Chris Connolly on SEN

[joeboy 3,166]

I only got to hear the latter portion of the interview this evening but can only marvel at the enthusiasm and dedication CC has for the club .

There was no doubting at any stage in the interview that he was not trying to drum up memberships with his super positive slant on things , and it was only when the name Jim Stynes was brought up that he mellowed somewhat , but still managed to draw a positive out of the inspiration the President brought to the club just by his presence .

Amongst the many significant comments he made was the mention of how exciting it was to have the raw brilliance of Trengrove ( his pronounciation )and Scully . He had no doubt that they were ready made players but would most likely be held back through the year to ensure they were not overworked .

Grimes was mentioned as being a likely backman , even though he was being used on the ball at training . Of significance , he pointed out , was how highly Gimes had been regarded by his peers after being just pipped in the vote for a leadership role , even though he'd only played 12 games .

CC made mention of the backline , after coaxing by The Ox , and believed that a fit Garland , coupled with superfit Rivers , a powerful and confident Frawley and Warnock , and the brilliance of the rebounding Grimes and Bennell would be the catalyst for ongoing success .

Wona was mentioned as being on target for round one as he appears to have overcome the persistant soft tissue niggles of last year , whilst Watts gives constant reminders at training as to why he was so highly regarded as a junior , and with further work on his 90kg body there was no doubt that he would be thrilling supporters for years .

Moloney was given rave reviews by CC because of his obvious heart on sleeve love for the club , along with his his willingness to foster this adoration amongst the newer members of the playing group .

The ruck division was touted as being te main area for concern , with Spencer viewed as the long term heir to the number 1 position , though he believed the club was extremely fortunate to snare Gawn and Fitzpatrick with late selections , ostensibly because of prior injuries that had befallen them last year .It was perhaps telling that Jamar and Johnson were relegated to ' fighting for the ruck position 'along with Meesen , and the previously mentioned draftees .

Finally , and most affectingly was his comment that the players were jumping out of their skins and ready to play today .

Edited February 2, 2010 by joeboy

[Don24 103]

Great interview, found it very interesting that he said of all the rucks, it is Spencer that they have the highest hopes for. Must really rate him. But also admitted we need to get more talent in ruck department.

Highlights for me were:

Rivers has had his best pre season ever.

Garland and WOna both on track to have big impact this year.

Sylvia and Morton fittest they have ever been.

Frawley continued to get better and the quinella Scully and Trengove both set to make big impacts (although he guaranteed they wont play 22 games as they will be rested from time to time)

[demon3165 2,726]

Great interview, found it very interesting that he said of all the rucks, it is Spencer that they have the highest hopes for. Must really rate him. But also admitted we need to get more talent in ruck department.

Highlights for me were:

Rivers has had his best pre season ever.

Garland and WOna both on track to have big impact this year.

Sylvia and Morton fittest they have ever been.

Frawley continued to get better and the quinella Scully and Trengove both set to make big impacts (although he guaranteed they wont play 22 games as they will be rested from time to time)

You can listen to the whole interview on SEN Podcast.

[jayceebee31 761]

Great summation by the previous posts.I was surprised to hear him say that they (MFC) had gone past their first step and now had to consolidate.Consolidation was meant as an all round situation. Re the finances, the coaches etc.. Believed Strauss could add to the backline and will be given opportunities. Sang the praises of players already mentioned but Bennell was also singled out.Agree with previous post that the MAJOR surprise was when he felt Spencer would develop as N0. 1 ruckman.

Wow, if Spencer and say Gawn could make it-what a double to give the midfielders the first opportunities.

CC gave me a HUGE lift- he basically said "BRING IT ON" -cannot wait till Thursday night to get another positive slant on things.Lastly said the biggest thing for the club right now is for Jimmy to regain his health.

Edited February 2, 2010 by jayceebee31

[DeeM 42]

i hope Gawn is going to as good as his golf,

Saw J Riv and Gawn at Albert park today having a hit. Both very good golfers from what i could see. Both looking in good order, Riv looking the part. Not to mention his girl friend............ AMAZING!

[Bay Riffin 1,478]

The podcast is up already if you want to listen to it....

http://www.sportsentral.com/pro/main/Podcasts.aspx

Very enthusiastic. big raps for Trengove and Scully, reckons they are ready to play straight away with the occasional rest.

Thought it interesting he didn't put forward Jamar as the number 1 ruck and said its up for grabs. probably ties in with us giving him only a one year deal.

Also said our ruck is our biggest weakness.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

The podcast is up already if you want to listen to it....

http://www.sportsentral.com/pro/main/Podcasts.aspx

Very enthusiastic. big raps for Trengove and Scully, reckons they are ready to play straight away with the occasional rest.

Thought it interesting he didn't put forward Jamar as the number 1 ruck and said its up for grabs. probably ties in with us giving him only a one year deal.

Also said our ruck is our biggest weakness.

Thanks Bay Riffin for the link. Great interview. CC loves a "sell".

ATM PJ and Meesen who are fighting for their careers have stress foot fractures and would appear in doubt. I reckon both players had ?? in rrespect of 2011.

GAWN is recovering from a knee injury and is still recouping.

Jamar is commencing his pre season about know about an injury prone.

The hope in Spencer should be little surprise given these circumstances. Howeever he is a LT prospect and has had an interrupted pre season.

Good to see CC give compliments to Sylvia, Beamer, Frawley, Joel Mac.

He did mention that they would ease the Scully's and Trengove in and that players like Strauss will be given a crack.

Bring on Freo.

[Disco Demons 92]

jamar only played 7 games last year due to injury,,,ruck position is def up for grabs and we are exposed until someone owns the role like jeff white did...

[Whispering_Jack 30,243]

jamar only played 7 games last year due to injury,,,ruck position is def up for grabs and we are exposed until someone owns the role like jeff white did...

I still see Mark Jamar as the key to our ruck problems at least in the short term. If he can stay healthy from now on and if he can continue to improve as he did on the rare occasions that we saw him in 2009 then he should be able to hold the fort till the younger brigade develops.

What did surprise me was the fact that they're still looking at Jack Grimes as a defender. My thinking has been that he's more than ready for a midfield role.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,077]

What did surprise me was the fact that they're still looking at Jack Grimes as a defender. My thinking has been that he's more than ready for a midfield role.

I don't think it's a question of whether he is ready. When you look at the number of players who can play in the midfield, perhaps it's felt that he's a better option back there being a rebounder/playmaker than in the middle where there are plenty of others who can play. Moving into the midfield is not the sign of a better player, despite what the brownlow judges think. How many of our mids could dominate in the back 6 and still provide run through the middle when needed?

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

I don't think it's a question of whether he is ready. When you look at the number of players who can play in the midfield, perhaps it's felt that he's a better option back there being a rebounder/playmaker than in the middle where there are plenty of others who can play. Moving into the midfield is not the sign of a better player, despite what the brownlow judges think. How many of our mids could dominate in the back 6 and still provide run through the middle when needed?

Good Point RM Defense is not held in high regard by the masses, thus it is always more fashionable to be a midfielder.

But show me a Premiership side that has or had a poor defense...i love it when the defence boys work their guts out to stop an opposition scoring & then to run the ball out in waves.

Nothing wrong with Frank Grimes playing in defense at all. He is good wherever he plays.

The Brownlow sadly is now an over rated media fashion Parade where as you say midfielders can now win.

I would rather win the Holy Grail.

[The Big Ticket 94]

Good Point RM Defense is not held in high regard by the masses, thus it is always more fashionable to be a midfielder.

But show me a Premiership side that has or had a poor defense...i love it when the defence boys work their guts out to stop an opposition scoring & then to run the ball out in waves.

Nothing wrong with Frank Grimes playing in defense at all. He is good wherever he plays.

The Brownlow sadly is now an over rated media fashion Parade where as you say midfielders can now win.

I would rather win the Holy Grail.

Totally agree.

All very good points. None of our current mids could play a role in defence. With Grimey rotating between the two, we have one hell of a player.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

The podcast is up already if you want to listen to it....

http://www.sportsentral.com/pro/main/Podcasts.aspx

Thanks for the link. I've never listened to a podcast before - they're handy buggers, eh?

I thought it was a great listen with the underlying message being that we think we have the list (rucks aside, maybe) to win a flag and it is just about getting the experience into the up and comers. I particularity liked the statement at the end that we are ready to play tomorrow if need be. I'm looking forward to the ride.

Edited February 2, 2010 by Rojik of the Arctic

[jayceebee31 761]

I still see Mark Jamar as the key to our ruck problems at least in the short term. If he can stay healthy from now on and if he can continue to improve as he did on the rare occasions that we saw him in 2009 then he should be able to hold the fort till the younger brigade develops.

What did surprise me was the fact that they're still looking at Jack Grimes as a defender. My thinking has been that he's more than ready for a midfield role.

However, I recall him saying that the match committee were looking at him (Grimes) as a midfielder too.We all need to realise that Grimes has only played 12 games of football at this stage.Agree re Jamar- He would be my choice in the short term.The other GREAT NEWS- CC spoke about was Colin Garland. He was very vocal about him playing and in the backline. Great to hear him speak like that as I was concerned he may never play again like Egan at Geelong.

Edited February 2, 2010 by jayceebee31

[beelzebub 23,380]

Thanks for the link also. definitely a spruiker..lol But I think we've now got the goods to be really excited. It doesnt suprise me that Grimes is thought of in a defenders role.(not all of us saw him moving directly into the midfiled, esp as its going to get crowded..lol ) He seems very balanced and poised as he guides the ball out of the half back line. I think his rolel will be a run through one. i.e initiate off of the half back and follow up and do whatever in the context of play, but not as a midfielder per se. This may change but thats where I see him this year.

I agree with those suggesting Russian will be the key to the rucking this year.. , injury free he presents as the #1 option whilst others hone their craft. Just dont see where PJ fits in now. Meesen weve stil yet to see what he can really do perhaps this year we'll finally know.

Bring on Freo....poor bastards wont know whats hit them

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Good Point RM Defense is not held in high regard by the masses, thus it is always more fashionable to be a midfielder.

Yes and if you listened to the masses then kicking to a contested situation would be the done thing. I wont worry about the masses. They are typically light years behind where the game is and is going.

But show me a Premiership side that has or had a poor defense...i love it when the defence boys work their guts out to stop an opposition scoring & then to run the ball out in waves.

Coaching panels have known and schemed for the past twenty years that attack begins from your defensive line.

Nothing wrong with Frank Grimes playing in defense at all. He is good wherever he plays.

Absolutely agree. Posters are trying to key hole players which is not what will happen. There will be alot of experimentation done in this development year with the midfield when you consider that we have Scully, Trengove, Morton, Gysberts, Tapscott, Blease, Strauss, Grimes, Jetta, Bennell and Maric to partner Jomes, Junior, Beamer, Davey, Green and Bruce. Have I missed anyone? There is a lot to be tested and tried in the midfield. There is certainly a best 22 role for Grimes. Lets not pidgeon hole him.

The Brownlow sadly is now an over rated media fashion Parade where as you say midfielders can now win.

I would rather win the Holy Grail.

Goes without saying.

[Keyser Söze 0]

I thought I remembered hearing Grimes was going to be used in a midfield tagging role this year..?

I think this would be most prudent for his development, even if its not full-time.

[Jarka 767]

One point that many may have missed is that in modern footy 10-12 players get rotated through the centre throughout a game. I'd imagine that Grimes would spent the majority of the time on the HB line then do his time through the middle.

'Part time' midfielders will also include players like Scully, Trengove, Wona, Jetta, Gysberts, Blease, Dunn etc. There's alot of players that the club will try and develop this season, it will be intriguing seeing how they balance their development and still try to win games

[beelzebub 23,380]

The other reality is that the game is very different these days with rolling zones etc.. its hard to actually pinpoint what a supposed position is often. There are really only a handful of near stay at home positions theses days

[jayceebee31 761]

Yes and if you listened to the masses then kicking to a contested situation would be the done thing. I wont worry about the masses. They are typically light years behind where the game is and is going.

Coaching panels have known and schemed for the past twenty years that attack begins from your defensive line.

Absolutely agree. Posters are trying to key hole players which is not what will happen. There will be alot of experimentation done in this development year with the midfield when you consider that we have Scully, Trengove, Morton, Gysberts, Tapscott, Blease, Strauss, Grimes, Jetta, Bennell and Maric to partner Jomes, Junior, Beamer, Davey, Green and Bruce. Have I missed anyone? There is a lot to be tested and tried in the midfield. There is certainly a best 22 role for Grimes. Lets not pidgeon hole him.

Goes without saying.

You missed out the possibility of adding the forgotten players Rohan Bail,Bell,Bartram,as well as Cheney could definitely run through the guts,along with Petterd,MacDonald and McNamara with a definate Sylvia. Rookies one could add are Healey, McKenzie and Hughes.Note Hughes as been training as a back flanker.

Edited February 2, 2010 by jayceebee31

[Keyser Söze 0]

The other reality is that the game is very different these days with rolling zones etc.. its hard to actually pinpoint what a supposed position is often. There are really only a handful of near stay at home positions theses days

I think you're right - players these days are less defined by the area they occupy on the field; moreso by the role that they play for the team.

[Neita3000 37]

Bailey has stated many times that he's trying to build a side that is extremely versatile.

Grimey playing out of the back flank and pushing into the middle is all part of it.

I thought it was also interesting that Cuddles didn't mention anything about Stef Martin playing in the ruck. It would seem that he's viewed in the coaching staff as a pinch hitter rather than someone who can genuinely take that position.

I'm not so sure about big Stef up forward. Ha in one sense (well not really) it's a shame we have a surplus of excellent tall defenders as this where I'd prefer Martin to serve his football education days.

[beelzebub 23,380]

I think you're right - players these days are less defined by the area they occupy on the field; moreso by the role that they play for the team.

thats pretty much it...what they do..not where as such

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

You missed out the possibility of adding the forgotten players Rohan Bail,Bell,Bartram,as well as Cheney could definitely run through the guts,along with Petterd,MacDonald and McNamara with a definate Sylvia. Rookies one could add are Healey, McKenzie and Hughes.Note Hughes as been training as a back flanker.

There is a reason they are forgotten. Cheney is not fast enough and we have enough plodders. MacDonald will be a defender. Sylvia (how could I forget him) and Petterd are also in the mix. Aside from McKenzie I think the rookies will have less chance than the forgotten crew.

Bailey has stated many times that he's trying to build a side that is extremely versatile.

Grimey playing out of the back flank and pushing into the middle is all part of it.

Correct.

I thought it was also interesting that Cuddles didn't mention anything about Stef Martin playing in the ruck. It would seem that he's viewed in the coaching staff as a pinch hitter rather than someone who can genuinely take that position.

I'm not so sure about big Stef up forward. Ha in one sense (well not really) it's a shame we have a surplus of excellent tall defenders as this where I'd prefer Martin to serve his football education days.

Its a lot better to assess what is said than speculating on what is not.

The interview was lightweight and breezy. Talking about Martin in the ruck would only open a discussion on the injured ruck pack. Its was not necessary for CC to focus on that in that forum.

Martin will still have opportunities in the side.

[Keyser Söze 0]

Its a lot better to assess what is said than speculating on what is not.

I hope you're right there - CC didn't mention Jurrah once!