Our Future

[mfcrox]

I may be blinded by my love for the club... but I am genuinely pumped about our future. Forget this year, results are pretty average... but look what we have in our stocks:

- Brock McLean: he is an awesome player, knows how to get it and use it, hard as a rock (we have already seen this), however I don't think he is the pick of the young bunch. I hope he can prove me wrong though.

- Col Sylvia: this bloke is really starting to show what he has, for first time in his career he looks to be injury-free, and he is doing well. I reckon he will prove to be a better player than Brock in the long run. Get a full pre-season into him, chuck him in the guts, and we have our little clearance engine we need (Brock, Col, and Jonesy). Then he can rest up forward, and hopefully pinch-hit with a few goals, ala Mark Ricciuto (who he was compared to prior to being drafted).

- Matty Bate: this kid will be the pick of the bunch, mark my words. I think he will be our first superstar in years that other clubs really fear. Capable of playing in the guts, playing forward, etc. Don't be surprised if in 2-3 seasons is All Australian, and has a Charlie B. hanging round his neck. I think we have a bloke who can kick 60+ goals a season (which considering Coleman medallist kicks 80 isn't too bad), and rack up 400-500 possies a year, genuine superstar material.

- Nathan Jones: reminds me of Brock in his first seasons. Hard nut, knows how to get it, always the person at the bottom of the pack. He will be a rock in our midfield for 10-15years. He may get under the opposition radar in the future, because they will focus on Brock and Colin more.

- Ricky Petterd: poor bugger, me heart goes out to him. This bloke is awesome to watch. I again may have my red and blue blinkers on, but he is the steal of the last draft (apart from Tom Hawkins). Should have gone top-10 , but I'm happy to have in the red and blue after pick 30. LoL. He is smooth as silk, like watching Mark Waugh bat... makes it look easy. One he gets a few pre-seasons under his belt, he will be Travis Johnstone Mach II, delivering pin-point bullet-like kicks onto the chest of Bate, Newton, and a resting Sylvia. Gunna be a ripper.

- Michael Newton: I'll admit, I never ventured down to Sandringham to see what all the fuss was about, so this opinion is based only on his first two weeks... 'we have our successor to Neita'. Comes out in 2nd match and has 8-shots on goal... bloody good effort. He has said himself that his 1st match was more of a sighter and getting used to the speed... yet he still made Fletcher work. LoL. The kid is a bloody good leader (for the ball), we know he can kick bags, and it looks like he does work hard when not in possession... exciting prospect.

- Jarrod Rivers: I hope this O.P doesn't destroy the bloke, because he is the rock of our backline. We need to pick up a monster backman, so as he can play on the 2nd or 3rd forward... if we can do this, its good times ahead. We should make a play for a monster backman this trade period, to ease the burden on Rivers... and please keep Bizzell. Please!!!


This draft... it's gunna be Kruezer @ 1, Cotchin @ 2, and daylight to No. 3 IMO. So I doubt we would get Kruezer... but IMO, I would honestly rather get Cotchin. The wraps on him have been very good... very good disposal, very good pace, good leadership skills... it's just that Kruezer is such a talented ruckman, thats why there has been little press on Cotchin (but he is a star in the making).

Cotchin would really finish off our midfield if we pick him up... and that, along with a good spine is what wins premierships. Ruckmen are overated... a good midfield will rove the dominant ruckman, so the strong midfield is what we need... aswell as a good spine. As I have said Bate, and Newton are our FF & CHF, so that is settled, we have a bloke like Rivers, plus up-and-comers like Frawley and Dunn, so draft the best available, if it is Cotchin... get him.

 

[CaptainDavey]

Haha you couldn't help yourself after talking about all this in the Matthew Bate thread could you mfcrox?? It's alright, I think we're all loving where this club is heading atm. There's only a few minor issues to be a addressed and we'll be back on our feet sooner than you can say 'tank'.

And let's not forget the likes of Clint Bartram who played every game bar one in his first season at the club IIRC, Brent Moloney who will be a midfield machine once he's up and running as well as Daniel Bell, along with Rivers, is going to be the rock and heart of our defence for years to come

I know completely nothing of who or what is in this years draft but I'll take anything as long as it's quality gawddamnit!

 

[mfcrox]

And let's not forget the likes of Clint Bartram who played every game bar one in his first season at the club IIRC, Brent Moloney who will be a midfield machine once he's up and running as well as Daniel Bell, along with Rivers, is going to be the rock and heart of our defence for years to come

Yeah, I couldn't help myself... I am genuinely pumped, because I think if the blokes I mentioned, plus blokes like Bartram, Moloney, Davey, and Belly can play what we have seen from them in patches on a more constant basis, then the future is very bright... even silverware bright. I also think that Wheatley is worth keeping aswell, kicks that are as accurate and penetrating as his are rare, and he has shown good signs in recent weeks.

 

[CaptainDavey]

Yeah, I couldn't help myself... I am genuinely pumped, because I think if the blokes I mentioned, plus blokes like Bartram, Moloney, Davey, and Belly can play what we have seen from them in patches on a more constant basis, then the future is very bright... even silverware bright. I also think that Wheatley is worth keeping aswell, kicks that are as accurate and penetrating as his are rare, and he has shown good signs in recent weeks.

Agreed. You need players like Wheatley, for the depth and experience he has as well. Interestingly enough, according to the afl.com.au team of the week which he and White made, statistically the game against Carlton was Wheatley's best game ever at AFL level Found that very surprising.

However, I feel as though there is not a spot on the list for Brown next year. I love him dearly, and he was a gun in 2004 but I think the game has passed him by and it's time to give the kids more opportunity

 

[Deenamite]

Good post, i'm very happy to see some-one come out and openly support and look forward to our future. I think it's very bright too and hopefully EVERYONE will get behind the club for 08.

Go Dees!

 

[chipper]

However, I feel as though there is not a spot on the list for Brown next year. I love him dearly, and he was a gun in 2004 but I think the game has passed him by and it's time to give the kids more opportunity[/quote]

Bloody oath there is. I think his game on Sunday showed that he is well and truly far from being washed up and I know he copped a bit for his game against the Dons but I thought he still played a solid game and did an lot of constructive things. At the very very least I think he is worth keeping on as a depth player as he more than often plays a good one when coming back in. He'd be a good mentor and role model for the youngins coming through as well.

By the way I love Browny more dearly than you and I say that with a perfectly untarnished record of heterosexulality!

 

[CaptainDavey]

Bloody oath there is. I think his game on Sunday showed that he is well and truly far from being washed up and I know he copped a bit for his game against the Dons but I thought he still played a solid game and did an lot of constructive things. At the very very least I think he is worth keeping on as a depth player as he more than often plays a good one when coming back in. He'd be a good mentor and role model for the youngins coming through as well.

By the way I love Browny more dearly than you and I say that with a perfectly untarnished record of heterosexulality!

Haha fairs fair...But the questions gotta be asked, who goes before he does?

I think he had one poor game against an alright team (Essendon) and a fairly good one against a mediocre team (Carlton) so it's too hard to tell at this stage. Tell you what, call it even and we'll assess at the end of the season

 

[davey_magik]

We certainly have an excellent young group of kids, and I think a high draft pick will really help with that.
I live in the country so don't see any TAC games, what type of player is Cotchin? I hear he's a break the lines style midfielder?

 

[CaptainDavey]

We certainly have an excellent young group of kids, and I think a high draft pick will really help with that.
I live in the country so don't see any TAC games, what type of player is Cotchin? I hear he's a break the lines style midfielder?

Taken from the Drafts & Trades board, Cotchin, in comparison to a current player, is similar to Brett Deledio in the sense that he is quick, has fantastic skills and can find space.

To quote that post...

Kruezer - Dean Cox: Highly skilled tap ruckman (doubt he'll ever do the kick ins though) with a massive tank.
Masten - Daniel Cross: Not the fastest bloke but will run all day. Very good in close with ridiculously good hands. Kicking to be improved.
Henderson - David Neitz: Big and aggressive CHF/FF with great skills.
Cotchin - Brett Deledio: Quick, fantastic skills, finds space.
Grimes - Joel Selwood: Oozes leadership. Very hard worker with great hands and outstanding below knees. Kicking not bad but not flash.
Palmer - Sherminator: Hard Runner who loves to kick big ones. Plays with confidence.
Veszpremi - Beau Waters: Solid build and plays with aggression. Unlike Beau, he has good skills

 

[mfcrox]

Kruezer - Dean Cox: Highly skilled tap ruckman (doubt he'll ever do the kick ins though) with a massive tank.
Masten - Daniel Cross: Not the fastest bloke but will run all day. Very good in close with ridiculously good hands. Kicking to be improved.
Henderson - David Neitz: Big and aggressive CHF/FF with great skills.
Cotchin - Brett Deledio: Quick, fantastic skills, finds space.
Grimes - Joel Selwood: Oozes leadership. Very hard worker with great hands and outstanding below knees. Kicking not bad but not flash.
Palmer - Sherminator: Hard Runner who loves to kick big ones. Plays with confidence.
Veszpremi - Beau Waters: Solid build and plays with aggression. Unlike Beau, he has good skills

As I said earlier... I'd take Cotchin out of that bunch, I just get the feeling that a Kruezer is a massive punt being a #2 or #3 draft-pick, and if it doesn't work out, its a waste. We need a pacy midfielder with great skills to finish off our midfield of the future... we have the in-and-unders (Jones & McLean), we have the hard, explosive blokes (Sylvia & Beamer), we have our taggers (Bartram, and Dunn [bit left field that pick]), and if we get Cotchin, we have our fast line breaker. That midfield if everyone reaches their peak, could rival anyone in the competition in 3-4years time.

 

[CaptainDavey]

As I said earlier... I'd take Cotchin out of that bunch, I just get the feeling that a Kruezer is a massive punt being a #2 or #3 draft-pick, and if it doesn't work out, its a waste. We need a pacy midfielder with great skills to finish off our midfield of the future... we have the in-and-unders (Jones & McLean), we have the hard, explosive blokes (Sylvia & Beamer), we have our taggers (Bartram, and Dunn [bit left field that pick]), and if we get Cotchin, we have our fast line breaker. That midfield if everyone reaches their peak, could rival anyone in the competition in 3-4years time.

Understand where you're coming from. Do you think that role could fit Davey? Once he gets a bigger engine he could break the lines in the middle. I am as MASSIVE wrap for Joel Selwood, so that's why I like the sound of Grimes. With all this taken into account, Kruezer has to be considered because we need to replenish our ruck stocks, just PJ once Jeff goes is simply not enough

 

[demonman]

Our future is very bright. However, I believe we need a super quick midfielder with great skills (eg: Deledio), young ruckman and a young key backman.

We should keep Brown. He does all the important little things and provides good run.

I would make a couple of tough decisions and trade Moloney and Green. Moloney - Too many injuries and we have others in a similar mould: McLean, Sylvia, Jones. Green - may get a good pick for him, has been a very good player, but not 'great', not quick enough, doesn't win matches.

Make my words - Daniel Bell will be a star and an incredibly important player for us in coming years!

 

[dutchy12]

What would we get for Moloney? Not that I agree with trading him but just wondering.

Hewas effectively traded for pick 12 at the end of 2004 and you would think his stocks would have decreased siginificantly. However you coldn't see him being traded for a 3rd round pick he is way too good.

 

[StingaArmstrong]

What would we get for Moloney? Not that I agree with trading him but just wondering.

Hewas effectively traded for pick 12 at the end of 2004 and you would think his stocks would have decreased siginificantly. However you coldn't see him being traded for a 3rd round pick he is way too good.

I doubt he'll be traded for the reason that his value is severly down, and has a very good upside if/when fully fit. Unless he is desperately wanted by another team, he won't be going anywhere.

I'm a fan of Greeny, and i feel a return to the FF line is his best option, possibly swapping with Sylvia in the midfield, as they can play both roles well.

 

[davey_magik]

Understand where you're coming from. Do you think that role could fit Davey? Once he gets a bigger engine he could break the lines in the middle. I am as MASSIVE wrap for Joel Selwood, so that's why I like the sound of Grimes. With all this taken into account, Kruezer has to be considered because we need to replenish our ruck stocks, just PJ once Jeff goes is simply not enough

Sorry CD but I don't like Flash in the midfield, he's one of my favourite players and I'm a huge wrap for him but he's not a midfielder, he isn't a penetrating kick and he can be tagged out of a game easily if he is forced to chase the pill all day and has someone next to him the whole time.

Both Flash and the team as a whole are better when Flash plays up forward, because he can use his ridiculous pace in bursts and when he's crumbing off our talls he simply doesn't get caught.

I'd be up for getting Cotchin, but I wonder if Buckley could also fill the run and receive role we're after?

PS In no way would I trade Beamer, yes I am very biased when it comes to Brent but we wouldn't get much and when he is fit again he'll be a very handy addition.

 

[demonman]

What would we get for Moloney? Not that I agree with trading him but just wondering.

Hewas effectively traded for pick 12 at the end of 2004 and you would think his stocks would have decreased siginificantly. However you coldn't see him being traded for a 3rd round pick he is way too good.

I would have thought a 2nd round pick. As for the later suggestion about Green, yes a move to the forward line I would be happy with. I think he is an excellent forward, but has been overtaken by others in the midfield.

 

[CaptainDavey]

I would have thought a 2nd round pick. As for the later suggestion about Green, yes a move to the forward line I would be happy with. I think he is an excellent forward, but has been overtaken by others in the midfield.

Greeny seems to have an incredible football brain so to use that up in the forward line would be valuable, roving packs, taking marks and snapping goals. He's got the talent to do it.

The only worry is that our forward line may get too crowded next year. Neitz, Newton, Davey, Robertson, Bate, Sylvia, Yze, Dunn, Green...I'm sure it'll work itself out somehow

 

[demonfan9]

It's important not to get too excited about our future, because they are 15 other groups of supporters doing the same. It is easy to only look at the bright side in regards to youngsters, but we've got to realise that just because they play for us, doesn't mean they will become stars. In fact, given our history, it's probably closer to the opposite.

But just remember that we all once got excited over the likes of Armstrong, Molan, Miller, Jamar, Grgic (the next Garry Lyon?) and so on...

Although, there are a handful of those young players who are worth getting excited over.