Paul Hudson List Assessment

[hotpie]

Not really yet, Wood still has 2-3 years mate look at what went at 14 or after.... not much. Harry Taylor is the only one of note.

The kids in that draft are still only second year players. Wood has been around longer than that.

While I hope Wood does get another 2 or 3, he will have to show some improvement in his attitude and his aggression.

 

[JOELY]

all we need is him to be good enough to back up BIG BAD BUSTLING LACHLAN KEEFE in a few years time.

 

[jimmy_clement#8]

In fridays practice match he played most of the game up forward..
Did very well but i still believe he is a born midfielder.

Hope so. From the very limited chances we've had to see him, it would seem a waste to see him set down to being a forward. I really want him to be a part of the midfield rotation long term, and become one of our better midfielders.

 

[pipeline]

What a bizarre document. I can't recall anything like this being published in prior years. It has to represent Malthouse' thinking because there's no way an assistant would be allowed to publish such an assessment without his approval. So he's using one of his new boys to what? Have a public swipe at some players? Reassure others? Doesn't make sense. This sort of stuff should be comunicated to the individuals, not spread all over the internet. I wonder whether he talks to the players face to face at all.

How would Hudson actually know much about where the players were from last year? And why would he allow two assistants (Hudson and Rowdy) to so publically disagree so widely on some of their opinions? Why would you make a gift of this to the opposition? All his predjudices laid bare.

Bizarre, weird, strange.

 

[Kirby]

I think it's a bit weird too. It's like they've taken the opportunity to pat some on the back, encourage some, and slap some.

 

[buzzbuzz]

It's like a poorly thought out, public version of what the Dogs, Cats and I'm sure other sides did in that special 'leading teams' thing; critisizing each other in terms of negative and positive qualities.

Does our coaching staff think no one goes on the internet? I... don't know. I'm glad to be able to read such a document but what about the oppo? Now they know what to take advantage of.

 

[Old Spice]

It's not exactly a damming critique of anyone or a release of state secrets. I think Stanley etc are aware of how the coaching staff views their areas that need developing and it ain't really a shock to the public that the club thinks they have some short-comings either.

I don't see what advantage other teams get from this information to be honest.

 

[Pie eyed]

It's like a poorly thought out, public version of what the Dogs, Cats and I'm sure other sides did in that special 'leading teams' thing; critisizing each other in terms of negative and positive qualities.

Does our coaching staff think no one goes on the internet? I... don't know. I'm glad to be able to read such a document but what about the oppo? Now they know what to take advantage of.

I would not think anything in the assessment would be "top secret" or even that far from common knowledge within the oppo clubs coaching circles.
Have you seen something in the comments that has not been discussed on here?

 

[Bronx Bomber]

Sean Rusling
I doubt whether Rus will come in for round one, but he should be right from then on. He had a minor setback a few weeks back but the club’s just taking no risks. Fitness wise he’s really good; he’s an athlete. Even back in Arizona he ran a 49-second 400m, so he’s got amazing speed. But we’re also entertaining the idea of playing him down back this year.

This kid has all the talent in the world just needs a bit of luck.

If his body can hold up and allow him to play majority of the games.

Assuming he plays in the forward line, with Rusling, Cloke, Anthony, Medhurst, Davis, Didak, and also Bryan/Fraser rotating ruck/forward.

I think it's going to be hard to find a sport for Rocca even when he's fully fit.

Thoughts?

 

[hotpie]

This kid has all the talent in the world just needs a bit of luck.

If his body can hold up and allow him to play majority of the games.

Assuming he plays in the forward line, with Rusling, Cloke, Anthony, Medhurst, Davis, Didak.

I think it's going to be hard to find a sport for Rocca even when he's fully fit.

Thoughts?

A fully fit Rocca will get a spot in our starting 18. For season 2009, anyway. Better choice than Anthony - despite Jack's extraordinary achievements so far - who would be relegated to the bench or the VFL or the backline to make room for big Ant.

Probably a moot point as we are unlikely to ever see Rocca "fully fit" again. It will be a matter of degree. As he'll only be 80 or 90% fit, the side will be chosen on a courses for horses basis and Rocca will come in and go out according to a number of factors.

 

[Old Spice]

go Rus, pump those awesome guns cowboy.

 

[pipeline]

I would not think anything in the assessment would be "top secret" or even that far from common knowledge within the oppo clubs coaching circles.
Have you seen something in the comments that has not been discussed on here?

What other clubs would value is the fact that Malthouse, via his chosen mouthpiece,is reveling his thoughts on his own players. They cam make pretty good assessments form that as to our likely team makeup. It just reveals more of our hand than is necessary, all to what point?

The other unhelpful thing it does is imply a division between our assistants - although other sides will most certainly recognise it as Malthouse' work.

As to whether or not it's been discussed here - well we don't count. This however is official club business. Or dirty club linen. I don'r see the point and I don't see it as helpful. I'm not even sure it's accurate.

 

[shawthing09]

It indirectly raises something I raised in a fowardline structure thread last year and was shot down by the host of people who like to read bigfooty and judge rather then watch football and judge.

That point is that all of Dawes, Ried and Cloke as it stands prefer to and are more suited to playing a lead up CHF rather then a full foward role. Dawes with his size, endurance and ability to control his drops to keep them in "his zone" are all suited to CHF. As has been pointed out he is similar to Cloke in the role he is suited foward Dawes is a better field kick which is a massive plus but unfortunately at this stage is no where near as good a target.

Ried is suited to the O'Keefe / Tarrant CHF / Wing type role floating around playing as the linking target from defence to attack racking up marks around the ground and setting up attack.

Trav plays the traditional CHF working hard and presenting a target.

For the fowardline to function effectively going foward one of these 3 has to become a good deep target and with the emphasis on Trav improving I'd suggest it's Trav, which is a good idea because he is the best target for the team going foward.

 

[Dave The Man]

It indirectly raises something I raised in a fowardline structure thread last year and was shot down by the host of people who like to read bigfooty and judge rather then watch football and judge.

That point is that all of Dawes, Ried and Cloke as it stands prefer to and are more suited to playing a lead up CHF rather then a full foward role. Dawes with his size, endurance and ability to control his drops to keep them in "his zone" are all suited to CHF. As has been pointed out he is similar to Cloke in the role he is suited foward Dawes is a better field kick which is a massive plus but unfortunately at this stage is no where near as good a target.

Ried is suited to the O'Keefe / Tarrant CHF / Wing type role floating around playing as the linking target from defence to attack racking up marks around the ground and setting up attack.

Trav plays the traditional CHF working hard and presenting a target.

For the fowardline to function effectively going foward one of these 3 has to become a good deep target and with the emphasis on Trav improving I'd suggest it's Trav, which is a good idea because he is the best target for the team going foward.

Fair Points, But those reading that we have to many possible CHF players and accept for maybe Anthony no deep/FF options

 

[shawthing09]

Fair Points, But those reading that we have to many possible CHF players and accept for maybe Anthony no deep/FF options

I think the emphasis on Cloke's kicking for goal hopefully suggests he will be playing deeper this year and hence having more shots on goal.

 

[Dave The Man]

I think the emphasis on Cloke's kicking for goal hopefully suggests he will be playing deeper this year and hence having more shots on goal.

Well if Cloke Improves on his kicking for goal then he can play deeper and Kick Goals for us though if he does not it would not make him a Threat where the Best Defenders will go to him

 

[hotpie]

It indirectly raises something I raised in a fowardline structure thread last year and was shot down by the host of people who like to read bigfooty and judge rather then watch football and judge.

That point is that all of Dawes, Ried and Cloke as it stands prefer to and are more suited to playing a lead up CHF rather then a full foward role. Dawes with his size, endurance and ability to control his drops to keep them in "his zone" are all suited to CHF. As has been pointed out he is similar to Cloke in the role he is suited foward Dawes is a better field kick which is a massive plus but unfortunately at this stage is no where near as good a target.

Ried is suited to the O'Keefe / Tarrant CHF / Wing type role floating around playing as the linking target from defence to attack racking up marks around the ground and setting up attack.



Trav plays the traditional CHF working hard and presenting a target.

For the fowardline to function effectively going foward one of these 3 has to become a good deep target and with the emphasis on Trav improving I'd suggest it's Trav, which is a good idea because he is the best target for the team going foward.

Too early to call on Dawes. Could play CHF or FF, or HFF alongside Cloke. Rusling could be the ideal FF. Cloke probably is best suited at CHF/HFF where he can roam around as he suits.

Reid is your good old fashioned "utililty". I am most excited about him, probably more so than any other youngster on the list except Keefe who I havent seen yet. He will be able to play almost any position on the field, including key position at both ends, wing, flanks, and ruck.

I cant see how all these options is a bad thing.

 

[shawthing09]

Too early to call on Dawes. Could play CHF or FF, or HFF alongside Cloke. Rusling could be the ideal FF. Cloke probably is best suited at CHF/HFF where he can roam around as he suits.

Reid is your good old fashioned "utililty". I am most excited about him, probably more so than any other youngster on the list except Keefe who I havent seen yet. He will be able to play almost any position on the field, including key position at both ends, wing, flanks, and ruck.

I cant see how all these options is a bad thing.

Of course it is to early to call but his skill set and current playing style are clearly much more suited to CHF. A slow FF who is poor overhead isn't going to strike fear into the hearts of defence. Especially when that FF is terribly poor at positioning himself and reading the flight of the ball. On the other hand as a CHF he is likely to either run big guys off their feet and if given a smaller opponent will be able to expose the size difference that he is reliant on at this stage in his career. He also has the added advantages of being a very good field kick which is a huge asset to a CHF and being good at keeping the ball infront of him when he drops it. As a chf he is more likely to have space and players running past to be able to use this to rectify the situation when he drops the mark.

As for Reid he is certainly a very versatile player and much like players in this mould he is likely to end up playing where he is needed most on a week to week basis. At the moment that is probably as a CHF, it is also where I think he is most comfortable. Once Presti goes it may be CHB.

The problem with the options is we have a lot of options but it's a quality not quantity issue. Right now structurally we have a question mark.

 

[Dave The Man]

Too early to call on Dawes. Could play CHF or FF, or HFF alongside Cloke. Rusling could be the ideal FF. Cloke probably is best suited at CHF/HFF where he can roam around as he suits.

Not Quite Sure on that because I 1st thought he was a FF but watching him Closley in some of his games and does struggle when he plays deeper, Though that's not to say he will imporve but he looks better when he is on the lead and with his good work as Shawthing09 said that he can keep pick the ball up and above average Field Kick then he will be a Better CHF getting the Ball back in to the Forward 50

 

[The Dan Fan]

A fully fit Rocca will get a spot in our starting 18. For season 2009, anyway. Better choice than Anthony - despite Jack's extraordinary achievements so far - who would be relegated to the bench or the VFL or the backline to make room for big Ant.

I just can't see him out of the team. Even if his performance as a forward doesn't ensure him a spot in that role then he can still be a defender. he is really quiet versatile and i believe playing at afl level as a forward has only helped his defencive capabilities. but i get youre point that as a forward he isn't the most important on our list. imho he's still ahead of rusling, dawes and reid as an overall and simply as a forward.

 

[Quicky]

It indirectly raises something I raised in a fowardline structure thread last year and was shot down by the host of people who like to read bigfooty and judge rather then watch football and judge.

That point is that all of Dawes, Ried and Cloke as it stands prefer to and are more suited to playing a lead up CHF rather then a full foward role. Dawes with his size, endurance and ability to control his drops to keep them in "his zone" are all suited to CHF. As has been pointed out he is similar to Cloke in the role he is suited foward Dawes is a better field kick which is a massive plus but unfortunately at this stage is no where near as good a target.

Ried is suited to the O'Keefe / Tarrant CHF / Wing type role floating around playing as the linking target from defence to attack racking up marks around the ground and setting up attack.

Trav plays the traditional CHF working hard and presenting a target.

For the fowardline to function effectively going foward one of these 3 has to become a good deep target and with the emphasis on Trav improving I'd suggest it's Trav, which is a good idea because he is the best target for the team going foward.

I think this is spot on. The way I see it is that our deep forward options are Rocca, Cloke, Rusling with Medhurst, Anthony and Macaffer as options with the latter obviously more suited to a third tall pocket position.

With Rocca and Rusling not ready yet (and lets face it unknown quantities for the coming season) Trav is the only KPP that has a chance in this position - and I reckon would actually benefit him. I actually think that Medhurst could play this role well ala N Brown and B Johnson but why would you when you can play Cloke at FF, Reid CHF and Medhurst in a pocket. Its still certainly an option.

I get the feeling that the coaching staff are leaning towards playing Anthony at FF. This would be a big mistake IMO as I don't believe he is quick enough, a good enough mark or strong enough for this position. This isn't a criticism of Anthony as I don't think he is particularly bad in any of these areas just not elite enough to worry good defenses. Against he'll get mauled.

 

[kevind]

What other clubs would value is the fact that Malthouse, via his chosen mouthpiece,is reveling his thoughts on his own players. They cam make pretty good assessments form that as to our likely team makeup. It just reveals more of our hand than is necessary, all to what point?

The other unhelpful thing it does is imply a division between our assistants - although other sides will most certainly recognise it as Malthouse' work.

As to whether or not it's been discussed here - well we don't count. This however is official club business. Or dirty club linen. I don'r see the point and I don't see it as helpful. I'm not even sure it's accurate.

I totally disagree with you on this one. Other clubs would know the strength and weaknesses of our players backwards and what Hudson has revealed is hardly startling. It is full of things most of the football world knows already. More importantly, IMO, it is accurate.

I thought it was good to read something that wasn't like the usual rubbish the club puts out for gullible supporters. It was nice not to be treated as a mushroom for once.

 

[kevind]

It indirectly raises something I raised in a fowardline structure thread last year and was shot down by the host of people who like to read bigfooty and judge rather then watch football and judge.

That point is that all of Dawes, Ried and Cloke as it stands prefer to and are more suited to playing a lead up CHF rather then a full foward role. Dawes with his size, endurance and ability to control his drops to keep them in "his zone" are all suited to CHF. As has been pointed out he is similar to Cloke in the role he is suited foward Dawes is a better field kick which is a massive plus but unfortunately at this stage is no where near as good a target.

Ried is suited to the O'Keefe / Tarrant CHF / Wing type role floating around playing as the linking target from defence to attack racking up marks around the ground and setting up attack.

Trav plays the traditional CHF working hard and presenting a target.

For the fowardline to function effectively going foward one of these 3 has to become a good deep target and with the emphasis on Trav improving I'd suggest it's Trav, which is a good idea because he is the best target for the team going foward.

The trouble with your theory IMO is that you are playing to Reid/Dawes strengths but not Cloke's. And Cloke is a far better and more important player than both at this stage. So why weaken a strength?

Cloke is not a very accurate shot on goal and struggles to take contested marks. He does however have a big engine and can run opponents off their feet as a CHF. It is a position he is much more suited for. Replacing him with Reid/Dawes at CHF greatly weakens the position.IMO, CHF is far more important than FF.

I agree we need a big body deep in the forward line to take the pressure of John Anthony(if he plays deep) but I can't see the advantages of your solution.

 

[King Woodie]

Too early to call on Dawes. Could play CHF or FF, or HFF alongside Cloke. Rusling could be the ideal FF. Cloke probably is best suited at CHF/HFF where he can roam around as he suits.

Reid is your good old fashioned "utililty". I am most excited about him, probably more so than any other youngster on the list except Keefe who I havent seen yet. He will be able to play almost any position on the field, including key position at both ends, wing, flanks, and ruck.

I cant see how all these options is a bad thing.

No, I don't think this is right at all. He is a lead up CHF / third tall. He may be able to have spells as a leading full forward as well. As far as the backline, he has the ability to play CHB (or a non-deep key back role) but not on the flanks, or deep in the pockets. He is not a wingman's fingernail as he can't win the ball off the ground, around the stoppage, or play as a running linkman (non-marking). He is not a ruckman.

I have always agreed, we have a few options at CHF with the three mentioned players, but our deep key position spot is not assured going forward. Rus or Jack are not good enough on their own to be the sole deep target.

 

[Kirby]

Cloke is not a very accurate shot on goal and struggles to take contested marks.

I disagree here. Cloke was in the top 3 in the league for contested marks last year I believe and i think he marks as well as just about anyone. he's a big target too.

It's only his kicking that lets him down.

I agree generally with shawthing's assessment of our structure. Having said that, I think a fully fit Rusling (if we ever see it) is still our best option at full forward, with Rocca and Medhurst in the pockets.