Two years time

[Vader]

Big call that Reilly & Rutten would be retired, given that neither of them will have turned 30 by the beginning of the 2013 season and neither have any major (recent) history of injury.

Not sure that anyone would be interested in trading for Symes either. Maric might attract some interest though. This is a definite possibility if Jacobs turns out to be as good as the hype suggests.

I doubt Petrenko & Armstrong will be on our list. I don't think either of them have a long AFL career ahead of them, but I could be wrong.

 

[Team DJ]

Rutten has been looking very slow of late, and has been beaten by the new breed of quicker more agile full forwards. Unfortunatly the way they game is going and with clubs looking to find the next Lance Franklin Nick Riewolt type, rather then the old school big strong yet slow FF, i think the game may get past him through no fault of his own and a more mobile Davis, Thompson and Talia will be more suited.
Reilly i see having no other option. IMO he is barely in the best 22 atm. Give 2 more years to younger guys and he may find himself on the way out, and he'll have no option but to retire as no one else would pick him up.
Armstrong has a lot of potential has one of the best kicks at the club. If he can work on his upper body and get his head right could be a made replacement for Johncock.
And ive never been a Maric fan. Hes just a big bloke with no football brain. Jacobs is a footballer.

 

[Vader]

I disagree with your call on Rutten. He's quicker than he looks and is an incredibly smart footballer, which allows him to read the play and get to the right place before his opponent wakes up to what's happening. With Bock gone & Stevens likely to retire sooner rather than later, we'll need Rutten's leadership in the back line, acting as the general for our younger KPP defenders. He can be beaten by an agile player on a fast lead, but it doesn't happen all that often. In 2010 he played Jack Riewoldt & Barry Hall back-to-back in R18 & R19, the top-2 goal scorers for the season. Riewoldt kicked 2.1 and Hall just 0.1. Rutten remains one of the most miserly full backs in the competition. I think you're seriously underrating him.

Reilly could go either way. He reinvented himself as our tagger last year, with great success. Unlike the previous tagger (Shirley), Reilly was also able to provide significant offensive contributions as well. His position in the team will remain assured as long as he maintains his 2010 form. If he drops away, even by just 10%, then he could be in a great deal of trouble.

Love your optimism regarding Armstrong. I just don't see him as an AFL footballer.

What appeals most to me about Maric is his heart - he bleeds red, blue & gold and he's always the first one to stick up for a mate who has been treated roughly by the opposition. I'm yet to be convinced that Jacobs is a better player - though my mind is very much open on the subject, dependent entirely upon their respective performances in 2011. Jacobs definitely has a higher ceiling, but whether he's better right now? I'm withholding judgement.

 

[Team DJ]

Yeah thats fair. And i am a big Rutten fan. Its just if footy continues to go the way it has been i think he may struggle further, but yes he is smart and has hope. Reilly i has to keep up top form as there are a lot of talented young midfield types coming through. Sloane i think could end up as a tagger he loves contested footy and will do whatever it takes for the team.
Maric true his does have more heart then most. But at AFL level i dont think its enough when you lack the football ability like him. Hey i would of said the same about Jamar this time last year and hes turned out brilliantly. But i just dont see it happening with Maric. Especially with Jacobs (who smashed sydney in that final) and youngsters like McKernan and Sellar much more suited to the new sub rule coming through.

 

[Mad Fan of AFL]

I doubt Petrenko & Armstrong will be on our list. I don't think either of them have a long AFL career ahead of them, but I could be wrong.

I disagree with this. Both got potential as well as the weapons that will see them on the list, if given the opportunity of course. Petrenko been played as a forward, while didn't set the world on fire, he provided forward pressure and the odd goal. Obviously he has the weapons to be a good small defender and have the occassional run on the ball. All things been equal he should stay on the list with the comprimised draft.

Now for Armstrong. He is more than handy despite been percieved as not been hard at it. Why does he? All players are different...some are hard nuts and others are more outside recievers? You need all kinds on your list. Armstrong provides run and carry off the half back with decent skills. I thought the club wanted more run and carry types, people!???

Hope you are wrong Vader. I really like what these two bring to the table. I will stick my neck out...iam a big fan of the indigenous boys at the club, especially Pets and Johncock. Pets and Armstrong are miles ahead of somelike Cook, who if he doesn't show something this season will be gone. Cook must string some games together in the crows side to avoid been delisted in my opinion.

 

[Vader]

Hope you are wrong Vader. I really like what these two bring to the table. I will stick my neck out...iam a big fan of the indigenous boys at the club, especially Pets and Johncock. Pets and Armstrong are miles ahead of somelike Cook, who if he doesn't show something this season will be gone. Cook must string some games together in the crows side to avoid been delisted in my opinion.

Agree with your call regarding Cook, I can't see his AFL career continuing beyond his current contract.

 

[KingJames23]

I guess I am one of those who "bag Craig every 5 seconds on here " too. But do you see VB and NC holding up the premiership cup together?

I would love to see it but I just can't imagin it at the moment (the image of the cup in both their hands just doesn't fit). Hopefully that perception changes in the next few months.

I thought Nick "the hack" Maxwell was a terrible choice as pies captain but we saw what happened there.

 

[1990crow]

I thought Nick "the hack" Maxwell was a terrible choice as pies captain but we saw what happened there.

Let's hope your optimism translates into a premiership in the near future . VB will be a good at worst captain with professionalism off the field which will benefit the club and maybe his performances will improve with the added responsability. It would be nice if VB could lift his game this year and have something like 500 touches instead of mid 300s to 400.

 

[KingJames23]

While Im getting a little off topic here, I will mention that VB will never be in the elite category. But look at it from a teaching perspective. VB is the perfect example for the team. When have you ever heard of VB coming to preseason out of shape? Never happens. He is the perfect example for the kids. He seems approachable, disiplined, trains extremely professionally, has strong character (when have you ever heard of him doing something wrong?!? You wont see any nude pics of him on the net!), and his off field personality will grow. He is also an extremely smart guy who makes smart decisions in the best interests of the team, e.g. when they went to QLD - which was his initiative. You can't ask for much more from a captain.

From the outside, we have our personal preferences but as our team has become a lot younger, I think he sets a tremendous example for the kids. Not to say a Thompson or Rutten wouldnt, but Im a believer in 'you play like you practise', and VB is the standard by which professionalism and work ethic is measured. He lacks a bit of flair and excitement in his play, which is why i think people arent huge fans. But Im confident in saying that he would have a lot of respect in the group.

 

[icrow32]

While Im getting a little off topic here, I will mention that VB will never be in the elite category. But look at it from a teaching perspective. VB is the perfect example for the team. When have you ever heard of VB coming to preseason out of shape? Never happens. He is the perfect example for the kids. He seems approachable, disiplined, trains extremely professionally, has strong character (when have you ever heard of him doing something wrong?!? You wont see any nude pics of him on the net!), and his off field personality will grow. He is also an extremely smart guy who makes smart decisions in the best interests of the team, e.g. when they went to QLD - which was his initiative. You can't ask for much more from a captain.

quote]

Basicaly this can apply to all players on our list except for Johncock, Vince,m Jaensch and Thompson. VB must do a hell of a lot behind closed doors that sets him apart from the other 30 odd players on our list.

 

[shawshankin]

Right ladies & gents here it is (or how I think it should be!!)

B: Petrenko L.Thompson Young

HB: Otten Davis Dangerfield

C: Martin S.Thompson Mackay

HF: Jaensch Henderson Sloane

FF: Walker Tippett Porplyzia

1R: Jacobs Van Berlo (c) Vince

I/C: Wright/Smith, Maric, Reilly, Douglas

Worthy mentions: Whoever misses out of wright/smith, gunston,

Knights - Out, body given up the ghost.
Doughty - retired
Symes - Not quite there anymore
Tambling - same as at richmond (we couldnt make him our rodan)
Johncock - retired
Rutten - Retired
Stevens - Retired/not up to it

Lord knows I hope I'm wrong with Knights, yet even if I'm wrong I don't know if he'll command a spot over Jaensch or Sloane after another 2 pre seasons and 40ish games each.

 

[Vader]

Curious to hear why you think Johncock will be retired at the age of 29?

 

[KingJames23]

Right ladies & gents here it is (or how I think it should be!!)

B: Petrenko L.Thompson Young

HB: Otten Davis Dangerfield

C: Martin S.Thompson Mackay

HF: Jaensch Henderson Sloane

FF: Walker Tippett Porplyzia

1R: Jacobs Van Berlo (c) Vince

I/C: Wright/Smith, Maric, Reilly, Douglas

Worthy mentions: Whoever misses out of wright/smith, gunston,

Knights - Out, body given up the ghost.
Doughty - retired
Symes - Not quite there anymore
Tambling - same as at richmond (we couldnt make him our rodan)
Johncock - retired
Rutten - Retired
Stevens - Retired/not up to it

Lord knows I hope I'm wrong with Knights, yet even if I'm wrong I don't know if he'll command a spot over Jaensch or Sloane after another 2 pre seasons and 40ish games each.

Talia?

 

[KingJames23]

Here is my version:

FB: Johncock | L. Thompson | Talia
HB: Tambling | Davis | Otten
C: Mackay | Vince | Martin
HF: Porps | Walker | Knights
FF: jaensch | Tippett | Smack
R: Jacobs | VB | Danger
I/C: Sloane | Douglas | Smith | S. Thompson

Harder than I thought.... Of course its all guess work but a few comments for those who are left out:

Gunston/Henderson - play a similar role. Hard to leave these guys out but barring injury, most will find it hard to command a regular spot in the side.
Lyons - I like the look of this kid. Wouldnt be surprised if he is there in a couple years.
Maric/Moran - More of a depth player and will play if jacobs is injured/out of form.
Pets - really wanted a spot for this bloke. Seems suited to johncock's role. Goes hard at the footy - hope the crows hold onto him, keep him amongst the action until he takes over from stiffy.
Symes - I believe others will overtake him in a couple years.

 

[Huntercrow]

Here is my version:

FB: Johncock | L. Thompson | Talia
HB: Tambling | Davis | Otten
C: Mackay | Vince | Martin
HF: Porps | Walker | Knights
FF: jaensch | Tippett | Smack
R: Jacobs | VB | Danger
I/C: Sloane | Douglas | Smith | S. Thompson

Harder than I thought.... Of course its all guess work but a few comments for those who are left out:

Gunston/Henderson - play a similar role. Hard to leave these guys out but barring injury, most will find it hard to command a regular spot in the side.
Lyons - I like the look of this kid. Wouldnt be surprised if he is there in a couple years.
Maric/Moran - More of a depth player and will play if jacobs is injured/out of form.
Pets - really wanted a spot for this bloke. Seems suited to johncock's role. Goes hard at the footy - hope the crows hold onto him, keep him amongst the action until he takes over from stiffy.
Symes - I believe others will overtake him in a couple years.

The Crows have high hopes for Shaw so given 2 injury free years would be pressing for inclusion.

 

[KingJames23]

The Crows have high hopes for Shaw so given 2 injury free years would be pressing for inclusion.

Agree, but who would you replace him with from the side I listed?

 

[Huntercrow]

Agree, but who would you replace him with from the side I listed?

Tough one.

He and Smith should be neck and neck by then.(All going well)

Or possibly Tambling if he struggles.

 

[sliver member]

i am getting the feeling you guys are saying van berlo should not be captian because he is not one of our best players like Thompson but the captian does not have to be the best player. The captian needs to show leadership, able to guide the young players and other important attribute, the club believes he shows the best leadership material.

Nathan van berlo was elected by his fellow team mates so we have to trust they have chosen the right person and they know each other outside football ability alot better than us the supporters and give him a chance to prove himself has a capable captian.

 

[Team DJ]

FF: Walker Tippett Wright
HF: Porps Hendo Knights
C: McKay Vince Tambling
HB: VB (c) Talia Otton
FB: Thompson Davis Johncock
R: Jacobs Danger Douglas
INT: McKernan Sloane Smith S. Thompson
E: Martin Sellar Armstrong

Stevens Doherty Reilly and Rutten all to retire
Maric and Symes to be traded.

Others around the mark: Petrenko, Milera, Gunston, Lyons (will be a good player)

Howd anyone go?

I wasnt to bad i dont think,

 

[Glenno23]

Howd anyone go?

I wasnt to bad i dont think,

You did write Rutten off...... It seems that about 80% of posters do here every time he has 1 down game anyway
..

 

[Team DJ]

You did write Rutten off...... It seems that about 80% of posters do here every time he has 1 down game anyway
..

He was very down again on Friday night. Which has to mean hes done

 

[Team DJ]

Big call that Reilly & Rutten would be retired, given that neither of them will have turned 30 by the beginning of the 2013 season and neither have any major (recent) history of injury.

Not sure that anyone would be interested in trading for Symes either. Maric might attract some interest though. This is a definite possibility if Jacobs turns out to be as good as the hype suggests.

I doubt Petrenko & Armstrong will be on our list. I don't think either of them have a long AFL career ahead of them, but I could be wrong.

You were

 

[Southerntakeover]

LOL at the guy predicting vB wouldnt be on our list. STILL your reigning AFC Captain.

P.s. Carl- you were wrong too.

 

[Vader]

You were

Let's see what I wrote in that post"
Reilly - still on our list
Rutten - still on our list
Symes - not on our list, didn't attract any trade interest
Maric - traded
Petrenko - still on our list
Armstrong - not on our list (traded for chump change)

I'll take a hit rate of 5/6 any day of the week. Let me know when you get above 20% with your long range predictions (or short range calls for that matter).

I still don't think Pets or Armstrong have long AFL careers ahead of them, but they're both still in the system for now at least.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

P.s. Carl- you were wrong too.

No, I was right. He was captain as long as Craig was coach.

Who else was captain while Craig was coach?

(adjusts tie)