stevethemanjordan

Watch it again old mate and you will see that he does in fact allow himself to fall with full force onto Grimes' head. He doesn't for a second try and break his fall. I'm sure it was to get him back for the tackle in the first quarter.

The most fundamental and basic skill you learn when you first pick a football up is how to kick. It's the very first thing a kid learns to do. How can we have so many sub standard kickers playing elite level football? Is it that hard to recruit them? Is it really? Bartram, Bail, Gysberts, Fitzy, Spencer, Moloney, Martin, Blease, Petterd, Morton, Rivers, Garland and even Frawley. I see far too many missed targets under no pressure.

Agree. Many people seem to forget the importance of a strong 25 - 30 yo group of experienced players. We have had, and still have the worst group within the AFL. Whilst I still believe that BP wasn't the best recruiter going around, if Watts and an uninjured Blease and Strauss were running around for West Coast this year, I get the feeling people would be questioning why we didn't pick those three...

How about kicking under no pressure whatsoever. How many times do we either miss a target completely or make it extremely hard for our team mate by not kicking to advantage? Our inability to hit a target under no pressure is astonishing! I'm not talking about other factors that come into play. Obviously they don't help. But our kicking under pressure is absolute rubbish.

I don't know if that was the correct word to use to describe this thread?

Not sure if this needed it's own thread but I wanted to bring it up in isolation as I am interested in the number of poster's on this forum who, like me, believe that we have deplorable kicking skills and that it's the major reason why we find it so hard to compete. I honestly believe that we are the third worst team at disposing of the ball by foot. GWS and GC beat us to the title. Neeld has stressed the importance of improving our contested ball winning ability, but surely he is beginning to see an issue with our ability to keep possession of the ball? I for one think our contested ball winning ability is better than our disposal efficiency/ability to keep possession of the ball. What do others think? I see so many average users of the ball. Across the entire list. It's sickening! Hawthorn have a perfect mix of contested ball winners and players with elite kicking skills. Players like Hodge, Lewis, Osborne, Birchall, Guerra, Stratton, Suckling.... They all have contested ball winning ability and have kicking skills! Hawthorn's recruiting manager deliberately picked left footed players based on the research that showed left footer's posses a better kicking efficiency. That is another debate in itself but does that comes back to recruiting again.... What's the recurring theme here? I am praying for a high class recruiter to come to us this year and for the 2012 draft to be the draft that shoots the MFC back to where it is meant to be.

Well then they are ruining the idea of a forum made for football club supporters wanting to share their views. Aren't they RP?

The problem is exactly this. People putting together a 'premiership list'. It's honestly hilarious. In order for a team to play well and click into gear, each player must be able to play their position to their best ability in order for full functionality and teamwork to take place. Name me more than 5 players on our side who have had a specific role and position to play over the last 5 -7 years... You can't. And you won't. As soon as we get 22 players playing to their maximum potential and knowing exactly where and how to play, where and how to run, when and how to attack, when and how to defend, where and how to zone..etc etc, that's when you will see our side on the improve. So for now, it doesn't matter how many individuals people on this forum list as 'potential premiership players'. Fantasise about it all you want, because that's all the enjoyment you will ever get if our list doesn't learn how to play as a team, for each other or to a specific role they must adhere to. The 'premiership window' and the 'premiership fantasy list' is something I cringe at everytime it's mentioned. Of course high draft picks will help the cause. But not if they don't know how to play to the way a team needs them to in order for ultimate success.

I really hope people on here get a bit of a wake up call and realise that we have a really average list and have has an average FD over the past few years. Neeld knows it. So do the rest of the coaches. If Neeld and Misson pretty much imply that we are light years away from becoming a strong and difficult team to play against, what do you think it says about Bailey and co? If Neeld and Misson said our fitness levels weren't up to standard when they arrived, and that our training and attitude wasn't at an elite AFL level, what does that say about Bailey and co? Does it mean that they simply had no idea about how a professional AFL football club should be run? Does it mean that players, and especially our 25 yo + players have developed bad habits at training which leads to on-field performance? Neeld has come from arguably the most professional and elite sporting club within the AFL. Misson has come from Sydney and St Kilda and has helped take both to Grand Finals. Both would know. Both would know how far behind our players are. Both would know exactly where they need to get to. Wouldn't they? I can't help but smell yet another clean out over the next two years with the possible recruitment of a few more recycled/mature age players along with some quality draft picks. A top class recruiter with an outstanding history is what we need next. Sorry demonlanders. We are in for a few more years of pain I reckon.

So was Sellar at the same age... But he has already been delisted by one club and is trying to earn a spot in a pathetic Melbourne side. Does that mean he should be a walk up start next week? Morton will play when he earns a game. Not because he was touted as the second best junior at the age of 17 or 18. That's ridiculous.

Did you watch the rest of the interview you nonce?

We are also one of the worst sides at disposing of the ball by foot.

Good discussion point this. It is very strange indeed. Today was one of the most frustrating and unenjoyable games of football I have witnessed in a long time. It was different in the sense that we had no flow or flair to our game and everything was a struggle. Especially our long bombs to the boundary, in the forward line and from kick outs. Last year under Bailey, we had the all clear to use the middle of the ground and to play more of a high risk, high return style of game. I understand that Neeld wants to implement this contested football style asap, however his post match interview did confuse me. When asked what he thought of our aimless bombing and blazing away today, he replied, "that's the least of my worries'. Maybe he has chosen to take a backward step (by ordering the playing group to kick long to contests whether it be from a kick in, along the wing or into the forward 50), because he wants to emphasise and quickly improve our contested ball work? He feels the player's need to make this a priority before we get to the next step? I only question this because of the unbelievable amount of opportunities we had to switch the play or look inboard to a player with space. Is he testing the player's ability to win their own ball? Finding out who has the strength mentally and physically to beat their opponent in every contest? It's hard to say. But I am very disappointed with today. Still can't get over how many average kicker's we have in our side. If we dish that rubbish up next week, man it could be ugly. Here's to hoping Neeld and co know exactly what they are doing.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh demonland...... BenHur should win the ' most non-biased demonlander of the decade' award. Along with the most 'sensible' and 'fairest' poster of the year. It's a pleasure reading what you have to say. Please post more often. As for Watts, I agree with the guy who said something about playing him in a similar role to that of Fyfe of Freo. I for one see many similarities. Roaming half forward or wingman. That's where I hope to see him develop his game. And hopefully, the intensity and appetite for physical contact will find it's way into Jack Watts' football.

Now highlight the non-highlighted names and look how well he did.... It doesn't matter that there were some unsuccessful picks within that eight year period. The point is he got some unbelievable players and the rest is history. I don't think anyone is doubting that recruiters will pick guys who don't always make it.

RIP Jim Stynes. I'm speechless.

BH you the man. Obviosuly I couldn't agree more. Nitpicking at his ability to take a few contested marks and the 'three months of last year' is not proving that Jack is courageous and that he is not a timid player. There would be no need for constant discussion upon such an issue if people would view the situation in a non bias light. Try and judge him as a player from a football enthusiasts view. Not a die hard Melbourne supporter's extremely protective and shallow view. It's like Richard Dawkins arguing with Christians on here.

How about people STFU about premiership windows for our team already? Let's try and have a couple of consistent games in a row first.

I remember getting this in an email last year. Gotta love it. Happy reading! - Here's the Collingwood Membership Application Form Collingwood Magpies MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM NAME…………………………………………………………………….( 2 mistakes allowed ) NAME…………………………………………………………………….( 2nd chance ) ADDRESS………………………………………………………………………………………... (this means what is the name of the street your house is in and what is your house number. If unsure of either – check the phone book for details but look under your own name or you will get it wrong) If address unknown – put a tick here:………….. DATE OF BIRTH……………………………….. (What day does everybody sing happy birthday to you?) AGE…………….. (How many years have they been singing it to you?) MOTHER’S NAME……………………….…………………....(Mum will NOT do. What is her REAL name?) FATHER’S NAME ( if known )…………………………………………………………...( NO SWEARING ) DO YOU HAVE A CAR? YES / NO IS IT YOURS? YES / NO REGISTRATION NUMBER…………………………….(found on the piece of tin hanging from the bumper bar) DO YOU HAVE A DRIVERS LICENCE? YES / NO IS IT YOURS? YES / NO ARE YOU WEARING MAGGIES CLOTHING ON LICENCE PHOTO? YES / NO COULD YOU DRIVE PLAYERS, MATCH COMMITTEE OR OTHER SUPPORTERS TO: a ) HOME GAMES YES / NO b ) AWAY GAMES (to keep costs down) YES / NO DO YOU HAVE A WASHING MACHINE? YES / NO WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO HELP WASH OUR TEAM FOOTY GEAR? YES / NO (tick which……..socks….shorts….guernseys….jockstraps….hankies….band ages …. ) DO YOU OWN A BEACH SHACK? YES / NO COULD WE USE IT FOR THE PLAYERS “END OF SEASON TRIP?” YES / NO DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDREN? YES / NO ARE THEY YOURS? YES / NO WOULD ANY OF THEM BE INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOR THE MAGGIES? YES / NO a ) BOYS YES / NO b ) GIRLS YES / NO HOW OLD ARE THEY? 1 – 10, 11 – 20, 21 – 30, 31 – 40, or don’t know? DO YOU HAVE ANY LARGE FOOTBALL TROPHIES (no name tags ) THAT YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO DONATE TO THE CLUB FOR OUR TROPHY CABINET? YES / NO WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING OUR END OF SEASON DINNER? YES / NO COULD YOU BRING ANYTHING ALONG ON THE NIGHT? (e.g. fairy bread, party pies, cordial, plastic cups, jelly ) YES / NO ARE YOU RELIGIOUS? YES / NO WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO LEAD OUR SUPPORTERS IN PRAYER: a ) BEFORE HOME GAMES? YES / NO b ) BEFORE AWAY GAMES? YES / NO c ) BEFORE WE PLAY THE EAGLES? YES / NO d ) START TO FINISH OF A EAGLES GAME? YES /NO PART TWO – I.Q TEST 1) PICK THE TV SHOW (circle the right name from the clues given ) BLANKETY______________ Cheque / Blanket / Blanks / Donation / don’t know I DREAM OF_____________ a premiership / Chris Judd / Jeannie / having money / don’t know STAR TREK, THE NEXT____ Footy Show / AFL team / AFL Draft / Generation / don’t know GET_____________________ John Worsfold / Lost / rid of Malthouse / Smart / don’t know HEY HEY IT’S ___________ a June Premiership / smoko / Saturday / another defeat / don’t know WHO WANTS TO BE _____ a Millionaire / a Collingwood member / stupid / Leon Davis / don’t know 2) PICK THE ODD ONE OUT ( circle the odd one from the lists below ) FEBRUARY 30th / MAY 38th / JUNE 40th / OCTOBER 33rd / APRIL 1st / don’t know SPOON / SOON / MOON / BOON / CHEESE / GOON / SWOON / don’t know A, B, C, D, 4, E, F, G, H, I, don’t know WOEWODIN / ROCCA / CLEMENT / BUCKLEY / HOLLAND / (one wasn’t poached from another club) MCG / SCG / AAMI STADIUM / SUBIACO / GABBA / WEMBLEY / don’t know 3) WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE? “I THINKS THE MAGPIES IS THE BESTEST TEAM IN OSTRAYLIA” IS IT: a ) BAD SPELING b )BAD GRAMMA c ) BAD GRANDMA d ) DON’T KNOW To find out if your membership application has been successful, please put a stamp on both sides of an envelope and leave one side blank. We will advise you by return mail. BONUS: Please list in order your preferred complimentary Collingwood Membership Surgery that comes with every successful membership application. We will try to allocate you a bed in an appropriate hospital, as one becomes available. a ) MOUTH ENLARGEMENT. b ) ONE EYE REMOVED.( left or right ) c) BRAIN REMOVED

Stop over-rating our list you tragics. It's always the same [censored]. "Wait until Blease, Tapscott, Cook, Strauss, Cook etc etc etc get some experience". They need experience with good players leading them!! Otherwise they will become nothing! Our current crop of 25 + year olds just don't cut it and they set (and have set) a terrible example for our younger crop. Add to that the fact that we are one of the worst teams at kicking in the AFL. We simply do not have enough players that can kick to a level that allows us to keep the ball and damage sides with it. I'm still all for Neeld/Craig and co. They are the one's after all who have come in and said we need to be a high performance club in all areas and that we were clearly so behind in terms of our fitness last year. I don't remember Bailey ever making that observation. We have two problems that clearly need addressing: 1 - Older guys, 'experienced players', + 25 group. So soft. So selfish. So mentally week. So average. We need some serious offloading at seasons end. The negative effect that these guys are having (and have had) on our younger crop is devastating. We have the worst + 25 group within the AFL by a country mile. 2 - Footskills. Whether we need to draft guys who know how to hit a feggin' moving target, or trade for some elite kickers from other clubs, I dont care. Just get them in. If Neeld wants us to be the strongest team at the contest and to win the footy, we need guys who can use the thing. It's absolutely disgusting watching us kick. Garland, Rivers, Bartram, Frawley at times. It's comedy back there at times. Absolute comedy. Seems pretty simple but really it just means we are further behind the eight ball. It's funny really cause we have drafted all of these young guys, but they just seem to have no direction. No one to take the lead on the field. No one to bring them into games. No one to inspire them. Make them walk taller. Mitch Clark is a start. It's killing me. I'm extremely interested to see who stays and who goes after this season. I have a feeling there could be some wholesale changes with our older crop.

It's 'cool story, hansel'. And I'm with wyl and the ox. It's not about stats. Intensity, desire and aggression. That is what we want. Shut up about his stats. Seriously.

I agree I exaggerated a little with the words I used. Touche. However, I still believe people love to talk up our young players a ridiculous amount. Gysberts being one. Comparisons to Joel Corey, Pendles, even Dal Santo. I mean really.

People are implying that he could be a star after a few games. Yes. I'm sure I have heard the words 'star', 'gun' in other threads. Well I remember. Maybe it's something to do with age old timer. ; ) You and Nasher seem to be on the same page with the memory business.

It's like thinking 'happy thoughts' in Peter Pan. As soon as Watts learns how to attack the footy and contest ferociously ad with intent he will be a 100 x better player. Whether that means seeing a sports psychologist, watching footage of himself and of players such as Hurley or Brown. Whatever it is just please make that switch jack. You could be anything if you do. But if you don't, you will be the biggest waste of talent MFC have seen. No pressure...

We need to draft some kids with elite kicking skills. Look at hawthorns list. What a balance of attributes they share. If they can keep they're injury count down for the next few years, they will win multiple flags. We need kids that can kick.