. If these guys play well they do offer something. Maybe Guthrie.

The rest are being given reward for good VFL games and developed for 2014/5.

I suppose given the horrific run we have had with injuries over the past few years I would accept these 4/5 players coming thru this year as a good result. It maybe enough for us to win a flag.

We just needed another player or two to ad to our senior team this year to make a flag a real possibility IMO. Motlop's development into a best 22 helps but maybe not enough at this point in time.

Very good post and assessment, with the exception that in my opinion Smedts' actual performance this season has given no indication that he will make a decent contribution this year. Which is not to say that he won't, of course.

 

[Aussiemac82]

durable to be a good player. You must get on the park often to make a difference to a team.

I am getting a bit over all the potential. I want to see it translated into something and soon. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush as they say. We have 10 in the bush.

I reckon for sure now Motlop has been the one to go from potenial to a genuine player with impact for us this year. No one lese yet has done this.

.

Players can play 5-10 games a year and make a significant difference to the results. Remember 2009?

It is all about potential now. We have a group of established players that need to be complemented with youth. A lot of our young players have shown glimpses. You can't tell me you didn't get excited by Vardy last week. His performance warmed the cockles of every cats supporters heart.

Have a look at where 8 of our goals from last week. Vardy, Guthrie, Blitz and Burbury.

We won by 8 goals. That is impact the outcome of a game.

Although they haven't torn games apart, they have contributed significantly to our results this season.

 

[Jon Douglas]

Players can play 5-10 games a year and make a significant difference to the results. Remember 2009?

It is all about potential now. We have a group of established players that need to be complemented with youth. A lot of our young players have shown glimpses. You can't tell me you didn't get excited by Vardy last week. His performance warmed the cockles of every cats supporters heart.

Have a look at where 8 of our goals from last week. Vardy, Guthrie, Blitz and Burbury.

We won by 8 goals. That is impact the outcome of a game.

Although they haven't torn games apart, they have contributed significantly to our results this season.

I get your point but being a little pessimistic, given all the crap we have endured as a club and team for the last 4/5 years (Ablett, Egan, Menzel, Mumford, etc) - I just want this run to end and turn around for us.

I was very pleased with Vardy, Guthrie and Blitz against the GC - but I need to see this for at least half a dozen games this season to believe come finals they can turn it on for us - and help us get over the line.

I suppose what I am saying is yes they contributed in this game but not many this year. I just need to see a bit more from these players to have the confidence they will not just be in the team - but will be solid contributors consistently.

As far as Smedts goes - I am seeing a player getting better - and crucially adds leg speed to the side. If he can get 15 possies, half a dozen tackles and kick a goal - could be a contributor, especially with Chapman out. But yes the jury is still out Fred.

Just cannot wait for THunt, Rivers, Varcoe and HMac to come back and into a senior role. Surely we are a much better team with them in the team and playing well. Chappy I hope can get back in.

Not many teams can add at this stage such an impressive group to their line ups. The question is will they all come up and then play well.

 

[Aussiemac82]

Incorrect.
This is their income, their job, their career.
They should be allowed to make a call on it.

Gillies could have gone to Hawthorn a few years back, but the Cats kept him. And he almost lost his career because of it.

Brown wanted out (apparently) and was kept (apparently) He may find his career in trouble due to a lack of opportunities.

Yes loyalty and paying back to the club should be applauded, but you can't expect everyone to do it.

No. You think I am incorrect. There is a difference.

I don't have any problem with any player making a choice.

You can't call a 20-40 game player a career AFL player. They are like an apprentice. Just because you are training to be a tradesman doesn't make you one.

They are under contract to the club for a reason. You earn the right to choose through free agency.

How many players get a choice where they go in the draft?

 

[Aussiemac82]

Very good post and assessment, with the exception that in my opinion Smedts' actual performance this season has given no indication that he will make a decent contribution this year. Which is not to say that he won't, of course.

Would have liked to see more of Smedts hypnotised. Seeing him muck around as an 8yr old with Bundy was hilarious. He moves and plays with instinct. It is hard to imagine he would be a great thinker of the game.

Give him time.

 

[Partridge]

The comparison with judas is not a balanced one

Mummy had a brain fart like Eddie, and will be off to gws next year

Blake bitched when on our list and it was his own doing, have a sook

So Judas is Ablett because he left for money, but shouldn't be compared to Mumford, who left for money. Right. Makes perfect sense.

Have no idea what the last sentence even means.

 

[_Me_]

So Judas is Ablett because he left for money, but shouldn't be compared to Mumford, who left for money. Right. Makes perfect sense.

Have no idea what the last sentence even means.

ablett had money and was assisted all his life, and he was protected by geelong - i will not explain it again

mummy was a third ruck and left for opporunities and money

blake bitched when he was dropped because of his piss poor form, and then started a chain of events where king was traded ou and he was paid overs

simple -

 

[JUBJUB]

ablett had money and was assisted all his life, and he was protected by geelong - i will not explain it again

mummy was a third ruck and left for opporunities and money

blake bitched when he was dropped because of his piss poor form, and then started a chain of events where king was traded ou and he was paid overs

simple -

 

[hbk_aus]

giggles...

 

[The rabbi]

_ME_ , you have this marvelous ability to bring the Ablett's into a thread that has nothing to do with them.

 

[oozeboss]

I'm confused.



Where does Mark Blicavs actually fit into this amazing digression from the actual thread topic?

 

[supahoops]

Fantastic start to his AFL career, and a rest well earned. Here's hoping he can come on as much in the second half of the season as he has in the first

 

[vealesy]

I don't think he is being rested.

The club has stated "Managed".

He is improving exponentially so we don't need to waste his next bag of tricks against a bunch of witches hats.