Walker for Captain?

[jj1978]

Watching Walker this year and the last couple of games there are just moments where I've seen the boy is becoming a man.

One more pre-season and the Man-Walker will be amongst us. I think giving him the captaincy will bring about that added confidence and stature that will make him a great.

He trains hard, looks after his body, and we never hear anything bad about him.

And from a marketing perspective he looks good too.

I say sorry Lance you would of made a great captain and with or without the captaincy all will respect and listen to you anyway. But for the long term future of our club I think Walker is the man we should appoint.

Cheers

 

[parrot]

Watching Walker this year and the last couple of games there are just moments where I've seen the boy is becoming a man.

One more pre-season and the Man-Walker will be amongst us. I think giving him the captaincy will bring about that added confidence and stature that will make him a great.

He trains hard, looks after his body, and we never hear anything bad about him.

And from a marketing perspective he looks good too.

I say sorry Lance you would of made a great captain and with or without the captaincy all will respect and listen to you anyway. But for the long term future of our club I think Walker is the man we should appoint.

Cheers

Well, I would have said no way at the start of the season. But now I'm not so sure. He definitely has leadership potential. Even if Lance gets the job, making Walker a vice captain would be a fantastic initiative. It's great seeing a collection of younger players who really wear our jumper with pride, and aspire to having a leadership role. Other than Walker, Simpson and Marc Murphy are other names that come to mind.

 

[4blues]

Well, I would have said no way at the start of the season. But now I'm not so sure. He definitely has leadership potential. Even if Lance gets the job, making Walker a vice captain would be a fantastic initiative. It's great seeing a collection of younger players who really wear our jumper with pride, and aspire to having a leadership role. Other than Walker, Simpson and Marc Murphy are other names that come to mind.

I agree Parrot.

 

[Smell The Glove]

Yeah I agree too. I really think, for the stability of this club, we need to develop a captain that wont just be captain for four or five years, but someone who will carry the captaincy like Sticks did (or similar, you cant really hope anyone would emulate him). Walker would be perfect. I would also have thought Murphy, but possibly bad timing will put paid to that idea. He is fast gaining the respect of everyone at the club, and should be here for at least another 10-12 years (hopefully). Throw him in the deep end, give him Whitnall, Fev and Kouta as leadership support next year, and see how he goes.

 

[Bluebear]

Yeah I agree too. I really think, for the stability of this club, we need to develop a captain that wont just be captain for four or five years, but someone who will carry the captaincy like Sticks did (or similar, you cant really hope anyone would emulate him). Walker would be perfect. I would also have thought Murphy, but possibly bad timing will put paid to that idea. He is fast gaining the respect of everyone at the club, and should be here for at least another 10-12 years (hopefully). Throw him in the deep end, give him Whitnall, Fev and Kouta as leadership support next year, and see how he goes.

Firslty to the thread topic - I think Walker has earnt a spot in the leadership group next year, and its great to see Simo and Tex both leading in their onfield contribution. Is Tex a bit introverted? Doesn't seem to talk to team mates a lot on field, goes about it quietly - could be wrong.

But let's not get too carried away. Their is much more to being a good leader (let alone a great one like Sticks) than being a good consistent player.
You must have earned the respect of your team, and be able to have them look you in the eye beforee you run out of the race, and have them want to have their own blood spilt rather than shirk a contest - a leader inspires his fellow players.
Kouta has been a legend of a player - but in my mind hasn't inspired his fellow teamates to bigger things. Fev is capable of inspiring his teamates, but lacks discipline, Stevo doesn't have the respect of his fellow players (just watch the finger pointing through the year b/w Stevo and Scotland/Hoops/Simo). Dishes out loads of advice but hasn't got his own yard in order.
Murph/Simo/Walker are all potential future captains, but need to earn it.
Big Red is the only one who has earnt this honour.
Form -
Respect -
Ability to inspire -

No question.

As for 10-12 years. Finding players capable of playing this long is rare indeed, let alone have all the qualities mentioned above to be a great leader for that time. This goes doubly for midfielders in todays game. Crawford is the exception, not the rule.

 

[HBF]

Watching Walker this year and the last couple of games there are just moments where I've seen the boy is becoming a man.

One more pre-season and the Man-Walker will be amongst us. I think giving him the captaincy will bring about that added confidence and stature that will make him a great.

He trains hard, looks after his body, and we never hear anything bad about him.

And from a marketing perspective he looks good too.

I say sorry Lance you would of made a great captain and with or without the captaincy all will respect and listen to you anyway. But for the long term future of our club I think Walker is the man we should appoint.

Cheers

Not a bad idea, but I really think Lance deserves to get a go at captaining the Carlton Footy Club.

 

[Johnny_3]

not captain
there are others infront of him e.g fev whit murph waite fish stevo... just doesnt seem like the right "spokesman" for the club

 

[blues4flag]

Firslty to the thread topic - I think Walker has earnt a spot in the leadership group next year, and its great to see Simo and Tex both leading in their onfield contribution. Is Tex a bit introverted? Doesn't seem to talk to team mates a lot on field, goes about it quietly - could be wrong.

Was very vocal to Fev a couple weeks ago - gave him a good shouting.

Wouldn't like to see him as captain - probably a couple years too young at 20 and I think Lance has earnt it. That said, would love to see him and Simpson be apart as the leadership group, possibly one as vice captain alongside Fev and/or Stevens.

 

[Bluebear]

Was very vocal to Fev a couple weeks ago - gave him a good shouting.

Wouldn't like to see him as captain - probably a couple years too young at 20 and I think Lance has earnt it. That said, would love to see him and Simpson be apart as the leadership group, possibly one as vice captain alongside Fev and/or Stevens.

I remeber that, when Fev didn't follow his man out of the kick in. Ta. Needs to put another year together like this one, but should be in the leadership group next year.

 

[bibi01]

let whitnall do it for the next 3 years and then hand the captaincy to

walker, murphy and gibbs (as co captains) so in 2011 we can have all 3 standing up holding the premiership cup

ps. i know only 1 can be up there to hold the cup but i can have a little fun on a monday.

 

[Bluebear]

let whitnall do it for the next 3 years and then hand the captaincy to

walker, murphy and gibbs (as co captains) so in 2011 we can have all 3 standing up holding the premiership cup

ps. i know only 1 can be up there to hold the cup but i can have a little fun on a monday.

Murph and Gibbs R pretty small, may need both of em to hoist it.

 

[BlueBelle]

Whilst I think Walker has had a fantastic year and does show promise in a leadership role, I say let the kid play footy and concentrate purely on that for the next 3 or 4 years. Plenty of time down the track for him to become Captain of this great club!!

 

[Silvagnis]

No, but a deputy vice would be good because he has a lot of heart and had a good season.

Unlike some more talented senior teammates.

Fevola should get the gig so Lance can concentrate on getting himself in top shape for a good first half of next year.

And Hansen is 195-197 cms tall.

 

[Jabso]

Walker would be ok and is marketable but he needs to have some polish when it comes to dealing with the media, although this may be a small part of it I don't know if Walker is presentable enough.

I would give it to Whitnall and in about 3 years time the likes of Simpson and Murphy will be ready for it.

 

[Silvagnis]

Walker would be ok and is marketable but he needs to have some polish when it comes to dealing with the media, although this may be a small part of it I don't know if Walker is presentable enough.

I would give it to Whitnall and in about 3 years time the likes of Simpson and Murphy will be ready for it.

And Whitnall is?

Livo speaks better in interviews and Lance is a redhead.

 

[Jabso]

And Whitnall is?

Livo speaks better in interviews and Lance is a redhead.

I mean presentable to the media. He gives interviews pretty well from what I've heard. Fevola isn't as bad a choice as people may say but it is hard for even the best leaders to lead from full forward.

 

[mediumsizered]

I mean presentable to the media. He gives interviews pretty well from what I've heard. Fevola isn't as bad a choice as people may say but it is hard for even the best leaders to lead from full forward.

You're right, jabso. Lance has done a lot of the media stuff this year and talks very well. The club have been giving him more and more responsibility around the place and he has taken it all in his stride. His knowledge of the game is second to none at Carlton and the players regularly look to him for guidance on the field, particularly when it comes to setting up for various plays. He is the only realistic option as captain now. Fev has been great this year and I admire how he has turned things around, but one swallow doesn't make a summer, so I would be more than happy to see him as Lance's vice-captain.

 

[Smell The Glove]

Firslty to the thread topic - I think Walker has earnt a spot in the leadership group next year, and its great to see Simo and Tex both leading in their onfield contribution. Is Tex a bit introverted? Doesn't seem to talk to team mates a lot on field, goes about it quietly - could be wrong.

But let's not get too carried away. Their is much more to being a good leader (let alone a great one like Sticks) than being a good consistent player.
You must have earned the respect of your team, and be able to have them look you in the eye beforee you run out of the race, and have them want to have their own blood spilt rather than shirk a contest - a leader inspires his fellow players.
Kouta has been a legend of a player - but in my mind hasn't inspired his fellow teamates to bigger things. Fev is capable of inspiring his teamates, but lacks discipline, Stevo doesn't have the respect of his fellow players (just watch the finger pointing through the year b/w Stevo and Scotland/Hoops/Simo). Dishes out loads of advice but hasn't got his own yard in order.
Murph/Simo/Walker are all potential future captains, but need to earn it.
Big Red is the only one who has earnt this honour.
Form -
Respect -
Ability to inspire -

No question.

As for 10-12 years. Finding players capable of playing this long is rare indeed, let alone have all the qualities mentioned above to be a great leader for that time. This goes doubly for midfielders in todays game. Crawford is the exception, not the rule.

You definitely make some valid points, but I have some comments agaisnt those. Firstly on Whitnall: yeah, I think he would make a reasonable captain- nothing spectacular , but not bad. I disagree when you say that he inspires teammates- I dont want to sound like a prick, but unless you want Lance to inspire his teammate to eat, I dont think he necessarily has that quality. Seeing your captain come back from the pre-season bloated and ready for another trip to fat camp aint exactly gonna inpire them.

As for Walker being too green, of course he is inexperienced. I dont doubt that. But history says that young captains can work, and flourish, and take their sides to flags (a la Carey, Kelly, Kernahan). With a solid support network and some encourgaement, he could be a great leader. We dont want a Mr Fixit who is there by virtue of years of service, we want a genuine leader. Yes Walker hasnt 'earnt' the respect of his teammates, but in the past 4 years at Carlton, who has? We have been disgraceful. And I for one dont blame the kids for that. Whitnall will be a good leader, Walker could be a great leader. Time to take a risk- not taking risks is partly what got us in the s**t we are in now.

 

[trueblue_91]

As for Walker being too green, of course he is inexperienced. I dont doubt that. But history says that young captains can work, and flourish, and take their sides to flags (a la Carey, Kelly, Kernahan). With a solid support network and some encourgaement, he could be a great leader. We dont want a Mr Fixit who is there by virtue of years of service, we want a genuine leader. Yes Walker hasnt 'earnt' the respect of his teammates, but in the past 4 years at Carlton, who has? We have been disgraceful. And I for one dont blame the kids for that. Whitnall will be a good leader, Walker could be a great leader. Time to take a risk- not taking risks is partly what got us in the s**t we are in now.[/quote]

Lots of good young players were and are captains when they are in their early twenties. Cousins, Judd, Hayes, Ball just too name a few

 

[Bluebear]

As for Walker being too green, of course he is inexperienced. I dont doubt that. But history says that young captains can work, and flourish, and take their sides to flags (a la Carey, Kelly, Kernahan). With a solid support network and some encourgaement, he could be a great leader. We dont want a Mr Fixit who is there by virtue of years of service, we want a genuine leader. Yes Walker hasnt 'earnt' the respect of his teammates, but in the past 4 years at Carlton, who has? We have been disgraceful. And I for one dont blame the kids for that. Whitnall will be a good leader, Walker could be a great leader. Time to take a risk- not taking risks is partly what got us in the s**t we are in now.

You have picked (arguably) three of THE greatest leaders of the modern era, and you need some correction.
Before I go on let me make this clear. I love Tex and I hope he does go on to be as astute as the names that are mentioned here BUT:

• Tex is 20, and just having his FIRST consistent year - he MIGHT go to **** next year - unlikely, but its possible.
• Carey was 22 in his 4th year, Kelly and Sticks 23 when they took the rains, and had dominated prior to this. (Sticks at Glenelg)

Yes Lance has had weight issues (going back some time), but the last two years has presented as well as anyone for the start of the year, and works harder than most on this aspect.
He is NOT an athlete, just like Greg Williams, sometimes being super fast or hugely muscular doesn't matter. (He has had a hip problem since Juniors that has affected his athletic ability for those who want to know - amazing he is as good as he is!!!)

 

[Silvagnis]

You're right, jabso. Lance has done a lot of the media stuff this year and talks very well. The club have been giving him more and more responsibility around the place and he has taken it all in his stride. His knowledge of the game is second to none at Carlton and the players regularly look to him for guidance on the field, particularly when it comes to setting up for various plays. He is the only realistic option as captain now. Fev has been great this year and I admire how he has turned things around, but one swallow doesn't make a summer, so I would be more than happy to see him as Lance's vice-captain.

Fev's done more onfield than Lance in Pagan's time at Carlton and performed to a higher standard so you could also say exactly the same thing about Whitnall.

Does a leader stack on five kgs during the season and go from beating Rocca outright to conceding six goals to a struggling forward?

Fevola has to be made Captain because he is marketable, an out and out gun and he draws people through the gates. He did a great job by getting stuck into Whelan at halftime to fire us up for our best win this season.

 

[WalkerTexasRanger]

Fev's done more onfield than Lance in Pagan's time at Carlton and performed to a higher standard so you could also say exactly the same thing about Whitnall.

Does a leader stack on five kgs during the season and go from beating Rocca outright to conceding six goals to a struggling forward?

Fevola has to be made Captain because he is marketable, an out and out gun and he draws people through the gates. He did a great job by getting stuck into Whelan at halftime to fire us up for our best win this season.

Firstly excellent discussion!

My two cents on those discussed:

Whitnall - PROS super smart, talented, obviously respected, senior and loyal - CONS - plays better when not stand in captain- a bit quiet like Kouta (flew the flag physically for the 1st time this season against Pies and was unlucky enough to start dominos of sh*t).

Fevola - PROS Superstar, Flies the flag, hard, clearly respected by the kids, loyal, media savvy - the type of personality that would probably kick up another gear in his performance with the role of captain
CONS - petulant at times, personally I think FF is hard to lead from onfield - too isolated from rest of team.

Walker - PROS - diligent, loyal, gutsy, respected (the guy who works hardest on the track is always respected)
CONS - too young for 2007

Simpson & Murphy - see Walker

All I can say is if I was playing in the team I would want my captain to be someone who will talk it up on the field, encourage, fly the flag and possess just enough arrogance to want to smash opponents.

For me - the closest to that is Fev - and although on paper I would probably say Whitnall. If I was playing I would want Fev - he is the sort of guy who could inspire the boys to bust a gut - and that is by far the most important role the captain plays. Walker as VC to either Fev or Whitnall and take over the captaincy in 2008 or 2009, when Murphy, Simpson or Gibbs can step in as VC. Early captaincy for Walker might stifle his growth as a player - remember captaincy doesn't always bring out the best in players.

 

[bibi01]

Fev's done more onfield than Lance in Pagan's time at Carlton and performed to a higher standard so you could also say exactly the same thing about Whitnall.

Does a leader stack on five kgs during the season and go from beating Rocca outright to conceding six goals to a struggling forward?

Fevola has to be made Captain because he is marketable, an out and out gun and he draws people through the gates. He did a great job by getting stuck into Whelan at halftime to fire us up for our best win this season.

fev can still be marketable without being captain.

i too was disappointed with lance being beaten by a struggling rocca, but what disappoints me more is fevola misisng set shots from 35 meters out.

he is a goalkicker, he has 1 main job to do and that is kick goals.

we can go through every player and pick stuff like this out, but we are not good enough to waste opportunities

how many set shots from 35 meters out did lockett miss? not as many as fevola.

players missing easy goals make all players drop their heads, juts like a turnover in the middle or a soft free kick in the backline.

 

[Silvagnis]

fev can still be marketable without being captain.

i too was disappointed with lance being beaten by a struggling rocca, but what disappoints me more is fevola misisng set shots from 35 meters out.

he is a goalkicker, he has 1 main job to do and that is kick goals.

we can go through every player and pick stuff like this out, but we are not good enough to waste opportunities

how many set shots from 35 meters out did lockett miss? not as many as fevola.

players missing easy goals make all players drop their heads, juts like a turnover in the middle or a soft free kick in the backline.

Didn't Sticks miss a lot of set shots as captain?

Still Fevola for captain in my book and Whitnall should have been traded when we had the chance.

 

[blues4flag]

fev can still be marketable without being captain.

i too was disappointed with lance being beaten by a struggling rocca, but what disappoints me more is fevola misisng set shots from 35 meters out.

he is a goalkicker, he has 1 main job to do and that is kick goals.

we can go through every player and pick stuff like this out, but we are not good enough to waste opportunities

how many set shots from 35 meters out did lockett miss? not as many as fevola.

players missing easy goals make all players drop their heads, juts like a turnover in the middle or a soft free kick in the backline.

I get what you saying, but the oppisite is also true - players kicking goals from the boundary or from 55m out on an angle and capable of kicking 3-4 goals in a quarter lifts the whole team. Very few players in the AFL can generate as much excitement as Fev when he is on song - one of the best players to watch on his day. Not sure of him as captain, though definetly as vice for next year. If Whitnall (probably captain) misses a few games next year, than Fev could stand in and we'll see if he is captaincy material. If so, it could be his in a 3 years.