Team Rd 1

[feenix67]

We also had some of our best youngsters actually close to full fitness and a shorter injury list - Tippett and Vince for a start. VB was playing again. A lot of things changed in the second half of the season as well as Burton, Goodwin & co dropping out. You are simplifying it down to one issue to support a pre-set opinion on NC.

When NC dropped Edwards (a beloved oldy as you put it) all hell broke loose among the fans. Goodwin and McLeod's bodies fell over but you pick those 2 while they are on the list. Goody was our captain!

The decision to hold onto the 4 old blokes turned out badly in the end but, as Rendell put it, in the 2009 draft he didn't have any more players to draft if those veterans were off the list. At half salary and with how we finished 09 it was a reasonable decision. In hindsight, we had peaked in 09 but do you expect the club to die wondering? You've got to go for the chance of a premiership or at least a GF appearance if you think you are half a chance. Otherwise, you'll be forever playing kids and finishing 8th-10th.

Had Tippett, VB, Vince, Knights, etc, etc all been 100% fit all year who knows what might have happened. They weren't so inevitably the spotlight fell on the 4 veterans.

Overall I think too much is made of those 4 veterans being retained on the list. Apart from them, it was a young list and we played a lot of young players throughout the season.

Your post lacks the hysteria, baseless facts, conspiracy theories, henny penny cries and essential irrational thought that is required here.

Mods, please yellow card this man!

 

[Mad Fan of AFL]

Cap...good comments regarding it only took last year to recruit some small crumbing forwards. The crows have been crying out for one for years.

There has been deficiencies on our list, however, reasons have been mentioned why they couldn't be addressed. (eg. the player getting drafted before we could pick him)

So glad we have callinan, Milera and Roach..as a start. Hope we continue to look at more of these types.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

We also had some of our best youngsters actually close to full fitness and a shorter injury list - Tippett and Vince for a start. VB was playing again. A lot of things changed in the second half of the season as well as Burton, Goodwin & co dropping out. You are simplifying it down to one issue to support a pre-set opinion on NC.

When NC dropped Edwards (a beloved oldy as you put it) all hell broke loose among the fans. Goodwin and McLeod's bodies fell over but you pick those 2 while they are on the list. Goody was our captain!

The decision to hold onto the 4 old blokes turned out badly in the end but, as Rendell put it, in the 2009 draft he didn't have any more players to draft if those veterans were off the list. At half salary and with how we finished 09 it was a reasonable decision. In hindsight, we had peaked in 09 but do you expect the club to die wondering? You've got to go for the chance of a premiership or at least a GF appearance if you think you are half a chance. Otherwise, you'll be forever playing kids and finishing 8th-10th.

Had Tippett, VB, Vince, Knights, etc, etc all been 100% fit all year who knows what might have happened. They weren't so inevitably the spotlight fell on the 4 veterans.

Overall I think too much is made of those 4 veterans being retained on the list. Apart from them, it was a young list and we played a lot of young players throughout the season.

Good post but I don't think you've quite understood what I was saying. Or I didn't illustrate it correctly.

I have no problem with those four blokes playing on. I've never said anything against it and I have no problem with the club keeping them going last season. Hindsight obviosuly it looks a stupid decision but I wasn't critical at the time. (I do have a problem with us expecting improvement from them and making them full-time, integral members of our starting 18 rather than lightening their workload but I digress.)

I've been saying almost since I joined the board that it is our mid-range players (Massie, Biglands, Skipworth, Perrie, Shirley, Doughty, Symes, Stevens...) who should be the ones squeezed out of the 22 from time to time so that our most talented up and comers get to play with our champions. I've been pretty consistent on that point for a long, long time. In fact every second post I do is some variation on that theme.

Anyway... back to what I was saying. The point I was making and the issue I had was this: early in the season Neil was worried about what our team would look like without all our expereinced veterans. Presumably he thought our kids lacked the quality, courage, mettle, ability, size, temperament and skill to play immediately at AFL level and the results would be diabolical. In his mind, he had to keep those experienced blokes in there to protect our poor, green kids who weren't anywhere near ready.

He was worrying for nothing. He was wrong. Our kids were ready. In fact there are some pretty damn good footballers among them. Later in the season he was left with no choice. Injuries and retirements left the cupboard bare and all that was left was kids.

Whate we saw was that we didn't need to keep on forcing Doughty, McLeod, Goodwin and Stevens to keep playing early in the season whilst clearly injured or labouring.

Neil thought we did. He was wrong. And I hope against hope that he has LEARNT his lesson. He is the King Of Learning after all.

 

[Mad Fan of AFL]

Good post Carl. As we know Neil is stubborn. He is set in his ways. I personally, rightly or wrongly, like him to push through more youngsters, if proven they are able to play. Give them ago. Some have good periods in SANFL but then get injured, just when they were on the cusp of selection. Take a risk!

 

[1990crow]

I know Ive posted the team I want come finals assuming a few youngsters are in form but this is the team for round 1:

Dangerfield Tippett Porplyzia
Douglas Walker Knights
Mackay Thompson Tambling
Van Berlo Davis Doughty
Johncock Rutten Stevens
Jacobs VB Vince
Henderson Martin Otten Sub: Maric??

My thoughts after this.. would like to see Brodie Smith get a few games, he seems up to speed in the training Ive seen and also Talia or Young could be close to Stevos spot in the back pocket. Will be interesting what happens this year with the likes of Symes, Moran, Petrenko, Cook and Armstrong. Will expect with injuries most will get their chance and I wonder if any will take it? Moran a smoky for the leading ruck perhaps?

 

[Schulzycrow]

I know Ive posted the team I want come finals assuming a few youngsters are in form but this is the team for round 1:

Dangerfield Tippett Porplyzia
Douglas Walker Knights
Mackay Thompson Tambling
Van Berlo Davis Doughty
Johncock Rutten Stevens
Jacobs VB Vince
Henderson Martin Otten Sub: Maric??

My thoughts after this.. would like to see Brodie Smith get a few games, he seems up to speed in the training Ive seen and also Talia or Young could be close to Stevos spot in the back pocket. Will be interesting what happens this year with the likes of Symes, Moran, Petrenko, Cook and Armstrong. Will expect with injuries most will get their chance and I wonder if any will take it? Moran a smoky for the leading ruck perhaps?

Maybe Martin or Sloane for the second VB

 

[cmndstab]

Maybe Martin or Sloane for the second VB

He may mean Van Bertouch?

 

[BACCS]

He may mean Van Bertouch?

I'd hope not.

 

[OldCrowBloke]

I have had a couple of goes at a Rd 1 team, but can't fit everyone in that I want to see!

As an observation on teams posted on BF - despite all the calls for the need for a new crumbing forward, few teams can fit in Callinan et al.

 

[The Sloane Ranger]

Big Ivan on Callinan

http://www.afc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/4417/newsid/107100/default.aspx

"While we’re speaking about Ian Callinan he has been tearing up the track at training and I cannot wait to see this man play. He reminds me of Vincent Papali, for those who don’t know who he is wikipedia him and then watch the movie “Invincible”.

 

[Elite Crow]

Question for the guys that get to training, where has Porps been spending his time?

If Callinan/Jaensch come on and guys like Walker and Hendo continue to develop and Knights stays sound, do we need him up forward? Our midfield needs strengthening, Porps strength, clean hands and good disposal could be the missing link. The problem in the past has been fitness due to injuries but touch wood he seems to flying this preseason. Thoughts?

 

[cmndstab]

He's been up forward mostly, but like all the other small forwards has had stints in the middle.

I think we need to accept that he's not ever going to be a full time AFL midfielder. Instead, I would like to see him rotate with Jaensch and/or Callinan. If all three make the best 21, then we could have two up forward and one in the center (Porps) or on a wing (Jaensch/Callinan) at any given time.

 

[Schulzycrow]

He's been up forward mostly, but like all the other small forwards has had stints in the middle.

I think we need to accept that he's not ever going to be a full time AFL midfielder. Instead, I would like to see him rotate with Jaensch and/or Callinan. If all three make the best 21, then we could have two up forward and one in the center (Porps) or on a wing (Jaensch/Callinan) at any given time.

Totally agree Stabby,

Like to see all three in the side as all have great foot skills awareness around goals and all can play for short stints in middle. But it comes down to again who gets left out?

Just hoping we don't have too many injuries in the PS Cup. D-Mac might not come up in time and Vince is still touch and go for the beginning of the season, so who knows.

 

[VSTone]

anyone see any changes for their round 1 team after yesterdays session?

 

[Baron Winds]

B: Johncock Rutten Stevens
HB Tambling Davis Doughty
C: vanBerlo Thompson Martin
HF: Knights Tippett Porplyzia
F: Callinan Walker Dangerfield
R: Jacobs Douglas Reilly
Int: Sloane Henderson Mackay SUB: Otten
Emg: Sellar, Petrenko, Symes

Cant see Vince coming back for round 1, even Mackay is a bit shaky for me after surgery and less than an ideal PS.. See how he goes in the NAB cup. I personally cant see us playing Sellar/McKernan/Moran as long as Stevens is in the side, the trend would say we were top heavy if we did. IF they do decide to play the extra tall for once and leave Tippett alone, then i would take one of either Mackay(injury/fitness), Martin or Henderon (inexperience and neither have really stood out on the track, afaik) out of the side and replace with Sellar

 

[Truck Rutten]

Hadn't done one before now as it trying to squeeze in the walk up starts, along with Neil's boys who are sure to get a game, plus the younger guys I think should be in the team, was just impossible. I'm assuming that Vince, Mackay and Jaensch won't come up for round 1. Will be very happy if any of them do though.

B: Johncock Rutten Stevens
HB: Doughty Davis Tambling
C: van Berlo Thompson Otten
HF: Porplyzia Walker Knights
F: Henderson Tippett Callinan
R: Jacobs Douglas Reilly
I: Dangerfield, Sellar, Sloane Sub: Martin/Petrenko

 

[WAG]

Without Vince and Mackay, our midfield rotation looks a little b grade!

 

[BACCS]

Without Vince and Mackay, our midfield rotation looks a little b grade!

I'd expect both to be there, expected back round 3 of the NAB Cup.

 

[Schulzycrow]

Callinan, Tambling and possibly Jacobs will be in the side round 1, most others such as Radar, Symes, Doughty and Stevens will be there. Maric won't give up no 1 ruck without a fight and in round 1 I would expect him to still be there.

B Johncock, Rutten, Stevens
HB VB, Davis, Otto
C D-Mac, Vince, Tambling
HF Knights, Walker, Danger
F Porps, Tippett, Callinan

R Maric, Thompson, Douglas
I, Doughty, Radar, Smack/Sellar/Moran
Sub: Sloane

Emg: Jacobs, Jaensch, Hendo, Martin

This was nearly two months ago. I know there are seven weeks until round 1 so D-Mac and Vince have a good chance of getting on the park Round 1. If however the club has learnt from last season and they only have a month or so of training under their belts you would think that maybe they won't be there.

With that the case revision no 3...
B Johncock, Rutten, Stevens
HB VB, Davis, Tambling
C Sloane, Danger, Martin
HF Knights, Walker, Hendo
F Porps, Tippett, Callinan

R Maric, Thompson, Douglas
I, Doughty, Radar, Smack/Sellar/Moran
Sub: Otto or Stevens
Emg: Jacobs, Petrenko, L Thompson, Wright

Injury clouds over Vince, D-Mac and now Jaensch leaves us light on in the midfield so Otto might come into this instead of Stevens. Big responsibilties for Radar, Sloane, Danger, Douglas, Otto, Knights, Porps, Martin and Callinan to back Thompson up. It is a mid rotation light on games played, but there is some talent and speed in there.

Plenty of spots still up for grabs, but I think Callinan has to be nearly a certainty to play if Jaensch has got OP Hope not. Friday is going to be very interesting to watch.

 

[KingJames23]

This was nearly two months ago. I know there are seven weeks until round 1 so D-Mac and Vince have a good chance of getting on the park Round 1. If however the club has learnt from last season and they only have a month or so of training under their belts you would think that maybe they won't be there.

With that the case revision no 3...
B Johncock, Rutten, Stevens
HB VB, Davis, Tambling
C Sloane, Danger, Martin
HF Knights, Walker, Hendo
F Porps, Tippett, Callinan

R Maric, Thompson, Douglas
I, Doughty, Radar, Smack/Sellar/Moran
Sub: Otto or Stevens
Emg: Jacobs, Petrenko, L Thompson, Wright

Injury clouds over Vince, D-Mac and now Jaensch leaves us light on in the midfield so Otto might come into this instead of Stevens. Big responsibilties for Radar, Sloane, Danger, Douglas, Otto, Knights, Porps, Martin and Callinan to back Thompson up. It is a mid rotation light on games played, but there is some talent and speed in there.

Plenty of spots still up for grabs, but I think Callinan has to be nearly a certainty to play if Jaensch has got OP Hope not. Friday is going to be very interesting to watch.

Not a bad side. Can't pencil in Maric until I see how jacobs goes. And I'm not buying the who 'otten as a sub' business. I mean seriously, how can a guy that good be a sub? If he is fit, I would be very surprised if he plays as a sub. I see the sub player as being a) a utility type player and b) someone who is more fringe. E.g. Sellar, hendo, gunston etc. Crows would be crazy to play a guy of otten's talent for anything less than a full game. He is far too valuable.

 

[Schulzycrow]

Agree KJ on further thought Otto would be wasted there.

Lots of water under the bridge before the Hawks game, it will have to be a utility player you would think. I had Hendo as my sub in my first try as this and got accused of smoking dope Don't think it would help much...

I do go with the point that was made about if Otto is in the backline with Truck, Stevo and Davis that we are a bit too tall. It seem like Otto will play more mid/wing/CHB maybe this year and not so much third tall. I think Stevens would be a perfect sub, but just can't see it happening. Being almost guaranteed a spot in the starting 21.

Otten, Hendo, Gunston, L Thompson, Stevens, Tahlia, Selllar, Smack are my candidates for the sub spot. Maybe someone else can come up with some more suggestions.

I would think it would be a rotational thing based on matchups for the match. What it will mean is that if players have nigges going in there clubs might side on a full fit player than someone who breaks down 2nd quarter. Also could see more emergency chances match day.

Just throwing things out there, I think it is one more headache that clubs just don't need on the day.

 

[dplggr47]

i'd say Callinan may be used as a sub. bring him in half way through a game to play forward and shift Porpz into the midfield...and whoever is having a bad day can be subbed off.

Otten, Martin and Sloane are too good to be subs. i would also rate Hendo as too good to be a sub, plus, he has a good tank and can go all day.

 

[KUNG FU]

Otten definitely needs a quality NAB Cup to be in the first 21, but I'm expecting that to be so.

 

[1990crow]

I Know it's only early but I think after seeing one game I can put a couple of changes to my team.

Porps Tippett Walker
knights McKernan Smith
Mackay Thompson Otten
Doughty Davis VB
Johncock Rutten Stevens
Jacobs Vince Dangerfield
Martin Douglas Reilly sub: sloane

Jacobs is the type of player we need in the midfield to give our midfield about 60 per cent first look at the ball which will help us enormously IMO
Callinan looked good but maybe not best twenty two material.
McKernan was VERY impressive which means walker and Tippett can combine on the last line leaving McKernan the 50 arc and beyond.
Smith too was impressive and despite his small frame reminds me of a younger Edwards with a bit more toe and a more penetrating foot. Great pick by rendall.
Martin was impressive with his footskills which adds to the team I think.
Danger field has improved I feel and otten was good and with a couple more games will start to have improved influence. Not sure on the fitness of players like Vince and mackay but would like them to play next round of the nab cup to give them touch. Thompson outstanding and I liked the game of VB.

Otherwise, tambling wasn't impressive and I feel a lot more running would do him good as he seemed to lack run. Petrenko was good but is probably behind johncock. Cook needs to find awareness or his career will be over come seasons end. His run and carry was impressive, his kicking will never be great however if he could stop getting caught holding the ball be might actually make it because he knows how to find the ball.

 

[alex_is_on_fire]

After watching the second game last night, anyone who doesn't have Symes, Doughty, Stevens or Van Berlo (exception as he should be) in their side will not have the right mixture of players.