Training 2017/2018 Pre-season Thread

[phill5158]

For me we will see improvement by;
1) Playing MM as the Lead out FF. Get Jenkins out of there if he's not going to use his body or provide contested marks. Mitch has all the talent in the world, lets see what he can accomplish up front on his own.
2) Playing Rory Sloane and Gibbs as predominantly outside mid's. I love them in close but we have enough bulls in there doing to grunt work now. Lets use Sloane and Gibbs as the class ball users on the outer going forward.
3) Rely less on the slingshot from the HBF, and more on Midfield drive. Don't get me wrong I love slingshot footy, but when that well dry's up (like it seemed too on Grand final day), we need more avenues to goal.

Yeah really good points, would love to see MM as the leading target ff. And totally agree about the slingshot footy style, can be effective but nit when the going gets tough.

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[phill5158]

Not interested in JJ "going in tough" if the instant result is injured ribs and he is restricted from doing what he does so well.

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That was just bad luck, so because of that you'd rather see Jenkins play soft footy??? He needs to go in tougher than he does and start using his build more in games.

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[arrowman]

Okay so I have accessed numerous players on who I think can improve or make some minor tweaks to get even better in 2018. Let me know if I have been too harsh on some players but it is just my belief on what will make us an even better side in 2018 and take us that next step.

Good thoughts. Mine...

Tom Lynch- Not saying he was bad in 2017 but I still think he can increase his input in goals...

Yes, possible small improvement there.

Taylor Walker- ...I know his goal average was 2.35 which is good I know but it strangely just didn't feel like he was actually that good

Interesting point. 2.35 goals/game is elite territory, and yet, like you, I felt he was a bit down in 2017. I wonder, though, if we can count on too much more in 2018 (esp with the ongoing foot injury).

Eddie Betts

I think 2017 Betts would be an OK result, a reversion to 2016 Betts would be just outstanding. Not counting on it.

Mitch McGovern

Just having more Gov on the field instantly makes us better.

Plus a left-field X-factor for Gallucci, or Fogarty, or Greenwood rotating through the forwards.

SO what I'm predicting/hoping for:

Forward Line: Slight improvement (which would make the 2017 best forward line unstoppable, so I'll take that), Anything more than "slight improvement" would be outstanding. Even "same as 2017" will be OK.

Midfield: Much improved. Do I need to list the reasons?

Defence: Smith a big loss. Confident we can cover Lever. If Talia recovers from whatever was ailing him in 2017, that'll be a big plus. Overall - probably a small step back, which hopefully will be compensated by the other areas.

Overall: No reason not to think we can be better in 2018 than 2017. Maybe not by much, but enough to keep us in strong contention. Looking forward to it.

 

[azza77]

Not interested in JJ "going in tough" if the instant result is injured ribs and he is restricted from doing what he does so well.

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So you're worried about a 200cm, 100kg bloke getting injured and as a result don't want him playing tough?

Im sorry but if that's the case, then he shouldnt be playing full stop.

Furthermore, that elbow incident wasnt his fault in the slightest. Was a dirty move/late reaction (however you view it) from a Hawks player.

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Not interested in JJ "going in tough" if the instant result is injured ribs and he is restricted from doing what he does so well.

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Haha that wasn't tough - he lifted his arms
as he was scared of upcoming contact and left himself open

If he just run straight through footy and taken ball on his chest with his elbows tucked in the Hawks guy would have worn his left elbow and probably been carried off

Was one of weakest things on footy field and I felt he deserved to get injured

Old saying is if you go in hard you won't get hurt and he didn't

 

[Jeffcrowe]

Okay so I have accessed numerous players on who I think can improve or make some minor tweaks to get even better in 2018. Let me know if I have been too harsh on some players but it is just my belief on what will make us an even better side in 2018 and take us that next step.

Tom Lynch- Not saying he was bad in 2017 but I still think he can increase his input in goals, I know he sets up so many but would like him to return to that form in 2016 rounds 1-7 where he was both setting up goals and kicking 2-3 goals every week. Again tell me if that is a harsh assessment.

Taylor Walker- Wasn't bad in 2017 as he did lead the competition in score involvements even ahead of Buddy but I felt in a lot of games he just doesn't have that same aggression he used to have where you could feel his presence every week. In most games it was as if he wasn't even out there and completely went missing. I know his goal average was 2.35 which is good I know but it strangely just didn't feel like he was actually that good, I mean he clearly has the ability to be way better at contested marking and ability to crash packs. Need an even more aggressive Tex in 2018.

Eddie Betts- Was really good in the first half of 2017 but the second half was really poor and I am probably being too harsh on Eddie but I just felt towards the end of last season that he really did lose his spark. Nonetheless still to kick 55 goals is really good but imagine a return to his 2016 form this year, that would go a long way to helping us take that next step.

Riley Knight- Too many games in 2017 where you didn't even realise he was playing, needs to win more of the footy but his defensive work if perfect and what kept him in the side. It would be good for him to hit the scoreboard more consistently.

Josh Jenkins- A very very frustrating player because with someone of his build he just wastes it so much which frustrates me and so many other supporters. He has the ability to increase his input of contested marks and to crash the pack more but he rarely does it. The few games where he has gone in tough, he has looked like a champion. It is embarrassing for him when so many of our smaller players go in way tougher than him such as Laird, Sloane, Cameron (still miss him) and even Eddie who is 27 cm shorter than him. Come on Jenkins, cut the crap and toughen up in 2018 and show why we are paying you that money.

Mitch McGovern- Really excites me in 2018, if his hamstrings hold up and he plays 20+ games this year then he definitely has the ability to kick 50+ goals and he is by far our best contested marking forward who can actually leap up into packs. (ie game v Collingwood last year).

Rory Sloane- Still so good to finish the year he did considering how many games he got tagged out of in 2017 but with the help of Gibbs and Son and the Crouch Bros, could see a return to his AA 2016 form. Definitely think he has the ability to play on the wing at times this year if our midfield is well taken care of by Gibbs and the Crouch Bros. Could be his best season yet in 2018.

You do realise that Tex season was the best kicking I50 by a player that's ever been recorded by CD ?

You think that's an important stat ? Well it results in a hell of a lot of goals and is the most important kick in football . Need to delve a bit deeper sometimes

The end part of his season was poor, too many injuries

 

[Jeffcrowe]

So you're worried about a 200cm, 100kg bloke getting injured and as a result don't want him playing tough?

Im sorry but if that's the case, then he shouldnt be playing full stop.

Furthermore, that elbow incident wasnt his fault in the slightest. Was a dirty move/late reaction (however you view it) from a Hawks player.

It was JJs fault for poor technique and leaving himself open

Chest marks you tuck your arms in and they protect your body . JJ saw body contact coming and got startled and raised his arms

 

[DroppingTheBall]

Yep..... but result stands.

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[Ramify]

That was just bad luck, so because of that you'd rather see Jenkins play soft footy??? He needs to go in tougher than he does and start using his build more in games.

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He wouldnt have copped that injury if his mind was only on the ball and not preoccupied with the player comming toward him.

Edit: Hadnt read Jeffcrowes responses.
Exactly how I saw it.

 

[phill5158]

He wouldnt have copped that injury if his mind was only on the ball and not preoccupied with the player comming toward him.

Edit: Hadnt read Jeffcrowes responses.
Exactly how I saw it.

All i am saying is that he can be a so much better player if he improved certain aspects of his game. I dont think he has played to his full ability.

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[phill5158]

You do realise that Tex season was the best kicking I50 by a player that's ever been recorded by CD ?

You think that's an important stat ? Well it results in a hell of a lot of goals and is the most important kick in football . Need to delve a bit deeper sometimes

The end part of his season was poor, too many injuries

Okay i will concede with that one, i was way too harsh on Tex

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[Ramify]

All i am saying is that he can be a so much better player if he improved certain aspects of his game. I dont think he has played to his full ability.

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I agree completely. Fear, confidence and endeavor are his issues. All between the ears.
Not sure if he has enough time left in his career to address them though.

 

[Bicks]

Former gun list manager Chris Pelchen's take on the strength of the respective AFL club's lists...

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/magpies-may-be-surprise-packets-in-2018-20180208-h0vr9k.html


7. ADELAIDE

Losing Jake Lever hurts short term but securing Bryce Gibbs will be pivotal in changing their midfield set-up. While securing Gibbs when the opportunity arose 12 months ago would have been preferable, his addition will add more than a player of just obvious talent. He adds leadership, a mature body and elite kicking skills to a midfield already transitioning to its next generation with the Crouch brothers emerging. Their recruitment of Darcy Fogarty in the draft was an outstanding selection and he should debut this year.

Summary: Their list is of similar talent to their 2017 list so expect them to be a competitor again. Adelaide's immediate challenge is that several clubs around them on the ladder have further improved their lists.

 

[phill5158]

Good thoughts. Mine...


Yes, possible small improvement there.


Interesting point. 2.35 goals/game is elite territory, and yet, like you, I felt he was a bit down in 2017. I wonder, though, if we can count on too much more in 2018 (esp with the ongoing foot injury).


I think 2017 Betts would be an OK result, a reversion to 2016 Betts would be just outstanding. Not counting on it.


Just having more Gov on the field instantly makes us better.

Plus a left-field X-factor for Gallucci, or Fogarty, or Greenwood rotating through the forwards.

SO what I'm predicting/hoping for:

Forward Line: Slight improvement (which would make the 2017 best forward line unstoppable, so I'll take that), Anything more than "slight improvement" would be outstanding. Even "same as 2017" will be OK.

Midfield: Much improved. Do I need to list the reasons?

Defence: Smith a big loss. Confident we can cover Lever. If Talia recovers from whatever was ailing him in 2017, that'll be a big plus. Overall - probably a small step back, which hopefully will be compensated by the other areas.

Overall: No reason to think we can be better in 2018 than 2017. Maybe not by much, but enough to keep us in strong contention. Looking forward to it.

Yeah good points, not much is needed for us to go that next step this year i reckon. I think obviously our improvement comes from recruits Gibbs and Gibson and our promising youngsters like McGovern, Milera, Gallucci, Fogarty etc...

The future is bright and I cannot wait

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[phill5158]

I agree completely. Fear, confidence and endeavor are his issues. All between the ears.
Not sure if he has enough time left in his career to address them though.

Yeah that is what i fear also, plus he turned 29 yesterday so if he doesnt do it this year he may never will

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[Kane McGoodwin]

With Tex's injury woes, will be interesting to see how we manage him. Hopefully better through the year, so he is freshened up going into the finals, rather than carrying niggles.

We should be able to use both Gov & JJ more as the lead up CHF as both have good engines, with Tex out of the square at times. Share the load more as we have the players, including rest when needed.

 

[ad victoriam]

Anyone else noted the trend coming out of the club and been highlighted by the younger players, in a few comments
ie "Anytime you put on this jumper you play to win."
Does not seem to fabricated either, seem more of a belief,

 

[Elite Crow]

Anyone else noted the trend coming out of the club and been highlighted by the younger players, in a few comments
ie "Anytime you put on this jumper you play to win."
Does not seem to fabricated either, seem more of a belief,

Yeah, all the young players saying the same thing wouldn’t have been drummed into them.

 

[Bicks]

Yeah, all the young players saying the same thing wouldn’t have been drummed into them.

Jesus EC you're such a killjoy some times...

 

[ad victoriam]

Yeah, all the young players saying the same thing wouldn’t have been drummed into them.

The way Atkins responded. when asked if they were taking it seriously, he quick response was "We're playing to win," Followed by "Whenever you put on this jumper, you are playing to win" Shades of a comment from Walsh when taking about Tex "He’s a competitor, who desperately chases success, All qualities I want every Crows player, when they put the jumper on, to have.”
But hearing from the Kids is a good sign.

 

[Elite Crow]

Jesus EC you're such a killjoy some times...

What, believed it?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Former gun list manager Chris Pelchen's take on the strength of the respective AFL club's lists...

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/magpies-may-be-surprise-packets-in-2018-20180208-h0vr9k.html


7. ADELAIDE

Losing Jake Lever hurts short term but securing Bryce Gibbs will be pivotal in changing their midfield set-up. While securing Gibbs when the opportunity arose 12 months ago would have been preferable, his addition will add more than a player of just obvious talent. He adds leadership, a mature body and elite kicking skills to a midfield already transitioning to its next generation with the Crouch brothers emerging. Their recruitment of Darcy Fogarty in the draft was an outstanding selection and he should debut this year.

Summary: Their list is of similar talent to their 2017 list so expect them to be a competitor again. Adelaide's immediate challenge is that several clubs around them on the ladder have further improved their lists.

I Take Pelchins view the same as most outsiders who only know the lists of clubs from 1 - 25 .......who cares, it’s an ignorant viewpoint

Lists strength is from 25-38 ..... and the Rookies / Cat B

No expert factored in Greenwood or Keath into our list strength

 

[hey shorty]

I Take Pelchins view the same as most outsiders who only know the lists of clubs from 1 - 25 .......who cares, it’s an ignorant viewpoint

Lists strength is from 25-38 ..... and the Rookies / Cat B

No expert factored in Greenwood or Keath into our list strength

I can't see any of our rookies having that impact next year.

Pat Wilson is the only one who's got the body to play at the level, and Murphy has a lot of competition

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I can't see any of our rookies having that impact next year.

Pat Wilson is the only one who's got the body to play at the level, and Murphy has a lot of competition

Pelchen wouldnt know much about Poholke ..... but at this stage of the year, even us supporters don’t know who’ll step up ..... so Pelchen is no different to any outsider who cant access training

 

[hey shorty]

Pelchen wouldnt know much about Poholke ..... but at this stage of the year, even us supporters don’t know who’ll step up ..... so Pelchen is no different to any outsider who cant access training

I can't see much wrong with what he said.