3 rookies - what type ?

[*PAFC*13]

Willits, another tall forward and a tough nut.

 

[PJ Power]

i'd be disappointed if we re-drafted Willits
would be a step back in my opinion
just dont think he will cut it at this level

Tend to agree.

 

[Spadge]

Willits, another tall forward and a tough nut.

just because someone is a "tough nut" and a "tall forward" doesn't mean he is any good

 

[PAFCsince1870]

just because someone is a "tough nut" and a "tall forward" doesn't mean he is any good

I think he was describing the 3 players we'd be looking to rookie list

 

[Powerstufff]

just because someone is a "tough nut" and a "tall forward" doesn't mean he is any good

And as it has turned out he is neither of those things anyway. He looks the part but that's all.

 

[Spadge]

aye i misread the quote
my bad

 

[Ford Fairlane]

We may have some competition for Ryan - or someone is trying to bluff us ... . But it sounds like we are keen to keep him. I did note the not atypical Ryan marking attempt - eyes closed and flat-handing the attempt ...

Race on for Willits
Article from: The Advertiser
ZAC MILBANK
December 08, 2007 01:15am

PORT Adelaide is almost certain to redraft Ryan Willits - on its rookie list.

The only problem is, the delisted key forward might be poached by a Victorian rival.

Not entering Tuesday's AFL rookie draft until pick No. 15, the Power will be forced to sweat on Willits being available.

Despite playing just three games for one goal in three seasons at Alberton, Willits – a Victorian – has caught the eye across the border.

"There has been interest (interstate) but it's all up in the air moving into next week," Willits' manager Craig Vozzo said.

"If he's not picked up by another club I'm almost certain he'll stay there (Port Adelaide).

"They've been pretty good through the whole process so I think it will come together."

Since being removed from the Power's senior list three weeks ago, Willits has continued to train at Alberton with a host of other rookie hopefuls. The fact he has impressed coaching staff with his attitude and been involved in some sessions other train-on players have missed, bodes well for the 198cm giant.

"Ryan is a good chance to get on that (rookie list)," Port coach Mark Williams admitted.

"As with anyone who gets delisted, he gets disappointed but the fact he's here and training among his peers, he certainly wants to prove that he can play."

It is understood the Power has taken into account the disruption to Willits' season in 2007, in which he switched SANFL clubs from Glenelg to West Adelaide.

The 20-year-old is itching to deliver on the promise that came with him at pick No. 16 in the 2004 national draft.

"Last year it didn't go to plan, that's for sure, but before that . . . and he's only a young fella remember," Vozzo said.

"Given the gravity of it he's bounced back pretty well. After an initial shock he's been doing everything within his power to get back on the horse.

"The sun comes up and he has another opportunity, hopefully next week, to make things right." Enhancing Willits' chances, Williams is of the same opinion as Vozzo.

"He's not very old, and he's moved (SANFL) clubs so with all of those together it hasn't been a perfect environment for him," Williams said.

"So we hope he can get back on and have a successful career."

Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said Port would use of its three selections at No. 15, 31 and 45.

Adelaide has four choices in the rookie draft at No. 9, 25, 40 and 52.

Both South Australian clubs will not be involved in the pre-season draft, with only seven AFL clubs having a selection.

Former Crow Scott Welsh – likely to be taken by the Western Bulldogs at No. 4 – was the only new nominee for the pre-season draft by yesterday's 1.30pm deadline.

 

[Holden Hillbilly]

We have 'promised' Ryan a place.

I have also read we have 'promised' both Obst + Grima a place.

We only need 2 at the most as we need a midfielder/rover type as well.

 

[blackdiamond]

I guess we can take Willits if he is there at 45 but we would be silly to spend any more on him.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

It's a pity someone like Jordan Dodman (19yo, 207cm 110kg) isn't in the draft as a leftover from another nomination. He's in the 36ers program now, but seems to be anchored to the bench. He probably wouldn't mind playing in a team sport again where he actually is allowed to play. Has footy experience with North Adelaide and was an SA U18 squad member in 2005 under Darren Trevena - would be an ideal rookie candidate.

 

[Portia]

I think our next 36ers recruit will be Phil Smyth

 

[dirtydog444]

It's a pity someone like Jordan Dodman (19yo, 207cm 110kg) isn't in the draft as a leftover from another nomination. He's in the 36ers program now, but seems to be anchored to the bench. He probably wouldn't mind playing in a team sport again where he actually is allowed to play. Has footy experience with North Adelaide and was an SA U18 squad member in 2005 under Darren Trevena - would be an ideal rookie candidate.

That would be great! Only problem with Jordan is that he cant play footy

 

[Macca19]

Cant say I was too impressed with Dodman when he played in the Champs. Just looekd like a tall guy and thats it.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

I remember the first time I saw Brogan play for South I laughed. It's hard to tell with talls, they can take a fair bit of work. Hence the rookie list. But if he's really that bad I fall back on the point I said "someone like ..."

 

[Macca19]

Im looking forward to seeing who we nab. Id love to get Grima with our first pick...i think hes a monty to go back to Geelong with the next pick if we dont get him. Im happy to get Willits with our last pick, similar to Logan.

 

[Sheeds]

I reckon Willits is ready for a blinder next season.

 

[blackdiamond]

courtesy www.theadvertiser.com.au

Power eyes young guns

PORT Adelaide is unlikely to use its mature-age rookie choice as it continues to search for the nation's best young talent.

Given the Power's penchant for speeding up the development of players such as Justin Westhoff, Travis Boak and Robbie Gray, the club is to head down the same path today.

Each AFL club has the option to list one rookie of any age – provided they haven't previously been in the AFL system – on a 12-month contract.
This puts players such as Sturt's gun spearhead Brant Chambers, 28, in with a chance but Port is more concerned about tapping into the fountain of youth.

"We'll just continue on picking the best available young talent we can," Power operations manager Peter Rohde said.

"When it comes to rookie picks we're really just keen about getting players we think are good enough to play.

"You can't be too choosy in terms of positions they play or whatever. Often there's players who are a bit less mature or have been injured or don't have the same traditional background. We'll just wait and see who's available."

Rookie-listed defender Gavin Grose has been retained, leaving Port three rookie choices (15, 31, 45) this morning. Of these, Port looks certain to use one on Ryan Willits – provided he's not poached by an opposition club – after axing the 198cm forward from the senior list last month.

"There's not much we can do about that," Rohde said of the risk Willits would be taken earlier.

"We've got a list of players we want to consider for the rookie draft and Ryan's certainly on that list. We'll just be picking the best ones available when they come up. When we made the decision to make another spot on the (senior) list we knew that would be the case. (Willits could get taken by another club)."

Willits – one of the frontrunners to land at Alberton with Eagle Nick Salter, Geelong's Todd Grima and Central's Alan Obst – has "done everything right."

"He's got himself fitter and come out and trained very well so he's kept up his end of the bargain," Rohde said.

"When we gave him the opportunity to keep on training we wanted to see there was some change there in his fitness and I think he's done that."

 

[Ford Fairlane]

courtesy www.theadvertiser.com.au

Power eyes young guns

PORT Adelaide is unlikely to use its mature-age rookie choice as it continues to search for the nation's best young talent.

<snip>

"You can't be too choosy in terms of positions they play or whatever. Often there's players who are a bit less mature or have been injured or don't have the same traditional background. We'll just wait and see who's available."

<snip>

Interesting. Does that mean Lote Tuqiri is finally ready to turn his back on his $1.2million/yr contract with the ARU?

 

[blackdiamond]

Gourdis won't be making it our way, he was just taken as number 1 selection in the pre-season draft by Richmond.

Pre-season Draft went as follows:

Round 1

1 D Gourdis Richmond fromSubiaco
2 D Pfeiffer Carlton from Adelaide
3 S Martin Melbourne from Sandringham
4 S Welsh Western Bulldogs from Adelaide
5 J Williams Essendon fromMorningside
6 J Head Fremantle from South Fremantle
7 P McGinnity West Coast Eagles from Claremont

Round 2

8 T Bellchambers Essendon from Tassie Mariners

 

[Pinepower]

Salter from Woodville West Torrens

 

[Pinepower]

D Boyle from Murray Bushrangers

 

[Pinepower]

R Willits from guess where Port Adelaide

 

[Ford Fairlane]

Boyle 184cm 85kg midfielder.

 

[Russian]

Kangaroos have obviously been watching our training - taken Nathan Grima and Obst

 

[Macca19]

Good picks. Willits was always going to happen. We picked up a super talented forward that could become anything and a nuggety defender/midfielder whos already well built. Pretty happy with that.