We won't have the chance to get Parish. Hird already described his style as their target this trade season.

TAC Cup Wrap: Round 16 Review

Who's this Hardwick?

A small forward capable of kicking 12 goals in a TAC Cup game.

I went today to have a look for the first time at Curnow and Parish. I'm glad I did in the end, was a peach of a day for footy and both Curnow and Parish played major roles in a comfortable win for the Falcons.

Darcy Parish: I'd heard about his kicking before today, but no one has mentioned how good his hands are. Clean and fast, he seemed to be one step ahead of his opponents, and sometimes his teammates, for most of the afternoon. He also possesses incredible vision, and spotted open players that even I didn't see from my spot in the grandstand. The most impressive part of his game though, was how good his decision making was and how quickly he executed those decisions. As previously stated, it was the quick handballs and the ability to pull the trigger by foot and hit a teammate on the chest in space that made him stand out. He played in the midfield for most of the day, but when rested forward still looked dangerous. Anyone who thinks he isn't hard enough clearly hasn't watched him. Although I doubt he'll ever be a clearance, contested ball winning machine, he seemed to have no issue taking a hit. He will need to work on his defensive running and pressure in the AFL, and I would be surprised if he registered a tackle for the entire game. He probably finished with about 20 odd disposals, so he wasn't exactly dominant, and as I alluded to before he reminded me of Nick Dal Santo.

Charlie Curnow: Charlie finished the game with 4 goals (by my count), which the Falcons staff must be stoked with as it was his first game back after having significant time out through injury. First thing you notice about Curnow is his size, he is very well built for a kid. He played forward for the whole game and was dominant, every time the ball came near him something looked like happening. Probably took 4 or 5 contested marks for the day, and was very clean in the air. Can take a grab. Although he didn't play through the midfield, there were a few instances where it was clear he has great midfield potential. Incredibly strong, and like Parish seems to be very clean by hand in the trenches. Wouldn't have missed a target by foot all day either. I'd be surprised if Curnow holds up as a full-time key forward, don't think he has the height to be a modern key position player. I've seen Skippos on Bigfooty compare him to Stringer and Darling. I disagree, he isn't as dynamic and is certainly not as quick. I'd say Josh Kennedy/Nat Fyfe would be a far better comparison.

Feel free to ask any questions about the game today, I'll answer as best I can.

Cheers Davos good wrap

TAC Cup Wrap: Round 17

It's probably far too early for a thread on Hugh McCluggage but I'd be surprised if he's not in contention to become this year's Freddie Clutterbuck.

TAC Cup Wrap: Round 18

Will be checking out tomorrows game between the Falcons and Stingrays at Simonds. Should be a good one, with the majority of top level talent on show. Esp looking forward to seeing if Weitering spends some time on Curnow and how Jake Lovett goes against a midfield which inludes Parish and Mathieson.

http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3020-0-0-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=35785400

Will be checking out tomorrows game between the Falcons and Stingrays at Simonds. Should be a good one, with the majority of top level talent on show. Esp looking forward to seeing if Weitering spends some time on Curnow and how Jake Lovett goes against a midfield which inludes Parish and Mathieson.

http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3020-0-0-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=35785400

Think I'll go and have a look as well. Kieran Collins will be worth a look too.

Think I'll go and have a look as well. Kieran Collins will be worth a look too.

Posted about Mutimer on a different thread. Playing CHB for Stingrays (suspect he won't line up there) and will be interesting to see how he goes.

Draft watchers, who are the kids in this year's draft who can hit the broad side of a barn under the slightest pressure? I'll take seven of them.

Draft watchers, who are the kids in this year's draft who can hit the broad side of a barn under the slightest pressure? I'll take seven of them.

Seven?

More like seventeen

Draft watchers, who are the kids in this year's draft who can hit the broad side of a barn under the slightest pressure? I'll take seven of them.

Like James Strauss?

Like James Strauss?

No, he couldn't kick under pressure.

Will be interested to hear how Chaser saw the game in comparison to me.

Thought Parish spent most of the day trying to start a fight with the opposition, which was intriguing. Even flipped the bird to some Dandenong supporters in the last half. It was one of his more quiet games, but still showed some of that trademark dash and skill.

Curnow was reasonably well held up forward for the first half, but went off in the second. Kicked a goal from outside 50 off one step, and it cleared the fence comfortably. Seemed to be too much for Kieran Collins in the second half, as he out-marked him a couple of times and kicked 3(?) goals.

Didn't really notice Mathieson, do not think he had any real impact.

Jake Lovett wasn't dominant, but was okay I thought. Has a lot of Nathan Jones about him.

If you need any further detail, feel free to ask!

Will be interested to hear how Chaser saw the game in comparison to me.

Thought Parish spent most of the day trying to start a fight with the opposition, which was intriguing. Even flipped the bird to some Dandenong supporters in the last half. It was one of his more quiet games, but still showed some of that trademark dash and skill.

Curnow was reasonably well held up forward for the first half, but went off in the second. Kicked a goal from outside 50 off one step, and it cleared the fence comfortably. Seemed to be too much for Kieran Collins in the second half, as he out-marked him a couple of times and kicked 3(?) goals.

Didn't really notice Mathieson, do not think he had any real impact.

Jake Lovett wasn't dominant, but was okay I thought. Has a lot of Nathan Jones about him.

If you need any further detail, feel free to ask!

Would you draft Curnow over Parish if we still had a first round pick and both were available to us Davos?

Will be interested to hear how Chaser saw the game in comparison to me.

Thought Parish spent most of the day trying to start a fight with the opposition, which was intriguing. Even flipped the bird to some Dandenong supporters in the last half. It was one of his more quiet games, but still showed some of that trademark dash and skill.

Curnow was reasonably well held up forward for the first half, but went off in the second. Kicked a goal from outside 50 off one step, and it cleared the fence comfortably. Seemed to be too much for Kieran Collins in the second half, as he out-marked him a couple of times and kicked 3(?) goals.

Didn't really notice Mathieson, do not think he had any real impact.

Jake Lovett wasn't dominant, but was okay I thought. Has a lot of Nathan Jones about him.

If you need any further detail, feel free to ask!

Who would you pick out of Curnow or Parish.

Did you see the potential in Curnow being a future midfielder.

Charlie Curnow back for the Falcons this week.

I suspect a good finish to the season would put him firmly in contention for our pick.

191cm tall midfield/key forward. Brother of Ed (good tanks seem to run in the family). Very strong overhead and wins his own ball in midfield. Was purely a midfielder before a growth spurt saw the Falcons play him as a kph.

Not saying his game style is exactly the same, but these are the sorts of strengths that Fremantle saw in a young half forward flanker named Nathan Fyfe.

I like young 'Kramers' right up, cj

a tall who can run & run, & play mid. as long as he enjoys the physical contest, he sounds like the gamble we have to have ?

I'm a big fan of Curnow, so I'd definitely go with him. However, after watching us over the last few weeks it has become apparent that we're in desperate need of some leg speed, so I could understand why we might take Parish if both were available.

I think that's why any club will take him. I doubt he'll be drafted as purely a key forward. Although he hasn't shown the ability to be a big time accumulator yet, he absolutely has the potential to be the next Josh Kennedy.

We won't have the chance to get Parish. Hird already described his style as their target this trade season.

http://www.afl.com.au/ladder/ladder-predictor

check again Lama

Will be interested to hear how Chaser saw the game in comparison to me.

Thought Parish spent most of the day trying to start a fight with the opposition, which was intriguing. Even flipped the bird to some Dandenong supporters in the last half. It was one of his more quiet games, but still showed some of that trademark dash and skill.

Curnow was reasonably well held up forward for the first half, but went off in the second. Kicked a goal from outside 50 off one step, and it cleared the fence comfortably. Seemed to be too much for Kieran Collins in the second half, as he out-marked him a couple of times and kicked 3(?) goals.

Didn't really notice Mathieson, do not think he had any real impact.

Jake Lovett wasn't dominant, but was okay I thought. Has a lot of Nathan Jones about him.

If you need any further detail, feel free to ask!

Pretty much saw it the same as you Davos.

Yeah, Parish's competitiveness stood out. I think the Falcons as a group looked like they wanted to make a statement against one of the favourites. Geelong also had the carrot of a double chance after Sandringham upset Eastern yesterday. Parish didn't get an absurd amount of the ball (as opposed to 38 touches last week), but used it well when he got it. His movement at the stoppages is very good, which is something the Demon mids have been sorely lacking. Always seems to get the ball while he's on the move.

Mathieson did a fair power of work in close, got a little bit on the outside, but also turned it over a little bit too. Was generally good though.

Curnow niggled his opponents during the game and looks like he really likes the physical side of the game. Did finish with 3 and his overhead marking was very good. Athletic in the air, good strong hands, and was able to get separation from Collins on the lead. Was a pretty good contest between he and Collins. Curnow's still a fair way from full fitness though, so don't think we'll get to see much from him in midfield this year. I'm certain most recruiter's see his future in midfield. That roost from outside 50 was a beauty. Made it look effortless.

Noticed little bits from Jake, like calmness in close quarters, a couple of nice tackles, but he still seems like a late pick to me.

Liam Hullett caught the eye for the Stingrays. Might be one to watch over the course of the finals.

Weitering was typically good one on one in the air and on the ground, but a lot of Dandenong's good work up the ground was wasted by some pretty poor finishing.

Re: Parish vs Curnow. Parish has put up some excellent performances and would give the midfield exactly what it lacks. Creativity, cleverness and skill. On exposed form he SHOULD be the pick if he's still on the board.

That said, Curnow has a lot of raw traits which could give him the highest ceiling of this years crop. Injury hasn't given him the chance to put up the production, but there have been plenty of glimpses. Strength, athleticism and mongrel are all there. Hopefully we see a bit more through the finals. If he does, he could shoot past Parish. If we miss on Parish, I'm more than happy to take Curnow.

Pretty much saw it the same as you Davos.

Yeah, Parish's competitiveness stood out. I think the Falcons as a group looked like they wanted to make a statement against one of the favourites. Geelong also had the carrot of a double chance after Sandringham upset Eastern yesterday. Parish didn't get an absurd amount of the ball (as opposed to 38 touches last week), but used it well when he got it. His movement at the stoppages is very good, which is something the Demon mids have been sorely lacking. Always seems to get the ball while he's on the move.

Mathieson did a fair power of work in close, got a little bit on the outside, but also turned it over a little bit too. Was generally good though.

Curnow niggled his opponents during the game and looks like he really likes the physical side of the game. Did finish with 3 and his overhead marking was very good. Athletic in the air, good strong hands, and was able to get separation from Collins on the lead. Was a pretty good contest between he and Collins. Curnow's still a fair way from full fitness though, so don't think we'll get to see much from him in midfield this year. I'm certain most recruiter's see his future in midfield. That roost from outside 50 was a beauty. Made it look effortless.

Noticed little bits from Jake, like calmness in close quarters, a couple of nice tackles, but he still seems like a late pick to me.

Liam Hullett caught the eye for the Stingrays. Might be one to watch over the course of the finals.

Weitering was typically good one on one in the air and on the ground, but a lot of Dandenong's good work up the ground was wasted by some pretty poor finishing.

Re: Parish vs Curnow. Parish has put up some excellent performances and would give the midfield exactly what it lacks. Creativity, cleverness and skill. On exposed form he SHOULD be the pick if he's still on the board.

That said, Curnow has a lot of raw traits which could give him the highest ceiling of this years crop. Injury hasn't given him the chance to put up the production, but there have been plenty of glimpses. Strength, athleticism and mongrel are all there. Hopefully we see a bit more through the finals. If he does, he could shoot past Parish. If we miss on Parish, I'm more than happy to take Curnow.

I'm REALLY intrigued to see how this all pans out. I know we're a long way out from the draft, but at this stage, if we keep our first pick, I'd be surprised if we didn't take one of these two.

Cheers Chaser and Davos, I said earlier on in the year there was just something I liked about Curnow as that strong mid/forward, and I thought we would be able to trade down our pick and get him. Not sure that will happen now with Brissy and Carlton looking like they may get a few FA compensation picks.

Looking long term toward 2017/18 I think a midfield which you could rotate several boys between stints on ball half forward/half back like Viney, Brayshaw, Petracca, Salem, Vandenburg, Kent, ANB, Tyson with a couple of others we pick up next year will be a very good core to build off. Jones and Vince will be getting close to the end after 2017/18 but by then the baton should be handed over

Pretty much saw it the same as you Davos.

Yeah, Parish's competitiveness stood out. I think the Falcons as a group looked like they wanted to make a statement against one of the favourites. Geelong also had the carrot of a double chance after Sandringham upset Eastern yesterday. Parish didn't get an absurd amount of the ball (as opposed to 38 touches last week), but used it well when he got it. His movement at the stoppages is very good, which is something the Demon mids have been sorely lacking. Always seems to get the ball while he's on the move.

Mathieson did a fair power of work in close, got a little bit on the outside, but also turned it over a little bit too. Was generally good though.

Curnow niggled his opponents during the game and looks like he really likes the physical side of the game. Did finish with 3 and his overhead marking was very good. Athletic in the air, good strong hands, and was able to get separation from Collins on the lead. Was a pretty good contest between he and Collins. Curnow's still a fair way from full fitness though, so don't think we'll get to see much from him in midfield this year. I'm certain most recruiter's see his future in midfield. That roost from outside 50 was a beauty. Made it look effortless.

Noticed little bits from Jake, like calmness in close quarters, a couple of nice tackles, but he still seems like a late pick to me.

Liam Hullett caught the eye for the Stingrays. Might be one to watch over the course of the finals.

Weitering was typically good one on one in the air and on the ground, but a lot of Dandenong's good work up the ground was wasted by some pretty poor finishing.

Re: Parish vs Curnow. Parish has put up some excellent performances and would give the midfield exactly what it lacks. Creativity, cleverness and skill. On exposed form he SHOULD be the pick if he's still on the board.

That said, Curnow has a lot of raw traits which could give him the highest ceiling of this years crop. Injury hasn't given him the chance to put up the production, but there have been plenty of glimpses. Strength, athleticism and mongrel are all there. Hopefully we see a bit more through the finals. If he does, he could shoot past Parish. If we miss on Parish, I'm more than happy to take Curnow.

I'm REALLY intrigued to see how this all pans out. I know we're a long way out from the draft, but at this stage, if we keep our first pick, I'd be surprised if we didn't take one of these two.

what are the chances that Carlton take Curnow, to go with his brother Blue?

what are the chances that Carlton take Curnow, to go with his brother Blue?

Don't think they will take him in the Top 4 even if they and the Lions get first round FA Compensation I think they will go

1.Schache

2.Weitering

3.Francis

4.Parish

I've got a feeling if we keep our first pick we will take Curnow. The thought of a midfield the size of Brayshaw, Petracca, Tyson and Curnow is fairly enticing!

We can always trade for that extra speed and skill, think Freo trading for Danyle Pearce.

Yeah good point Dom. I think even though we have ANB and Vince (for another year or two) to run through the mid, It might be good to have another tall to move forward like Freo and Hawks do.

If we can get one more dream mid in FA like Prestia or Trelour I think the midfield would be in very good stead.

For pace you look for outside runners which Melbourne has practically none at the moment. I think it is possible to pick up late picks and FA who have those qualities.

I don't think it matters who we pick, the eventual standouts from this year's draft will be a raffle, like when Fyfe came from nowhere.

Hence, I'd roll the dice on potential with Curnow or Balic.

Maybe Parish, but I'm just not convinced.

Moves well in traffic, but I don't think he's as fast as you'd want him to be.

As I've said before, I think he'll have a slow Toumpas-like transition to next level.