Rookie Draft

[The Night Shift]

Somebody better give him a good "whack behind play" at training...
1. for the abominable haircut, and
2. for this comment, which would indicate that the boy needs some sense knocked into him pronto:

It is a bit of an David Bowie "Labyrinth" hairstyle going on there.... Not a fan of the Blue Steel IP...??

 

[The Night Shift]

Well... from some of the descriptions looks like we have some more decent talent drafted into the side.. time will tell of course.

It's nice the JA thing went through and he was drafted.. Closest thing to free agency we have ATM in the AFL.

Lots of positive comments in the thread.

It wasn't that long ago when we all used to bicker who was the worst player in threads instead of who is the best at our club. Happy Days

 

[prattsta]

I nominate de Boer

It'd be a touch hypocritical of de Boer I reckon given he came into the squad looking like this...

 

[Nickos66]

Best post I've ever seen right there!

 

[go_the_dockers]

Since you touched on the subject, why is it do you think that it's no coincidence that Sewell missed out while other tried and failed AFL players keep getting the call up?

From what i have seen, heard and read he is a pure midfielder who is too slow to play outside and doesnt have the body to play inside.

Happy to be corrected but i dont think his skills are elite either. Im not sure what position he would play.

 

[Nickos66]

From what i have seen, heard and read he is a pure midfielder who is too slow to play outside and doesnt have the body to play inside.

Happy to be corrected but i dont think his skills are elite either. Im not sure what position he would play.

Size? Didn't happen to see Fyfe gather the clearances this year..?


I'd have thought the same one he's been playing for the last 3 premierships and his Liston trophy for.

There's plenty of slow mids. If experience has shown us anything is that determination of guys like this to succeed will see them overcome any perceived obstacle to see themselves be given a chance. Our side is testament to this.

I'm sure his determination to succeed would have held him in good stead to give it a crack on a rookie list at the very least..

 

[Chris25]

There has to be something we're not aware of.

Lower went back to Norwood, and absolutely dominated. But not only that, he has worked exceptionally hard to improve his game this year. He has essentially turned his weaknesses into strengths.

Someone like Sewell though, hasn't really gotten any better since last year. The weaknesses that were there last year, are still there now.

 

[DockerLand1]

Size? Didn't happen to see Fyfe gather the clearances this year..?


I'd have thought the same one he's been playing for the last 3 premierships and his Liston trophy for.

There's plenty of slow mids. If experience has shown us anything is that determination of guys like this to succeed will see them overcome any perceived obstacle to see themselves be given a chance. Our side is testament to this.

I'm sure his determination to succeed would have held him in good stead to give it a crack on a rookie list at the very least..

Sam Mitchell was a slow player with average skills for Box Hill in the VFL and he turned out alright.LOL. Barlow was not rated as highly as he deserved and look how he turned out. Lower will be an interesting recruit, I honestly believe that if the player has the determination and mindset he can overcome certain shortfalls. Opportunity to train at the highest level, play at the highest level and learn from the best coaches can make all the difference in the world to some players. I think that in the right environment, Sewell would do well.

 

[ImperialPurple]

It'd be a touch hypocritical of de Boer I reckon given he came into the squad looking like this...

Pratty.... Pratty, Pratty, Pratty...

I'll forgive you cos you are a bloke and you probably don't know better... BUT -

there is a mountain... nay a mountain range of difference between de Boer's "my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages" and the Hoff/Blue Steel quaffed and primped mullet / faux mullet / ton of "product" look being sported by young Gav. To compare the two is almost blasphemous.

But anyway - not the point of the thread I guess, and who cares as long as he can play.

 

[prattsta]

Pratty.... Pratty, Pratty, Pratty...

I'll forgive you cos you are a bloke and you probably don't know better... BUT -

there is a mountain... nay a mountain range of difference between de Boer's "my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages" and the Hoff/Blue Steel quaffed and primped mullet / faux mullet / ton of "product" look being sported by young Gav. To compare the two is almost blasphemous.

The thing is though, de Boer doesn't have a "my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages" haircut. He has a "I make it look like my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages when really I spend 45 minutes every morning making it look like this" haircut.

This is a "my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages" haircut.

But anyway - not the point of the thread I guess, and who cares as long as he can play.

I'm from the Sydney Deane school of sports. There is no point playing unless you look good doing it.

 

[Seppo]

I think i have found a nickname for Gavin Roberts already...
Rod

 

[go_the_dockers]

Sam Mitchell was a slow player with average skills for Box Hill in the VFL and he turned out alright.LOL. Barlow was not rated as highly as he deserved and look how he turned out. Lower will be an interesting recruit, I honestly believe that if the player has the determination and mindset he can overcome certain shortfalls. Opportunity to train at the highest level, play at the highest level and learn from the best coaches can make all the difference in the world to some players. I think that in the right environment, Sewell would do well.

You are right about Sam Mitchell, but he can play as an inside midfielder. I dont believe Sewell has the body to play there.

Would you pick Sam Mitchell as an outside midfilder???

I can not think of one spot in a team where Myles Sewell can play.

Barlow is much quicker than Sewell, can play inside and outside and also plays well on forward flank. I dont think sewell has that added dimension to his game.

If you think Sewell deservers a spot a list, where would you play him?

If you could guarantee this body could stand up to AFL and he could play as an inside midfielder then he would be valuable to a side (much like this brother), but i dont think he can.

He doesnt have the speed and skills to play anywhere else.

 

[Yoda_]

Hey guys

Sorry to intrude

Seen a bit of Myles over the past couple of seasons, as one poster alluded to, Sewell I feel just does not have the body to play as an inside midfielder, weighing in at a paultry 75kg, that is pretty small, even for someone who stands 187cm.

I think the biggest concern is his lack of versatility, which is very, very undervalued by many.

Sewell will only play in the midfield, and with his frame you would not send him in and say "go for it champ" as I mentioned, his 75kg frame would simply be cut to shreds.

Another thing I have noticed is he is not outstanding at any one trait. You look at the past 'bolters' from the previous couple of years, Barlow(outstandingly versatilie, kicked 6 goals in a match one game), Podsiadly (goal kicking machine), Aaron Davey back in 03/04 (blindedly fast with superior foot skills), Robin Nahas (super quick ellusice small forward) then you have Myles Sewell, not overly quick, not overly strong, does not kick a lot of goals but has a knack of finding the pill but is rarely damaging with his disposal.

As much as I am all for picking up mature aged guys, Sewell is one guy who needs something pretty drastic to change for him to be considered.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions?

Thanks guys,

HFF_07

 

[DockerLand1]

You are right about Sam Mitchell, but he can play as an inside midfielder. I dont believe Sewell has the body to play there.

Would you pick Sam Mitchell as an outside midfilder???

I can not think of one spot in a team where Myles Sewell can play.

Barlow is much quicker than Sewell, can play inside and outside and also plays well on forward flank. I dont think sewell has that added dimension to his game.

If you think Sewell deservers a spot a list, where would you play him?

If you could guarantee this body could stand up to AFL and he could play as an inside midfielder then he would be valuable to a side (much like this brother), but i dont think he can.

He doesnt have the speed and skills to play anywhere else.

I was certainly not suggesting that Sewell play at Fremantle, but if you were West Coast and had a poor range of midfield talent that is mature enough to play and some talented youngsters not yet developed. Why wouldnt you have a go? A position on the Rookie list would give you depth at least.

Give him a full pre season and a weights and running program and see how you go. Dont get him to change his game but demand that he must adapt to the pace of AFL to break his way into the squad. Agreed he would be an inside midfielder, but if Priddis goes down then NOBODY is going to get the ball for them.

I just think that for a team that lacks midfield depth, then he is worth a position on the Rookie List. Admittedly, I think we got the pick of the crop with Lower (whos is built to play inside) but if you had a position available and a shortage of midfield talent, why not?

 

[BeinPurplenGreen]

We can elevate two? With Roger out. Maybe three depending on when Barlow is scheduled to return.

Barlow is not out for long enough to qualify for a rookie elevation unless he has a significant setback - at present they are talking fit to play WAFL rounds 4-6, which is too soon to qualify. On the other hand, if Hayden and Walters both turn out to be LTIs then we might get a couple of elevations - at present though only one due to Groves being a vet.As he is now a rookie Ruffles' LTI doesn't give us any advantage in terms of elevations.

Well... from some of the descriptions looks like we have some more decent talent drafted into the side.. time will tell of course.

It's nice the JA thing went through and he was drafted.. Closest thing to free agency we have ATM in the AFL.

Lots of positive comments in the thread.

It wasn't that long ago when we all used to bicker who was the worst player in threads instead of who is the best at our club. Happy Days

Who would be the worst at the moment?

Sam Mitchell was a slow player with average skills for Box Hill in the VFL and he turned out alright.LOL. Barlow was not rated as highly as he deserved and look how he turned out. Lower will be an interesting recruit, I honestly believe that if the player has the determination and mindset he can overcome certain shortfalls. Opportunity to train at the highest level, play at the highest level and learn from the best coaches can make all the difference in the world to some players. I think that in the right environment, Sewell would do well.

Indeed. Still a little interesting that Sewell couldn't at least get a rookie spot at GC/WC/Richmond ahead of the tripe on their lists. He'll never win a Brownlow, but he is better than a bunch of guys who are currently rookie listed across the AFL...

Pratty.... Pratty, Pratty, Pratty...

I'll forgive you cos you are a bloke and you probably don't know better... BUT -

there is a mountain... nay a mountain range of difference between de Boer's "my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages" and the Hoff/Blue Steel quaffed and primped mullet / faux mullet / ton of "product" look being sported by young Gav. To compare the two is almost blasphemous.

But anyway - not the point of the thread I guess, and who cares as long as he can play.

Best post since Freo lost to Geelong. But a question Impy:

• while the Gen-V metroshexuhal boyos are given credit by the ladies for primping their hairstyles without ever appearing to have put any effort in doing so -
• what about "beard care"?? Should we all be trying to tame our beards and mos, and have them neatly styled to achieve the Errol Flynn look?? Or does the "intentionally accidentally unkempt" bonus points look extend to "randomly skewed" facial hair??

Just askin' is all...

The thing is though, de Boer doesn't have a "my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages" haircut. He has a "I make it look like my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages when really I spend 45 minutes every morning making it look like this" haircut.

This is a "my hair is long and messy just cos I haven't got round to getting it cut for ages" haircut.

I'm from the Sydney Deane school of sports. There is no point playing unless you look good doing it.

But only if you look good while playing without being seen as trying too hard to look good??

 

[Lach72]

http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/video audio/tabid/8665/contentid/318556/default.aspx

Brad Lloyd interview

 

[IAMJUNGLEMUFFIN]

Looking at the recruitment over the last few years, we've gone for height, without going tall.

I think our structures for the next few years are going to try to use our general height for it's versatility and aerial strengths, while the pace and disposal means we are uber damaging, and despite posession imbalances, are always in the game.

I think the endurance strengths (along with the others) of our recruits are intended to allow us to play a very running reliant game plan. 2/3 of our 18 will be playing running roles, and that's without includingour FF/B line with the Roger/Balla types.

I think it's pretty clear we have somewhat forsaken the old school KP pack mark style of game, for the modern day Geelong/Collingwood/WB style. The 188ish height of all our HF/B/Mid's, is I guess intended to negate any weaknesses against the current KP strong teams (the extra man has a few cm's advantage at contests because of the free run at the ball I suppose).

Anyways, yeah, looks like we have made a conscious decision to step away from the KP reliant setup of the early 00's. and aim for the WC () circa 05/06 setup. Who knows, we may chose to focus on our KP prospects over the next few years, now that we have given ourselves enough midfield depth to provide the basis for a long term competitive football team.

I was hoping we would look for some long term replacements (flak) for when Pav/McPharlin go, but hey, we may not need it, or we may begin to focus on it.

Either way, i'm looking forward to what type of beast the Freo 2011 team is, I'm thinking Leopard myself

 

[Selggad]

Either way, i'm looking forward to what type of beast the Freo 2011 team is, I'm thinking Leopard myself

Like it

 

[Frigate]

I am happy with the recruiting.

Seems to me like as a club we feel we have the pace and now require the ball getting ability with skills to deliver it.

Not sure about the new Adelaide boys (in that I only know what I have read) but I was always going to be happy with not selecting a range of players, which we managed to avoid.

Overall when I go through the list now I am more comfortable than ever with its standing. I will question the amount of midfielders of the similar pedigree we have on our list now. I believe we have the most midfielders on our list now. It is the syle of our game I guess. A team of versatile players with components of 1. skill 2. speed 3. abillity to read the play

In no (particular) order (have played midfield):
Barlow, Mundy, Morabito, Duffield, Palmer, De-Boer, Chrighton, Ibbotson, McPhee, Crowley, Pavlich , Pearce, Schammer, Pitt, Ruffles, Fyfe, Walters, Broughton, Lower, Roberts.

 

[the doc]

Looking at the recruitment over the last few years, we've gone for height, without going tall.

I think our structures for the next few years are going to try to use our general height for it's versatility and aerial strengths, while the pace and disposal means we are uber damaging, and despite posession imbalances, are always in the game.

I think the endurance strengths (along with the others) of our recruits are intended to allow us to play a very running reliant game plan. 2/3 of our 18 will be playing running roles, and that's without includingour FF/B line with the Roger/Balla types.

I think it's pretty clear we have somewhat forsaken the old school KP pack mark style of game, for the modern day Geelong/Collingwood/WB style. The 188ish height of all our HF/B/Mid's, is I guess intended to negate any weaknesses against the current KP strong teams (the extra man has a few cm's advantage at contests because of the free run at the ball I suppose).

Anyways, yeah, looks like we have made a conscious decision to step away from the KP reliant setup of the early 00's. and aim for the WC () circa 05/06 setup. Who knows, we may chose to focus on our KP prospects over the next few years, now that we have given ourselves enough midfield depth to provide the basis for a long term competitive football team.

I was hoping we would look for some long term replacements (flak) for when Pav/McPharlin go, but hey, we may not need it, or we may begin to focus on it.

Either way, i'm looking forward to what type of beast the Freo 2011 team is, I'm thinking Leopard myself

I agree. You look at the recent drafts and we have plenty of the kids in high 180's. Add skill and pace and you can move the ball well into attacking positions and plenty of avenues to do so.

I can see the need for a couple of shut down tall's (Faulks and may be Siba) and then we need to get the 'rolling zone' players to clear the ball with efficiency.

Most teams need a key fwd who is an out and out superstar and some hope for 2 (Brissie). The Pies showed this is not the case but they had tall options and great plan, the Bullies just have pace. We have Pav for 4+ years. We have not been presented with the chance to get a gun key fwd since the 06(?) and we have not bothered with wasting too many picks hoping to get one. Darling may come back to bite us but he is no Jonno Brown.

The modern game is hitting targets, breaking lines and moving it quickly and recent drafting should support this plan. Having this with kids running around at 190cms is a massive bonus.

 

[Ysaye]

Looking at the recruitment over the last few years, we've gone for height, without going tall.

I think our structures for the next few years are going to try to use our general height for it's versatility and aerial strengths, while the pace and disposal means we are uber damaging, and despite posession imbalances, are always in the game.

I think the endurance strengths (along with the others) of our recruits are intended to allow us to play a very running reliant game plan. 2/3 of our 18 will be playing running roles, and that's without includingour FF/B line with the Roger/Balla types.

I think it's pretty clear we have somewhat forsaken the old school KP pack mark style of game, for the modern day Geelong/Collingwood/WB style. The 188ish height of all our HF/B/Mid's, is I guess intended to negate any weaknesses against the current KP strong teams (the extra man has a few cm's advantage at contests because of the free run at the ball I suppose).

Anyways, yeah, looks like we have made a conscious decision to step away from the KP reliant setup of the early 00's. and aim for the WC () circa 05/06 setup. Who knows, we may chose to focus on our KP prospects over the next few years, now that we have given ourselves enough midfield depth to provide the basis for a long term competitive football team.
I was hoping we would look for some long term replacements (flak) for when Pav/McPharlin go, but hey, we may not need it, or we may begin to focus on it.

Either way, i'm looking forward to what type of beast the Freo 2011 team is, I'm thinking Leopard myself

Might not be the West Coast setup as much as the Geelong / Adelaide setup with one or two good ruck / forwards and/or a medium forward that plays as a key position. If you think about the guys we have in the reserve, Houghton (whilst drafted as a forward) played a good proportion of his WAFL games in the ruck, whilst Zak Clarke has spent a lot of time down forward and I dare say Griffin will as well.

When Pav retires, I am expecting to see the key forward line consisting of the best ruck / forward we have (Have a feeling Mitch Clark might be targeted next year for this if Clarke, Griffin or Houghton don't make it) + John Anthony, with cameos from Chris Mayne. IMO this will work so long as our midfield is efficient.

 

[Lach72]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/106035/default.aspx

THEY won't receive half the attention of November's NAB AFL Draft selections, and they quite literally are the talent pool leftovers. But if any of Tuesday's rookie draftees think the opportunity they've been given is diluted in any way, they're kidding themselves.

Fremantle is a case in point. The club launched its development academy at the end of 2009 under Simon Lloyd, and it now employs four full-time development coaches and one part-timer to work with the rookies.

It's a model rival clubs are now borrowing from, and why shouldn't they with Barlow, Alex Silvagni, Matt de Boer and Jay van Berlo recently promoted to the senior list.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/106035/default.aspx

 

[CamTinley]

There has to be something we're not aware of.

Lower went back to Norwood, and absolutely dominated. But not only that, he has worked exceptionally hard to improve his game this year. He has essentially turned his weaknesses into strengths.

Someone like Sewell though, hasn't really gotten any better since last year. The weaknesses that were there last year, are still there now.

He's the dominant midfielder in a team that's won three consecutive premierships. He was BOG in the 2010 grand final. Sewell is not even small framed, 80 kg is plenty. He runs 15 km per game. That's up there with the top AFL players. If Sewell's weaknesses are so obvious then surely some of the other VFL coaches would have exploited them by now.

I'm happy with the Lower selection ie, a mature aged midfielder who's had to do it the hard way and developed a bit of character along the way. I'm sure he will do very well, but no-one should think that all 18 recruiting departments have got it right by overlooking Sewell. The overwhelming majority of draft picks (over all clubs and all drafts) are failures. To think that taking Myles Sewell is simply too great a risk is ridiculous.

 

[CamTinley]

Hey guys

Sorry to intrude

Seen a bit of Myles over the past couple of seasons, as one poster alluded to, Sewell I feel just does not have the body to play as an inside midfielder, weighing in at a paultry 75kg, that is pretty small, even for someone who stands 187cm.

I think the biggest concern is his lack of versatility, which is very, very undervalued by many.

Sewell will only play in the midfield, and with his frame you would not send him in and say "go for it champ" as I mentioned, his 75kg frame would simply be cut to shreds.

Another thing I have noticed is he is not outstanding at any one trait. You look at the past 'bolters' from the previous couple of years, Barlow(outstandingly versatilie, kicked 6 goals in a match one game), Podsiadly (goal kicking machine), Aaron Davey back in 03/04 (blindedly fast with superior foot skills), Robin Nahas (super quick ellusice small forward) then you have Myles Sewell, not overly quick, not overly strong, does not kick a lot of goals but has a knack of finding the pill but is rarely damaging with his disposal.

As much as I am all for picking up mature aged guys, Sewell is one guy who needs something pretty drastic to change for him to be considered.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions?

Thanks guys,

HFF_07

OK, but if he's the main midfielder for North Ballarat and they've won three consecutive flags and he wins best on ground in the GF, who's the underated mystery man doing all the damage ? If Sewell is no good then maybe it's the VFL competition that's overated.

 

[Avid_Avenger]

Might not be the West Coast setup as much as the Geelong / Adelaide setup with one or two good ruck / forwards and/or a medium forward that plays as a key position. If you think about the guys we have in the reserve, Houghton (whilst drafted as a forward) played a good proportion of his WAFL games in the ruck, whilst Zak Clarke has spent a lot of time down forward and I dare say Griffin will as well.

When Pav retires, I am expecting to see the key forward line consisting of the best ruck / forward we have (Have a feeling Mitch Clark might be targeted next year for this if Clarke, Griffin or Houghton don't make it) + John Anthony, with cameos from Chris Mayne. IMO this will work so long as our midfield is efficient.

Agree with this. While having a gun like Pav makes it easier to create a workable forward setup, plenty of sides have won premierships with carp KPPs.

We're still going to have a decent mix of dangerous forwards, it would just mean we would have to adjust the way of bringing the ball into the forward 50. A killer midfield will allow this to happen.

We have a far bigger potential headache coming in terms of defence when McPharlin and Grover retire.