The Ball effect

[jonbe54]

Ever since his recruitment Luke has provided a demonstration of commitment to the ball and contest that has had its effect on our younger on-ballers.

The leadership and drive he brings seems to also have had an effect on the coaching staff and match committee, raising their expectations and shifting the focus from pure creativity to a harder working more effective type of on baller.

Our younger mids are starting to get a harder edge and our midfield is the stronger and more threatening for it.

Not all is Luke's doing but his coming has provided and examplar that having a very beneficial effect.

 

[Temploar]

Luke is a quality leader and a future captain/coach. Nuff said

 

[ipswichpies]

When he went down I thought we were in serious trouble as he has a lot to do with our drive and leadership ethos and I would much prefer having him in the team than not but some of the younger boys have really step up in his absence and yes I think this is a lot to do with Luke and the man that he is.

Really it was a great day for our club when he came here you can build a club around him and people like him he is not 1 of the chief drivers of the players association for nothing.

 

[Gone Critical]

Just makes you wonder more and more "What was Ross Lyon thinking?"

 

[jonbe54]

Leadership by example is the strongest teaching tool a team has, we have a strong ethos growing in our club that exemplifies putting team first and reaping personal benefits from that rather than a more selfish grandstanding attitude.

Young sinclair and Keeffie are prime examples of this, both had a long way to go though Keeffie is further along the track.

I believe the biggest change in attitude can be seen with Dale, since the coming of Luke Thomas has become almost manic in his attack on ball on opposition. There are signs of it in Seedsman and others, the whole team has become harder.

It can't all be the Ball factor but I believe his attitude has opened a few eyes on what is possible and should be expected.

 

[Pie eyed]

Leadership by example is the strongest teaching tool a team has, we have a strong ethos growing in our club that exemplifies putting team first and reaping personal benefits from that rather than a more selfish grandstanding attitude.

Young sinclair and Keeffie are prime examples of this, both had a long way to go though Keeffie is further along the track.

I believe the biggest change in attitude can be seen with Dale, since the coming of Luke Thomas has become almost manic in his attack on ball on opposition. There are signs of it in Seedsman and others, the whole team has become harder.

It can't all be the Ball factor but I believe his attitude has opened a few eyes on what is possible and should be expected.

I think the other players just have to look at Bally in action and they say..."Shit! I can do that." and do.

Best investment Collingwood has made in many a season is Luke Ball.

 

[lozza63]

Yeah Jonbe, it's great that a type like Bally can probably just turn up to the rooms pre-game and just by his presence inspire the younger guys.

I've been impressed by the interviews he gives from time to time - not in the least worried about himself, more concentrating on the greater good of the team is what this guy exudes - fantastic.

 

[jonbe54]

I can remember the '70's quite clearly - we had a pretty talented group of guys running around but it was mostly just talent - that's fine for the H&A series but come finals time and the harder, more desperate teams were more prepared to work hard for the ball instead of looking for the H&A frees which just aren't there at the pointy end.

Finals footy demands a different type of player, talented and HARD, just one guy can change a whole team attitude and in the final washup its attitude that wins the tough matches.

More than this though is his effort on the track and in the gym, he works incredibly hard, not just on his body but at improving his skills, the players see this of course and it has to motivate them to be less than satisfied with just being 'good enough'.

 

[morgues]

Great thread jonbe great thread.

Luke Ball just personifies what is required at the pies.
I love that after spending a fortnight or so bailed up on the couch at home after the operation, he was back at the club first thing the next Monday.

Imagine young Sinclair, bit bruised and battered, feeling a bit sorry for himself after a taxing game, and rocks up to the club and sees Bally there. It would be completely inspiring, driving him to work as hard as Bally.

Bally deserves all the love and praise and admiration the Magpie Army can supply him. It is the least we can do.

Seriously, I need to get a 12 on my jumper!

 

[pauly_moss]

In a strange twist of fate I think Balls injury is a good thing. Now not good for Ball and I wish he was out there. But for someone to be in the position that he is in with basically no hope of playing this year he is out there training doing as much as he can with the rest of the team.

He is a true inspiration to the rest of the team and shows what courage and determination can do a true professional. I would not be surprised with the amount of work he does to get back that he may make a surprise early recovery, more then likely wont happen but wont be shocked to see him late in the year.

He is not just an inspiration to magpie players but I think also to the greater comunity a true great person

 

[Cousin of Daicos]

I see where you're going Pauly.

Ball being out could be a blessing in disguise.

Ball hopefully comes back better than ever, but in his absence, the midfield depth has hopefully increased 2 fold, which in turn helps his game even further!

All of a sudden, you can start to ease Williams, Elliott and Seedsman in there under the wings of Swan, Pendelbury, Thomas, Ball, Beams, Sidebottom, Wellingham, Blair and Didak.

Hooooo boy.

 

[jonbe54]

The other aspect of the Ball effect is the tall poppy syndrome or its precursor the hero worshipping that many players have had at this club. Too often in the past great players at our club have been deified, and not always for the right reasons.

Luke is a prime example of what any TEAM sportsman should be like -

Focused.

Committed.

Supportive.

Personal leadership.

That we have gained a player capable of changing a culture of 'good enough' to a culture of 'how can I improve' because another club didn't recognize its value is a matter of deep gratitude for me - an no small amusement lol.

 

[Tbone McGraw]

I can remember the '70's quite clearly - we had a pretty talented group of guys running around but it was mostly just talent - that's fine for the H&A series but come finals time and the harder, more desperate teams were more prepared to work hard for the ball instead of looking for the H&A frees which just aren't there at the pointy end.

Finals footy demands a different type of player, talented and HARD, just one guy can change a whole team attitude and in the final washup its attitude that wins the tough matches.

More than this though is his effort on the track and in the gym, he works incredibly hard, not just on his body but at improving his skills, the players see this of course and it has to motivate them to be less than satisfied with just being 'good enough'.

This. Ball's loss will be felt the biggest comes finals. Luckily we have a bit of time to get used to life without him before the finals.

Also in bucks message last week, he said Luke has been superb around the club helping other players since his injury.

I always respected him at st kilda but love him now. Imo he is the most genuine, level headed bloke playing afl.

Love ya Lukey.Come back bigger and better next year

 

[Thommo 42]

I got a new jumper last season and still haven't decided on a number. Had finally settled on 22, but this thread is throwing me back towards my initial plan of #12 !