Parker - the next permanent Crows fullback?

[spindoctor]

From all reports Parker has been absolutely dominant as FB for Souths in a miserable season for them, I remember I saw his stats at FB in his last game for the season and he picked up 32 possessions and 9 marks at FB...which is pretty nuts.

How big is he? Is he the big boy we need to stand at full back, or is he just another Bassett who is easily pushed off by the bigger forwards?

 

[Stiffy_18]

Well he hasn't played FB since about half way mark of the season. He started the season as a FB and by half way mark he was moved to CHB and was occasionally given a run at CHF with some success.

At 193 cm / 90 kg he has the right build for a KP. He does need to put on some muscle if he wants to be a KPP at AFL level. He is athletic enough and smart enough to play AFL. He also has exceptional work ethic. He is not the most skilled bloke but neither is Nathan Bassett.

In time he will be our key defender.

 

[spindoctor]

According to the reports I've read he was a great contested mark in the backlines, created great run out of defence and positioned himself brilliantly, always ready to punch if he couldn't mark it.

This is everything we want in our full back...how lacking in muscle is he? If he is like Nathan Bassett, then he can never really be our FB, we need someone more beefy to take on the beefy full forwards, but if he is bigger, then this is a great sign.

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by spindoctor
According to the reports I've read he was a great contested mark in the backlines, created great run out of defence and positioned himself brilliantly, always ready to punch if he couldn't mark it.

This is everything we want in our full back...how lacking in muscle is he? If he is like Nathan Bassett, then he can never really be our FB, we need someone more beefy to take on the beefy full forwards, but if he is bigger, then this is a great sign.

He is taller than Bassett, and has a real future. Just needs to bulk up a bit.

He had a great season in the SANFL and really added rebound to what was previously a very solid tight checking game.

I'm looking forward to seeing him play at AFL level next year - I reckon he'll make it.

 

[AngelEyes]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
He is not the most skilled bloke...

looked pretty skillful when I've seen him play!!!!

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by AngelEyes
looked pretty skillful when I've seen him play!!!!

He is not the greatest kick of the footy. He has a funny kicking style and he runs like a bloody duck He needs to improve that a bit.

 

[Jerome]

i think he may start in a back pocket or back flank. I dont think they will throw him to the wolves just yet, unless he has a really impressive pre season.

He's 193/90 kg and needs to bulk up a bit. He doesnt look to be as physically strong as say Mal Michael (190/99kg). Aiden takes a good mark, also very good at generating run from defence.

 

[spindoctor]

Michael is a brute of a man, they are some of the biggest arms and shoulders in the game...next to Carey's of course!

I remember he played some great games at CHF for Collingwood before he got traded, he was such a big, imposing presence.

Which is way he became so good as a full-back.

 

[tribey]

If we bring in and develop Parker and Bock our key defensive weaknesses will be solved.

Gotta blood them NOW.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by dyertribe If we bring in and develop Parker and Bock our key defensive weaknesses will be solved.

Gotta blood them NOW.

He makes me nervous

 

[MaccasNeighbour]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
He makes me nervous

I think history has shown that the great sides always make their younger players earn their spot in the senior side rather than give them a run for the sake of experience. For example the current Brissy side or Hawthorn of the 80s.

 

[napsyd]

Originally posted by spindoctor
According to the reports I've read he was a great contested mark in the backlines, created great run out of defence and positioned himself brilliantly, always ready to punch if he couldn't mark it.

Be careful of Crows listed players SANFL reports. If you listen to them all our SANFL players are future Brownlow medalists.

 

[napsyd]

Originally posted by MaccasNeighbour
I think history has shown that the great sides always make their younger players earn their spot in the senior side rather than give them a run for the sake of experience. For example the current Brissy side or Hawthorn of the 80s.

They were in a position to do this because they were winning premierships.

We are not in this position. If the younger blokes don't get a decent run next year the coaching staff need their heads read. If we don't properly blood at least 3 youngster next season we are heading for one hell of a ditch in 2005 and beyond.

 

[Thunderstruck]

He is def our future of our defence and other blokes like him. Would be suited to FB and I liken him to a bigger version of Ben Hart altho not that good of course, but u never know. He must be blooded next season for a good 10 games I reckon and move him around in defence not just keeping him at FB.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by napsyd
Be careful of Crows listed players SANFL reports. If you listen to them all our SANFL players are future Brownlow medalists.

Bloody too right.

A player can get 3 touches in the game and still have a glowing report.

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by napsyd
They were in a position to do this because they were winning premierships.

We are not in this position. If the younger blokes don't get a decent run next year the coaching staff need their heads read. If we don't properly blood at least 3 youngster next season we are heading for one hell of a ditch in 2005 and beyond.

You're right on the money here. At least 2 every week and possibly 3.

Reilly has to ocupy a wing all year - form permitting, and Hentschel Parker and Bock must all play games - up to at least 10 per player - again form permitting.

That would set us up well for 2005 when Carey and Smart at a minimum won't be around.