Prediction Poll: Will Blakely and/or Weller debut before Round 5

[TheInjuryFactory]

Haha, you're clearly unfamiliar with clogged.

This is true.

 

[Righteo]

This is true.

You've been throwing around the "take off the blinkers" tag a fair bit in this thread and while that may be true of some of your targets it couldn't be further from the truth in regards to clogged .

 

[TheInjuryFactory]

It seems I have stuck my neck out abit here with this one, but its all good, I enjoy the back and forth!

I really think that while Blakely in particular will most likely get a few early games and looks a million bucks, my initial point was that perhaps they are not quite at the same level as the Sheridans, Croziers, Clancees at this stage of the year, and personally I'm not sure we could expect to see game breaking performances. That's not to say that Sheridan, Crozier or Clancee will be likely to win games of their own back for us either, I would think that we back their experience and composure over promising rookies who are still coming to terms with the RTB game plan.

I guess after being a long time lurker and only recently daring to contribute, I can see that there are some serious reservations on here about our list that warrant the scrutiny and of course there is always room for improvement, but I think in particular someone like Sheridan has done his time and earned his stripes and is desperate for a spot, that's the guy I want to see in there before a wide eyed rookie first up.

Maybe I am completely underrating Blakely, but I have seen the same stuff as most on here, including the odd training session and personally I think some of the hype is a little overdone. Again, just my opinion and I'm happy for the banter

 

[clogged]

It seems I have stuck my neck out abit here with this one, but its all good, I enjoy the back and forth!

I really think that while Blakely in particular will most likely get a few early games and looks a million bucks, my initial point was that perhaps they are not quite at the same level as the Sheridans, Croziers, Clancees at this stage of the year, and personally I'm not sure we could expect to see game breaking performances. That's not to say that Sheridan, Crozier or Clancee will be likely to win games of their own back for us either, I would think that we back their experience and composure over promising rookies who are still coming to terms with the RTB game plan.

I guess after being a long time lurker and only recently daring to contribute, I can see that there are some serious reservations on here about our list that warrant the scrutiny and of course there is always room for improvement, but I think in particular someone like Sheridan has done his time and earned his stripes and is desperate for a spot, that's the guy I want to see in there before a wide eyed rookie first up.

Maybe I am completely underrating Blakely, but I have seen the same stuff as most on here, including the odd training session and personally I think some of the hype is a little overdone. Again, just my opinion and I'm happy for the banter

I don't want a game breaking performance. I want someone with clean hands, smart and effective ball use, and some basic creativity or attacking ability. We've seen what the 'best 22' from 2012-2014 can produce, it's not good enough, and it's not going to get any better doing the same thing.

At years end a handy first round debut could be an important match winner in a final.

 

[TheInjuryFactory]

I don't want a game breaking performance. I want someone with clean hands, smart and effective ball use, and some basic creativity or attacking ability. We've seen what the 'best 22' from 2012-2014 can produce, it's not good enough, and it's not going to get any better doing the same thing.

At years end a handy first round debut could be an important match winner in a final.

Agreed. Although I think we are already seeing a shift away from the 2012-2014 mainstays.

I think this point you make describes Clancee, Crozier in particular, and Sheridan has taken another step up. I think initially Blakely would have to be used as a sub to spend any meaningful time in the midfield, and I think perhaps guys like Crozier and Sheridan are more likely to add that impact you need from a sub, coupled with their running ability that has them streets ahead of Connor in that regard.

My point about best 22 is that don't forget we have Taberner, Dawson and potentially Silvagni still to come back in, we have Alex Pearce pushing hard for selection once he is right to go that are still to come back into this side after the first month, and even Crowls if he has a win. Injuries aside I would have thought that surely pushes Blakely out of the mix short term?

 

[apuchar]

Swan Districts product Connor Blakely was named in the extended squad of 25 but is also unlikely to be called up for an AFL debut against Port.

“He has done a fair bit right. He’ll need a bit to go his way but he has certainly put some pressure on,” Lyon said,

“He’s done quite well to be in the 25.”

 

[apuchar]

With a spot available through Ryan Crowley’s absence, Lyon said it has opened up the door for somebody else.

“Yes Ryan’s not there, but the beauty of that is the real upside and opportunity,” Lyon said.

“I don’t see anyone in the 25 really upset that there’s a few that have taken his (Crowley’s) spot.

“That’s the jungle we live in. Adversity creates opportunity and it’s a brutal industry.”

“We’ve got young, hungry players ready to step up, and I’m really thrilled about that.

“Maybe Connor Blakely gets a spot because Ryan Crowley’s out – who knows?”

 

[Scham]

Blakely > Suban and De Boer

Has class and skill which they don't. Obviously needs to learn more about stopping an opponent though.

 

[ilikepotatoes]

Can I change my vote on Weller?

 

[Jezzitizle]

Blakely > Suban and De Boer

Has class and skill which they don't. Obviously needs to learn more about stopping an opponent though.

Suban has turned games for us in the past, I think he will surprise a few this year. The coaching staff seem really happy with him so far.

 

[E Shed]

Sounds like Weller is turning it on if the WAFL.
The reason I went so early on him calling for a round 1 debut before he'd played even a WAFL game is because he is exactly what we need to introduce to get more attack and run into our game. Has exquisite skills and isn't afraid to take the game on.
Hopefully he'll play very soon. He's the kind of player that could make a difference come finals with most of a season under his belt.

 

[clogged]

Suban has turned games for us in the past, I think he will surprise a few this year. The coaching staff seem really happy with him so far.

Which games?

 

[Jezzitizle]

Which games?

Sorry i dont write them down, but im confident he will do it again this year and will be happy to raise it when he does. The coaches rate him for a reason.

 

[Gekko71]

Can I change my vote on Weller?

...as a matter of fact, you can. And given today's performance, I may join you.

 

[Fred Ziffel]

Can I change my vote on Weller?

No. It is too late.

 

[Fred Ziffel]

...as a matter of fact, you can. And given today's performance, I may join you.

Fair crack; the bloody game's over.

 

[Gekko71]

Fair crack; the bloody game's over.

LOL ...but the poll isn't Fred.

 

[Nickos66]

Can I change my vote on Weller?

I came back to do the same.

 

[Prochard123]

If Blakely plays round 2, is likely to start as a sub?

 

[Agenfrida]

If Blakely plays round 2, is likely to start as a sub?

Most likely.

 

[Fred Ziffel]

Most likely.

I still think Blakely will debut today against Port.

 

[Sweetback]

Did Weller run out the game yesterday? If he did, then he'll play sooner than if he ran out of puff at 3/4 time.

 

[Agenfrida]

I still think Blakely will debut today against Port.

He might well do. Who do you think he'll replace though?

 

[Nickos66]

He might well do. Who do you think he'll replace though?

Maybe somebody under a conditioning cloud. Either way, I think Connor & Lachie won't see too many Peel games this year, I'd be keen to see Weller inherit the kermit nickname in 2015.

 

[jedi mind tricks]

Maybe somebody under a conditioning cloud. Either way, I think Connor & Lachie won't see too many Peel games this year, I'd be keen to see Weller inherit the kermit nickname in 2015.

I hope they see a fair few games this season. No disrespect to them. Weller isn't a physically strong big mid. A few more seasons in the gym and he will be cherry ripe. No rush for him and Blakely. Blakely does have a good physique though. I just don't want them picking up injuries from not being ready. Skills wise they both look the goods.