Round 1 preview: Essendon

[Vader]

Putting aside the Pfeiffer vs Vince debate (which seems rather pointless at present, with Pfeiffer on the sidelines for the next month), which of the interchange players will make the cut - and who will miss out?

Of the seven players named:

Jonathon Griffin - Certain to make the cut as the 2nd ruckman.
Robert Shirley - Certain to make the cut as our primary tagger. With all the publicity surrounding his 100th game there is no way on earth he will miss out.

That leaves two positions between five players.

Matthew Bode - Has done naff all during the pre-season, but was an integral member of our 2006 forward line. Had more tackles inside 50 than any other player in the league and was the key to our ability to lock the ball inside our F50.

Richard Douglas - Has had an outstanding pre-season and all the publicity to date indicates that they see his development as one of the most significant non-results-based outcomes of 2007.

Chris Knights - See Douglas. Still has concerns over his disposal though, which would probably put him slightly behind Douglas in the pecking order.

Jason Porplyzia - Has had a mediocre pre-season, certainly not up to the standards set by Douglas & Knights. However, he saw more action than either of these two last year and proved himself as a big-game player in the final against Freo.

Bernie Vince - Has had an average pre-season. Was the first of the 2005 draftees to debut last year (in R1), going on to play 4 games. At no stage though was he a "must-pick" player. With only two positions available, I can't see him forcing his way past Knights, Porps & Douglas - so I have to agree with Drummond's supposition that he is "no chance".

If I were the selector, I'd be sending Bode, Vince and Knights back to the SANFL. Bode would be first one selected if one of our forwards drops out (Welsh failing to come up from his bruised heel?) and Knights if one of the midfielders drops out.

Oh, and if I were a selector, I would have selected Tippett instead of Perrie. But that's another story.

 

[- PC -]

Are we forgetting someone might have a niggle?

I think someone from the 18 will come out

 

[rowdy37]

Are we forgetting someone might have a niggle?

I think someone from the 18 will come out

Oh no Like who?

 

[Stiffy_18]

If Welsh does come out of the side I am pretty sure Vince will come in despite what others say.

I still think Porplyzia will play and so will Bode.

 

[Coopers]

I am with Vader, I think what he predicted will happen.


I fell bad for Knights though. He'll get a chance this year.

 

[Markthirtytwo]

Oh no Like who?

One or both of Thompson and or Dogga.

They only ran a week ago away from the main group.

Depends on fitness test tomorrown morning.

 

[fightingdreamer88]

you captain is a player 3rd year player who wont play every game and only get limited game time. i hope ur in the crows league cos thats one less team i gotta worry bout.

He's only my captain when I'm certain he'll play, because when he does play, history says he gets lots of the ball.

 

[Southerntakeover]

What amazes me is people on this board continually thinks pre-season form or because a player is a high draft pick automatically makes them a walk up start over a proven AFL player.

In the Perrie situation as I said if Hentschel or Roo were fit he would not be in the side, his pre-season form has not warranted his inclusion, what has warranted his inclusion is injuries.

Burton/Welsh are going to have to fire with all guns blazing on Sunday, Bodes inclusion will be important as he can win the ball at ground level, I also hope to see Welsh starting winning the ball more at ground level as he can be very dangerous doing that around the stoppages in the F50.

You're arguing against yourself, yet you cant see that? Perrie is a proven AFL player, no matter how many feral rants people on this board make.

If Roo and Hentschel were both playing, Perrie still would be. They all played together in the forward line last year.

 

[Alex99]

Its a footy forum isnt it?????

Perception is reality

 

[Gets!]

Perception is reality

Dude you should stop typing words of which you don't know the meaning.

 

[Alex99]

Neil Craig press conference – pod cast

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/audio/neilcraig30-3-07.mp3

30th of March 2007

 

[Alex99]

Dude you should stop typing words of which you don't know the meaning.

Ok Gets - as soon as you do.

 

[SIR SAINT HOTDOG]

Hows Brett Burton's pre-season been?

 

[Alex99]

Hows Brett Burton's pre-season been?

Good

 

[Markthirtytwo]

It sounds like Knights will play the way NC was talking.

 

[Southerntakeover]

Dude you should stop typing words of which you don't know the meaning.

Ouch

 

[Gets!]

Dougie is going to miss out.

 

[Southerntakeover]

Dougie is going to miss out.

Hope not, hes in me dream team.

 

[Jarmayhem]

Neil Craig press conference – pod cast

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/audio/neilcraig30-3-07.mp3

30th of March 2007

Great to listen to, thanks for that.

And I agree, it sounds like Knights is in but who can say?

Johncock is king.

 

[Gets!]

Interchange will be:

Shirley - Griffin - Porplyzia - Knights

EMG: Douglas - Vince - Bode/Tippett

 

[Crow-mo]

He's only my captain when I'm certain he'll play, because when he does play, history says he gets lots of the ball.

think again. Knights gets a lot of the ball per minute

 

[Southerntakeover]

If I suggested that water was wet; without a doubt you would find an alternative argument to defy that theory just to be difficult. That’s why I said “what a surprise” when you replayed to my post.

You perceive this to be a football forum; therefore it is hence “perception is reality”

What a philosopher.

 

[Alex99]

Can we move on and get back to round 1 please.

Round one preview: Crows take on improved Bombers

http://afc.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/4417/Default.aspx?newsId=40285

Katrina Gill, for Adelaide Football Club

Looking at last year’s Premiership table, you could be forgiven for thinking Sunday’s clash with Essendon will be a walk in the park for Adelaide. The Bombers managed only three wins, while the Crows finished the home-and-away rounds in second place. But this week is a new season – the Essendon line-up features Matthew Lloyd returning from injury, while the Crows’ dearth of talls means giant ruckman Jonathan Griffin will make his debut. Complacency won’t be an issue for the Crows, who will be keen to get their assault on the 2007 flag off to a flying start.

Adelaide’s recent form: Lost to West Coast (preliminary final) by 10 points, beat Fremantle (qualifying final) by 30, beat Melbourne by 58, lost to Port Adelaide by 14, lost to Western Bulldogs by seven.

Recent results against Essendon:
Round 10, 2006: Adelaide 30.8 (188) d Essendon 6.14 (50), AAMI Stadium
Round 11, 2005: Adelaide 24.7 (151) d Essendon 9.9 (63), AAMI Stadium
Round 8, 2004: Essendon 20.15 (135) d Adelaide 12.12 (84), AAMI Stadium
Round 15, 2003: Adelaide 13.12 (90) d Essendon 7.7 (49), AAMI Stadium
Round 19 2002: Adelaide 18.16 (124) d Essendon 11.10 (76), AAMI Stadium


Strengths: Essendon may have a height advantage over the Crows, but its on-ball brigade looks vulnerable, especially without the experience of veterans Jason Johnson and Scott Camporeale. Adelaide, on the other hand, boasts a midfield led by All-Australian Simon Goodwin, Brett Burton, Scott Thompson and 100-gamer Robert Shirley.

The Crows have an embarrassment of options in their midfield rotation with stars Andrew McLeod and Tyson Edwards capable of on-ball cameos and impressive youngsters Brent Reilly, Nathan Van Berlo, Richard Douglas and Chris Knights all waiting in the wings.

It’s unlikely Bombers coach Kevin Sheedy will thrust ageing superstar James Hird into the middle in the opening game, so the ball-winning responsibilities will fall on Brett Stanton, Mark Johnson, the young Jobe Watson and former Sturt player Angus Monfries.

Potential weaknesses: Adelaide’s big-man woes have been well documented over the summer. The club had prepared for forward Trent Hentschel and ruckman Rhett Biglands missing 2007, but were dealt subsequent blows losing back-up ruckman Ivan Maric, Ken McGregor and John Meesen in a matter of days.

Essendon has one of the tallest teams in the competition, with an impressive spine of Mal Michael, Dustin Fletcher, Scott Lucas and Lloyd. Supporting these proven players are Courtney Johns, Kepler Bradley and Adam McPhee, who have been freed up from playing key positions with the return of Lloyd and acquisition of Michael. Adelaide defenders Ben Rutten and Scott Stevens will have their hands full containing Essendon’s goalkicking duo Lloyd and Lucas.

They’re sweating on: In recent times, the winner of games between these two sides has kicked an average of 20 goals. Last season, the Crows blitzed the Bombers piling on 30 majors, but will need to find replacements for the injured Mark Ricciuto, Hentschel and McGregor – who kicked 16 of those goals between them – if they are to repeat that performance.

Nathan Bock has shown he’s more than capable of filling a role at centre half-forward, as is Ian Perrie who is back after playing just eight games last season. Versatile forward Scott Welsh has also proved his fitness and adds a dual crumbing and marking capacity to the forward structure. Burton, McLeod and Edwards are useful pinch-hitters, while debutant Griffin showed he can kick a goals in the pre-season.

Dangermen:

Nathan Bock: The versatile Bock is ready for a return to the forward line after sitting out the majority of last season with a back complaint. After playing the majority of his AFL career at centre half-back Bock kicked eight goals in the last three games of the season playing as a forward. With other forwards missing, Bock has the perfect opportunity to cement his spot working in tandem with Perrie.

Andrew McLeod: The dual Norm-Smith Medallist is a damaging player at any time, but at his best he’s darn near unstoppable. McLeod has been burning up the track over the pre-season and, in a frightening prospect for opposition teams, looks fitter than ever. The All-Australian defender provides plenty of run coming off half-back. Against a Bomber side not renowned for speed, the silky-skilled McLeod has the potential to wreak havoc.

Brett Burton: Once only recognised for his aerial acrobatics, Burton has established himself as one of the premier wingman in the competition. A tireless runner, Burton has the ability to expose an inexperienced Bomber midfield and also drift into the forward line and contribute on the scoreboard.

Did you know? Adelaide’s score of 30.8 (188) against the Bombers last season is the highest in the Crow’s history.

 

[betterthanu]

think again. Knights gets a lot of the ball per minute

Exactly my point, he wont get enough game time to rack up 100+ scores that you want for your captain. He might get 50s or 60s at BEST

 

[NikkiNoo]

*looks around for the virtual 'smack their heads together machine'*