Ward

[fronkalicious]

Im going out on a limb here team. Im expecting Ward to finish in our top 6 or 7 in the B&F next season. Getting school out of the way, and another pre-season under his belt will be huge. The guy has everything. Great hands, awareness, skill and a genuine desire to win the hard ball. Reminds me a lot of Simon Black.

I think he'll explode a la Palmer/Selwood/Rioli. We need another mi-fielder as well. Sounds weird, but too much was left to Boyd and Cross at the death this year. Geelong and the Hawks have shown you need 5 or 6 class mi-fielders to go all the way. With Westy gone, Ward is our man.

And to think we got him for McMahon!!!!

 

[maddog37]

He does seem like a natural but I still am unsure of his leg speed. That is my only knock though. We need a team full of hard nuts and he loves it tough.

 

[fronkalicious]

Agree, but Black's not that quick. Neither are Cross, Boyd, Bartel, Kirk etc. He just has such clean hands and great skills, and a natural physique to go with it. Throw in his desire for the pill and I can really see a key player for us next year. Could be the wildcard to take us to the next level

 

[Dishlicker]

The Simon Black comparison is spot on - said the same to my mates at the start of the year when I watched him play for Willy. He thrives on the contest and instigates it on most occasions, really big future cant wait for him to hit his peak in 3 or 4 years.

What do we think about giving him the number 7 ? Worthy I think

 

[Mofra]

2nd year blues are real. Maybe put that prediction back by 1 year.

 

[Iamshaunhiggins]

In his first game against the Saints he really impressed me, and I could see him in our best and fairest in two years time. Next year is maybe a bit early, but if Bryce Gibbs can do it....

 

[Iamshaunhiggins]

What do we think about giving him the number 7 ? Worthy I think

If Everitt got number 3, then Ward is worthy of number 7

 

[Pigdog]

2nd year blues are real. Maybe put that prediction back by 1 year.

Josh Hill didn't suffer from them.

 

[chef]

If Everitt got number 3, then Ward is worthy of number 7

Give 7 to Higgins, he deserves it more.

 

[HardBoydGet]

Give 7 to Higgins, he deserves it more.

Sure does

 

[BB1888]

Give 7 to Higgins, he deserves it more.

I agree totally.

 

[Dishlicker]

Give 7 to Higgins, he deserves it more.

Love Higgins - will be a star, but whats the statute of limitations on number changes? I reckon he is 19 for life now

 

[Coons17]

Why change Ward's number? He has the 14 guernsey. Darcy was the last one to wear it so i think 14 is good enough. If anyone should get 7 it would be Cooney but it wont happen.

 

[HardBoydGet]

Cal Ward I am pleased to say will be a very polished performer and huge part of our midfield for many years and I hope that finishing so high in his 2nd year will happen. However, it is a big ask for a 2nd year player esp. after only playing 6 or 7 (IIRC) games this year.

The thing that stood out to me when comparing him to Black was his hands. Both players are remarkably clean under pressure. We should expect to see a lot of Ward next year. Perhaps on the bench round 1.

Watching our midfield will be a pleasure in coming years with Ward, Reid, Higgins, Addison, and Coons and Griff still just 23 and 22 respectively.

 

[Sween54]

i agree Cal should become a good player for us, alos agree he needs to improve his leg speed. But let just leave the # 7 in mothballs for now !

 

[HBF]

Cal was definitely one of my favourites from the TAC last year. Reminded me a bit of Nick Dal Santo how he moved, but alot more versatile, and worked much harder when he didn't have the ball. Can see him playing alot of footy in the future for the Bullies.

 

[Aquamarinejewel]

Cal was definitely one of my favourites from the TAC last year. Reminded me a bit of Nick Dal Santo how he moved, but alot more versatile, and worked much harder when he didn't have the ball. Can see him playing alot of footy in the future for the Bullies.

Thanks HBF, he is quite exciting to watch, doesn't seem afraid of anything and just 'goes for it' will be good to watch his career unfold.

 

[Beasley]

Josh Hill didn't suffer from them.

Griffin and Everitt did though!

 

[Butane]

Reminded me a bit of Nick Dal Santo how he moved,

Not saying he plays like this: But the way he moves reminds me of Judd.

 

[bullies 08]

he looks like joel selwood/dal santo to an extent.

I truly think clayton has drafted a gem here. Him griff and cooney in the middle in years to come is frightning.

a bit like a

Buckley = griffen, cooney = judd, ward = black.

Thats a hell of a midfield!

i know im getting ahead of myself, but all three will be/are already superstars

 

[Bodicifer]

The thing I like about Ward is his ability to keep his feet under pressure and in packs and traffic. He has good skills and run as well but I just like his poise and the fact he rarely goes to ground easily, a skill that distinguishes the great from the good.

 

[kookadog]

Agree Ward was unlucky to miss a final spot in his 1st season, he's advanced. I'm sure he'll be a reguler next season, I'm not sure about him being up there with black just yet. He's got the skills but I haven't seen enough of his footy smarts or decision making.

 

[boydsno1]

regarding higgins i hope he gets numbner 6. looks like a johnno type player. regarding westys number 7 i say only griffen, cooney and cross have shown they deserve it. if we don't give it to either of them then retire it for a year and give it to someone who steps up.

 

[a_mac]

Ward or Harbrow for number 7.

 

[stefoid]

I like the fact that slowly, but surely, our midfield is filling up with solidly built guys over 6ft who can win their own ball and are good overhead - basically can win a contest on the ground or in the air. It means we wont have to exclusively rely on moving the ball in an uncontested fashion as much as we used to.