Round 1 preview: Essendon

[J.Hetfield]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

How would he become a better tackler? He is 22, he either has it or he doesnt.

Tahts right he is..Which is why he will catch on to afl very quickly..I think he will lift his game as a whole when he settles in..This includes tackling, Kicking, everything..The only reason i even mentioned mattner is because he is someone who showed very good tackling signs early too..Davey wont hit full potential til about 24.

 

[RoosterLad]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

J Hetfield you really are a ****ing tool. Good to see you are heavily involved... can i ask how many times you have actually seen Davey play as I'm sure i've seen him more than you.. Monfries? Yes i do know him from Sturt... you have just come on to this board and dribbled absolute ****.

 

[Cap]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

As for Davey..Id say yeah Mattner has the edge in tackling but Davey is quicker and is and will continue to make rapid ground untill he is equal in the tackling department too..

we have a saying about assumptions on this board.......

 

[J.Hetfield]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

J Hetfield you really are a ****ing tool. Good to see you are heavily involved... can i ask how many times you have actually seen Davey play as I'm sure i've seen him more than you.. Monfries? Yes i do know him from Sturt... you have just come on to this board and dribbled absolute ****.

Mate easy..im not attacking anyone just talking football..Ive got complete respect for peoples views without being rude or ill tolerant. Ive seen Davey play about 5 times so you probably have seen him more then me but that doesnt mean im not entitled to an opinion..I never implied you didnt know Monfries as such more along the lines of recognising he is someone who when you play us next you need to pencil him in as a danger..Im not about to get in a mud slinging match with you.

 

[J.Hetfield]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

we have a saying about assumptions on this board.......

Its more a positively stated hope actually, id say im confident..You cant assume anything in football..

 

[Mad Dog]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

I find it hard to see Doughty being left out of the team.

agree - Doughty will definitely play.....

 

[Southerntakeover]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

I know that Van Berlo is dearly loved/ and feared by all, BUT has he really done so much that he should be considered so highly.

Doughty on the other hand I believe has played very well in 2006 and deserves his spot.

Blokes like Van Berlo are the future, no doubt, but he really hasn't done anything much so far to write home about.

OK, so now I get hit by lightning.

van Berlo is a certaintly to play if fit. He played every game he was fit for last year, and you couldnt ask more for his attack on the ball, or his work ethic.

 

[crowsarethebest]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

What I want VB to improve this year is the amount of possessions he gets. He never is going to be a high possession winner but I want him translating his mid-high 10's to low 20's to mid 20's this season. He always seems to get around 13-17 possessions consistently on a regular basis but can't really break that 20 mark.

 

[macca23]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

While I can't be bothered doing my own team does anyone think it possible that VB could miss this weekend? Knights and Douglas have possibly outperformed him in the practise matches and maybe he's a chance to miss.
Also I don't think Doulgas in the SANFL is an option, he's just too good to be left there any longer. Within a few games I think he could very much improve the AFC.

Not a chance - he's a certainty to play IMO.

He plays a definite role in the make-up of the side as the second run with player. He's also learning how to get the footy while playing that run with role, and is improving in every outing in that direction.

He'll be there this week-end.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

I think that any talk whether or not Van Berlo has cemented a spot in the side was done and dusted last year when he came back from a broken collarbone. Many thought he was going to need to come back through SANFL but he was selected straight back into the Crows side despite missing 6 odd weeks.

I think that was a very clear message from the AFC match committee on just how highly they think of VB. He has already cemented his spot in the 22 and the only thing that would stop him from playing on sunday is injury.

 

[Southerntakeover]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

What I want VB to improve this year is the amount of possessions he gets. He never is going to be a high possession winner but I want him translating his mid-high 10's to low 20's to mid 20's this season. He always seems to get around 13-17 possessions consistently on a regular basis but can't really break that 20 mark.

Its true, but these averages will naturally improve over time, as he spends more time on the ground, and more time in an attacking role.

van Berlo's value cant be measured in stats alone, he does alot of gutsy things which you wouldnt know about from a kicks/handballs tally. Example, diving on the ball despite seeing Mal Michael steaming in at him, breaking his collar bone, and still dishing out a handball. You cant teach a player to do these things, but they are potentially game winning actions.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

Its true, but these averages will naturally improve over time, as he spends more time on the ground, and more time in an attacking role.

van Berlo's value cant be measured in stats alone, he does alot of gutsy things which you wouldnt know about from a kicks/handballs tally. Example, diving on the ball despite seeing Mal Michael steaming in at him, breaking his collar bone, and still dishing out a handball. You cant teach a player to do these things, but they are potentially game winning actions.

Well said.

If we go back to last year and that game against Melbourne up in QLD (think it was round 2 or 3) and the very reason we won that game was the one percenters by VB in the finals minutes of the game. I distinctly remember him diving at the ball without any fear and he was rewarded for his courage with a free kick. He did so many little things in that 5-10 minute patch that will never show on the stats sheet but there is no doubt those little acts were a major reason why we got the 4 points that day.

There is a lot more to VB than just stats but even towards the end of last year he was starting to pick up more of the ball. I suspect he will keep improving in that area.

 

[- PC -]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

Cant wait

 

[crow87]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

Well said.

If we go back to last year and that game against Melbourne up in QLD (think it was round 2 or 3) and the very reason we won that game was the one percenters by VB in the finals minutes of the game. I distinctly remember him diving at the ball without any fear and he was rewarded for his courage with a free kick. He did so many little things in that 5-10 minute patch that will never show on the stats sheet but there is no doubt those little acts were a major reason why we got the 4 points that day.

There is a lot more to VB than just stats but even towards the end of last year he was starting to pick up more of the ball. I suspect he will keep improving in that area.

VB is going to be a rich man's Kym Koster! Big fan.

 

[Super Goalie]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

VB is going to be a rich man's Kym Koster! Big fan.

Love it, couldn't agree more

Kym was a great hard nut though

 

[skzm]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

How would he become a better tackler? He is 22, he either has it or he doesnt.

Hasn't played an AFL match and he's already peaked?

 

[Coopers]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

VB has been on the list long enough to get a little experience - this is the year he will either show it or not. Let's hope he become the player he was meant to be. I certainly hope that he turns into an elite midfielder - not just serviceable - but elite.

Next year is for knights, although I hope he gets enough games to start the process this year. Douglass - maybe next year or the year after.

Those 3 guys could and should form the core of the new elite midfield attack, as Macca, roo, edwards, goody get old and retire.

I don't know if craigy can afford to give all 3 of them games at the same time. But I hope all 3 get a good 12-15 games this year. VB should be picked for every one.

 

[Mad Dog]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

ok - so out of the Purple Haze of the last week emerges Round 1...

Here's a crack at what the side might look like

Bassett Rutten McLeod
Johncock Stevens Doughty
Reilly Thompson Mattner
Burton Bock Edwards
Perrie Welsh Bode

Hudson Goodwin Shirley

Griffin Douglas van Berlo Torney


Emerg Tippett Massie Knights



This is how I think the selectors will go...but....there are a few who will need to perform immediately to cement their place. I hate to criticise Perrie - but in my mind, the 9 and a half year odyssey is beginning to bore me. Pez needs to have a productive and healthy first 4 or 5 rounds or I'd be parking The Big Tipper in the fwd pocket as a deep marking option. Pez - your time is now.

Bode will get a game because of a productive 2006, but again we are leaving out players of the calibre of Knights and Porps....so he needs to produce.

Welsh is another who needs to stay upright and kicking goals.

I want Mattner on the Wing - but Craig will probably have him at HB with Young Mick on the wing.

Couldn't find a spot for Massie, Knights, or Porplyzia.......but my senses tell me they will get plenty of footy this year.

 

[- PC -]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

Not a bad team MD and close to mine. I would probably have Knights in for Torney, but that leaves a young bench. Plus Torney can cover most of the back 6 if needed.

 

[Mad Dog]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

Not a bad team MD and close to mine. I would probably have Knights in for Torney, but that leaves a young bench. Plus Torney can cover most of the back 6 if needed.

for that very reason - JT needs to play whenever fit.......he's a star.....

 

[Alex99]

******delays on Sunday*****

March 27, 2007 02:15am
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AAMI Stadium's gates will open early at 9.45am on Sunday - and Crows, Bombers and all football fans are being urged to find new routes to the West Lakes arena.

Brebner Drive, which stradles AAMI Stadium alongside the Grange Golf Club, will be closed until 10.30am because of a major triathlon in the area.
The Adelaide FC last night advised fans to add extra time to their journey on Sunday and to avoid Brebner Drive at the southern end of AAMI Stadium.

 

[go team]

OK hands up whos not happy going into Rnd 1 with as strong a side as possible.

*raises his hand*

how likely will it be that the Crows players run out with one arm tied around their backs?

 

[crow87]

Re: Stuff Drugs - Crows R1 team

ok - so out of the Purple Haze of the last week emerges Round 1...

Here's a crack at what the side might look like

Bassett Rutten McLeod
Johncock Stevens Doughty
Reilly Thompson Mattner
Burton Bock Edwards
Perrie Welsh Bode

Hudson Goodwin Shirley

Griffin Douglas van Berlo Torney


Emerg Tippett Massie Knights



This is how I think the selectors will go...but....there are a few who will need to perform immediately to cement their place. I hate to criticise Perrie - but in my mind, the 9 and a half year odyssey is beginning to bore me. Pez needs to have a productive and healthy first 4 or 5 rounds or I'd be parking The Big Tipper in the fwd pocket as a deep marking option. Pez - your time is now.

Bode will get a game because of a productive 2006, but again we are leaving out players of the calibre of Knights and Porps....so he needs to produce.

Welsh is another who needs to stay upright and kicking goals.

I want Mattner on the Wing - but Craig will probably have him at HB with Young Mick on the wing.

Couldn't find a spot for Massie, Knights, or Porplyzia.......but my senses tell me they will get plenty of footy this year.

I wouldnt want to leave out Porplyzia, one of my favourite players but I find myself agreeing with your side. Perhaps Porps in for Doughty? Knights is almost a straight-in if we get an injury to a similar player but one for years to come. Douglas is an exciting Prospect ey?
My heart says that big Kenny Mac can come in for Pez when he's fit. He struggles from outside 50 but play him closer to goals as a marking option and he is very accurate and when fit can turn a game.
Apologies for this somewhat disjointed post

 

[snakebite01]

Whilst it's true Essendon have a stronger team than last season (particularly up forward and down back), their midfield is one of the worst/most inexperienced in the league, especially without Johnson. Against Goodwin, Edwards, Thompson, Shirley, Reilly etc the supply to Lloyd and Lucas will just not be enough.

Crows by 6 goals.

 

[go team]

Whilst it's true Essendon have a stronger team than last season (particularly up forward and down back), their midfield is one of the worst/most inexperienced in the league, especially without Johnson. Against Goodwin, Edwards, Thompson, Shirley, Reilly etc the supply to Lloyd and Lucas will just not be enough.

Crows by 6 goals.

Whilst it's true Essendon were not a dominant midfield force last year, they still managed to make it to the top half in the comp in a number of important statistical areas - clearances, first possessions and inside 50's.

Supply to Lloyd and Lucas won't be a problem. The quality of that supply however will be the difference between the two sides.

Crows by 6 goals.