Sylvia overrated?

[stueyspencer no12 73]

In countless threads there are admiring references to Sylvia with posters exhibiting great certainty that he's a star and that he will play a huge role this year and for years to come.

Really?

Must say I really hope you are right but I have my doubts. Sure, he was better last year. For a 60 gamer , picked 4 in the draft, to have obtained not 1 vote in the Brownlow [before 2009] was remarkable. We'd all seen flashes of ability but how often was it produced.

A flaky personality, who's demonstrated a refusal to look after himself away from the club, he did show a bit last year,but about time. How often has he disappointed? He's slow--perhaps a result of the o.p- and he has to make the most of the remaining talents he has. I'm uncertain that he ever will, consistently.And at his age and experience, it's vital that he does.

Those of you who admire his long bombs for goal, usually on the run, ask yourselves the question--how often does he do it? What's his accuracy like for set shots?

And ask yourselves, how likely is he to be rubbed out for a few weeks because other clubs know he can be easily distracted and got in.

Not a team leader's bootlace in my view-- I hope he proves me wrong

[Keyser Söze 0]

In countless threads there are admiring references to Sylvia with posters exhibiting great certainty that he's a star and that he will play a huge role this year and for years to come.

Really?

Must say I really hope you are right but I have my doubts. Sure, he was better last year. For a 60 gamer , picked 4 in the draft, to have obtained not 1 vote in the Brownlow [before 2009] was remarkable. We'd all seen flashes of ability but how often was it produced.

A flaky personality, who's demonstrated a refusal to look after himself away from the club, he did show a bit last year,but about time. How often has he disappointed? He's slow--perhaps a result of the o.p- and he has to make the most of the remaining talents he has. I'm uncertain that he ever will, consistently.And at his age and experience, it's vital that he does.

Those of you who admire his long bombs for goal, usually on the run, ask yourselves the question--how often does he do it? What's his accuracy like for set shots?

And ask yourselves, how likely is he to be rubbed out for a few weeks because other clubs know he can be easily distracted and got in.

Not a team leader's bootlace in my view-- I hope he proves me wrong

Is there any constructive point to this thread, or did you just want to stick the boot in without adding anything new to the discussion..?

[Demonland 72,224]

Is there any constructive point to this thread, or did you just want to stick the boot in without adding anything new to the discussion..?

Easy Keyser. Remember play the ball and not the man. As much as I don't like threads like this the original poster is abiding by the moderating guidelines and not just saying he is crap. As long as people can back it up and argue/discuss civilly then it doesn't cross the line. I'm going to allow this thread (for now) but you must discuss the topic and not bash each other. This goes for everyone. It would be a shame if anyone got banned from Demonland and was not able to discuss the exciting times that await us just to abuse someone annonymously. If you don't agree or like the topic then discuss it rationally or ignore it.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

If Sylvia can become more consistent, he will be a great player. I believe that one of his major problems is that he is not a natural ball winner (as compared to players like Jones and McLean when they first started) and therefore can go missing easily and find it hard to get going.

It is reported that he is a lot fitter this year and that will help, I look forward to watching him in 2010.

Edited February 14, 2010 by Clint Bizkit

[jabberwocky 2,301]

I think there is some evidence to suggest Col started to turn the corner last year both physically and mentally. He screwed up again and got punished and fronted by his team-mates. He admitted that it hurt him in the article that appeared on the MFC website last year. This was a catlyst.

He also stated that he felt his body was turning the corner. A combination of vast improvement in his workrate on the ground and his apparent hunger lead to a much greater on field influence.

A fitter hungrier Colin Sylvia will have large impact on our performance this year.

It's a strange thread to start denigrating a player who comes into the season with good form from last year and from what we have been told his best ever pre-season.

[Tim 3,426]

In countless threads there are admiring references to Sylvia with posters exhibiting great certainty that he's a star and that he will play a huge role this year.

Really?

No worries, SS. I've personally sorted this one, and guaranteed a low output from the current no. 12 this year. Just put a small wager on him for the Brownlow at 500/1 with Sportsbet. This should ensure some form of major injury, in line with my only other venture in this type of betting - a bet on his fellow 2003 high pick draftee B. McLean in 2007. Twenty minutes before the season opener against StKilda, and about 50 minutes before he stuffed his ankle for the bulk of the season. At least this time my "investment" has stayed live for a bit longer.

For the record, I recognise some of the lack of fulfillment in Col's cv before last season, but reckon he is starting to put things together such that there is a chance he may realise the potential that he showed as a junior. As long as hard work and good management continues.

Btw, I don't think that lack of pace is an issue.

[Swampfox 190]

I think Colin Sylvia is a very important part of our future

How good he becomes is up to Colin Sylvia

All we can do is hope he continues to improve as he certainly has the class

The transition between a losing side and a winning one cannot be underestimated in the development of players

Not only is he in Melbournes best 22 but he would be in Geelongs as well

[red&blue&true 0]

Sylvia has been a bit hit or miss prior to last year but i think he has turned the corner, and what sets him apart from some of our other midfield brigade is he is damaging, when Col gets 25+ possessions we can usually expect a few goals in there too,

Goalkicking mids win footy matches, we need him firing and if hes consistent for 22rnds this year, he will be A-Grade, and collect quite a few brownlow votes.

[Gorgoroth 12,963]

Why is it every one is "Slow" when they don't like them or cannot match Davey for pace?

He is not slow, he aint in the top % for pace either.

[beelzebub 23,380]

Cant say i totally disagree with the notionas originated in this thread, however he has improved and shown what he can and might be. That is for me the constant niggle......always signs..., glimpses....never the complete show.If he is to be what many purport him to be then he will neeed to fly out of the blocks this season and stamp his presence over games.

The reality is we havent seen a best pick Melbourne team hit the deck in battle yet this year...Im happy towait a whiles . Lets se what he does...(not can do )

[green_machine 36]

I think Sylvia is interesting. Unlike the OP I think he is relatively quick for a midfielder, but what makes him interesting is that he has the tool kit to be an A-grade player. Compare him to someone like Bartel and Sylvia edges ahead in kicking, speed and matches Bartel in contested marking and is below Bartel in the footy smarts and probably hand balling. Which is a pretty good result.

This is not a kick at Sylvia as he has demonstrated great footy smarts but he is not quite at the Bartel level yet, give him a few years of experience and he may get there and if he does he will be A grade.

The other aspects that are easy to overlook but are just as vital are application / body. Sylvia has been stuffed on the body front for years which may be why he has not performed and is not worth discussing further as he will get injured or not.

As for application, I am not sure how good sylvia is at this component of being a footballer, especially in the context of documented off field results. Also the lack of performance in his first five years in the system reflects potential issues here. Look at McDonald who is less physically gifted and even when carrying an injury has contributed.

Given this concern why do you think his season last year represents his future years. I have distinct memories of one Travis Johnston who failed to put together consecutive top notch seasons. Contrast this to Morton / Frawley / McDonald who have just got better and better each season / game by game so Sylvia has the work cut out for him.

Personally I do not think a great season by Sylvia is guaranteed, however I will live in hope because a great season by Sylvia could result in Melbourne winning three to four extra games.

[stueyspencer no12 73]

Is there any constructive point to this thread, or did you just want to stick the boot in without adding anything new to the discussion..?

Hey--throttle back!

My point is that I feel concerned if the Club's hopes are thought to rely upon Sylvia producing a consistently productive year--my sense is that there are a bunch of others who will CONSISTENTLY contribute.

And he IS SLOW-I really think that his O P problems may have lead to this, just as the injuries which prevented Brock Mc Lean from doing 2 [at least] pre-seasons, have slowed him up.

I was pretty amazed that we were so content to let Mc Lean [who had put in 10k of his own funds to the debt freduction] go to Carlton whilst at the same time, extolling the virtues of Colin. I suspect Mc Lean will have a better year than Sylvia, but I hope I'm dead wrong!

[beelzebub 23,380]

I think the club is long past relying on Sylvia..they just expect things now..and rightly so. I hope he does

[Daz's Dee's 113]

In countless threads there are admiring references to Sylvia with posters exhibiting great certainty that he's a star and that he will play a huge role this year and for years to come.

Really?

Must say I really hope you are right but I have my doubts. Sure, he was better last year. For a 60 gamer , picked 4 in the draft, to have obtained not 1 vote in the Brownlow [before 2009] was remarkable. We'd all seen flashes of ability but how often was it produced.

A flaky personality, who's demonstrated a refusal to look after himself away from the club, he did show a bit last year,but about time. How often has he disappointed? He's slow--perhaps a result of the o.p- and he has to make the most of the remaining talents he has. I'm uncertain that he ever will, consistently.And at his age and experience, it's vital that he does.

Those of you who admire his long bombs for goal, usually on the run, ask yourselves the question--how often does he do it? What's his accuracy like for set shots?

And ask yourselves, how likely is he to be rubbed out for a few weeks because other clubs know he can be easily distracted and got in.

Not a team leader's bootlace in my view-- I hope he proves me wrong

I admit i have been disapointed with Col pre 09 but last year he really matured on and OFF the field, "A flakey personality" i can not relate too, last year i took my 5 year old daughter too the junior members kids / Clinic day at junction oval and i can tell you through out the whole day he was a stound out with the kids and parents and really changed my thoughts on him weather it was for show or not my 5 year old daughter walked away with a massive smile and i walked away thinking what i real nice bloke to have around this great club, ask anyone that saw him at the intra club match i am certain you will here the same he spent as much time on the ground taking photo's, signing autographs and chating to fans.

"slow" well he is not the fastest at the club as we all know but he can certainly compete at AFL standard and looks as fit as ever.

IMO i think he is as important as any other player at the club and he owes the club and fans some very good consistant football. But i beleive he has turned the corner and has finally commited too playing football and we will see his best over the next 5+ years.

As for a leader yes i agree he is no leader YET but if he coninues to grow and proove himself he could become part of the leadership group in time.... lets see how he goes this year first and judge him again at the end of the year if he performs great if not than you some of your views may be right.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

Overrated? Maybe. But I think it is more of a case that we know what he can do, and now that he is right in body and mind (hopefully) we expect him to now take his game to the next level consistently.

[Keyser Söze 0]

Easy Keyser. Remember play the ball and not the man. As much as I don't like threads like this the original poster is abiding by the moderating guidelines and not just saying he is crap. As long as people can back it up and argue/discuss civilly then it doesn't cross the line. I'm going to allow this thread (for now) but you must discuss the topic and not bash each other. This goes for everyone. It would be a shame if anyone got banned from Demonland and was not able to discuss the exciting times that await us just to abuse someone annonymously. If you don't agree or like the topic then discuss it rationally or ignore it.

Yeah, fair enough.

But to be fair, rather than calling him an idiot or the like, I am saying what I think of the stance he is taking...

it's a fine line, I know.

But i feel nothing new has been brought to the table here - he is just sticking the boot in.

[Keyser Söze 0]

Hey--throttle back!

My point is that I feel concerned if the Club's hopes are thought to rely upon Sylvia producing a consistently productive year--my sense is that there are a bunch of others who will CONSISTENTLY contribute.

And he IS SLOW-I really think that his O P problems may have lead to this, just as the injuries which prevented Brock Mc Lean from doing 2 [at least] pre-seasons, have slowed him up.

I was pretty amazed that we were so content to let Mc Lean [who had put in 10k of his own funds to the debt freduction] go to Carlton whilst at the same time, extolling the virtues of Colin. I suspect Mc Lean will have a better year than Sylvia, but I hope I'm dead wrong!

I think there are few ppl who have their hopes relying upon Sylvia - our future is banked on much younger and better prospects.

Consistency is something Col has never had, but it did start to emerge last year and if we're lucky he will be more consistently brilliant this year.

Focus is the number one thing for Hank, but with maturity and better influences around him hopefully he can maintain it.

Col has always been a 'hope' player. Never the old trustworthy type.

I don't see the point to get all negative about him after his best season to date.

Maybe its an attempt to protect ourselves from having our unrealistic hopes dashed..?

[Keyser Söze 0]

When I say "better influences", I mean more appropriate.

In that, he will listen to these guys by nature of his relationship with them, rather than the way he had his head in the sand early in his career.

Maturity helps also.

[agent_orange 0]

Easy Keyser. Remember play the ball and not the man. As much as I don't like threads like this the original poster is abiding by the moderating guidelines and not just saying he is crap. As long as people can back it up and argue/discuss civilly then it doesn't cross the line. I'm going to allow this thread (for now) but you must discuss the topic and not bash each other. This goes for everyone. It would be a shame if anyone got banned from Demonland and was not able to discuss the exciting times that await us just to abuse someone annonymously. If you don't agree or like the topic then discuss it rationally or ignore it.

True, the first post in this thread cracks me up. Nothing original, just parroting others.

Pretty much sure Sylvia has a better idea about his own personality,which he has face openly. Would explain why he has been flying on the training track.

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

I would have thought that Silvia was underrated by the football community outside MFC.

[Keyser Söze 0]

I would have thought that Silvia was underrated by the football community outside MFC.

Probably not by hawks or pies supporters after they got a good look at him last year.

In fact they'd probably rate him exactly where everyone should - obviously capable of being a wrecking ball, but bearing in mind that it was only one isolated game.

[H_T 3,049]

Those of you who admire his long bombs for goal, usually on the run, ask yourselves the question--how often does he do it?

Alot more often than his teammates combined.

how likely is he to be rubbed out for a few weeks because other clubs know he can be easily distracted and got in.

How many times has he been rubbed out after being distracted and got in, in his 6 years of playing ?

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

Probably not by hawks or pies supporters after they got a good look at him last year.

In fact they'd probably rate him exactly where everyone should - obviously capable of being a wrecking ball, but bearing in mind that it was only one isolated game.

except for the fact that it wasn't, he played awesome footy for a month around that time and several other times throughout the year

[Carn dees 108]

Funny about this time last year there where uncertainty's about him even making it at afl level.

I think alot of supporters had almost lost hope with him.

Edited February 15, 2010 by Carn dees

[Roost It 1,434]

In countless threads there are admiring references to Sylvia with posters exhibiting great certainty that he's a star and that he will play a huge role this year and for years to come.

Really?

Must say I really hope you are right but I have my doubts. Sure, he was better last year. For a 60 gamer , picked 4 in the draft, to have obtained not 1 vote in the Brownlow [before 2009] was remarkable. We'd all seen flashes of ability but how often was it produced.

A flaky personality, who's demonstrated a refusal to look after himself away from the club, he did show a bit last year,but about time. How often has he disappointed? He's slow--perhaps a result of the o.p- and he has to make the most of the remaining talents he has. I'm uncertain that he ever will, consistently.And at his age and experience, it's vital that he does.

Those of you who admire his long bombs for goal, usually on the run, ask yourselves the question--how often does he do it? What's his accuracy like for set shots?

And ask yourselves, how likely is he to be rubbed out for a few weeks because other clubs know he can be easily distracted and got in.

Not a team leader's bootlace in my view-- I hope he proves me wrong

I think your thread'a a year too late. I ubderstand your points but watch him this year. He's clearly turned a corner off the field both with his behaviour and his training. His OP is behind him and he's Usain Bolt compared to Brock 'I choose Carlton' Mclean. He's very rarely rubbed out so that's a silly point. People such as Colin who come from a point of adversity(OP) with a history of immature behaviour who are able to turn it around and become solid performers often make the best leaders. They know what sacrifices have to be made and work through their issues. I don't think he's a captain but he could become an important on field leader.