Team Rd 1

[JunkTime]

As we have seen in previous years most AFL teams try and copy the Premiership Team. Collingwood were successful with 1 quality ruck and then a make shift back up(Leigh Brown). This then gave them more options and versatility across the field. I think teams will follow this and with the new sub rule I cannot see any point having an out an out ruckman sitting as a sub ready to come on when a running player could get injured. This would limit the options a coach has to make changes during a match. I would think a utility type player that can play multiple roles would be more ideal. Perhaps a Smack, Sellar, Young, Armstrong would be more adaptable as a sub than Maric.

 

[Mismatched]

I have my concerns about Davis, but I don't think that Moran is the man to replace him. Davis' biggest problem in 2010 was his lack of offensive output. He was very, very good at negating his opponent - particularly his ability to spoil legally despite being badly out of position. What he lacked was any run or movement when Adelaide were in possession of the ball.

As pointed out by Wall-e, Moran just doesn't (and will never) have the football IQ required to hold down CHB or FB. He is, however, very handy as a tall player dropping back in defence as part of the zone.

We have plenty of other young bucks who would be fighting for Davis' position in defence, most notably Talia, Sellar and Young.

Nor does Moran have the temperament, as a defender he gives in far too easily and just doesn't provide enough of a contest. Has the size and athleticism, but I think he's best suited to ruck or forward line, and maybe as a loose man, but just isn't disciplined enough to have an opponent of his own, especially a good one.

I don't see what the worry about Davis is. He's one of the most promising young backman in the game, his main job is to nullify his opponent and he did that very well last year for a 2nd year player. He showed in the SANFL in his first year that he has the ability to be an attacking outlet from down back as well, I think this year we will see him get a lot more of the ball and give some run off the backline as well just like Bock did.

I don't think there's a worry that he's not an effective CHB, he's certainly shown that and at this stage has earned the right to be considered our incumbent CHB. However, the fact of the matter is that we have a number of young key defensive prospects all looking to take his spot, so I'm not sure he's the certainty to retain his spot that many believe. Which is as much a reflection of his competition as it is on Davis by the way.

At this stage watching Davis, he doesn't appear to be the natural line breaker that Bock was. He can be quite static when he has the footy and seems quite content to dish off to others to run the ball out. Now he may develop this side of his game, personally I just see a few others who are a bit more natural at this side of the game, which I think is an important element of a quality CHB. One that turns a "good defender" into an "all australian quality" defender.

It wouldn't be such an issue I suppose if we hadn't just lost 3 past All-Australians from our defensive 6 who have provided so much of our drive from the back half for the last few years.

 

[Allefgib]

And yet you still don't believe Otten will line up back..

 

[Huntercrow]

At this stage watching Davis, he doesn't appear to be the natural line breaker that Bock was. He can be quite static when he has the footy and seems quite content to dish off to others to run the ball out. Now he may develop this side of his game, personally I just see a few others who are a bit more natural at this side of the game, which I think is an important element of a quality CHB. One that turns a "good defender" into an "all australian quality" defender.

Why do we need our centre half back to run the ball out?
Let the flankers do that.
Yeah it looks great when Bock would stream down the ground bouncing the ball but then get caught out of position after a turnover.
Davis is smart and generally makes the right decisions so if he can force a turnover and dish out to a running HBF then surely that would be more effective.
And he comes with the Sandiland seal of approval.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Does anyone else think that Moran ( fit and in form ) is a better bet at CHB than Davis. Davis still looks small and the big CHF will push him aside easily I would think. He might be gutsy but has a long way to go to play key position.

Not me. I'd take Sammy Davis Jnr at CHB over Moran.

I don't see what the worry about Davis is. He's one of the most promising young backman in the game, his main job is to nullify his opponent and he did that very well last year for a 2nd year player. He showed in the SANFL in his first year that he has the ability to be an attacking outlet from down back as well, I think this year we will see him get a lot more of the ball and give some run off the backline as well just like Bock did.

Me neither. Surely we've got plenty of other players we can worry about.

Davis is the sort of player you dream about. We can just plug him in in a key defensive post for the next 10 years. We know he'll take care of even the highest quality opponents and his decision-making and calmness under pressure means that he very rarely makes errors. So we won't get any plodding, six bounce runs via the Cape? Who gives.

He's a ripper. Let's hope we keep picking him. I'd hate Neil to fall in love with some absolutely shyte journeyman who gives us nothing and keeps a genuine quality player out of our starting 18.

 

[Slippery Pete]

.Davis is the sort of player you dream about. We can just plug him in in a key defensive post for the next 10 years. We know he'll take care of even the highest quality opponents and his decision-making and calmness under pressure means that he very rarely makes errors. So we won't get any plodding, six bounce runs via the Cape? Who gives.

He's a ripper. Let's hope we keep picking him. I'd hate Neil to fall in love with some absolutely shyte journeyman who gives us nothing and keeps a genuine quality player out of our starting 18.

Agree. He's Mr Reliable, with a touch of brilliance. Different type of body to Ben Hart, but similar qualities from a football perspective. Obviously has a long way to go to get to that level, but you know what I mean.

If we're worried about Davis, we must be absolutely checking ourselves into a mental asylum over some of the others.

 

[Crow-mo]

Not me. I'd take Sammy Davis Jnr at CHB over Moran.

I'm not even sure he needs to be exhumed to be more effective at CHB.

 

[Crow_Magnon]

This year the Crows have 39 players on the senior list with Doughty as the only veteran.

6 of those players are yet to debut - James, Lyons, Shaw, Smith, Talia and Luke Thompson. Certainly they can't be considered best 21, but will possibly get opportunities with injuries to others.

5 are ruckmen - Maric, Jacobs, Moran, Sellar, McKernan (Is that right? Do we really have 1 out of 8 players on our list fighting for 1 spot in 21? Or are some of these guys good for other things too?)

19 (IMO, at least) are best 21 when fit: Dangerfield, Davis, Doughty, Douglas, Henderson, Johncock, Knights, McKay, Otten, Porplyzia, Reilly, Rutten, Sloane, Tambling, Thompson, Tippett, Van Berlo, Vince, Walker.

The rest are fringe players: Stevens, Symes, Petrenko, Cook, Jaensch, Armstrong, Martin, Gunston, Young.

So, assuming everyone is fit, the best 21+1 will be the 19 above, plus a ruck (jury is still out on #1) and a fringe player.

Given that some posters consider Stevens and Symes to be starting players, I guess the question is who of the 19 is actually a fringe player?

Can anyone mount an argument as to why any of the 19 I have named shouldn't be best 21? (not trying to say I've got it right, but looking for discussion. e.g. Players like Hendo, and Sloane may not have fully staked their claim; Porps was horribly out of form last year - but not alone in that!; Tambling hasn't actually lined up for us yet). Could it actually be we have more than 21 players with valid best 21 claims?

I'd think Reilly, Tambling (untried as yet) and Vince (based on 2010) are fringe players...and Martin, Symes and Jaensch are possibly better options.....Doughty is another who shouldn't get a gold pass just because he's experienced (experienced in handballing backwards / sideways to teammates under pressure mostly!)....

 

[pext]

19 (IMO, at least) are best 21 when fit: Dangerfield, Davis, Doughty, Douglas, Henderson, Johncock, Knights, McKay, Otten, Porplyzia, Reilly, Rutten, Sloane, Tambling, Thompson, Tippett, Van Berlo, Vince, Walker.

The rest are fringe players: Stevens, Symes, Petrenko, Cook, Jaensch, Armstrong, Martin, Gunston, Young.

I mostly agree with you; however, I can't see Craigy not having Stevo and Symesy in his best 21. IMO our 21 incumbents would be:

Dangerfield, Davis, Doughty, Douglas, Johncock, Knights, MacKay, Maric, Otten, Porplyzia, Reilly, Rutten, Sloane, Stevens, Symes, Tambling, Thompson, Tippett, Van Berlo, Vince & Walker.

Given that an AFL team will usually have at least three players out each week for form or injury (currently Vince, Mackay & Tambling), Henderson, Jacobs, Petrenko, Jaensch, Martin & Sellar should all get plenty of chances to cement a spot.

2011 looks very promising for the crows.

 

[OldCrowBloke]

A previous thread looked at Davis' impact in 2010 on win/loss records for the Crows - he came out well!
He is not always the most noticeable player on the field, but then you realise the so-called gun forward he is playing on has had zero influence on the game (eg the job he did on Pav, and also St Nick in round 22).
The way he can read the game reminds me a lot of Bassett.

 

[AFC979810]

A previous thread looked at Davis' impact in 2010 on win/loss records for the Crows - he came out well!
He is not always the most noticeable player on the field, but then you realise the so-called gun forward he is playing on has had zero influence on the game (eg the job he did on Pav, and also St Nick in round 22).
The way he can read the game reminds me a lot of Bassett.

I was a big fan of how he played last year - think he will be a very good player for the club.

However - i think the biggest question is how he will play a full season at CHB matching up on the likes of Brown, Pavlich, etc....

The kid has only played 15 games, and we have to be prepared for a pretty up and down year.

Plus I don't think he will struggle losing the experience and guidance of McLeod and Goodwin from our back 6....

 

[Vader]

He'll still have plenty of experienced players around him though, with Rutten, Johncock, Doughty & Stevens. That's 4 of our 5 most experienced players. Rutten in particular is an outstanding general in the back line.

 

[Dangarman]

I'd think Reilly, Tambling (untried as yet) and Vince (based on 2010) are fringe players...and Martin, Symes and Jaensch are possibly better options.....Doughty is another who shouldn't get a gold pass just because he's experienced (experienced in handballing backwards / sideways to teammates under pressure mostly!)....

Reilly has only missed 4 games last 2 seasons, playing every game since R15 2009. Last year he averaged 4.5 marks, 19.7 disposals and 4.7 tackles a game. Double digit disposals in all but 2 of his last 55 games.

Doughty has played every game in the past 3 seasons. At least he is getting his hands on the ball, which is more than can be said for a lot of his team mates last season.

If that's the standard of our fringe players, the flag is in the bag.

 

[Allefgib]

I'd be prepared to wear a Tippett 2008 year from Davis to be honest. I wouldn't expect his output to drop off as much either (given he isn't a forward target).

Start him CHB every week. Assuming Stevens is in the side, if Davis is getting a mauling AND we are still a chance to win the game, maybe switch their roles. Otherwise let him stay there and learn the role.

On Reilly for a second - I rewatched the 2006 Essendon smashing the other day (from name a game - one where Trent kicks 8). Reilly in that game played as a long-kicking, damaging wingman and was in very good nick (who wasn't!). I can't help but wish we saw more of that style of play from him today. He just doesn't seem to find the space and be damaging with long accurate kicks like he used to. Or at least thats how I feel watching the games... perception may not be the reality.

 

[Vader]

I'd be prepared to wear a Tippett 2008 year from Davis to be honest. I wouldn't expect his output to drop off as much either (given he isn't a forward target).

Start him CHB every week. Assuming Stevens is in the side, if Davis is getting a mauling AND we are still a chance to win the game, maybe switch their roles. Otherwise let him stay there and learn the role.

On Reilly for a second - I rewatched the 2006 Essendon smashing the other day (from name a game - one where Trent kicks 8). Reilly in that game played as a long-kicking, damaging wingman and was in very good nick (who wasn't!). I can't help but wish we saw more of that style of play from him today. He just doesn't seem to find the space and be damaging with long accurate kicks like he used to. Or at least thats how I feel watching the games... perception may not be the reality.

It helped that he didn't have an opponent that day, as Essendon decided to double team Goodwin. More precisely, Goodwin was assigned one Essendon player and a second Essendon player was assigned to play on (read tag) him. The end result was that Goodwin spent most of the first half with 2 opponents. This left Reilly free to run riot, which he did until Sheedy eventually woke up to the situation.

 

[scoota10]

1st up I think McKERNAN will have a break out year
My side
Forwards> Porps/Tippet/Sloane
H/Forwards> Doug/Walker/Knights
Centres> Mckay/Thompson/Henderson
H/Backs> V.B./ Davis/ Doughty
Backs> Johncock/Rutten/Stevens

Ruck> Jacob,Vince,Dangerfield

INT> Mckernan,Rielly,Tambling
SUB>Otten
EMERG>Martin,Jaensch,Maric
I feel if you recruit or trade for players YOU should play them

 

[AFC979810]

I feel if you recruit or trade for players YOU should play them

Where is Moran? Symes? Both players were traded in.....

What about Callinan?

You have 40 spots on your list... You try to get the best possible 40 players you can (through drafting, rookie listing, trading)..... You then need to play the best 21(22) regardless of where they came from...

 

[scoota10]

Where is Moran? Symes? Both players were traded in.....

What about Callinan?

You have 40 spots on your list... You try to get the best possible 40 players you can (through drafting, rookie listing, trading)..... You then need to play the best 21(22) regardless of where they came from...

Check the side out, I have RECRUITED and TRADED player`s in

 

[alex_is_on_fire]

1st up I think McKERNAN will have a break out year

Only problem with that, he needs to get into the side first. With Maric, Jacobs and possibly Moran ahead of him; he's looking for some injuries.

I hope he does as the stuff i've seen of him at South Adelaide looks very promising but the pessimistic side of me suggest he will spend 22 weeks at panther Park without getting a look in.

I'm sorry but when it come time to playing kids over more senior players, Neil Craig will go for the senior guy 99 times out of 100 and that doesn't bode will for S-Mac.

 

[Vader]

Only problem with that, he needs to get into the side first. With Maric, Jacobs and possibly Moran ahead of him; he's looking for some injuries.

And Sellar...

I hope he does as the stuff i've seen of him at South Adelaide looks very promising but the pessimistic side of me suggest he will spend 22 weeks at panther Park without getting a look in.

I'm sorry but when it come time to playing kids over more senior players, Neil Craig will go for the senior guy 99 times out of 100 and that doesn't bode will for S-Mac.

Regardless of the senior vs junior argument, McKernan would want to improve at least 50% on his 2010 SANFL form if he's to have any hope of getting an AFL gig in 2011. In a year where our team was decimated by injuries, McKernan was one of the few players who rarely even looked like getting selected to play for the Crows.

 

[Schulzycrow]

Smack is still young, he has been in the system for a couple of years, but I would hope he gets a few games this year and keeping him on the list for a couple more years yet. Will need to keep improving though.

 

[scoota10]

Thanks for your Opinions, Lads

BUT ! another year, new season, different coaches,

 

[Schulzycrow]

Thanks for your Opinions, Lads

BUT ! another year, new season, different coaches,

From all reports he is busting his guts and trying really hard. New coaches will have some imput, but Craigy will have the final say and obviously he ain't there yet.

If he has a cracking PS Cup who knows??

 

[Crow-mo]

I'd think Reilly, Tambling (untried as yet) and Vince (based on 2010) are fringe players...and Martin, Symes and Jaensch are possibly better options.....Doughty is another who shouldn't get a gold pass just because he's experienced (experienced in handballing backwards / sideways to teammates under pressure mostly!)....

Martin, symes & Jaensch better options than vince, tambling & reilly?

gosh, where do I get some of that stash? share!!

 

[KUNG FU]

This is why we will struggle to make the top 8 again. We need to cut our losses with middle of the road players who are taking us nowhere.

I won't shed a tear if Stevens is surpassed by Talia, McKernan, Young, Thompson or whoever by the end of the year, but he is clearly ahead of them at this stage and I like my team to win games.