Stephen Milne

[ChrisL#12]

I am sick of this guy copping shit from everybody. Even our own supporters are wielding the axe on him. He is not a bad player by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, he makes a few mistakes but so do many players. He adds spark and vigour to our play even if he does have brain fades sometimes. He is our creator, a guy who can give us something from nowhere. And what's more, has superb goalsense.

A player from our forward line that should be on notice is Fraser Gehrig. He has given us nothing this year, in general. Granted we have had a shoddy gameplan and the ball rarely gets kicked down there, but he has looked disinterested and disorganised. I love Fraser but his post-punching outburst gave me no choice but to decide that it is time for him to give it away. In full flight he is the most enigmatic figure in today's game, in poor form he is a liability, and if he doesn't change my mind soon, he needs to go. Even though he is our leading goalkicker, 22 goals from our spearhead is inadequate. I would much rather see Kosi down in the goalsquare by himself.

In summary, I want to hear more positive comments about Stephen Milne. He still has the magic. What must happen though, is that we need to leave our goalkickers in the forward 50. For example. Gehrig, Kosi, Riewoldt, Milne, all inside the 50 metre arc. I am sick of all our forwards running up the field. Its not basketball. Let the defenders and midfielders defend, and let our forwards attack. Simple.

 

[SpInNeR]

I am sick of this guy copping shit from everybody. Even our own supporters are wielding the axe on him. He is not a bad player by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, he makes a few mistakes but so do many players. He adds spark and vigour to our play even if he does have brain fades sometimes. He is our creator, a guy who can give us something from nowhere. And what's more, has superb goalsense.

A player from our forward line that should be on notice is Fraser Gehrig. He has given us nothing this year, in general. Granted we have had a shoddy gameplan and the ball rarely gets kicked down there, but he has looked disinterested and disorganised. I love Fraser but his post-punching outburst gave me no choice but to decide that it is time for him to give it away. In full flight he is the most enigmatic figure in today's game, in poor form he is a liability, and if he doesn't change my mind soon, he needs to go. Even though he is our leading goalkicker, 22 goals from our spearhead is inadequate. I would much rather see Kosi down in the goalsquare by himself.

In summary, I want to hear more positive comments about Stephen Milne. He still has the magic. What must happen though, is that we need to leave our goalkickers in the forward 50. For example. Gehrig, Kosi, Riewoldt, Milne, all inside the 50 metre arc. I am sick of all our forwards running up the field. Its not basketball. Let the defenders and midfielders defend, and let our forwards attack. Simple.

Milne has definitely run out of trick thus far.


He has no 'value add' towards the team in anyway.


Which St Kilda games have you been watching?

 

[ThomasR]

If we want to stick with the current game plan, Milne must go. He is a real liability up the field (both with disposal and physical pressure). He is only really dangerous around the goals, and crumbing the forwards. Either bomb it in long so Milne can get the ball on the ground (mind you, he isn't that good at roving packs either), or drop him to the ressies.

I agree re: Gehrig and am interested to see what will happen if he misses a game or two with that broken hand - he has always appeared disinterested (fact is, he probably is) and it's not good for team morale.

As an aside... how does Jarryd Allen go?

 

[Persevering Saint]

The Milne of three years ago was an excitement machine - fantastic to watch. And he showed great maturity to build on his game, become a fair bit less selfish and work for goal-assists in the 40-60m arc. But the sad fact is, he is not that excitement machine anymore.

Besides which, there are other players coming up who can do what he did, and probably can do it better. Just one example: Xavier as a forward player has plenty of zip, is taller, tackles better and thus adds more defensive pressure to the forward line, is less selfish, and has a clearer head in the crumb. He doesn't quite have that same radar that Milne did, but the key word there is DID. X's fitness is letting him down, but given the fitness-systems overhaul that we're going to have before next year begins, I don't think that's a concern long term.

Yapper was beautiful to watch in full force, and a terrific on-field character, full of color, humor and passion - his celebrations after goal were worth the price of admission! But that's just it, we're not seeing enough of those celebrations any more. 15 goals at this point in the season is just not good enough. GT wanted him gone, mainly so he could go out before he just embarrassed himself. Let him go.

 

[ShadowFax]

If we want to stick with the current game plan, Milne must go. He is a real liability up the field (both with disposal and physical pressure). He is only really dangerous around the goals, and crumbing the forwards. Either bomb it in long so Milne can get the ball on the ground (mind you, he isn't that good at roving packs either), or drop him to the ressies.

I agree re: Gehrig and am interested to see what will happen if he misses a game or two with that broken hand - he has always appeared disinterested (fact is, he probably is) and it's not good for team morale.

As an aside... how does Jarryd Allen go?

Yep Milne is definitely a liability. Hes a one trick pony - he can only be dangerous around the goals as a crumber. He has no pressure skills, too small (opposition players just brush him aside), his disposal is terrible, he is not a big game or interstate player, need i say more?

In the modern game you have to have multiple strings to your bow otherwise opposing teams will exploit your weaknesses.

He has been a terrific player for us in the past but unfortunately i think his time has come to be dropped. In fact, if it wasn't for X and Clinton Jones being injured then i think Yapper would've been dropped a few weeks back.

I also agree about Gehrig. Id be surprised if he doesn't retire at the season's end. If he doesn't retire...do you think any club would be willing to pick him up?

the only clubs i could think were WB (lack of talls) or Adelaide ...but i doubt fraser would want to move interstate again.

 

[della]

Milne is a disgrace no doubt, adds very little these days i feel, for a guy who could of been locked up u would think he would appreciate his spot more, i think his career ends at seasons ends, who would want him really!

 

[panthers]

Could have been locked up for WHAT della? Was he ever charged? NO
And if you think that you can play AFL at the highest level well get down to Moorabbin and show them how to do it

 

[Sir Robert]

Could have been locked up for WHAT della? Was he ever charged? NO
And if you think that you can play AFL at the highest level well get down to Moorabbin and show them how to do it

I agree poor point Della. Only the 4 people involved really know what happened that night... Everything else is heresay and bullsh!t amde up by people with nothing better to do.

Back to the topic of the thread, Milne is definitely hurting us a lot more than he is helping this year. He, Mini McQalter and Raph Clarke all need to go. Honestly anytime these guys touch the ball I get nervous as I know it's probably going to cost us a goal.

Big Fraser is having a bad run but a lot of it is to do with delivery. As the papers have been pointing out lately our inside 50's have been good, it's just delivery has not been what it should be. An interesting stat would be inside 30's to see if the ball is even reaching the carpet snake.

 

[della]

Milne is a disgrace on and off the field and thats pure and simple, the bloke is a clown and acts like a spoilt brat on and off the field, time to get a real job Milny and stop milking the Saints for everything there got, grow up and live a decent life, u r finished as a footballer!

 

[ShadowFax]

He, Mini McQalter and Raph Clarke all need to go. Honestly anytime these guys touch the ball I get nervous as I know it's probably going to cost us a goal.

spot on.

 

[bluejay]

Milne is a disgrace on and off the field and thats pure and simple, the bloke is a clown and acts like a spoilt brat on and off the field, time to get a real job Milny and stop milking the Saints for everything there got, grow up and live a decent life, u r finished as a footballer!

Do you actually like something about the STKFC? Or all your opinions go towards "this particularly someone is a disgrace"? Are you really a sainter or a disgrace of a sainter?

 

[St DAC]

Who would know who della supports? Clearly hasn't the balls to state it publically via his/her profile. Judging by the comments from him/her, not a Saint.

 

[Harvey's Crew]

It's strange to see how someone who kicked 11 goals in one game can barely kick 1 now. The magic is probably gone, but I remember how last year when he was omitted, we lost that week and alot of people stated Milne was needed for the crumbing. But yes, it's a different style of game this year. Something definitely needs to change with the forward line, I think Koschitzke has to lift for it to work. 9 goals a game from the team is not enough... And if Riewoldt and Gehrig get a clubs best 2 defenders, Kosi should be able to take advantage of the 3rd. And saying that, we need Aaron Hamill back!

 

[saintsownthedome]

Who would know who della supports? Clearly hasn't the balls to state it publically via his/her profile. Judging by the comments from him/her, not a Saint.

Della has been on the Saints forum last week, sprouting rubbish about Grant Thomas and how much he hates his guts.

Geelong barracker - enuff said.

Go back to your small town mate.

 

[Saint4Life]

Milne is not a bad player at all, actually he's quite good at what he does.

Unfortunately, when the team struggles, he will also.
When we are winning, he will blitz and add that extra gap and do the extra things like blocks etc.

Some saints fans/others dont seem to reliase this. There is only so much a small forward can do. Small forwards can only assist and kick a few goals at most, they are not the 'GO TO' man, he is not Rooey.

When your side is only kicking 30 points by half time, what can he do? The style of football we are playing is the reason for this.

 

[Persevering Saint]

Nah, I can't accept that the game plan is failing Milney - that's not the problem. If you have three talls and they're constantly finding it difficult to take grabs in hard, two-on-one contests, then THAT'S the time for a little crumber to shine! The ball bounces off the contest, they grab it at the bottom of the pack, quickly snap for goal and have the radar to make it count. Milne is not doing that. Simple.

The other thing is the teflon factor. Milney LOVES to dance around opposition, which is great fun to watch... when he pulls it off. Increasingly, he doesn't, is tackled, and then gets pinged for HtB. But look at Xavier - I have seen him be slipperier than Plugger's piglet! He dodges three players with ease! Granted, alot of the time that was in the midfield where there can be a bit more space, but still. And what about that tackle he did a month ago in the forward line!? GOLDEN!

Don't write of Raph yet either. He's never been fit enough to be the player he can be. With a good fitness regime, I think he'll be great, and make Gram's life a hell of a lot easier - TWO super-fast running-backs would be heaven.

McQualter's only noteworthy moment was his mustache (hilarious!). When he shaved that, he lost the only thing that made him worth watching - certainly his football made me wish I was blind... dump him.

 

[Emmo]

Milne has definitely run out of trick thus far.


He has no 'value add' towards the team in anyway.


Which St Kilda games have you been watching?

Which ones have you been watching mate i agree with ChrisL#12

The G train is the problem at least you will see milne trying his heart out to chase tackle and give the ball off G make a half arsed attempt to get a free kick then dosen't get it and whinges ( did you hear the interview with scott cummings on SEN...this bloke thinks he is so hard done by its funny)


all in all give milne a chance to shine...he will come back to his old form and while your doing that have a look at his stats not great but i think you will be supprised.

 

[Emmo]

Milne is a disgrace on and off the field and thats pure and simple, the bloke is a clown and acts like a spoilt brat on and off the field, time to get a real job Milny and stop milking the Saints for everything there got, grow up and live a decent life, u r finished as a footballer!

Sorry moderators but mate your a f.wit. listen to yourself you are a laughing stock to the human race.

 

[St DAC]

Della has been on the Saints forum last week, sprouting rubbish about Grant Thomas and how much he hates his guts.

Geelong barracker - enuff said.

Go back to your small town mate.

If you supported Geelong why on earth would you waste your time giving us crap here instead of enjoying the great footy they are playing at the moment? What a sad way to support your club ...

 

[ChrisL#12]

These stats back up my point. Sceptics, take the time to look these over.

http://finalsiren.com/PlayerCompare...ck+Davis&Compare=Compare&SelectedPlayers=927,

 

[paul55]

why does he get a game, offers nothing to our team and along with the g-train should be given there marching orders at seasons end.

 

[Fehring]

Nah, I can't accept that the game plan is failing Milney - that's not the problem. If you have three talls and they're constantly finding it difficult to take grabs in hard, two-on-one contests, then THAT'S the time for a little crumber to shine! The ball bounces off the contest, they grab it at the bottom of the pack, quickly snap for goal and have the radar to make it count. Milne is not doing that. Simple.

The other thing is the teflon factor. Milney LOVES to dance around opposition, which is great fun to watch... when he pulls it off. Increasingly, he doesn't, is tackled, and then gets pinged for HtB. But look at Xavier - I have seen him be slipperier than Plugger's piglet! He dodges three players with ease! Granted, alot of the time that was in the midfield where there can be a bit more space, but still. And what about that tackle he did a month ago in the forward line!? GOLDEN!

Don't write of Raph yet either. He's never been fit enough to be the player he can be. With a good fitness regime, I think he'll be great, and make Gram's life a hell of a lot easier - TWO super-fast running-backs would be heaven.

McQualter's only noteworthy moment was his mustache (hilarious!). When he shaved that, he lost the only thing that made him worth watching - certainly his football made me wish I was blind... dump him.

Agree with all of this - X was magnificent down forward with his tackling and class. Milne's inability to tackle is embarassing and is a big part of the reason why we're losing. Yes, he's trying but if you put me out there in a Saints jumper I'd try really hard too.

And - one more time with feeling - Clint Jones is more valuable down there than Milne, despite the fact that he isn't as classy, although having Jones and Clarke in our forward line maybe provides Milne the opportunity to play off the bench.

McQualter - hopeless in every game he's played so far. If he'd played one good one I'd get on him, but he hasn't. Even Brooks has played a good one.

Re Raph - I hope you're right. I do believe that he's worth perservereing with and it's only after a good string of games that we'll be able to tell if he's worth it. We did pick him top 10 - I'm hoping he'll show something if he ever gets fit.

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

Let's be honest, it has been a terrible season so far - with the exception of Harvey, Montagna and (to a lesser extent) dal Santo, not one player has reached his full potential this year !

The (in my opinion) terribly boring and frustrating game plan and coaching style is probably one of the reasons, injuries are certainly a reason, the embarrassing Butterss / Thomas soap opera is distracting, but one other problem I see this year is a lack of passion !

Milne is one of the few who at least appears to care and who has passion and desire to make a difference (chasing and / or running down opponents, taking chances, entertaining) - others (and yes, Gehrig is a good example) appear not to care too much (which, of course, is not really fair, but I'd expect a bit of chair kicking in every game !).

You may lose a game, or even two, or even 22 in a season, but show some heart . And I believe that Milne is doing just that !

 

[Fehring]

Milne is one of the few who at least appears to care and who has passion and desire to make a difference (chasing and / or running down opponents, taking chances, entertaining)

Chasing, yes. Running down, not so much. Entertaining, mostly opposition supporters when their players bury Milne in the dirt.

 

[Punter!]

These stats back up my point. Sceptics, take the time to look these over.

http://finalsiren.com/PlayerCompare...ck+Davis&Compare=Compare&SelectedPlayers=927,

Great comparison, the numbers speak for themselves. He's not doing as bad as people think.. Stacks up pretty well compared to the other small forwards of the league thus far. Keep in mind, with Lyon's more accountable game style, he's following his man more up the ground a bit more. 15 goals from 11 game's isn't fantastic, but with 10 behinds he's had 25 scoring shots - could have had a better conversion rate like some other Stkilda forwards we know..