Training - Monday 23rd January, 2012

[old dee 23,872]

I've read your take on Zaharakis a couple of times Ron. I thought I'd add my two bob.

At the time I was keen on him, but I was also keen on Blease. During the TAC Cup games, they both performed well and both had similar traits in burning off opponents, breaking lines etc. IIRC Blease was considered to go a little earlier than pick 17 in a few of the 'experts' analysis or what we call phantom drafts. When we landed Blease I was pleased. The Strauss pick wasn't that surprising for me, because he had been mentioned on D'land leading into the draft. Somewhat positive. Like you, I have thought about it and without knowing the inner sanctum thoughts, maybe they saw similarities in Blease and Zaharakis and saw someone who might take the small defender role or half back role with a decent kick - like Strauss ?

However they turn out the dees have had rotten luck with both Blease and Strauss.

Both with bad leg breaks as well as other injuries.

After being drafted at the end of 2008 they both only really got going physically in 2011

Hopefully 2012 will show us the worth of their drafting 3 years ago.

[Bay Riffin 1,479]

I've read your take on Zaharakis a couple of times Ron. I thought I'd add my two bob.

At the time I was keen on him, but I was also keen on Blease. During the TAC Cup games, they both performed well and both had similar traits in burning off opponents, breaking lines etc. IIRC Blease was considered to go a little earlier than pick 17 in a few of the 'experts' analysis or what we call phantom drafts. When we landed Blease I was pleased. The Strauss pick wasn't that surprising for me, because he had been mentioned on D'land leading into the draft. Somewhat positive. Like you, I have thought about it and without knowing the inner sanctum thoughts, maybe they saw similarities in Blease and Zaharakis and saw someone who might take the small defender role or half back role with a decent kick - like Strauss ?

I really do think that is why we did not go with both Blease and Zaharakis. We could have ended up with too many small type players in the midfield. In hindsight it does not look good, but you can't doubt the logic used.

FWIW I think Blease has huge potential and looks a real footballer in the making. Strauss reminds me a lot of Frawley when he first started, just finding his feet at this level, doing a few good things but making mistakes on the way. Strauss I think just started to learn the basics of shut down opponent first, then attack, much like Frawley. He was making a reasonable fist of it too.

Another year or two of progress and I think Strauss could fulfill a role off half back well. he has the attributes but needs that 50 games experience like Frawley before he show his true worth.

[DemonWA 3,936]

You know it is probably only going to get worse (Your worry that is )

Strauss has a very long way to go before he wins the MFC B & F.

To start with he has to get over a shockingly bad leg break.

That might make 2012 an average year on it's own.

In my wildest dreams I do not see him winning one before 2013 if ever.

Suffer on with me Ron B

another refreshing post Old dee. Its good to see posts that get their point across with a few short concise lines for a change

[Whispering_Jack 30,640]

I've read your take on Zaharakis a couple of times Ron. I thought I'd add my two bob.

At the time I was keen on him, but I was also keen on Blease. During the TAC Cup games, they both performed well and both had similar traits in burning off opponents, breaking lines etc. IIRC Blease was considered to go a little earlier than pick 17 in a few of the 'experts' analysis or what we call phantom drafts. When we landed Blease I was pleased. The Strauss pick wasn't that surprising for me, because he had been mentioned on D'land leading into the draft. Somewhat positive. Like you, I have thought about it and without knowing the inner sanctum thoughts, maybe they saw similarities in Blease and Zaharakis and saw someone who might take the small defender role or half back role with a decent kick - like Strauss ?

That's as I remember it too H_T. I don't think we were ever going to take both Blease and Zaharakis and most people rated the former more highly. That's how the draft panned out as well but Blease was injured before his career even started. On the other hand, Zaharakis has gone from strength to strength, played his 50th game and won a b & f. Nobody in recruiting could have predicted one would struggle with injuries while the other would seamlessly go through his first three seasons.

[demoniac 1,336]

now thats a big call.

According to Champion Data Strauss had a kicking efficiency of 75% under pressure in 2011 - the second highest % of any player who played at least 9 games.

[Lutz 76]

I think the term lockdown has thrown people.

I think he'll be our best small defender, but wanted to emphasise that he won't be purely an attacking defender, but that I think he has the physical tools to be an excellent lockdown defender, and that Strauss showed signs of doing that before his broken leg.

I've said it before - I see him like a mini-Frawley (& I saw someone else say this recently too - can't remember who).

So I didn't really say what I meant.

Either way, he has been underestimated for some time by most supporters.

Stay tuned.

[Jordie_tackles 354]

I think the term lockdown has thrown people.

I think he'll be our best small defender, but wanted to emphasise that he won't be purely an attacking defender, but that I think he has the physical tools to be an excellent lockdown defender, and that Strauss showed signs of doing that before his broken leg.

I've said it before - I see him like a mini-Frawley (& I saw someone else say this recently too - can't remember who).

So I didn't really say what I meant.

Either way, he has been underestimated for some time by most supporters.

Stay tuned.

I reckon he could be great like Suckling at Hawthorn, some rediculous amount of there plays go through that kid, because he has such great skills ect.

Strauss sounds like he could do this also, especially that efficiency under pressure stat

[monoccular 17,573]

I can't believe the ignorance of Strauss' immaculate disposal skills.

He is the best kick at the club after Davey and maybe Jurrah.

Better than Tapscott.

Has he demonstrated this under pressure in an AFL match?

[monoccular 17,573]

According to Champion Data Strauss had a kicking efficiency of 75% under pressure in 2011 - the second highest % of any player who played at least 9 games.

Interesting that stat.

BTW, who is #1??

[Chelly 827]

Interesting that stat.

BTW, who is #1??

Clint Bartram?

[Lutz 76]

Has he demonstrated this under pressure in an AFL match?

Yes.

But I also see that as a largely irrelevant question.

2 different skills.

[Arrow 1,257]

Irrespective of skill set, I think the most telling thing is a how we all debated how he'd come back after such a horrific injury. Questions were being asked by all of us because some players will never beat the mental battle.

James from all training reports seems to have not missed a training in the rehab group, is now in full training and according to the Sun will play in the NAB Cup. It is that drive that makes me excited about his ability to play for MFC. His skill set is natural but his mental capacity was often questioned.

The drive that he has shown to get himself back in the door for Round 1 is something I think will be pivotal in turning his career from a Pick 19 potential into a best 18 footballer for years to come.

[hoopla 418]

Irrespective of skill set, I think the most telling thing is a how we all debated how he'd come back after such a horrific injury. Questions were being asked by all of us because some players will never beat the mental battle.

James from all training reports seems to have not missed a training in the rehab group, is now in full training and according to the Sun will play in the NAB Cup. It is that drive that makes me excited about his ability to play for MFC. His skill set is natural but his mental capacity was often questioned.

The drive that he has shown to get himself back in the door for Round 1 is something I think will be pivotal in turning his career from a Pick 19 potential into a best 18 footballer for years to come.

I saw James' surgeon a few days after the operation. He said that for injuries of that type the operation was as clean as he had ever seen. About a month down the track he commented that James was on track to come back in record time. He also said that he was impressed with James attitude - and with his obvious commitment to the MFC.

His onfield performances to date have not convinced me - but clearly he has an up-side. We need him to step up - because the "Bartram option" is not good enough.

[old55 23,687]

In the back 6 there's Frawley, Rivers, Garland, Grimes

Depending on your view of Sellar's role (see 16th training report) ...

If Sellar is in, Garland plays small and there's 1 vacancy. if he's out then Garland plays tall and there's 2 vacancies.

I'm interested to know whether Tapscott and Nicholson are training with the backs?

I also read that Morton is training with the backs.

That seems to leave Bartram, Bennell, Strauss, Tapscott, Nicholson and Morton battling for 1 or 2 postions.

[Axis of Bob 11,841]

What Strauss does have going for him, in terms of defensive ability, is his power. He is really strong one on one and it looks like he has added strength over the summer so far. That could be a real asset for him.

And he is a beautiful kick. Not just a good kick, but a level well above that. What he does that is so important these days is his kicks cover the ground really quickly. That's where he's like Davey, in that he can hit targets and clear congestion before defenders have time to get into position.

I was very worried about his awareness during his first few years, but a switch really seemed to go off in his head last year and he looked far more composed under pressure. There were a few games where he was actually very impressive in this regard.

I think he is someone who will thrive on a set role within the team and being made to play a rigid structure. As he has gained in confidence he has looked far more comfortable on the field. It may take him some games to get him completely comfortable at AFL level, but his unique gifts make him worth the persistence.

[Slartibartfast 17,625]

I'm interested to know whether Tapscott and Nicholson are training with the backs?

Tappy hasn't trained with anyone yet and Nicho with the mids. I think Nicho could be a tagger as he has all the attributes for that role and it would marginalize his kicking issues.

Garland could play wing if he can be freed from the backline. I think Bennell will play small back.

[Fat Tony 5,262]

I don't think Strauss has shown himself to be an excellent kick at AFL level yet. Hopefully he makes it, but I think the jury is still out on whether his pace is sufficient to go with the really quick small forwards.

[Lutz 76]

I don't think Strauss has shown himself to be an excellent kick at AFL level yet. Hopefully he makes it, but I think the jury is still out on whether his pace is sufficient to go with the really quick small forwards.

Questioning Strauss' pace or athleticism shows true ignorance of his ability, IMO.

2008 draft camp - James Strauss

Repeat sprints: =4th ( with Natanui)

Ahead of Stephen hill and Jack Watts.

Agility : 3rd

After only Stephen Hill and Jack Watts.

[gsmith12 491]

Questioning Strauss' pace or athleticism shows true ignorance of his ability, IMO.

2008 draft camp - James Strauss

Repeat sprints: =4th ( with Natanui)

Ahead of Stephen hill and Jack Watts.

Agility : 3rd

After only Stephen Hill and Jack Watts.

Good points Lutz however it's one thing to perform at a draft camp and another in the heat of battle in an AFL fixture as Fat Tony alluded to..

[Big Kev 371]

What Strauss does have going for him, in terms of defensive ability, is his power. He is really strong one on one and it looks like he has added strength over the summer so far. That could be a real asset for him.

And he is a beautiful kick. Not just a good kick, but a level well above that. What he does that is so important these days is his kicks cover the ground really quickly. That's where he's like Davey, in that he can hit targets and clear congestion before defenders have time to get into position.

I was very worried about his awareness during his first few years, but a switch really seemed to go off in his head last year and he looked far more composed under pressure. There were a few games where he was actually very impressive in this regard.

I think he is someone who will thrive on a set role within the team and being made to play a rigid structure. As he has gained in confidence he has looked far more comfortable on the field. It may take him some games to get him completely comfortable at AFL level, but his unique gifts make him worth the persistence.

I concur

[Fat Tony 5,262]

Questioning Strauss' pace or athleticism shows true ignorance of his ability, IMO.

2008 draft camp - James Strauss

Repeat sprints: =4th ( with Natanui)

Ahead of Stephen hill and Jack Watts.

Agility : 3rd

After only Stephen Hill and Jack Watts.

I hope you are right, but I would still trade Strauss for Zaharikis in a heart beat.

[Lutz 76]

I hope you are right, but I would still trade Strauss for Zaharikis in a heart beat.

This is where we differ: I wouldn't.

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

This is where we differ: I wouldn't.

You serious? Zaharakis is the incumbent Dons B&F winner, and he's still a kid.

[dazzledavey36 55,318]

This is where we differ: I wouldn't.

explain..

[Fat Tony 5,262]

explain..

He is extremely one eyed.