Taylor walker

[afc1991]

^^I was going to post something similar.

It was speculated that it was only Walkers defensive pressure that he was told to work on. Looking back I'd say his first efforts were the issue as well. He sort of played more like a small opportunist forward than a pack crunching KPP.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Sorry Carl, I'm not sure if you are being sarcastic or not so disregard if I am off the mark.

Giving games on potential performance not current form leads to a culture similar to the one down the road. Encouraging bad behaviour and performance leads to more of the same. I like the fact that our players have to earn their spot. It will all pay off, you'll see.

Depends on how you measure performance. I'd have thought that an 18 year old who kicks 23 goals in just over half a season including a bag of 4 against the 3rd placed Bulldogs and 5 against the reigning premiers would have over and above earned his position in the team. Plus tax. The sort of performance that any other coach in the competition would salivate over.

Particularly given that we weren't exactly the most free-flowing, attacking and most fluent team in the early part of the season. Walker wasn't even there to cash in on our new-found attacking mindset later on.

Graham Cornes was (for once) on the money when he said that Walker's "poor form" was almost engineered by Craig. His star was burning too brightly. He was doing too well at AFL level. He was finding it too easy. And he had to be reigned in. Starting on the bench, less time on the field, spending time further up the ground... and all of a sudden he isn't playing so well. Dropped for form. Yeah right.

Neil has often said that he doesn't like the 'star system' and I think Walker's emergence this season scared him off. The defensive pressure and second effort criticisms were just diversions. The problem was that he had a superstar on his hands who was gaining confidence (and perhaps ego) and he didn't like it one little bit.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

This bloke will be back next year, I have no doubt and injuries permitting, I think he'll play all 22 games, kicking 50+ goals. The bloke is a prodigious talent and with another preseason under his belt to learn the game plan, bulk up a bit etc. he should be more than ready to have a Tippett like break out year.

How?

The only change to the KPP stocks that were available on Saturday night is that we will add Bock.

Walker will be less likely to play next season than he was this week.

We've got an amazing asset that, for whatever reason, we aren't utilising so why on earth wouldn't we cash in on it and trade him? Why should Norwood be the ones getting the advantage?

 

[aneale]

lets not look for conspiracy theories and purport to hysteria.

the kid has weaknesses, and the last thing he needs to be taught is that he has none or he'll end up another Brendan Fevola - plenty of talent and not an ounce of discipline whilst playing the diva.

Walker is more likely because he will end up taking Burton's spot, and Smack and/or Davis will end up where Hentschel is.

 

[frednerk33]

Graham Cornes was (for once) on the money when he said that Walker's "poor form" was almost engineered by Craig. His star was burning too brightly. He was doing too well at AFL level. He was finding it too easy. And he had to be reigned in.

That has to be the biggest crock of shyte I have ever come across. What a load of trollop. You must be cornsey or his missus. TOTAL and utter bullcr*p. ... Rooch material !

 

[Dogga79]

Depends on how you measure performance. I'd have thought that an 18 year old who kicks 23 goals in just over half a season including a bag of 4 against the 3rd placed Bulldogs and 5 against the reigning premiers would have over and above earned his position in the team. Plus tax. The sort of performance that any other coach in the competition would salivate over.

Particularly given that we weren't exactly the most free-flowing, attacking and most fluent team in the early part of the season. Walker wasn't even there to cash in on our new-found attacking mindset later on.

Graham Cornes was (for once) on the money when he said that Walker's "poor form" was almost engineered by Craig. His star was burning too brightly. He was doing too well at AFL level. He was finding it too easy. And he had to be reigned in. Starting on the bench, less time on the field, spending time further up the ground... and all of a sudden he isn't playing so well. Dropped for form. Yeah right.

Neil has often said that he doesn't like the 'star system' and I think Walker's emergence this season scared him off. The defensive pressure and second effort criticisms were just diversions. The problem was that he had a superstar on his hands who was gaining confidence (and perhaps ego) and he didn't like it one little bit.

But the thing is Carl, I genuinely believe he will be a star. Obviously I cant back this up but I think he will kick 100 goals before Tippett ever will. But I think you do him a diservice if you play him for short term benifit at the expense of long term gain.

I think his fitness is his major problem, which he can hide SANFL but he is exposed at the top level. I dont think he has the tank to chase all day. This pre season will be huge for him. I imagine his fitness and effort will be scrutinised like no other this summer. The coaches and Taylor will now have a clear indication on what he needs to improve on. We got a taste this year, but I will be staggered if he doesn not improve greatly next year. Bernie Vince is 23 and he found out that ability counts for little when you are starting out. Tough love is the only way at the top level.

He can come across to some as being lazy. He looks very laid back as a player. But thats because he is so good he just makes it look easy, similar to Mcleod. Mackay is another one that always looks like he has time.

Its obvious to everyone that the talent and ability is prodigious, but for him maximise his potential for the rest of his career I agree with the clubs handling of him.

 

[crowman86]

Go lie down Carl before you make an even bigger d1ck of yourself.

 

[hippyhippy]

walker is worth more than pick 1 2 3 and 4 together ... in walker, you are guaranteed a star, draft picks are still speculative and most amount to nothing... walker currently way too good for sanfl, but lacks experience in afl.

 

[King Elvis]

As stupid as the article is i wouldnt be suprised if NC actually traded Walker i get the feeling he dosnt rate Walker that highly and would rather have a quality ruckmen

If all these players leave that are rumored to all our good recruting would of been for nothing

I think you'll find that it's because of how incredibly highly Craig does rate Walker that he's making him work his arse off to demand a spot in the side.

Plenty of people in Mentoring/Teaching style roles are hardest on their best students, because they know how good that person can be if they reach their full potential, and don't just cruise through on natural ability.

 

[crowlouder]

It was reported yesterday on SEN [not that they get many things right] that the Western Bulldogs are into Walker big time, no mention of what they would be able to offer. I would think maybe set your sights on Griffen

If we are just playing mind games remember the comments that James Fantasia made when he was talking about Brice Gibbs??? May be he is opening the door on that old topic. You know you do need to dangle something for something. Walker to stay at the crows. Fantasia dented our playing list. Who has he recruited at WB that has made names for them selves? EX Crows that are just about on their last legs. Now he is thinking umm...let's us take TEX?/? GEE WHIZ give some cred where its due home boy

 

[relapse]

lets not look for conspiracy theories and purport to hysteria.

the kid has weaknesses, and the last thing he needs to be taught is that he has none or he'll end up another Brendan Fevola - plenty of talent and not an ounce of discipline whilst playing the diva.

Walker is more likely because he will end up taking Burton's spot, and Smack and/or Davis will end up where Hentschel is.

Welcome to the world of a good key full forward. Buddy, Fev, Hall etc

Natural flair and being semi selfish etc are all essential tools needed, stifle though qualities at your own peril.

 

[WALL-e]

Wow, some absolute crap posted here.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

That has to be the biggest crock of shyte I have ever come across. What a load of trollop. You must be cornsey or his missus. TOTAL and utter bullcr*p. ... Rooch material !

Wow, some absolute crap posted here.

Well crap detectors, there are reasons that other clubs have targeted Walker for recruitment. Firstly of course is the fact that he can play and has already kicked goals at AFL level. The second is that his club is playing him in the SANFL! Straight away that indicates that there are things there the club doesn't like, that there are other players ahead if him in the pecking order, that we don't see him as being in our best 22, that we have marked him down as a project player and that he might not be part of our plans for a season or two.

That's why clubs are interested. Cos he can play AND cos there's a chance that we might give him up. For them he's worth a first 22 spot NOW, warts and all. So they value him higher than we do.

Go lie down Carl before you make an even bigger d1ck of yourself.

I like what you did there, substituting "1" for the "i" to beat the swear filter. Genius! Give yourself a high five.

So Craig said that Walker's a prodigous talent that you lie awake dreaming about. So what? Those are just words. Look at his actions. They give a much better indication of where Craig sees him. And that is not in our best 25 from Saturday + Bock + van Berlo. So, at best, he is 28th on the list.

I think Craig sees him as a one dimensional player and that he is more comfortable trusting guys like Stevens, Hentschel and perhaps next season Davis as well, who can play at both ends and can fill a variety of roles.

Walker is more likely because he will end up taking Burton's spot, and Smack and/or Davis will end up where Hentschel is.

But when though? Both Burton and Hentschel will be better next season if they can have an uninterrupted preseason.

I think his fitness is his major problem, which he can hide SANFL but he is exposed at the top level. I dont think he has the tank to chase all day.
...
Its obvious to everyone that the talent and ability is prodigious, but for him maximise his potential for the rest of his career I agree with the clubs handling of him.

That's all fair enough but I think that the SANFL's taught him all it can and that he got absolutely nothing from the 7-8 games he played for Norwood this season. If were taking the stance that we won't pick him until he can produce consistently good AFL football then we are kidding ourselves.

The SANFL is not a finishing school. The AFL is always going to be a massive step up and you only get accustomed to the intensity, the work rate required, the ball movement patterns, the quality of the opposition, the pressure of playing in front of large crowds etc by playing in the AFL.

 

[Vader]

I like what you did there, substituting "1" for the "i" to beat the swear filter. Genius! Give yourself a high five.

Oddly enough, this one's not even in the swear filter. I'm fairly sure that it used to be, but had to be removed because it caused too many problems for people wishing to discuss a certain Collingwood player.

 

[Alex99]

IMO i think there is very little chance Taylor Walker will get traded this yeah however if he cannot see a legitimate opportunity to play AFL football and spends more than half the season with Norwood in 2010 I think he will ask for a trade contracted or not.

Carl is right in what he says – if other teams rate him, why wouldn’t they move heaven and earth to offer him a first 22 position, even if we won't.

 

[Vader]

I think Carl is being a little pessimistic, but questions do need to be asked about the handling of Walker this year. How is it possible for a player to be so dominant at SANFL level, yet look so completely out of place at AFL level? We saw what he was capable of in the early rounds, yet by the time he played Collingwood in R19 he was shattered mentally.

Initially the comments were that he needed to work on the defensive side of his game. He did that - but it came at the expense of his offensive efforts. Ultimately, it was his lack of offensive hurt which saw him packed off to the Redlegs for good. I think his biggest problems this year have been mental/psychological. The club didn't know the best way to handle him and he got confused by all the mixed signals which resulted.

I don't think the head-shed handled him well at all this year - and I think they will learn from that (to borrow a NC cliche). Suggestions that they couldn't cope with the "star factor" are just fanciful rubbish.

With another pre-season under his belt, I think we'll see Walker become a permanent fixture in our forward line from 2010 onwards. I'm hoping that 2010 is his breakout year, much as 2009 has been Tippett's.

How will we get him into the side? I think Burton will be asked to retire at the end of this year. Bock will be his replacement though (using our semi-final team as the baseline). I think Hentschel will fall behind Walker in the pecking order, thus Walker will take his position. In defence, I'm expecting Davis to surpass Stevens, taking up the role of 3rd tall defender, whilst still retaining the "swingman" capability.

 

[Alex99]

How will we get him into the side? I think Burton will be asked to retire at the end of this year. Bock will be his replacement though (using our semi-final team as the baseline). I think Hentschel will fall behind Walker in the pecking order, thus Walker will take his position. In defence, I'm expecting Davis to surpass Stevens, taking up the role of 3rd tall defender, whilst still retaining the "swingman" capability.

So you’re saying, Nathan Bock will become a CHF in 2010? Moving the All Australian CHB into CHF? Or did i misinterpret that.

Sorry, but i cannot see Neil Craig doing that. His game plan is built entirely around solid defensive structures and his best attacking defender will not be moved away from that position.

He will play without a CHF before making that move.

 

[spexau]

When Bock plays, Stevens goes up forward. That was his point I think.

 

[Mismatched]

If we are just playing mind games remember the comments that James Fantasia made when he was talking about Brice Gibbs??? May be he is opening the door on that old topic. You know you do need to dangle something for something. Walker to stay at the crows. Fantasia dented our playing list. Who has he recruited at WB that has made names for them selves? EX Crows that are just about on their last legs. Now he is thinking umm...let's us take TEX?/? GEE WHIZ give some cred where its due home boy

You do know he is not their recruiting guy, he's their head of football operations?

 

[Mismatched]

How?

The only change to the KPP stocks that were available on Saturday night is that we will add Bock.

Walker will be less likely to play next season than he was this week.

We've got an amazing asset that, for whatever reason, we aren't utilising so why on earth wouldn't we cash in on it and trade him? Why should Norwood be the ones getting the advantage?

Quite frankly, considering the outputs of Hentschel and Burton in the past few weeks when the crunch was on, well there's two spots there.

We weren't utilising him because for whatever reason, he wasn't giving us anything at AFL level. Following his 5 goal first half against the Hawks, he gave very little, he just couldn't find the footy. This bloke will be an amazing asset, he is not that yet, he is an amazing talent who is still developing both his game and his body.

 

[King Elvis]

If the Crows traded Walker, we'd get our new City Stadium, because Footy Park would be destroyed in the following riots.

That being said, there is not a chance in hell that the Crows would even consider the thought of trading him.
Prodigious talent, Crows fanatic his entire life, already a massive fan favourite.

 

[Vader]

So you’re saying, Nathan Bock will become a CHF in 2010? Moving the All Australian CHB into CHF? Or did i misinterpret that.

You misinterpreted. Bock will continue to play at CHB. In terms of our structure though, Burton is the player who drops out of the 22 in order for Bock to return. The remaining players would be shuffled slightly, opening up a gap in the backline (for Bock) and filling the hole in the forward line (caused by Burton's absence).

 

[Alex99]

You misinterpreted. Bock will continue to play at CHB. In terms of our structure though, Burton is the player who drops out of the 22 in order for Bock to return. The remaining players would be shuffled slightly, opening up a gap in the backline (for Bock) and filling the hole in the forward line (caused by Burton's absence).

Ok that makes sense.

 

[James23]

I dont think Burton will be asked to retire because:

a. its a shocking draft

b. we'll be a genuine premiership threat

I think he will be given a new contract, however will take on a role as a replacement forward if someone goes down. Full strength there is no room for him i agree, but how many times a year are teams at full strength!!

 

[KUNG FU]

Walker had a great year, he just ran out of steam and confidence. Although his second efforts were down early on, I actually think he improved this area of his game greatly. He also tried playing up and around the ground a bit which I think he will eventually be very handy at. However, in trying to add these elements to his game he forgot his 'natural' game and hit a considerable form slump. That shouldn't detract from the importance of pursuing these elements to his game, because without them there is a risk that he will become very limited player who is easy to negate. His frame and height limit his potential as a large-bodied KPP. And although he is sharp off the first couple steps and has a great read of the play, his pace means that he can be caught out or chopped off on a lead. This means he needs to add further elements to his game otherwise the opposition will work him out in time and use their superior size, strength and defensive to limit his natural flair.

Ultimately I see him as Burton's successor. If he can add a bit of defensive pressure and link up play around the 50 arc to get involved in the game, he could be a fantastic x-factor forward without the 'downhill skiier' inconsistency. Might as well take the risks now when he's still developing and failure is tolerable, rather than trying to re-coach him later in his career when the pressure will be on his shoulders to consistently perform and we won't have Burton/Hentschel/Stevens to rely on. If he can't develop this element of his game, then fine, go back to what he's good at. But why not take the risk now to turn him into a truly elite forward.