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AFLW 2024 - Round 10 - Chat, game threads, injury lists, team lineups and more.
2007 vs 2008 Will your team improve and why?
- Thread starter Obeanie1
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Was thinking the same thing...
Another reason we will improve this year, no more Sheedy.
I'm sorry, wasn't this thread asking why your team will improve?
It wasn't "why will your team decline?"
No, it was Will your team improve and why?
I dont think anybody could argue with you about his hardness at the footy.
But in all seriousness, i doubt he'll be going in and getting his own footy. Richmond have plenty of in and under players to get Jordan the footy, it'll be his kicking skills and pace that gets him in the 22.
- Thread starter
- #32
I think Essendon has the biggest ? next to it in 2008.
New coach, loss of Hird and Sheedy, Lucas, Fletcher and Lloyd not getting any younger.
If they improve it will be the likes of Jetta, Davey, Stanton, Gumbleton and Ryder who step up and make a big impact.
On a related note me and some mates are heading down to Melbourne to watch Eagles v Essendon on Friday 13th and then the even bigger Judd vs Collingwood on the 15th June, $180 return on Tiger Airways from Darwin to Melbourne..........unreal.......can't wait.
New coach, loss of Hird and Sheedy, Lucas, Fletcher and Lloyd not getting any younger.
If they improve it will be the likes of Jetta, Davey, Stanton, Gumbleton and Ryder who step up and make a big impact.
On a related note me and some mates are heading down to Melbourne to watch Eagles v Essendon on Friday 13th and then the even bigger Judd vs Collingwood on the 15th June, $180 return on Tiger Airways from Darwin to Melbourne..........unreal.......can't wait.
Not a loss
- Banned
- #34
RUCKMEN
M.Gardiner, King and Koschitzke. Finnally a ruck division worth boasting about. ALL having un interupted pre seasons for the first time in years.
MIDFIELD
Ball, Hayes, the clarke brothers to be 100% along with Blake being released from ruck duties to tag will be a major bonus. Blake is a machine can run with anyone in the league. Goddard back from his knee.
COACHING
More money into it than ever before. Will have had a year and 2 pre seasons under lyon more understanding than 2007.
NEW BOARD
The thomas/butters bs is over and done with. All working together rather than against each other. 2007 there was turmoil people taking sides etc. Players are much happier the place is buzzing.
BACKLINE
Maguire to be better after a year back from that major injury.
Dempster (a premiership player) also straightens it up.
FORWARDLINE
There are no injuries. Reiwoldt, Gehrig, Milne, Schneider are ALL 100% from all reports. Genuine cause for excitment.
SUMMARY
After finishing 9th last year. Saints have rid the controversy, poured more money into its on field. Have recruited 4 premiership players, a premiership fitness guru and a CEO who genuinely wants a flag unlike some. Not to mention kept Harvey and somehow retained Gehrig a full forward who when fit and pumped is unstoppable.
M.Gardiner, King and Koschitzke. Finnally a ruck division worth boasting about. ALL having un interupted pre seasons for the first time in years.
MIDFIELD
Ball, Hayes, the clarke brothers to be 100% along with Blake being released from ruck duties to tag will be a major bonus. Blake is a machine can run with anyone in the league. Goddard back from his knee.
COACHING
More money into it than ever before. Will have had a year and 2 pre seasons under lyon more understanding than 2007.
NEW BOARD
The thomas/butters bs is over and done with. All working together rather than against each other. 2007 there was turmoil people taking sides etc. Players are much happier the place is buzzing.
BACKLINE
Maguire to be better after a year back from that major injury.
Dempster (a premiership player) also straightens it up.
FORWARDLINE
There are no injuries. Reiwoldt, Gehrig, Milne, Schneider are ALL 100% from all reports. Genuine cause for excitment.
SUMMARY
After finishing 9th last year. Saints have rid the controversy, poured more money into its on field. Have recruited 4 premiership players, a premiership fitness guru and a CEO who genuinely wants a flag unlike some. Not to mention kept Harvey and somehow retained Gehrig a full forward who when fit and pumped is unstoppable.
Not a bad preseason report ShinSplits but i have to disagree on your ruck brigade.
On paper and if these 2 were their prime, they are fantastic ruckmen. At the moment, currently are both troubled injury prone aging dinosaurs. They have a lot to prove and i doubt both with stand up for all 22 H&A games!
I also dont class Kosi as a ruckman, only a backup or fill in.
geelong_reowww
Rookie
i think; geelong couldn't really get any better.
maybe another premiership.
but i think richmond might be a team to look out for this year.
thats just a thought.
maybe another premiership.
but i think richmond might be a team to look out for this year.
thats just a thought.
- Banned
- #37
I agree its an unknown especially with Gardiner... HOWEVER they are proven guns are 28 YEARS OLD yes 28!!!
And have been training the house down so look its better to be excited than negative... i mean they can play. Yes they have had injuries the last few years BUT they are currently doing 100% pre season work so....??
Anyway we'll see. Koschitzke, Blake and Rix arent the worse backups. Worse comes to worse its just back to the old plan.
- Banned
- #38
LOL. I've seen it all now.
There's that saying that comes back to bite everyone on the arse
You say 'only 28' but how many 1st or 2nd choice ruckmen in the league are over 30? Everett is the only one i can think of off the top of my head?? It is one of the more demanding positions to play and takes a toll on their bodies.
They have potential to be good players so good luck with them....but i just can't see it happening for either. King especially might have 2 good seasons left in him but his body is very fragile!
- Banned
- #40
first of all thats 2 years! aLL ST.KILDA NEEDS OUT OF HIM AND kING. second of all gardiner should feel like a 25 year old he hasnt played a full season since 2003!!
he hasnt had the hard knocks of playing regular footy. hopefully that holds his body up!!
anyway thats being hopeful. I still reckon he might not be 100% in the head which might cause the most problems.
Ahh of course. The typical, he plays for Richmond so he cant be any good stereotype.
Jordy might not be the hardest player to go in for the footy, but his skills are good. Face it, Richmond's quarterbacks are looking mighty fine now.
IN:
-Fit Fraser (missing finals and a couple of others).
-Cameron Wood (finally a good second ruck).
-Fully fit, midfield ready Didak (missed a fair few games, and was recovering from knee reco)
-Marty Clarke and Tyson Goldsack for the whole year.
-Sean Rusling for the whole year (didn't play his first game til round 21).
-Fit Presti
OUT:
-Buckley (a big loss in terms of leadership, but considering the tiny impact he had on the field in 2007 - not a big loss on the field).
-James Clement (Huge loss, will affect us. Did miss a lot of games in 07, but was the rock down back for us when he was there).
-Paul Licuria (will do wonders for the delivery to our forwards, but will miss his experience and 'heart').
-Guy Richards (His omission is like the inclusion of Judd for Carlton)
Other than that, we are a very young team, so the extra pre-season and year of development will benefit us greatly. Pendlebury, Thomas, Obrien, Rusling, Cloke, Goldsack, Clarke, Egan, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan etc. will all be one year better. Guys like Wakelin, Burns and Obree are a year older which is bad, but they don't have the same impact as the young guys.
Our forward line should be much better this year. Cloke will be settled with his greater responsibility, the way he was in the latter stages of 2007. The permanent addition of Rusling really adds depth and that extra dimension to the forward line, taking pressure of Rocca, which will do him wonders. Medhurst really lifted at the end of 07, and Leon Davis is in career best form.
Our midfield should improve as well. Didak will be at his best, he is in his prime, and should be a permanent fixture in the middle. His pace, skills and class will be priceless for what was a slow, plodding midfield (pre-2007). Pendlebury will have another pre-season under his belt, and will tear it up this year. Thomas will have a bigger midfield role, adding loads of pace and ability. Cameron Wood will do wonders for our midfield. Expect cameo roles from the likes of Brad Dick, Sharrod Wellingham and hopefully John McCarthy.
The area where we may go backwards is the backline. Obrien, Goldsack and Maxwell are very good down back, as well as Heath Shaw. However, Wakelin and Presti are a year "slower", and Clement is gone. This is a major problem. Luckily we have two key backmen who are physically AFL ready (Nathan Brown to replace Presti/Wakelin, and John Anthony to replace Clement).. but neither have any games under their belt, so we don't know how they will go.
Overall, we should improve, and I think we can definately go all the way.
-Fit Fraser (missing finals and a couple of others).
-Cameron Wood (finally a good second ruck).
-Fully fit, midfield ready Didak (missed a fair few games, and was recovering from knee reco)
-Marty Clarke and Tyson Goldsack for the whole year.
-Sean Rusling for the whole year (didn't play his first game til round 21).
-Fit Presti
OUT:
-Buckley (a big loss in terms of leadership, but considering the tiny impact he had on the field in 2007 - not a big loss on the field).
-James Clement (Huge loss, will affect us. Did miss a lot of games in 07, but was the rock down back for us when he was there).
-Paul Licuria (will do wonders for the delivery to our forwards, but will miss his experience and 'heart').
-Guy Richards (His omission is like the inclusion of Judd for Carlton
)Other than that, we are a very young team, so the extra pre-season and year of development will benefit us greatly. Pendlebury, Thomas, Obrien, Rusling, Cloke, Goldsack, Clarke, Egan, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan etc. will all be one year better. Guys like Wakelin, Burns and Obree are a year older which is bad, but they don't have the same impact as the young guys.
Our forward line should be much better this year. Cloke will be settled with his greater responsibility, the way he was in the latter stages of 2007. The permanent addition of Rusling really adds depth and that extra dimension to the forward line, taking pressure of Rocca, which will do him wonders. Medhurst really lifted at the end of 07, and Leon Davis is in career best form.
Our midfield should improve as well. Didak will be at his best, he is in his prime, and should be a permanent fixture in the middle. His pace, skills and class will be priceless for what was a slow, plodding midfield (pre-2007). Pendlebury will have another pre-season under his belt, and will tear it up this year. Thomas will have a bigger midfield role, adding loads of pace and ability. Cameron Wood will do wonders for our midfield. Expect cameo roles from the likes of Brad Dick, Sharrod Wellingham and hopefully John McCarthy.
The area where we may go backwards is the backline. Obrien, Goldsack and Maxwell are very good down back, as well as Heath Shaw. However, Wakelin and Presti are a year "slower", and Clement is gone. This is a major problem. Luckily we have two key backmen who are physically AFL ready (Nathan Brown to replace Presti/Wakelin, and John Anthony to replace Clement).. but neither have any games under their belt, so we don't know how they will go.
Overall, we should improve, and I think we can definately go all the way.
- Banned
- #43
Ahh of course. The typical, he plays for Richmond so he cant be any good stereotype.
Jordy might not be the hardest player to go in for the footy, but his skills are good. Face it, Richmond's quarterbacks are looking mighty fine now.
His skills are good apart from the times he turns the ball over. It was his fault we didn't make the finals in 2005.
For a skillful player, he sure does turn the ball over a hell of a lot.
I dont think its fair to blame it all on one player.
I could rant on for hours about the times certain players cost us games as well, but overall, its a team game, and the team simply wasnt good enough.
In 2006, when the Dogs were in prime condition, i though Jordy was very good for you guys.
Thats just my opinion, but he'll do alright.
Here's where I see the Saints at for 2008.
The pre-season guessing game is a game of "ifs, buts and maybes" so it's a matter of listing all the potential points of improvement and hoping that at least a few of them will come good.
Fitness
St. Kilda was overrun in last quarters too many times in '07. This was put down to a lack of base fitness. Also at one stage (Round 8 or thereabouts), they had 24 fit players to select from. The appointment of David Misson and a whole series of ex-AIS fitness staff should be just the ticket for success in this area. Goddard is on track for a good comeback season, but Maguire is still a worry at this stage.
Guys like Gardiner, Raph Clarke, X Clarke, Hayes - These guys are all having their first injury-free preseason in a long time. Also Hayes is a year off his Knee injury, and Ball is being managed properly (but still won't be 100%).
Hopes also hinge precariously on Max Hudgton's ability to play 22 games, as well.
Recruitment
After giving up pick 26 in the draft, St. Kilda now has another small forward in Schneider, a medium forward (who probably won't play any more than a bit part) in Charlie Gardiner, a tall tagger in Dempster, and a Ruckman in King. All of these guys have experience at the highest level with successful teams.
Development
Here is more hope than anything, guys like Armitage who have been on the list for a year, as well as Clint Jones who promised in '07 before his collarbone injury. Only time will tell how Jarryd Allen will develop, and Howard looks an unlikely prospect for '08 at least. Geary looks like he could break into our best 22 at some stage as well.
Coaching Staff
The first year coaching panel of Barker, Silvagni, Rock and Lyon have settled into their jobs and have been able to have full, level headed control over the players for the pre-season. The appointment of Madden as ruck coach is a huge boon for guys like McEvoy, Van Rheenen, and perhaps Koschitzke.
Team Balance
Overall the team balance has improved, the Saints needed another small forward, another mid forward, and some extra midfielders. This has been addressed in the trade period alone, but the improving batch of recent midfield recruits should be able to help here too. I still fear that the forward line may be too tall with Gehrig, Riewoldt and Koschitzke all there, but it's a force to be reckoned with.
Negative Points
Harvey is a year older, will be 37 this year. Everyone else is closer to their peak age. Lack of depth in tall defense may see new recruit Luke Miles thrown to the wolves at some stage this year. Lack of development of guys like McQualter and Howard.
The pre-season guessing game is a game of "ifs, buts and maybes" so it's a matter of listing all the potential points of improvement and hoping that at least a few of them will come good.
Fitness
St. Kilda was overrun in last quarters too many times in '07. This was put down to a lack of base fitness. Also at one stage (Round 8 or thereabouts), they had 24 fit players to select from. The appointment of David Misson and a whole series of ex-AIS fitness staff should be just the ticket for success in this area. Goddard is on track for a good comeback season, but Maguire is still a worry at this stage.
Guys like Gardiner, Raph Clarke, X Clarke, Hayes - These guys are all having their first injury-free preseason in a long time. Also Hayes is a year off his Knee injury, and Ball is being managed properly (but still won't be 100%).
Hopes also hinge precariously on Max Hudgton's ability to play 22 games, as well.
Recruitment
After giving up pick 26 in the draft, St. Kilda now has another small forward in Schneider, a medium forward (who probably won't play any more than a bit part) in Charlie Gardiner, a tall tagger in Dempster, and a Ruckman in King. All of these guys have experience at the highest level with successful teams.
Development
Here is more hope than anything, guys like Armitage who have been on the list for a year, as well as Clint Jones who promised in '07 before his collarbone injury. Only time will tell how Jarryd Allen will develop, and Howard looks an unlikely prospect for '08 at least. Geary looks like he could break into our best 22 at some stage as well.
Coaching Staff
The first year coaching panel of Barker, Silvagni, Rock and Lyon have settled into their jobs and have been able to have full, level headed control over the players for the pre-season. The appointment of Madden as ruck coach is a huge boon for guys like McEvoy, Van Rheenen, and perhaps Koschitzke.
Team Balance
Overall the team balance has improved, the Saints needed another small forward, another mid forward, and some extra midfielders. This has been addressed in the trade period alone, but the improving batch of recent midfield recruits should be able to help here too. I still fear that the forward line may be too tall with Gehrig, Riewoldt and Koschitzke all there, but it's a force to be reckoned with.
Negative Points
Harvey is a year older, will be 37 this year. Everyone else is closer to their peak age. Lack of depth in tall defense may see new recruit Luke Miles thrown to the wolves at some stage this year. Lack of development of guys like McQualter and Howard.
Western Bulldogs 2007 v 2008
Firstly I must state that I don't think we'll improve all that much, on ladder position anyway but hopefully the kids take a leap forward.
Backiline
Harris (Lake) was great last year and similar would make me happy. Morris and Gilbee are guns and no doubt will play quality footy. The interesting ones are Everitt and Williams who have all the potential in the world and hopefully become key backs for a long, long time. Gradual improvement is all you can ask. Hargrave is another who can play although could be forced out by our new batch.
Midfield
West, well what do I need to say, he'll keep doing what he has for years. Cross is the one which I think will surprise many and I believe will poll well in this year's brownlow. Boyd is very serviceable and hopefully backs it up this year and of course Cooney can be anything. He is one who really needs to impact for the doggies to go forward this year.
Forwards
Johnson and Murphy will do their upmost as usual, but there is no excuses for Akermanis this year. We brought him to Footscray for a flag crack so he must stand up. Welsh will be expected to kick 70 goals as we do with all our past forwards and this is unlikely but at least he's got runs on the board. Our other key options are mugs so that's part of the reason we won't improve in a hurry.
Hudson will be a great inclusion in the ruck and will give us good use of the footy.
As stated at the beginning, I hope there is an improvement in the next batch, ie. Cooney, Griffen, Higgins, Williams, Everitt, and Ray and perhaps see some newly drafted kids suit up.
Firstly I must state that I don't think we'll improve all that much, on ladder position anyway but hopefully the kids take a leap forward.
Backiline
Harris (Lake) was great last year and similar would make me happy. Morris and Gilbee are guns and no doubt will play quality footy. The interesting ones are Everitt and Williams who have all the potential in the world and hopefully become key backs for a long, long time. Gradual improvement is all you can ask. Hargrave is another who can play although could be forced out by our new batch.
Midfield
West, well what do I need to say, he'll keep doing what he has for years. Cross is the one which I think will surprise many and I believe will poll well in this year's brownlow. Boyd is very serviceable and hopefully backs it up this year and of course Cooney can be anything. He is one who really needs to impact for the doggies to go forward this year.
Forwards
Johnson and Murphy will do their upmost as usual, but there is no excuses for Akermanis this year. We brought him to Footscray for a flag crack so he must stand up. Welsh will be expected to kick 70 goals as we do with all our past forwards and this is unlikely but at least he's got runs on the board. Our other key options are mugs so that's part of the reason we won't improve in a hurry.
Hudson will be a great inclusion in the ruck and will give us good use of the footy.
As stated at the beginning, I hope there is an improvement in the next batch, ie. Cooney, Griffen, Higgins, Williams, Everitt, and Ray and perhaps see some newly drafted kids suit up.
- Banned
- #47
No doubt we will improve. May not be on the ladder, but certainly on the balance of the side. Youngsters like Jetta, Houli, Dempsey will be introduce adding plenty of enthusiasm and excitement to the side. Davey will be all the better after his first pre season and Gumbleton should have put on some weight and improved his fitness also. Neagle has had an interrupted off season, but will no doubt come in for some games. We will groom him to be our next FF. Comparisons to Fev from many people without the hissy fits of course. Blokes like Nash, Slattery and Winderlich will continue to develop and Lovett will look to maintain his outstanding form from the latter part of last season. New, fresh faces at the Bombers makes for a very interesting year. Vvery hard to tell if we can make the 8. First month will tell us everything we need to know imo.
Don't mean to burst you're bubble, but realistically i am pretty sure that Essendon will struggle to stay off the bottom of the ladder in 2008!
I don't mean that in a nasty way either, but there are some improving sides around and Essendon just isn't one of them. The weaker teams like Carlton, Melbourne, Bulldogs and Richmond are looking much stronger this year!
Smyth94
Norm Smith Medallist
I'd love to see an explanation as to why you think Essendon will struggle to stay off the bottom
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