36 minutes ago, binman said:

 

And as Gator noted, and as you imply, he is super coachable and we know Goody rewards players who play their assigned role and follow instructions. 

In Regards to Taj I think this statement is most valid. There is no clearly defined position or role for him at the moment. I remember ANB (the old #1 whipping boy) coming in as a pure midfielder and playing consistently there at Casey, unable to really break into the side. Then ANB was able to find a niche as the high half forward role and really own it. I hope Taj can find his niche and do the same!

How brilliant that MFC posted this from yesterday’s training.

https://www.facebook.com/100064706349400/posts/pfbid026RvYPBZAgFe5yBLjTUSTKXkJjNdDfwgGAQ7b1DkL8JmcjvY9EpmSwy1JpP5SzC8El/?mibextid=cr9u03

 

26 minutes ago, Ollie fan said:

"Super professional, excellent tank, preparedness to work hard, disciplined, lacks X factor" - are you talking about Taj or his dad?

What I am trying to say is: that is exactly what his dad was like, and he won a Brownlow......

True nuff.

 

23 minutes ago, Young Blood said:

In Regards to Taj I think this statement is most valid. There is no clearly defined position or role for him at the moment. I remember ANB (the old #1 whipping boy) coming in as a pure midfielder and playing consistently there at Casey, unable to really break into the side. Then ANB was able to find a niche as the high half forward role and really own it. I hope Taj can find his niche and do the same!

Agree.

I think the wing is his best shot, which means getting past Langers or Hunter (or one them moving to a different role). 

And Howes is also probably in competition for the wing spot, though he could also play at HBF (perhaps taking  Mcvee's spot at HB allowing judd to move onto the ball).

On whipping boys status i think the front runners are (in order) Spargs, TMac and Benny Brown - with a watch on Fullerton if he finds his way into the ones.

Maybe Laurie too if he keeps getting games when he makes little impact. 

1 hour ago, binman said:

Agree.

I think the wing is his best shot, which means getting past Langers or Hunter (or one them moving to a different role). 

And Howes is also probably in competition for the wing spot, though he could also play at HBF (perhaps taking  Mcvee's spot at HB allowing judd to move onto the ball).

On whipping boys status i think the front runners are (in order) Spargs, TMac and Benny Brown - with a watch on Fullerton if he finds his way into the ones.

Maybe Laurie too if he keeps getting games when he makes little impact. 

Have we dropped nibbler from the whippin boy list?

Ha ha Cheap Seats I think Nibbler eased himself out of the chair whilst we were distracted by a number of other non performing players.!!

23 minutes ago, Cheap Seats said:

Have we dropped nibbler from the whippin boy list?

Could a premiership player who finishes 6th in a a club's best and fairest, after being top ten the previous year, and who has barely mised a game in five seasons, reasonably be considered a whipping boy?

1 hour ago, binman said:

 

On whipping boys status i think the front runners are (in order) Spargs, TMac and Benny Brown - with a watch on Fullerton if he finds his way into the ones.

Maybe Laurie too if he keeps getting games when he makes little impact. 

RIP James Harmes from this list

Edited January 18, 20241 yr by Young Blood

1 hour ago, binman said:

Agree.

I think the wing is his best shot, which means getting past Langers or Hunter (or one them moving to a different role). 

And Howes is also probably in competition for the wing spot, though he could also play at HBF (perhaps taking  Mcvee's spot at HB allowing judd to move onto the ball).

On whipping boys status i think the front runners are (in order) Spargs, TMac and Benny Brown - with a watch on Fullerton if he finds his way into the ones.

Maybe Laurie too if he keeps getting games when he makes little impact. 

"And the Jack Watts Memorial Whipping Boy position for 2024 goes to ..." 😀

Edited January 18, 20241 yr by Red and Bluebeard

2 hours ago, sydneydee said:

How brilliant that MFC posted this from yesterday’s training.

https://www.facebook.com/100064706349400/posts/pfbid026RvYPBZAgFe5yBLjTUSTKXkJjNdDfwgGAQ7b1DkL8JmcjvY9EpmSwy1JpP5SzC8El/?mibextid=cr9u03

 

Genuine or sarcastic, SD?

Could you post it here so we, the Unfacebooked, can also consider?

49 minutes ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Genuine or sarcastic, SD?

Could you post it here so we, the Unfacebooked, can also consider?

Genuine

23 hours ago, kev martin said:

It's a wet morning, ball is like soap to a few.

Rehab had Jefferson and Hunter working with a trainer, ball work and fitness drills. Farris-White mainly running laps. Melksham and BBB in the sheds with the pedal and rower. Billings, AMW, McAdams, Petty did all the drill work with the team but didn't participate in the sims.

Brayshaw worked with the backline and was wearing the lime cap (no contact) during sims. That line also included, McVee, May, Lever, Tomlinson, Bowey, Adams, Hore. Interestingly, not Rivers, Salem, or Howe. They worked very well as a group, good ball handling and disposal for a wet day.

A run on indigenous player wearing number 49 was with us, as was N.Yze.

I thought Salem was training well, fit and skills remain silky.

After their warm-ups and drills, they had a competitive game of handball. They showed great intensity, tackled and hit each other with some gusto. Impressed with Frittas tackling, a couple of times he did two consecutive and other times wrapped up the ball carrier. The area was small, so shimmy and acceleration was needed to do well. Some have that ability to break into space where it is not obvious (McVee, Kossie), or the vision to see the outside player (Tracc, Bowey).

I also noticed Goody getting angry, (first time I had noticed this behavior at a session), after the end of the handball game. Another watcher mentioned that Williams did the same. Perhaps the coaches aren't going to be so chummy this season. The playing group appeared slightly stunned by the outburst and went quiet. ('this way covered, that way covered, should XXX take the first open option.').

The sims were unspectacular given the weather, plenty of safe kicking and jostling for that front position. A few soft injuries to Bowey and May in collisions. Turner is looking good, as is Howe and Verral. Tracc is leading by example, getting better and better.

No Oliver.

They were kicking goals well in the wet during drills. Plenty of fumbles all through the session. 

I think today's session was very much about being 'hard'.

Had to leave early, so I haven’t got a comprehensive report for sims.

We are looking good, healthy, fit and dare I say, ready, so early in the season.

Go Dees.

Top notch Kev💥

7 hours ago, Lil_red_fire_engine said:

It is not surprising to me that it’s appears from recent reports that Rivers and to some degree Salo are training at least in part for midfield minutes. We have lost midfield depth and that’s before you consider we look likely to not have Clarry for at least the start of the season. We have Disco and Howes appearing to be cherry ripe for senior exposure in our back 7. Our ball use forward of centre has been bland and ineffective. Salem and Rivers are both aggressive, creative kicks. I like the move and you can always revert the plan if it does not prove positive. 

Be interested to know how many centre bounce appearances Salem has made in his career.

I recall he either played on the wing or in the centre in that belting we copped down in Geelong in 2016 (P Roos farewell game) but he was good that day with 27 touches. 

I agree that we need to throw new options into the midfield for the reasons you stated above.

2 hours ago, binman said:

Could a premiership player who finishes 6th in a a club's best and fairest, after being top ten the previous year, and who has barely mised a game in five seasons, reasonably be considered a whipping boy?

Hasn't stopped us in the past :)

Salem lacks the size and pace to play inside midfield. High half back is ideal for him because it masks his lack of athleticism and allows him to use his excellent skills and reading of the play. He needs to get his acceleration back this season and be able to kick 50m+ otherwise he will be in the VFL.

I like Gus at half back, but we have a lot more options there than in the midfield now. I am also unconvinced the chance of concussion is much different in the midfield than in defence and so I think we will need him back in the engine room.

Rivers to the midfield makes sense given our lack of options, but he might not have the running ability to play four quarters. Pickett and ANB are others who will need to play more midfield minutes this year.

 

On 17/01/2024 at 10:05, WalkingCivilWar said:

Or Bonnie and Clyde

Dave and Mable.

7 hours ago, Webber said:

Very confidently tipping Taj to be the break-out player of 2024. Underrated on here, but has all the tricks, along with an uber-professional attitude. Will exponentially improve with experience. 
 

(also tipping he’ll be a whipping boy until his value becomes undeniable). 

He knows how long the season is going to be for him.

19 hours ago, Dingo said:

Great show. I remember 1 episode where Max thought 99 had the hots for Agent 43.When Max asked her 99 said, you’re worth two 43s Max.

See my 14 October last post on the 2024 Jumper Numbers thread, Dingo (where @tilly18 also then nominated the actual episode 👏) but it's well worth dusting off again every once in a while! 😄

On 17/01/2024 at 15:10, 58er said:

Bradshaw won’t miss any early games. Where he plays might be interesting. HB or  wing or on the ball? 

Bradshaw would be a bit old by now. Will he be smiths replacement?

5 hours ago, binman said:

On whipping boys status

Nibbler is still (inexplicably) the flag bearer for many on DL, I reckon. 

9 hours ago, Young Blood said:

In Regards to Taj I think this statement is most valid. There is no clearly defined position or role for him at the moment. I remember ANB (the old #1 whipping boy) coming in as a pure midfielder and playing consistently there at Casey, unable to really break into the side. Then ANB was able to find a niche as the high half forward role and really own it. I hope Taj can find his niche and do the same!

Even though the instructions may be suspect?

3 hours ago, Webber said:

Nibbler is still (inexplicably) the flag bearer for many on DL, I reckon. 

Gee I miss Jackieboy

5 hours ago, Fat Tony said:

 

Salem lacks the size and pace to play inside midfield. High half back is ideal for him because it masks his lack of athleticism and allows him to use his excellent skills and reading of the play. He needs to get his acceleration back this season and be able to kick 50m+ otherwise he will be in the VFL.

 

Not worried about size for Salem assuming he’s healthy and can knee weight on, he’s always been a willing tackler and a smart contested player who uses his body well. Plus he’ll be the 3rd or 4th contested option rather than a main guy. He’s there to receive than handballs from the first possession players. Agree he needs his burst back but I think that’s easier to hide on ball than half back. Especially if we want to really run from the backline this year.

On 17/01/2024 at 17:16, Jeremy said:

Midfield depth is a real issue. We lost Harmes Dunstan and Jordon and didn’t replace them with anyone. Billings is the closest thing but he’s a half forward who can occasionally pinch in the midfield at best. At this stage our best midfielder isn’t even at the club and there’s no way Brayshaw will be thrown in there too early this season (at all?). We won’t have the luxury of Trac going forward at this stage. We don’t know if Rivers is a midfielder or not, sample size way too small. There really isn’t a lot to call on this year, coupled with no legitimate backup ruckman either. If one or two go down I think we are in trouble. Surprised this wasn’t addressed during the trade period. 

I’m not especially worried about midfield depth. I know Rivers hasn’t done it much  but he’s fit, strong, aggressive, can win the ball in traffic, there’s a lot of reasons for confidence. Same with a fit Salem. There’s a lot to like about Pickett in bursts and I’m a believer in ANB offering something on ball too. And what I really like is the options all complement our midfield bulls which is a desperately needed breath of fresh air.

I’m more concerned about covering the guys we move. Tracc forward is an easy one if we can spare him. Gus back in the right role. Are Howes, Laurie, Woey ready and will McAdam, Billings, Fullarton, Hore or any of the young kids prove upgrades and allow more experimentation? 

Apart from a little Laurie buzz we aren’t hearing too much yet.

11 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

I’m not especially worried about midfield depth. I know Rivers hasn’t done it much  but he’s fit, strong, aggressive, can win the ball in traffic, there’s a lot of reasons for confidence. Same with a fit Salem. There’s a lot to like about Pickett in bursts and I’m a believer in ANB offering something on ball too. And what I really like is the options all complement our midfield bulls which is a desperately needed breath of fresh air.

I’m more concerned about covering the guys we move. Tracc forward is an easy one if we can spare him. Gus back in the right role. Are Howes, Laurie, Woey ready and will McAdam, Billings, Fullarton, Hore or any of the young kids prove upgrades and allow more experimentation? 

Apart from a little Laurie buzz we aren’t hearing too much yet.

Have been told Howes is ready to impact in the back half.