Spoon in '08??

[rines]

About Knights and why we won't even be close to the bottom..

Ask anyone Geelong or Adelaide supporter what they thought of ayres... he rode Blights coat tails but is an absolute DUD. He was defensive coach last year (correct me if I'm wrong) and we ranked 14th in the league for defence (again feel free to correct) despite Fletcher, ryder and mal having decent seasons (the 1st two, outstanding seasons)..

Wallis was already going to join Harvey as they have remained friends since playing days.

Since then Knights has retired/delisted; Bolton, Campo, Heff which is a step in the right direction. Was apparently a key part of getting Darcy to the club and has publicly stated he wants to keep draft picks for kids... Rather than Sheeds fascination from 2001-2005 with trying to buy "top-up" players to steal another flag..

We have a core of Fletcher, Michael, Lucas,Lloyd all Prem players
We have 2 servicable rucks in Laycock and Hille (more than Carl or St K has)
We have young KPP stars in Ryder, Gumbleton
We have pace through Davey, Jetta, Lovett
Another year of development in Monfries, Stanton, Winders, Houli, Hislop
Add McVeigh and Watson
I have left plenty out but just take a look at our best 22 as voted... Strong List.

One area of concern is depth, so like all teams, if we are hit hard by injuries it will hurt but we are probably getting to the stage where we have enough young kids to cover 1-2 injuries each week without affecting the team make up...

Anyone who believes will be 16th is deluding themselves, we will not win the premiership in 2008 but we will win more then 3-4 games...

 

[Baby bomber]

Great post Rines i allso think we wont take wooden spoon.
We will be simmilar to 07 in 08, and will discover even more talent.

 

[bomberwelsh]

A couple of injuries and we'd be spoon favourites. Probably right up there at the moment actually.

I think Melbourne would be favourites. Their list would be behind ours at the moment.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

I know a bloke from Port who has played there for some years now and said that no1 at the club liked him, he wasnt successful and he got the arse. Bomber Thompson was supposed to be getting the job, than Peter Jackson stepped in, over ruled the decision and now we have Knights as coach, therefore we will be shit.....

you said Knights wasn't liked by many people at Essendon. So you're talking absolute crap. Who cares about Port Adelaide?

Also, I'm betting Bomber Thompson had more of a say about not coming to Essendon than Jackson

Your just like them, wanting to hear what you want to hear. Hardwick had said it will be 4 or 5 years b4 they are a god side - much like clarkson and hawthorn. Knights said we can play finals next year, have the job than...

you have no idea and no understanding of the process that was followed. You have no info on Knights' strengths and weaknesses. Nor do I, but unlike you, I have faith in the process.

I reiterate. You are talking out your arse

 

[TheDon35]

About Knights and why we won't even be close to the bottom..

Ask anyone Geelong or Adelaide supporter what they thought of ayres... he rode Blights coat tails but is an absolute DUD. He was defensive coach last year (correct me if I'm wrong) and we ranked 14th in the league for defence (again feel free to correct) despite Fletcher, ryder and mal having decent seasons (the 1st two, outstanding seasons)..

Wallis was already going to join Harvey as they have remained friends since playing days.

Since then Knights has retired/delisted; Bolton, Campo, Heff which is a step in the right direction. Was apparently a key part of getting Darcy to the club and has publicly stated he wants to keep draft picks for kids... Rather than Sheeds fascination from 2001-2005 with trying to buy "top-up" players to steal another flag..

We have a core of Fletcher, Michael, Lucas,Lloyd all Prem players
We have 2 servicable rucks in Laycock and Hille (more than Carl or St K has)
We have young KPP stars in Ryder, Gumbleton
We have pace through Davey, Jetta, Lovett
Another year of development in Monfries, Stanton, Winders, Houli, Hislop
Add McVeigh and Watson
I have left plenty out but just take a look at our best 22 as voted... Strong List.

One area of concern is depth, so like all teams, if we are hit hard by injuries it will hurt but we are probably getting to the stage where we have enough young kids to cover 1-2 injuries each week without affecting the team make up...

Anyone who believes will be 16th is deluding themselves, we will not win the premiership in 2008 but we will win more then 3-4 games...

Where do you think we'll finish then

Jetta, Houli, Hislopm Winders, Monfries have proven nothing

Michael played his best footy long ago.

Watson and McVeigh are arguably the two worst 'best 2 midfielders' at any club.

Neither hille or Laycock would be in the best 10 rucks in the league based on last years performance.

Lloyd lucas and Fletcher all pushing up into their 30's next year. It is proven that once past 30 you are more succeptible to injury and less likely to play your best footy consistently (Though Fletch and Lucas did a great job this year).

Hird gone.

All points to another year down the bottom end if you ask me. I am hopeful that we see plenty of the youth next year. I really am confident that our 21 and under players are going to provide an awesome foundation for future flags though next year needs to be about getting games into and developing the crop of 10 gun youngsters we have.

Go Dons.

 

[Smyth94]

Where do you think we'll finish then

Jetta, Houli, Hislopm Winders, Monfries have proven nothing

Michael played his best footy long ago.

Watson and McVeigh are arguably the two worst 'best 2 midfielders' at any club.

Neither hille or Laycock would be in the best 10 rucks in the league based on last years performance.

Lloyd lucas and Fletcher all pushing up into their 30's next year. It is proven that once past 30 you are more succeptible to injury and less likely to play your best footy consistently (Though Fletch and Lucas did a great job this year).

Hird gone.

All points to another year down the bottom end if you ask me. I am hopeful that we see plenty of the youth next year. I really am confident that our 21 and under players are going to provide an awesome foundation for future flags though next year needs to be about getting games into and developing the crop of 10 gun youngsters we have.

Go Dons.

Winders showed this year that if he can still injury free he's a class act, still needs to play consistent footy.

Watson is a brilliant midfielder, he isn't a Dal Santo but he is our #1 clearance player and would walk into a lot of sides. McVeigh is one of our best passers by foot and he was unlucky not to win our B&F where are you coming from mate?

When Hille and Laycock pull their fingers out of their arses they are easily in the top 10 ruckman in the comp, there are teams with MUCH worse ruck divisions IMO.

Barring injuries, there's no way we're going to finish last next year.

 

[mxett]

Where do you think we'll finish then

Jetta, Houli, Hislopm Winders, Monfries have proven nothing

Michael played his best footy long ago.

Watson and McVeigh are arguably the two worst 'best 2 midfielders' at any club.

Neither hille or Laycock would be in the best 10 rucks in the league based on last years performance.

Lloyd lucas and Fletcher all pushing up into their 30's next year. It is proven that once past 30 you are more succeptible to injury and less likely to play your best footy consistently (Though Fletch and Lucas did a great job this year).

Hird gone.

All points to another year down the bottom end if you ask me. I am hopeful that we see plenty of the youth next year. I really am confident that our 21 and under players are going to provide an awesome foundation for future flags though next year needs to be about getting games into and developing the crop of 10 gun youngsters we have.

Go Dons.

I would tend to agree with most of this. Whilst we shouldn't be bottom, if we cop a fairly bad year of injuries to key players it is a real chance. At best I think we will still be bottom 4, for probably the next 3 years as well.

 

[The_Young_Gun]

We have so many young players which most need to stand up for the club, by the end of next year or the year after we'll would have had at least one or two players that will stand up and be the next Gary Ablet or Jimmy Bartel, if not, then we have some very bad issues with our young upcoming players.

Since we probably have the best player development coach as our actual head coach we shouldn't be having this problem.

If nothing happens then its just a couple of years bad luck.

 

[TheDon35]

Winders showed this year that if he can still injury free he's a class act, still needs to play consistent footy.

Watson is a brilliant midfielder, he isn't a Dal Santo but he is our #1 clearance player and would walk into a lot of sides. McVeigh is one of our best passers by foot and he was unlucky not to win our B&F where are you coming from mate?

When Hille and Laycock pull their fingers out of their arses they are easily in the top 10 ruckman in the comp, there are teams with MUCH worse ruck divisions IMO.

Barring injuries, there's no way we're going to finish last next year.

Well done, you've just completely reiterated exactly what I've said.

Watson and McVeigh are our best 2 midfielders, but compare our best 2 mid's to any other team in the leagues best 2, they are the worst. I love Jobe's clearance work.. problem is, he's a liability when we don't have the footy.

WHEN Hille and Laycock pull their fingers out... Once ever 5 weeks, yes they are good players, problem is, their don't play with consistency which is why they are not elite rucks.

Winders, yes looks good one week but the next he'll be quiet and not have an impact. You need to be consistent to proove yourself.

As I said, we've got a very good crop of youngsters that we need to put time into this year, If by putting time into the kids something comes out of the year in terms of wins, then great, barring some abberations, history tends to show that where our list is suggests that we will be down the bottom.

 

[Smyth94]

Well done, you've just completely reiterated exactly what I've said.

Watson and McVeigh are our best 2 midfielders, but compare our best 2 mid's to any other team in the leagues best 2, they are the worst. I love Jobe's clearance work.. problem is, he's a liability when we don't have the footy.

WHEN Hille and Laycock pull their fingers out... Once ever 5 weeks, yes they are good players, problem is, their don't play with consistency which is why they are not elite rucks.

Winders, yes looks good one week but the next he'll be quiet and not have an impact. You need to be consistent to proove yourself.

As I said, we've got a very good crop of youngsters that we need to put time into this year, If by putting time into the kids something comes out of the year in terms of wins, then great, barring some abberations, history tends to show that where our list is suggests that we will be down the bottom.

Explain to me how Watson is a liability?

Irregardless, Hille and Laycock are easily top 10 in the AFL. Teams like St. Kilda, Pies, Carlton, Footscray, even Adelaide don't have a ruck division of note.

It doesn't help being injured throughout the season at crucial times. Winders first games before he injured his hammy were spectacular. He has definately shown he has the right mix to become a quality midfielder.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

We won't be last, but won't make the 8. A finish of 12th/13th is a realistic goal for the club to be honest. It will be 2-3 years before we see the best of Gumbleton, Jetta, etc and anyone from the 06' draft, so lets be realistic!

 

[DaSawx]

I don't bother making predictions about Essendon or any other team for that matter.

You all saw where everyone had the Kangaroos and Port before the season started and look how that turned out.

Things can change quickly, for better or for worse.

It makes me laugh when people (of all teams) make 'confident' predictions for the next 5 years.

 

[Couch Potato]

Great comment DaSawx.
Totally agree

 

[TheDon35]

Explain to me how Watson is a liability?

Irregardless, Hille and Laycock are easily top 10 in the AFL. Teams like St. Kilda, Pies, Carlton, Footscray, even Adelaide don't have a ruck division of note.

It doesn't help being injured throughout the season at crucial times. Winders first games before he injured his hammy were spectacular. He has definately shown he has the right mix to become a quality midfielder.

It is no secret that Watson's key weekness is that when we don't have the ball, he is too slow of foot to effectively stop opposition runs. His lack of pace makes it far more difficult for him to man up a player. Simple as that.

Winderlich played a few good games this year. i'm not arguing that, all i'm saying is that for someone who's been in the system for quite a number of years now, he has still really proven nothing other than that he can play the odd good game.

If you honestly think both Hille and Laycock are in the best 10 rucks in the league then you are deluded. Cox, Sandilands, Charman, Ottens, Symonds, Jolly, Lade, Brogan, McIntosh, Everitt all better rucks than these 2 when looking at consistent performing footballers.

I could go ahead and name another 5 - Fraser etc

I'm not saying we'll finish last, I'm just saying that based on our list as it currently stands we're at a faze of development of our young starts, not pretending that we are in a better position than what we actually are (as we have done for the last 5 years)

 

[Tonche]

If you honestly think both Hille and Laycock are in the best 10 rucks in the league then you are deluded. Cox, Sandilands, Charman, Ottens, Symonds, Jolly, Lade, Brogan, McIntosh, Everitt all better rucks than these 2 when looking at consistent performing footballers.

I'm guessing he meant as a combo?

 

[Smyth94]

It is no secret that Watson's key weekness is that when we don't have the ball, he is too slow of foot to effectively stop opposition runs. His lack of pace makes it far more difficult for him to man up a player. Simple as that.

Winderlich played a few good games this year. i'm not arguing that, all i'm saying is that for someone who's been in the system for quite a number of years now, he has still really proven nothing other than that he can play the odd good game.

If you honestly think both Hille and Laycock are in the best 10 rucks in the league then you are deluded. Cox, Sandilands, Charman, Ottens, Symonds, Jolly, Lade, Brogan, McIntosh, Everitt all better rucks than these 2 when looking at consistent performing footballers.

I could go ahead and name another 5 - Fraser etc

I'm not saying we'll finish last, I'm just saying that based on our list as it currently stands we're at a faze of development of our young starts, not pretending that we are in a better position than what we actually are (as we have done for the last 5 years)

You criticise Watson's lack of pace when we don't have the ball as though he is the sole reason we are unaccountable. When we don't have the ball our whole midfield is accountable not just Watson. While pace is a handy attribute it is hardly the be all and end all for a player with Watson's ability.

Fraser? Please. Hille and Laycock would walk straight into a fair few team's best 22. Don't kid yourself.

 

[ant555]

You criticise Watson's lack of pace when we don't have the ball as though he is the sole reason we are unaccountable. When we don't have the ball our whole midfield is accountable not just Watson. While pace is a handy attribute it is hardly the be all and end all for a player with Watson's ability.

Fraser? Please. Hille and Laycock would walk straight into a fair few team's best 22. Don't kid yourself.

Yes our whole midfield has to be accountable but clubs do target Watson. The Hawks run Crawford off Watson every time because they know Jobe cant go with him or stop him from getting into space. It is something that needs to be looked at.

 

[Smyth94]

Yes our whole midfield has to be accountable but clubs do target Watson. The Hawks run Crawford off Watson every time because they know Jobe cant go with him or stop him from getting into space. It is something that needs to be looked at.

How would it be looked at? You're either fast or your not.

If we actually increased our possession of the ball and reduced our turnovers, Watson's lack of leg speed would count for very little.

 

[SOT4]

How would it be looked at? You're either fast or your not.

Yeah good point, why would sprinters even bother training? I mean as you say you couldn't possibly get any quicker ever...

 

[Merv]

How would it be looked at? You're either fast or your not.

If we actually increased our possession of the ball and reduced our turnovers, Watson's lack of leg speed would count for very little.

I agree with Smythy here.

Why doesn't Sam Mitchell and Scotty West get exploited like Watson.

Because they win a lot of the ball and they don't give it up the opposition.

Their team mates are more accountable and work hard for each other, as do they themselves.

Your enemy won't hurt you much if they rarely have the ball.

 

[ant555]

How would it be looked at? You're either fast or your not.

If we actually increased our possession of the ball and reduced our turnovers, Watson's lack of leg speed would count for very little.

Yeah good point, why would sprinters even bother training? I mean as you say you couldn't possibly get any quicker ever...

It is easy to look at. You make sure the midfield changes opponents and picks up the loose guys. It is what Collingwood do week in and week out and one of the reasons they went as far as they did.
Geez guyz think outside the square a little.

I agree with Smythy here.

Why doesn't Sam Mitchell and Scotty West get exploited like Watson.

Because they win a lot of the ball and they don't give it up the opposition.

Their team mates are more accountable and work hard for each other, as do they themselves.

Your enemy won't hurt you much if they rarely have the ball.

Exactly what i ment Merv. Seriously you didnt think i had some sort of speed injection or voodo magic for Watson

 

[Smyth94]

Yeah good point, why would sprinters even bother training? I mean as you say you couldn't possibly get any quicker ever...

You can't be serious?

 

[Merv]

Exactly what i ment Merv. Seriously you didnt think i had some sort of speed injection or voodo magic for Watson

Well if you do, start bloody using it please

 

[topdon]

It makes me laugh when people (of all teams) make 'confident' predictions for the next 5 years.

Hawk fans? They've been sprouting the same old shit for the past 10-12 years!!!

 

[TheDon35]

You criticise Watson's lack of pace when we don't have the ball as though he is the sole reason we are unaccountable. When we don't have the ball our whole midfield is accountable not just Watson. While pace is a handy attribute it is hardly the be all and end all for a player with Watson's ability.

Fraser? Please. Hille and Laycock would walk straight into a fair few team's best 22. Don't kid yourself.

All getting away from my original point here. Our best 2 midfielders are the worst 'best 2 midfielders' at any club. Watson has a severe pace problem. This means he can't work deffensively. His foot skills are also ordinary. In saying that, he's an awesome clearance player.

Are we forgetting that we've finished in the bottom 4 or 5 for the past 3 yearss and next year we won't have Hird.

Hille was dropped a couple of times last year. Again, if you go through the lists, our midfield is the worst in the league. But that's ok, if you honestly think that we'll win flags with the current midfield then you go ahead deluding yourself pal.