James Strauss

[Red and Blue Flame 191]

What are the general expectations. Being someone that knows strapper, i've heard a few people say get rid of him and a few people saying give him time.

I must say i was suprised the club gave him a new 2 year contract after managing 2 games in 2 years (form/injuries bit of both). But he does possess a nice kick and i can see him on a flank with tappy using their precise kicking to pierce through oppo zones. He's a top 20 draft pick, so obviously they rated him then and still do.

Thoughts?

Edited March 15, 2011 by Bailey's Babies

[Yokozuna 1,004]

The problem I see at the moment is that he simply does not get a touch. In all the games I have seen him play he barely gets a possession. He kicks out after a point and that is about it. If he wants to show his elite kicking he needs to get more of the ball.

He does seem top have bulked up though and hopefully with a full season without injury he may show more and develop the ability to find the ball more often, if he doesn't he may well enjoy many a windy day out at Casey.

[Jurrah Coffee 0]

I just wish Strauss and Bartram would be just one player.

Strauss needs to have better defensive skills and courage like Barty,

while Barty needs to have kicking skills like Strauss.

[Range Rover 1,935]

Confidence seems to be his issue. Needs to acquit himself like he belongs in the big time but just hasn't given off that vibe so far.

[Pipefitter 2,168]

Hasn't looked an AFL standard player at this stage. Expectations aren't very high in my eyes ATM.

[demoniac 1,336]

Drafted as an elite kick and a good runner. Had injuries in his first 2 years and admittedly has not looked ready for AFL level in his 2 senior games however has shown some good signs with his run and carry and ball use off half back for Casey at VFL level. Looked a bit more comfortable at the level against the Bombers in the NAB cup. Given the positives to his game and the fact that he is still young -does not turn 21 until June - the 2 year extension was hard to argue with. Has areas he needs to work on but if he develops will be an important player off half back with his ball use and ball carrying.

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

Zaharakis went at about pick 24. Many on this site found it unusual that he went after Strauss. I hope history proves the club to be correct because, to date, Zaharakis has shown a lot more.

[Roost It 1,434]

Zaharakis went at about pick 24. Many on this site found it unusual that he went after Strauss. I hope history proves the club to be correct because, to date, Zaharakis has shown a lot more.

Zaharakis will never be more than an average footballer, unfortunately Strauss might not even get to average.

[dee-luded 2,959]

What are the general expectations. Being someone that knows strapper, i've heard a few people say get rid of him and a few people saying give him time.

I must say i was suprised the club gave him a new 2 year contract after managing 2 games in 2 years (form/injuries bit of both). But he does possess a nice kick and i can see him on a flank with tappy using their precise kicking to pierce through oppo zones. He's a top 20 draft pick, so obviously they rated him then and still do.

Thoughts?

I agree with most others, in that he's an athlete, first & foremost.

I reckon he NEEDS to go back to Casey, for at least 12 weeks strait. Because he desperately needs to learn how to defend body on body, outposition his opponent to win or help win possession for us. This to me is his most important skill to learn or he's as good as gone.

If he doesn't learn how to defend, & then, learn how to turn defence into offence, he's no chance.

In saying that he's got the athletic abilities to learn to be a good player. It's how he goes about his weaknesses, to learn to improve them, & to go on to becoming a good footballer. Otherwise, apply here > http://www.rio2016.org.br/en/home

[deeflog 679]

the one thing i keep thinking with Strauss is hopefully the penny will drop with him like it has with Marric, Marric's pre season has been nothing short of impressive and looks assured a round 1 start. Hopefully Strauss will get into gear throough Casey and really push for selection in the second half of the season

[Adzman 2,154]

Jury is out on Strauss. He does have that Halo of a top 20 pick, but to date he has not lived up to expectations.

I say we give him this season to show something. If he doesn't, next season will be his last.

Personally, I am hoping for another Matty Whelan type of of Strauss. If he gets the "ticker" right, I think he has the pace and skills to get there.

At present I think Blease has a bit more to prove than Strauss.

[Grandson of a gun 276]

the one thing i keep thinking with Strauss is hopefully the penny will drop with him like it has with Marric, Marric's pre season has been nothing short of impressive and looks assured a round 1 start. Hopefully Strauss will get into gear throough Casey and really push for selection in the second half of the season

Was about to say the same thing. He needs to learn to attack the contest with some ferocity and run, run, run. If he learns this then he will start WINNING the ball himself and that is when his kicking will be a real weapon.

The big question is Will The Penny Drop?

[Daz's Dee's 113]

Hasnt done anything to date that impresses me but I'll back the FD again on this one as I have alot of faith in them and trust there judgement, they will make some mistakes and some players will not come on as expected, but as long as most at least reach it or over achieve we will have the chance at a premiership.

[jayceebee31 761]

Needs to find desire, vision and some football smarts before he will be given a go.I don't think he is up to it.I feel there is alot ahead of him know as he hasn't taken his opportunities.

[Yokozuna 1,004]

Lets not go down the track of the "why did we pick him in front of other players" line. It is very easy to look in hindsight and state that players drafted after him have shown more than him. Every club has made mistakes, just look at all the clubs who let both Selwood and Rich fall through to later picks for example.

I went to the Praccy game againts BL and a guy behind me was getting into Strauss and started getting annoyed that we did not take McKernan (who I believe the Crows took with the next pick). He tried to make it sound as if Melbourne chose Strauss over him. Who knows what he or Zaharakis will be like.

[Guest Thomo]

Lets not go down the track of the "why did we pick him in front of other players" line. It is very easy to look in hindsight and state that players drafted after him have shown more than him. Every club has made mistakes, just look at all the clubs who let both Selwood and Rich fall through to later picks for example.

I went to the Praccy game againts BL and a guy behind me was getting into Strauss and started getting annoyed that we did not take McKernan (who I believe the Crows took with the next pick). He tried to make it sound as if Melbourne chose Strauss over him. Who knows what he or Zaharakis will be like.

I don't think any team in the 09 draft with the first six picks would take Rich if they had the choice again. And Selwood had serious question marks with his injuries.

At this stage, to me Stauss is looking like another Chris Johnson. Hasn't shown anything yet except a good kick at training. The reasons may or may not be the same, but the output is.

I hope he turns out to be a good player.

[Roger Mellie 4,103]

I'd like to see him on a wing. Maybe try and turn him into a Daisy Thomas type player.

At this point in time, in the nicest possible way, he's soft and not particularly au fait with the game.

His best footy was in the intraclub

[pm24 451]

I think Strauss and Blease both just need more time. In real terms this is only their 2nd season as both of their rookie seasons were dampened due to injury. The other thing is that Strauss is still learning to play as a back-men as he was a mid-fielder when drafted.

However, if he's not showing enough improvement after this year, and can't get into the top 22 next year, then i think it's time to start worrying. Same applies to Blease.

Edited March 15, 2011 by pm24

[Keyser Söze 0]

Maric was drafted a year earlier and has just now started to fulfill some of his potential.

Blease was even bottom-age in his draft year, like Watts, and is only 19.

He also lost a year due to the broken leg.

He has at least 2-3 years before anyone should be worried.

[DemonWA 3,936]

havent seen enough of strauss to really comment. but has plenty of blokes ahead of him so will stuggle to get a game.

Having a good kick doesnt count for much if you dont get your hands on the ball, which sounds like is his problem

[Keyser Söze 0]

It has been in early days, but as time goes by he shows more and more.

Still not enough, but enough to have not given up hope.

The kid has time on his side.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I'd like to see him on a wing. Maybe try and turn him into a Daisy Thomas type player.

At this point in time, in the nicest possible way, he's soft and not particularly au fait with the game.

His best footy was in the intraclub

I think he plays like winger, like Blease. But we need a couple of good ballcarriers & deliverer's, out of our defence, as well as our mids that push back there. we need a half a dozen good ball users to retrieve the pill from the defensive arc, and bring it forward with class.

Edited March 17, 2011 by dee-luded

[Red&BlueBlood 61]

What are the general expectations. Being someone that knows strapper, i've heard a few people say get rid of him and a few people saying give him time.

I must say i was suprised the club gave him a new 2 year contract after managing 2 games in 2 years (form/injuries bit of both). But he does possess a nice kick and i can see him on a flank with tappy using their precise kicking to pierce through oppo zones. He's a top 20 draft pick, so obviously they rated him then and still do.

Thoughts?

Maybe he should get a gig in one of his dads telstra shops??

Seriously though, the kid seems to have a bad and cant handle pressure...

Lets hope he gets through this year as if we had both him and tappy off the HB line we would look a lot better.

[Doggo 32]

Zaharakis will never be more than an average footballer, unfortunately Strauss might not even get to average.

I've heard Melbourne supporters say this often, but i really wonder what that's based around? He has shown himself top be very handy already, and will no doubt improve as he matures. He already looks better than average, especially considering he is only 20 years of age. If he was at Melbourne he'd be the bees-knees, i'm sure. Once his motor is fully developed, look out. Underrated around here, that's for sure. I hate Essendon too, but you can't just say their youngsters, like Zaharakis, are "average" when clearly they've shown quite a bit.

As for Strauss, I hope he makes it, but as others have mentioned already, my expectations aren't high anymore.

[drdrake 3,187]

It's funny how some judge very quickly. What if the football department has instructed Strauss that he has to learn to defend. As a junior he would of attacked and run free, the club wants him as a medium size defender and they tell him mate we know you have skill but you need to learn how to stand a man. Then you can learn when to stand your man or attack of him. Sometimes you have to go to the extreme to learn a new skill