matthew bode playing well

[CaptainDangerfield]

Agreed on all counts Springy.

I do rate young Vince but obviously not as highly as some others who have posted here. I hope he does become a star for us, but ATM he's not there, he's just finding his feet.

Knights and VB are certainties for lots of game time this season, barring injury of course. Both have shown far more than any other youngsters on our list.[/QUOTE]

By along way too I would have thought.

 

[Stiffy_18]

I thought he looked okay in patches. The pleasing things is he's not fraid to throw his body at the contest. To compare him to Knights though is mystifying. I'm starting to feel a bad vibe about Knights. If he doesn't get 30 possessions or fluffs up a few kicks there is suddenly "concerns" with regard to his game. Bloody hell the kids 19 years of age and practically dominated as an 18 against men in the SANFL. Along with VB, they would easily be the most promising youngsters we have had at the club in years. I don't remember the likes of Rutten, Mattner, Trent or Bock having the same impact in so few games.

All the concerns that have been raise about Knights are valid IMHO. His defensive game is non-existant. His tackling is attrocious and as such he will ALWAYS get exposed in the AFL.

I find it ironic that same people who praise Knights to high heaven bagged Burton a couple of years ago for his lack of the defensive game. Yet now, Knights is god's gift to football. Yes the kid is a natural footballer who can find the footy with the best of them. However, when the real stuff starts I can bet my life on the fact that opposition coaches will expose his lack of defensive game by playing through his opponent at EVERY oppostunity.

When its all said and done, there is no use of Knights getting 25 touches himself when his opponent picks up 30 and leads his team to the win. Opposition coaches have done that for years with Burton (under Ayres) and Birdman's defensive game at the time was better than Knights' is at the moment.

For this reason, I am starting to think that Knights might not play as many games this year as we are all thinking he will. There is every chance that VB gets picked before Knights for this very reason. I would like to see Craig give Knights a few tagging jobs during the year. We all know his offensive side of the game is exceptional but he does need to work on the defensive side. If the kid can add that aspect of the game to his armoury then we really are looking at an elite midfielder.

 

[noddy]

We all know his offensive side of the game is exceptional but he does need to work on the defensive side. If the kid can add that aspect of the game to his armoury then we really are looking at an elite midfielder.

Believe Neil Craig has already said as much.

But the kid will learn & really that's all he is a kid that knows how to get the footy & use it the rest of his game will come in time.

Maybe a couple of tagging roles will be the way to go.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

All the concerns that have been raise about Knights are valid IMHO. His defensive game is non-existant. His tackling is attrocious and as such he will ALWAYS get exposed in the AFL.

I find it ironic that same people who praise Knights to high heaven bagged Burton a couple of years ago for his lack of the defensive game. Yet now, Knights is god's gift to football. Yes the kid is a natural footballer who can find the footy with the best of them. However, when the real stuff starts I can bet my life on the fact that opposition coaches will expose his lack of defensive game by playing through his opponent at EVERY oppostunity.

When its all said and done, there is no use of Knights getting 25 touches himself when his opponent picks up 30 and leads his team to the win. Opposition coaches have done that for years with Burton (under Ayres) and Birdman's defensive game at the time was better than Knights' is at the moment.

For this reason, I am starting to think that Knights might not play as many games this year as we are all thinking he will. There is every chance that VB gets picked before Knights for this very reason. I would like to see Craig give Knights a few tagging jobs during the year. We all know his offensive side of the game is exceptional but he does need to work on the defensive side. If the kid can add that aspect of the game to his armoury then we really are looking at an elite midfielder.

Granted Stiff, he does need to improve on his defense game but its not all bad. The positives far outweigh the negatives. For exmaple take Simon Goodwin, he has a few obvious flaws in that on occasion he ducks his head in marking contests and I have seen him hessitate when he should have put his body on the line. But hey as with Knights, the good far outweighs the bad.
What would you rather Chris Knights or another Luke Jericho who has neither football smarts nor courage?

As Noddy said Stiff, that is an aspect of his game i'm sure Craigy is working on. Look at Reilly, he's like a new player but if you think back to when he started an compare him with Knights, I would suggest Knights is ahead by a fair margin.

I also stand by comment that both he and VB are 2 of the most exciting youngsters we have had at the club for quite awhile.

You sound a little disappointed with him?

BTW I agree, VB should be picked before Knights.

 

[crazy_big_al]

always liked him.

good little player good to see him doing well

 

[Stiffy_18]

You sound a little disappointed with him?.

Far from it. I have been VERY impressed with his ability. He is a ball magnet and has the ability to be a match winner. However, he also has some flaws that need to be addressed ASAP. At this stage he is a Matthew Connell clone. If he improves his defensive side of the game he will become a bloody good player. The ball is in his court.

 

[Stephen2]

Hey now! I'll admit when Matt Connell was around, I was just a young feller and couldn't really analyze a players style that much...

However, Matty Connell was great I thought! He got heaps of the ball... I don't want to drag this post off topic, but could someone point out what Matty Connell's flaws were? My memory is hazy, is it that he had no defence to his game? Or a lack of damage with his many possessions?

Thanks Crows!

 

[Crowked]

Hey now! I'll admit when Matt Connell was around, I was just a young feller and couldn't really analyze a players style that much...

However, Matty Connell was great I thought! He got heaps of the ball... I don't want to drag this post off topic, but could someone point out what Matty Connell's flaws were? My memory is hazy, is it that he had no defence to his game? Or a lack of damage with his many possessions?

Thanks Crows!

Hospital balls was one. He used to chip every kick too high and set up the receiver to be KO'd. Also lacked a bit or maybe a lot defensively as Stiffy implied.

He was a good player though. I liked him too.

 

[noddy]

Hospital balls was one. He used to chip every kick too high and set up the receiver to be KO'd. Also lacked a bit or maybe a lot defensively as Stiffy implied.

He was a good player though. I liked him too.

Is a club champion as well.

Could run all day & got plenty of the ball but as you say "those hospital balls"

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Best midfielder so far by all reports. Just starting to cement his place in 22 waynes_world. Good to see.

Still can't see him our best 22. Useful depth player who is great at getting the ball, but others use it better (which keeps him out of our best line-up IMO). Good to see him back though playing good footy.

 

[macca23]

I just hope Knights doesn't read BigFooty or at at least this thread.

We are talking about a kid who's played 2 AFL games, is learning a new position as a wingman, who has shown greater promise at this age than 99% of all draftees and yet he gets bagged on his weaknesses rather than praised for his abilities!!

FFS people, Craig will deal with that side of it. Let's just be happy that we have a genuinely exciting youngster playing for US with a long-term future.

IMO Knights is a certainty to play as from Round 1. VB is only a chance becuase of the competition for the spot he plays in, although he'd be in my 22.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

I just hope Knights doesn't read BigFooty or at at least this thread.

We are talking about a kid who's played 2 AFL games, is learning a new position as a wingman, who has shown greater promise at this age than 99% of all draftees and yet he gets bagged on his weaknesses rather than praised for his abilities!!

FFS people, Craig will deal with that side of it. Let's just be happy that we have a genuinely exciting youngster playing for US with a long-term future.IMO Knights is a certainty to play as from Round 1. VB is only a chance becuase of the competition for the spot he plays in, although he'd be in my 22.

Spot on Macca...

 

[Markthirtytwo]

I just hope Knights doesn't read BigFooty or at at least this thread.

We are talking about a kid who's played 2 AFL games, is learning a new position as a wingman, who has shown greater promise at this age than 99% of all draftees and yet he gets bagged on his weaknesses rather than praised for his abilities!!

FFS people, Craig will deal with that side of it. Let's just be happy that we have a genuinely exciting youngster playing for US with a long-term future.

IMO Knights is a certainty to play as from Round 1. VB is only a chance becuase of the competition for the spot he plays in, although he'd be in my 22.

Yup, Yup and Yup. Mine too.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Yup, Yup and Yup. Mine too.

The kid has special qualities, no doubt about it.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

As Noddy said Stiff, that is an aspect of his game i'm sure Craigy is working on. Look at Reilly, he's like a new player but if you think back to when he started an compare him with Knights, I would suggest Knights is ahead by a fair margin.

I also stand by comment that both he and VB are 2 of the most exciting youngsters we have had at the club for quite awhile.

You sound a little disappointed with him?

BTW I agree, VB should be picked before Knights.

Please do not think we are disappointed - what Stiffy and i are saying is that at 19 he does not have the complete game....that he has a LONG way to go.

That doesn't go against what your saying about him being one of the brightest talents at the club - far from it.

But let's not also gloss over his obvious shortcomings - and that's not being critical or anything that the kid hasn't heard from Neil Craig.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I just hope Knights doesn't read BigFooty or at at least this thread.

We are talking about a kid who's played 2 AFL games, is learning a new position as a wingman, who has shown greater promise at this age than 99% of all draftees and yet he gets bagged on his weaknesses rather than praised for his abilities!!

FFS people, Craig will deal with that side of it. Let's just be happy that we have a genuinely exciting youngster playing for US with a long-term future.

IMO Knights is a certainty to play as from Round 1. VB is only a chance becuase of the competition for the spot he plays in, although he'd be in my 22.

Disagree

Need to be aware of his shortcomings - otherwise the first time his opponent gets BOG with 30+ possessions this board will rip him apart.

balance between age - experience - expectations

 

[macca23]

Disagree

Need to be aware of his shortcomings - otherwise the first time his opponent gets BOG with 30+ possessions this board will rip him apart.

balance between age - experience - expectations

Ever heard of a nobody called Neil Craig, WW?

I believe I referred to the fact that he'll handle this side of it - and about 1000 times better than we would be capable of.

Once they've been on the list for 4 or 5 years and still make the same mistakes - and their name is Smith - then they become fair game.

 

[NikkiNoo]

Once they've been on the list for 4 or 5 years and still make the same mistakes - and their name is Smith - then they become fair game.

gone but not forgotten eh macca?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Ever heard of a nobody called Neil Craig, WW?

I believe I referred to the fact that he'll handle this side of it - and about 1000 times better than we would be capable of.

Once they've been on the list for 4 or 5 years and still make the same mistakes - and their name is Smith - then they become fair game.

Seriously though.............young players are lucky to get to their second season b4 being dumped on.

AKA Jericho, Reilly, ...

But there is a difference with pointing out defficiencies and bagging the developing player.

We do it prior to the draft - that is analyse players strengths and weaknesses to choose the best player/club fit.

We can't do it after their drafted???

 

[outback jack]

No way has he cemented a spot - he is purely backup

How many shots for goal for a return of one!!!

He has zero hurt factor when he does get it, lacks speed, balance, poise and frankly our other youngsters have gone past him.

Porps and Vince will get a game before him (unless we have injuries to our mature guys)

Why do you post on the basis of "reports" - do you always rely on third hand info????


PS - I have been off-line for 4 days otherwise I would have responded quicker

haha 'reports' is a nice generalization. It was more tongue in cheek WW. He started well and the inaccuracy is a problem, but i'd say hes just doing nicely to slide into the 22. Pretty critical for him that he doesnt get any injury in the next 5-6 weeks though. Hes better than massie for instance who is purely a depth player.

 

[beagle2]

haha 'reports' is a nice generalization. It was more tongue in cheek WW. He started well and the inaccuracy is a problem but i'd say hes just doing nicely to slide into the 22. Pretty critical for him that he doesnt get any injury in the next 5-6 weeks though. Hes better than massie for instance who is purely a depth player.

Two easy shots missed tonight Went to ground far too often Trade you two Bodes and a Skipworth for a Jericho

 

[ok.crows]

I just hope Knights doesn't read BigFooty or at at least this thread.

We are talking about a kid who's played 2 AFL games, is learning a new position as a wingman, who has shown greater promise at this age than 99% of all draftees and yet he gets bagged on his weaknesses rather than praised for his abilities!!

FFS people, Craig will deal with that side of it. Let's just be happy that we have a genuinely exciting youngster playing for US with a long-term future.

IMO Knights is a certainty to play as from Round 1. VB is only a chance becuase of the competition for the spot he plays in, although he'd be in my 22.

Yep. It has already been said, spot on.

 

[outback jack]

Two easy shots missed tonight Went to ground far too often Trade you two Bodes and a Skipworth for a Jericho

yeah hes on the edge beagle2, the thread was a bit of fun. Although i thought he'd just make the 22 originally. He was good last week, but not so sure now. So far noticable problems with him are his tackling which is poor and his kicking distance and accuracy. Still a chance a chance at the 22 though. Jericho has played games like that before and its easy to do so when we flog them, until he goes in harder the question marks will still be there. With welsh to come back he'll have to find a different role to that leading forward role as well.