Where are the holes in our list?

[old dee 23,872]

I get that.

But we don't have a whole lot of players similar to Wonna.

Grimes also has trouble staying on the park but I am ok keeping him going for a few years yet...

Interesting rpfc both debuted in 2008 Wona 31 and Grimes 32 games

The interesting stat is how do we rate their performances during those games?

IMO Grimes has shown a lot more, I do not remember a game that I thought he should be dropped after that performnce

whereas I believe I think that every other week with Wona.

Now am I biased ? maybe.

He just does not do it for me, but perhaps i am being unfair.

But in the next few weeks there will be the need for a few "unfair" decisions.

[jacey 333]

We need a good half back kick.

i rate Wonna's kicking skills so i would really like the see him or Maric if he isn't cut tried down there. Think Tapscott will be a back rather then a mid/fwd.

We need some more class in our midfield. We need more burst players. Hopefully Bail, Nicholson and Blease can continue to develop and kick it better.

I think forward line of Watts, Howe, Jurrah, Green, Cook can kick us a winning score. Forward line needs to be better defensively. Jurrah particularly.

It will be interesting to see how hard Neeld will push Jurrah and how Jurrah will respond.

[rpfc 28,779]

Interesting rpfc both debuted in 2008 Wona 31 and Grimes 32 games

The interesting stat is how do we rate their performances during those games?

IMO Grimes has shown a lot more, I do not remember a game that I thought he should be dropped after that performnce

whereas I believe I think that every other week with Wona.

Now am I biased ? maybe.

He just does not do it for me, but perhaps i am being unfair.

But in the next few weeks there will be the need for a few "unfair" decisions.

Wonna would have seen a lot less of the footy than Grimes being a small forward.

They both have their assets, and they are different types of players.

But a prevailing rule in footy is that in bad teams - it's impossible for a small forward to look good...

He has explosive pace over 20m, good hands, decent footy IQ, and a very neat kick.

[old dee 23,872]

Wonna would have seen a lot less of the footy than Grimes being a small forward.

They both have their assets, and they are different types of players.

But a prevailing rule in footy is that in bad teams - it's impossible for a small forward to look good...

He has explosive pace over 20m, good hands, decent footy IQ, and a very neat kick.

So unless the team improves considerably in 2012 Wona is going to look ordinary again.

If that happens IMO he will be gone for 2013

[The Chazz 4,077]

Wonna would have seen a lot less of the footy than Grimes being a small forward.

They both have their assets, and they are different types of players.

But a prevailing rule in footy is that in bad teams - it's impossible for a small forward to look good...

He has explosive pace over 20m, good hands, decent footy IQ, and a very neat kick.

This will probably attract some criticism, but I am of the opinion that we are a better team when Wona plays, and I'll go even further by saying that I think he could be the most important player on our list.

His football brain is amazing, his skill execution can be elite (I hate using that word), his forward pressure is what's required in footy these days, and he doesn't shirk a contest at all. He can create goals out of nothing, and one of the most important parts of his game is his ability to get LJ to another level. I'm not saying he could be the next captain, but I wouldn't be surpirsed if he had great leadership, to the point that could see him part of the LG in a couple of years.

I sincerely hope that he can have a massive preseason, get his fitness to the required levels, and have an injury-free few seasons. In Aussie, we have our small forward that is more than capable of producing regular 30+ goal seasons.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

Backline. This is not our weakness. Bailey focussd on this area first, recruited and developed well, and we have 8 - 9 players who can rotate through there. However, we don't have a play maker, "quarterback" like Scotland, Leon Davis, Josh Hunt, Birchall or Guerra. All top four sides now have this player.

Midfield. Sylvia, Moloney, Jones provide grunt and hard bodies. Bail, Blease the run. Davey if he can ever recapture his dash and dare. Trengove pure class. Gysberts hopefully in the mould of Pendlebury. Midfield needs time and maybe one more classy A-grader apart from Trengove.

Forward. This is our weakness. No crumbing forward (how will Wonna or Maric go under Neeld?) No power forward yet, Cook and Watts to come but having only these 2 options makes the list too thin.

Out of 6 goals.... 5 goals 3 behinds. One of the best posts all year for mine Maldon!

I would only change the 1 extra mid .... to 2 if we're able. 1 grunt in and under with top line agility, change of direction ability/agility and super quick reflexes (a la Kerr/Mitchel). 1 classy but solid made outsider with pace. This might be someone from existing stocks if they come on (eg., maybe Gysberts/Blease or Bail once they've had a few more pre-seasons). Both eventually need to become A graders if we're to taste some major success IMO with other existing mid fielders also lifting around them in the next few years under Neeldy.

P.S. What are the chances of Blease growing into our play maker 'quarterback' over the next few years?

Edited September 19, 2011 by Rusty Nails

[P-man 13,366]

This will probably attract some criticism, but I am of the opinion that we are a better team when Wona plays, and I'll go even further by saying that I think he could be the most important player on our list.

His football brain is amazing, his skill execution can be elite (I hate using that word), his forward pressure is what's required in footy these days, and he doesn't shirk a contest at all. He can create goals out of nothing, and one of the most important parts of his game is his ability to get LJ to another level. I'm not saying he could be the next captain, but I wouldn't be surpirsed if he had great leadership, to the point that could see him part of the LG in a couple of years.

I sincerely hope that he can have a massive preseason, get his fitness to the required levels, and have an injury-free few seasons. In Aussie, we have our small forward that is more than capable of producing regular 30+ goal seasons.

Most important player on our list? I won't criticise. I'll just say it's pretty left field stuff.

I will say that surely between Wonna and Maric we have the quality small crumbing forward we've been looking for. Maric I think gets unfairly branded as a VFL star. He has it in him to take the next step.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

This will probably attract some criticism, but I am of the opinion that we are a better team when Wona plays, and I'll go even further by saying that I think he could be the most important player on our list.

His football brain is amazing, his skill execution can be elite (I hate using that word), his forward pressure is what's required in footy these days, and he doesn't shirk a contest at all. He can create goals out of nothing, and one of the most important parts of his game is his ability to get LJ to another level. I'm not saying he could be the next captain, but I wouldn't be surpirsed if he had great leadership, to the point that could see him part of the LG in a couple of years.

I sincerely hope that he can have a massive preseason, get his fitness to the required levels, and have an injury-free few seasons. In Aussie, we have our small forward that is more than capable of producing regular 30+ goal seasons.

Hmmmm. I don't think so.

No doubt, when he is firing he provides us with something we lack- and we are a better team when he is up and about, but the most important player he is not.

[The Chazz 4,077]

Hmmmm. I don't think so.

No doubt, when he is firing he provides us with something we lack- and we are a better team when he is up and about, but the most important player he is not.

Who do you think is the most important Crackers? I think in a couple of years we will have a few more players ahead of Aussie, but when I watch games that he plays, he adds so much to the team, but then when he is not playing, it's those areas that we get smashed in. I also feel that Jurrah plays a lot more consistent, 4 quarter games when Aussie is around, and we all know how much the team benefits from that!

I know it was a huge call, and didn't expect any supporters.

Nb. The most important player doesn't always equal the best on our list.

[jayceebee31 761]

Let's see..............We have no stay at home FF, nor a player that's willing to play the crumber role full-time, our midfield gets killed in contested possessions and clearances, and our backline would have to have one of the worst records with disposal by foot.

Neeld has heaps to work with.

Too true- need all of the above and a small backman as well.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

Who do you think is the most important Crackers? I think in a couple of years we will have a few more players ahead of Aussie, but when I watch games that he plays, he adds so much to the team, but then when he is not playing, it's those areas that we get smashed in. I also feel that Jurrah plays a lot more consistent, 4 quarter games when Aussie is around, and we all know how much the team benefits from that!

I know it was a huge call, and didn't expect any supporters.

Nb. The most important player doesn't always equal the best on our list.

Crackers?

I think the most important are those that lead by example. Those that can read the play, those that create the play (not finishers) and those that inspire.

Most importantly- those that are playing more often than not. I know it's unfair to judge Wonna on his attendance record, but it matters.

For someone who knew his opinion was going to attract some criticism, you sure seem a little defensive when someone questions you on it.

[rpfc 28,779]

Who do you think is the most important Crackers? I think in a couple of years we will have a few more players ahead of Aussie, but when I watch games that he plays, he adds so much to the team, but then when he is not playing, it's those areas that we get smashed in. I also feel that Jurrah plays a lot more consistent, 4 quarter games when Aussie is around, and we all know how much the team benefits from that!

I know it was a huge call, and didn't expect any supporters.

Nb. The most important player doesn't always equal the best on our list.

I don't think he is e25/KS/AB/GK.

Could be wrong though.

I agree that Aussie can play an important role in our forward line, wouldn't say the most important in the list though...

[jacey 333]

I also feel that Jurrah plays a lot more consistent, 4 quarter games when Aussie is around, and we all know how much the team benefits from that!

That says more about Jurrah then Aussie.

I'm a fan of Aussie's. His skills to always put it to advantage by foot and hand is underrated. Generally clean and makes good decisions.

Most important goes to one Jsmes Frawley. Jamar is still up there.

[The Chazz 4,077]

Crackers?

I think the most important are those that lead by example. Those that can read the play, those that create the play (not finishers) and those that inspire.

Most importantly- those that are playing more often than not. I know it's unfair to judge Wonna on his attendance record, but it matters.

For someone who knew his opinion was going to attract some criticism, you sure seem a little defensive when someone questions you on it.

Not at all am I defensive Crackers. When I put a call out there like I did, I want people to know why I think that way, so if I get questioned about it, I'll happily let people inside my mind (although they may not want to step inside!).

I think Aussie ticks a lot of those boxes tha tyou mentioned above, but the attendence one is obviously letting him down. He reads the play as good as anyone, it's arguable that he creates as much as anyone on our list, and I honestly believe when he is on-song, he inspires every player and supporter. You just have to look at those first couple of games that he played, his football, and in due course, his celebrations, I have no doubt inspired his teammates.

This post is written in a non-defensive way.

[The Chazz 4,077]

I don't think he is e25/KS/AB/GK.

Could be wrong though.

I agree that Aussie can play an important role in our forward line, wouldn't say the most important in the list though...

220+ posts in 9 days? Oozed e25/KS/AB/GK sorry RPFC!!!

That says more about Jurrah then Aussie.

I'm a fan of Aussie's. His skills to always put it to advantage by foot and hand is underrated. Generally clean and makes good decisions.

Most important goes to one Jsmes Frawley. Jamar is still up there.

Maybe Aussie inspires LJ? If so, that would make Ausse pretty valuable.

But thanks for saying other players Jacey. I agree with you, Frawley would probably be our MVP. I just can't help but think that when we get beaten, more often than not the KPIs that we get smashed in are areas of Aussie's specialty, ie. tackles inside 50's, lack of goals kicked from stoppages.

I may have made the statement 12 months too early, but I just hope we get to see him play a 22 game season in 2012, and maybe I will have a bit more ammo this time next year!

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

I didn't understand why you referred to me as "Crackers," I interpreted as your way of being patronizing towards me..

There is no doubt Wonna is important as he fills a hole better than anyone else can- but a small forward will never be a teams most important player.

Look at Milne. Arguably the best small forward this year, but not St Kilda's most important player. Their most important player spent the whole year on the sidelines, and I believe they suffered for it.

[daisycutter 29,738]

This will probably attract some criticism, but I am of the opinion that we are a better team when Wona plays, and I'll go even further by saying that I think he could be the most important player on our list.

His football brain is amazing, his skill execution can be elite (I hate using that word), his forward pressure is what's required in footy these days, and he doesn't shirk a contest at all. He can create goals out of nothing, and one of the most important parts of his game is his ability to get LJ to another level. I'm not saying he could be the next captain, but I wouldn't be surpirsed if he had great leadership, to the point that could see him part of the LG in a couple of years.

I sincerely hope that he can have a massive preseason, get his fitness to the required levels, and have an injury-free few seasons. In Aussie, we have our small forward that is more than capable of producing regular 30+ goal seasons.

Geez Billy I reckon you would have been in big demand at school writing love letters for all your classmates

I'm with OD on Wonna. He has his moments but a looong way off best 22 at this stage

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

220+ posts in 9 days? Oozed e25/KS/AB/GK sorry RPFC!!!

I get bored and seeing as most of my friends are female- they know nothing of football!

Thought I would take the opportunity to talk to some like minded people for once. Sue me!

[old dee 23,872]

220+ posts in 9 days? Oozed e25/KS/AB/GK sorry RPFC!!!

Maybe Aussie inspires LJ? If so, that would make Ausse pretty valuable.

But thanks for saying other players Jacey. I agree with you, Frawley would probably be our MVP. I just can't help but think that when we get beaten, more often than not the KPIs that we get smashed in are areas of Aussie's specialty, ie. tackles inside 50's, lack of goals kicked from stoppages.

I may have made the statement 12 months too early, but I just hope we get to see him play a 22 game season in 2012, and maybe I will have a bit more ammo this time next year!

billy I have no stats but I doubt they have played together more than a dozen times I am not sure you can say that!

[The Chazz 4,077]

I didn't understand why you referred to me as "Crackers," I interpreted as your way of being patronizing towards me..

There is no doubt Wonna is important as he fills a hole better than anyone else can- but a small forward will never be a teams most important player.

Look at Milne. Arguably the best small forward this year, but not St Kilda's most important player. Their most important player spent the whole year on the sidelines, and I believe they suffered for it.

Who would you suggest is St Kilda's most important? I'd say either Goddard or Roo. Where Melbourne are harder in this situation is that we don't have anyone of the same class as either of those 2! Milne was a very important player this year, and would be in their top 5 MVPs.

Geez Billy I reckon you would have been in big demand at school writing love letters for all your classmates

I'm with OD on Wonna. He has his moments but a looong way off best 22 at this stage

Best 22 is always a hard thing to judge. If we are talking ideal world, and all players are fit and firing, you wouldn't have Wonna in a forward pocket/HFF? In my opinion that's a huge call (perhaps not quite as big as mine about the importance of Aussie!), especially when you go through our wishlists on this site and a lot are crying out for a small forward.

billy I have no stats but I doubt they have played together more than a dozen times I am not sure you can say that!

That's almost 1/2 their career! And knowing what LJ is like, a dozen games can easily = 40 goals!

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

Who would you suggest is St Kilda's most important? I'd say either Goddard or Roo. Where Melbourne are harder in this situation is that we don't have anyone of the same class as either of those 2! Milne was a very important player this year, and would be in their top 5 MVPs.

Lenny Hayes. Obviously. 2010 St Kilda best and fairest. Hard as nails. Creates play. Goddard and Roo are important to the structure no doubt- but we're talking about most important. And I think it's obvious the impact Hayes' absence from St Kildas line up early on as they lost a lot of matches.

Most important is subjective anyway.

[Macca 17,033]

Their is probably some room for some class, hardness, speed and skill across the ground but if I was putting a team up I'd go with:

FB: Grimes Frawley Garland

HB: Blease Rivers Tapscott

C: Jones Moloney Davey

HF: Sylvia ****** Watts

FF: ******* Howe Jurrah

Foll: Jamar ***** Trengove

Int: Martin McKenzie Gysberts Green

So:

1. Top line midfielder. Maybe you can say Moloney = Ball, McKenzie = Wellingham, Trengove (in a year or two) = Swan, but were still short on our Pendlebury. It's why I'm so keen to go for this O'Meara guy along with Jack Viney.

2. CHF. I'm almost certain Neeld's game plan will need a true CHF in the Cloke mold. Watts could be that one day (maybe) but he isn't now. We can probably get away with a Howe/Jurrah combo deep forward, we don't have to be a carbon copy of Collingwood and these 2 are so strong in the air, but we need a CHF.

3. Crumbing forward. We need at least 1 of these types of player. Wonaeamirri? Maric?

Excellent post and here's what I reckon Neeld's team could look like

FB: Grimes Frawley Garland

HB: Blease ****** Tapscott

C: ****** Moloney Bail

HF: Sylvia ****** Watts

FF: Green ****** Jurrah

Foll: Jamar ****** Trengove

Int: Martin Jones McKenzie Howe

This isn't MY team as I might find room for Davey , Gysberts , Rivers and Bartram but we KNOW Mark left gaps and I reckon it's the spine .

He may well have left more than the 5 gaps I've showh - which is a bit scary !

Cheers , Nuggets

[Diablo Deemon 220]

Neeld was interviewed this afternoon on SEN he gave some really interesting replies regarding our list.

here's a link : http://www.sen.com.au/AUDIO

The most glaring hole he described was that the majority of our team has attacking players

[east gippsland demon 7]

Neeld was interviewed this afternoon on SEN he gave some really interesting replies regarding our list.

here's a link : http://www.sen.com.au/AUDIO

The most glaring hole he described was that the majority of our team has attacking players

Link on there site doesnt seem to work??

[Diablo Deemon 220]

Link on there site doesnt seem to work??

Works on firefox with most recent update for quicktime

go back to the main page see if there is a link there

or use the new sen iphone app if you have one