jabberwocky

Just got back from Werribee. Watched the first quarter of the reserves. Blease started on half back and had about 10 possies for the quarter linking up all over the park and hitting blokes on the [censored] at full pace. Kicked a magic goal from the pocket on the run. He is one classy footballer. He was blowing hard when he came off for a rest Tapscott was also in thinks early missing a couple of shots at goal, heard him complain about a lack of "drive" in his leg to the medicos. Obviously not back to full strength from the op. He was very much getting himself into contests and was at the bottom of the pack on a few occasions.

Agreed he is a great athlete and I have seen him take a couple of great marks out of position. If he really wants to be an AFL footballer he needs to be persisted with.

Well at least he's a team player.

I think part of the problem with Carey is that he was polished too often and by the wrong people

I agree with most of that, but having known Carey, (not well but well enough) I would say that he always had those issues. The brash, over confident forward is actually a fairly common animal, especially over the last thirty years. They have also been some of the most successful, obviously though not exclusively. Franklin is probably the most exciting young tall forward in the comp and he fits that mould I would have thought. Would you pass him by Rhino?

Agreed with the highlighted part completely, I don't think anyone suggested ignoring the character of potential draftees.. I still believe that there is something to be said for the over-confident, brash, party boy, forward. They often have endearing qualities that go with the less endearing ones. The qualities that can win you matches and premierships. I believe that you can have too many conservative, preppy types in your footy team. If Wayne Carey was an 18 year old recruit in the upcoming draft I would be happy for the club to take a chance on him. Seriously who wouldn't?

I agree to a point but the club will have to weigh up the pros and cons. Carey, Brereton, Lockett, Franklin all flawed characters and all match winners. Then you have the Thorps, Angwins, Lovetts, etc. How good is he? Does he want to play team footy? Will he do the work etc?

I missed the Metro game but caught the Vic Country - Adelaide game. I liked Josh Walker 194cm CHF, number 34. He was in everything early but ran out of puff. Strong frame, mobile, takes a great grab, a nice kick and loves to lay tackles. I have no idea if recruiters are discussing him but he made an impression on me EDIT: Just found this article http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3020-0-0-0&sID=59337&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=11752281&sectionID=59337

Ok I'll bite. Evidence henceforth; QUOTE (dandeeman @ Jul 11 2009, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> On today's game and all others I have seen him play he plays on the periphery of the contest. I would have thought that was fairly indisputable. Enforcer says: "I'm afraid I dispute this. I think you're an idiot if this is what you've deduced from watching him play. Just my opinion." (Post 75 Jack Watts) You followed that up with a number of other insults. Yet it is apparently ok to say: "Strauss is undoubtedly soft at present." (Post 87 Jurrah set to return) Need more evidence of your hypocrisy or have you seen enough. You will not find any posts of mine calling anyone soft. How about enforcing your own standards upon yourself.

Seeing you insult people for suggesting that Watts needs to get more involved, then post that "Strauss is soft" a total change of identity is probably the best option. On topic went down to Skilled yesterday a young half forward by the name of Josh Walker, number 34 for Vic Country was very impressive yesterday. Listed at 194cm from Lara. Kicked 2 in the first quarter and was in everything. Strong boy and very mobile. Loves to take a mark and gets involved. I have him filed as one to watch.

Fair enough, my take would be that they need to harden up or they won't make it. I hope they all do. The club needs to accept nothing less than full commitment. Some players take time, ie Goddard and Hodge. Some players fall by the wayside forever ie Cupido, McMahon. Lets hope our kids are in the former category.

Considering that he was our most effective and dangerous forward before he got injured this year I would suggest that the onus is on you to replace him with a better player.

Who ruled who out now? Some of the kids need to work on thier hardness and intensity. If they do they might make it, if they don't they won't. You may not like that assessment but the fact is the success of our club is dependent on some of these kids stepping up.

Agree with Hannabal's assesments as honest and accurate. Still I wouldn't draw a line through any second year player. I will add that Watts' intensity is what I believe needs to lift. I would like to see him want the footy more, get himself in positions to contest for it and demand it. getting in front of your opponent adn leading at the ball carrier doesn't take body strength, it takes speed, balance and good hands and most of all responsibility. All are in his tool kit already. I was poleaxed by a few poster's when I started a thread last year suggesting that Watts had to make some mental adjustments. It is interesting to note a few of those critics are now making the same observations. I would like to see some of these guys on the periphery start to lift thier intensity at the footy over the next season and a half. I just want to see that these young men are made of the right stuff and that our coaching staff are getting what it out of them. I note with interest Enforcer's assessment of Strauss.

I don't agree with that. Petterd is one of a few who can take a contested mark. He has courage, takes responsibilty and kicks goals under pressure. He is a kid in footballing terms and has as much upside as the top 5 or 6 young players on our list. He is the type of player that is difficult to match up on. He is one you want running out in a finals side. The only question mark is whether his body can withstand the type of game he plays.

I love him. He stays in the side barring a form slump for mine. Very much a required player.

If I was Ricky or his manager these are exactly the type of rumours I would perpetuate.

Wow, Mckenna buys a property on the Gold Coast......and you know the EXACT address.

Easy. Yes.

Mate I love your optimism, wish you were a bookie.

Beamer = Passion

bewildering

The part of the game that it occurs in and the consistency with which it happen would be a good guide. He is a young footballer and there is doubt a raft of reasons why he is stuggling to get into games. And then does his sub-par fitness reflect on his appetite to train harder and get better? It is only a question. Does it affect his confidence and self belief? Then does he go into a contest believing he can win it? Does he believe himself a worthy enough player to demand the footy? So much of this game gets played out in the head before the ground is taken. If that isn't right then it makes it very tough to compete at the top level. I know that Dean knows this and the bigger picture is being worked on.

Plan B should be get better at plan A. Skills, strength, confidence, endurance, spirit, confidence and confidence.

Best post ever on the Watts saga.