Surprise packet for 2011?

[Marlin01]

If not him I think maybe Ash Smith.
Has had a taste of the big time, and has been lambasted for his training ethos in the past, but maybe this year now he's had a look at AFL, he will start next year with head down and bum up, and could be fantastic in the backline. Booming kick with pace, could be our surprise packet.

Just came on to change my "surprise packet" selection to Ash Smith. I have just watched the footage of the 2km time trial on the Eagles' site and for the first time, since he originally came over to WA, he actually looks like a footballer and not a competition pie eater. He clearly has been working very hard since the end of last season to improve his body-shape. Good on him and I hope he gets the rewards for his hard work.

 

[Prem87]

I was shocked to see Ash in that 2km video, he lost a lot of weight.

 

[Marlin01]

I was shocked to see Ash in that 2km video, he lost a lot of weight.

Yeah, that's really how he should have looked 2 years ago and he should now be adding strength instead of losing weight. Anyway, it seems he's on the right path, so hopefully he can make the most of his kicking and speed. He's got a lot to offer.

 

[Quinz]

Would really like to see Smith use his pace more next year, only went on a couple of runs this season. Unleash him!

 

[Mattman93]

Would really like to see Smith use his pace more next year, only went on a couple of runs this season. Unleash him!

I actually think with how big he got in the legs when he first came over here he lost some of his pace, and hopefully now that he's obviously trimmed down (as I was hoping he would) he'll show us how quick he really is.

 

[Fly_High]

I was shocked to see Ash in that 2km video, he lost a lot of weight.

Just on that video-

Ash Smith- Agree looks to have his body in good nick

Masten/Scooter- both look really good

Swift- looks like his is still growing into his body really weird body shape seems to have big legs and a tiny upper body (maybe a result of putting extra work in to protect his knees)

Hams- seems like a really good clubman (high fives, chatting away)

Woosh- Thought it was great to see him looking relaxed and happy in front of the media and great to see him running behind the lads

looking forward to 2011 already

 

[Prem87]

[YOUTUBE]w4Uvjs4Wh1Q[/YOUTUBE]

More of this run is needed.

 

[bodazoka]

Would really like to see Smith use his pace more next year, only went on a couple of runs this season. Unleash him!

Loved it when he ran down Betts.. everyone thought it was a certain goal for Carlton.

Also loved the Sheppard chase down on Lovett..

 

[Mattman93]

[YOUTUBE]w4Uvjs4Wh1Q[/YOUTUBE]

More of this run is needed.

He really does accelerate extremely quickly for a guy with such a solid build.

 

[Prem87]

20m Sprint Time: 2.80s
PB 100m: 10.8s

 

[Prem87]

Can JON step up and be the winger we need in 2011?

 

[BOND 007]

Jordan Jones for me. I think he has all the tools to become a good player, height, pace, kicking depth and accuracy. He is also one of the nicest kids you could ever meet and the last time I spoke to him (before seasons end) he was determined to prove all those wrong who believed little quality was available in the no he was selected.

In watching some of his games for Peel last year I actually think he developed into quite a good HBF and IMO he offers more in that position than Smith (who I think should be played on a wing where he can best use his assets instead of playing man up as per a HBF)

Whilst it may be a little early in their development for this but to me a centre line of Smith, Shuey and Stevenson would wreak havoc but instead we are likely to see Rosa, Priddis and Dalziell as 1st choice come rnd 1 2011.

 

[Obeanie1]

Jordan Jones for me. I think he has all the tools to become a good player, height, pace, kicking depth and accuracy. He is also one of the nicest kids you could ever meet and the last time I spoke to him (before seasons end) he was determined to prove all those wrong who believed little quality was available in the no he was selected.

In watching some of his games for Peel last year I actually think he developed into quite a good HBF and IMO he offers more in that position than Smith (who I think should be played on a wing where he can best use his assets instead of playing man up as per a HBF)

Whilst it may be a little early in their development for this but to me a centre line of Smith, Shuey and Stevenson would wreak havoc but instead we are likely to see Rosa, Priddis and Dalziell as 1st choice come rnd 1 2011.

I agree that Stevenson and Smith would make much better wingmen than they would small back pockets of HBFers.

Butler and Hurn should play half back with Waters and A Selwood sharing a back pocket rotation. This really gives our back 6 some real experience and hardness along with Glass to support EMac, Schofield and Brown developing as KP's. Throw in JoJo and McGinnity as backup small backs as well.

Sheppard, Smith, Stevenson and Rosa should be our rotating wingers off the bench and one off the HFF. Sheppard and Smith being better suited to playing HF.

 

[Obeanie1]

Can JON step up and be the winger we need in 2011?

Almost make or break for JON in 2011.

Will obviously need a couple of injuries to our wingers or simply start blitzing in the WAFL to get a look in though.

 

[larrikin]

Almost make or break for JON in 2011.

Will obviously need a couple of injuries to our wingers or simply start blitzing in the WAFL to get a look in though.

Not almost

This is last chance station

 

[worsfold]

I agree that Stevenson and Smith would make much better wingmen than they would small back pockets of HBFers.

Butler and Hurn should play half back with Waters and A Selwood sharing a back pocket rotation. This really gives our back 6 some real experience and hardness along with Glass to support EMac, Schofield and Brown developing as KP's. Throw in JoJo and McGinnity as backup small backs as well.

Sheppard, Smith, Stevenson and Rosa should be our rotating wingers off the bench and one off the HFF. Sheppard and Smith being better suited to playing HF.

No wonder your not coaches you complete forgot Nicko

 

[Level_Headed]

Not almost

This is last chance station

Agreed. He showed glimpses in 2010 and I think that is probably what the club was after. I think this year he needs to show massive signs of growth if he wants to stay an Eagle.

 

[neng]

You know the signs are good when you notice some of our best 22 can't even grow a bit of facial hair our younguns

 

[BOND 007]

I agree that Stevenson and Smith would make much better wingmen than they would small back pockets of HBFers.

Butler and Hurn should play half back with Waters and A Selwood sharing a back pocket rotation. This really gives our back 6 some real experience and hardness along with Glass to support EMac, Schofield and Brown developing as KP's. Throw in JoJo and McGinnity as backup small backs as well.

Sheppard, Smith, Stevenson and Rosa should be our rotating wingers off the bench and one off the HFF. Sheppard and Smith being better suited to playing HF.

IMO all things being equal your 4 best kickers (on the run) should be played on both HBF and off both wings. The style of play now means thse 4 are the outlets fom the back and through the centre moving forward. The idea of the centreman and followers is to win the ball and create the conduit to these 4 players and let them dispose of the ball into the fwd line.

If you exclude Lecras as being a permanent fwd then based on what i've seen of the rest it means Hurn, Sheppard, Stevenson and Strijk should be the ones filling those positions. Players like Masten, Kerr, Priddis, young Selwood and Stephens should be the ball winners and feeding out to the names mentioned.

Non ball winners who are poor kicks like Rosa and Dalziell should have limited time onfield and be used specifically to rest the the 4 key kicks and even then there is only need for one of them. Teams can only keep small nos of ball winners who are very average kicks within the 22 meaning there is probably only a max of 2 spaces for Ebert, McGinnity and Adam Selwood to suit team dynamics.

 

[Prem87]

IMO all things being equal your 4 best kickers (on the run) should be played on both HBF and off both wings. The style of play now means thse 4 are the outlets fom the back and through the centre moving forward. The idea of the centreman and followers is to win the ball and create the conduit to these 4 players and let them dispose of the ball into the fwd line.

If you exclude Lecras as being a permanent fwd then based on what i've seen of the rest it means Hurn, Sheppard, Stevenson and Strijk should be the ones filling those positions. Players like Masten, Kerr, Priddis, young Selwood and Stephens should be the ball winners and feeding out to the names mentioned.

Non ball winners who are poor kicks like Rosa and Dalziell should have limited time onfield and be used specifically to rest the the 4 key kicks and even then there is only need for one of them. Teams can only keep small nos of ball winners who are very average kicks within the 22 meaning there is probably only a max of 2 spaces for Ebert, McGinnity and Adam Selwood to suit team dynamics.

Agree.

HB: Hurn Butler
C: Sheppard Stevenson/Smith
HF: Strijk Lecras/Hams

Our best kicks on the flanks and wings.

 

[richy4]

HB: Hurn Butler
C: Sheppard Stevenson/Smith
HF: Strijk Lecras/Hams

Our best kicks on the flanks and wings

Just looking at some of those names, honestly how did we finish last?

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Just looking at some of those names, honestly how did we finish last?

I know, what with skilled mids like...

McGinnity
Priddis
A. Selwood
Ebert
Nicoski

And scary tall timber like...

Lynch
Hansen
Notte
Spangher
Wilkes

It's unbelievable

 

[richy4]

I know, what with skilled mids like...

McGinnity
Priddis
A. Selwood
Ebert
Nicoski

And scary tall timber like...

Lynch
Hansen
Notte
Spangher
Wilkes

It's unbelievable

thanks, you brought me back to earth!

Completely forgot about all the hacks we have.

Gosh, we're in for a rough couple of years

 

[BOND 007]

Agree.

HB: Hurn Butler
C: Sheppard Stevenson/Smith
HF: Strijk Lecras/Hams

Our best kicks on the flanks and wings.

1) I have said for some time that Butler is wasted as a BP
2) Not sure Hams is one of the best kicks nor Smith (at this stage)

The style of play that is successful now requires quick and accurate ball movement coupled with player running ability to switch play and run through zones. What it tells me is that gut running ability is important but is not as important is disposal accuracy.

What it means is that player disposal becomes crucial and IF you cant kick or IF you cant run all day - then there is perhaps 2 spots out of 22 that is available and they are 1 x an enforcer in each the fwd and backlines. If you assume that Waters holds a mortgage on one spot then Adam Selwood, Stevens and McGinnity are fighting for the one spot.

If all players develop to their capacity then my favoured team by middle 2012 is

Waters - Brown - Schofield
Sheppard - Emac - Hurn
Stevenson - Shuey - Smith
leCras - Kennedy - Ebert
Kerr - Wilson -

Nait - Kerr - Masten

J Jones - Rosa - Stephens - Selwood Jnr

Next in line is Priddis


Note
1) By this time I think Cox, Embley, Bones, Butler and Glass are done
2) I have left one spot open for #4 in 2 weeks
3) Nothing Swift has shown me suggests he is going to be any better than who I have mentioned
4) I cant find any room for Selwood Snr and would only include Dalziell if Rosa goes down. Guys like Houlihan and McGinnity offer next to no value if WC want to take the next step.

 

[Marlin01]

Waters - Brown - Schofield
Sheppard - Emac - Hurn
Stevenson - Shuey - Smith
leCras - Kennedy - Ebert
Kerr - Wilson -

Nait - Kerr - Masten

J Jones - Rosa - Stephens - Selwood Jnr

No second ruck option? That's why I picked Gorringe in the pick 4 poll. Who would you have in your round 1 2011 team?