Preview AFL NAB Cup Round 2 - Geelong v Adelaide, Simonds Stadium, 2:40PM Saturday 2 March

[maxy87]

Funny your comments bout Stringer, the best runner at our club Blicavs said he is the only one that can put any pressure on him at all, but then again what would he know, hey??

You've got him and Sherry covered, just not up to Varcs, yeah as if!!! And Varcs excellent disposal, gee! seen him turn it over under pressure a few times.

I hope he gets a game against Hawthorn, then you'll see his glaring weaknesses.

Never did I mention that Stringer can't run. It's explosive pace I'm referring to. Biclavs is a middle distance runner, NOT a sprinter so that point is irrelevant. As I posted before, Im not sure that a full time Wing role is what's best for Stringer. He is an inside player (as is Corey more so than ever).

As for outside players, I have posted this before, but for one last time, Varcoes strength is his PACE. Why then, would we want him on the ground getting his knees dirty when Selwood et. al. are better in that aspect anyhow? Does Lewis Jetta go in and under? The answer is no as Kennedy et. al. play that role.

Trav has a particular skillset that is in short supply at Geelong. His most valuable role is placing pressure on an opposition spread with his speed in getting to space as well as very good finishing skills in front of goal (often after he has run through a zone to provide a link). He is by no means above criticism however and has been known to drift out of games. The issue here though is a fundamental misunderstanding of Varcoes role and importance to the team which sadly makes him a whipping boy around these boards.

I hope Trav plays round 1, too because he is clearly best 22. He might not be on a wing but the original point was that if we are serious about 2013 (and beyond), then slow, inside players with limited foot skills should not be considered for a spot on the wing IMO. Corey at 31 on the wing, given the year he had in 2012, is not what I'd be considering at this stage. His role seems destined to be an inside extractor and tackler until he hangs up the boots (which could conceivably be this year).

As for high pressure situations, I might go and relive the first 20 seconds of the 2011 Grand Final on DVD. What a goal!

 

[FredLeDeux]

Trav has a particular skillset that is in short supply at Geelong. His most valuable role is placing pressure on an opposition spread with his speed in getting to space as well as very good finishing skills in front of goal (often after he has run through a zone to provide a link). He is by no means above criticism however and has been known to drift out of games. The issue here though is a fundamental misunderstanding of Varcoes role and importance to the team which sadly makes him a whipping boy around these boards.

You have gotta be kidding!
I would estimate his idolisation rating on this board at a conservative 99.99%.

 

[maxy87]

You have gotta be kidding!
I would estimate his idolisation rating on this board at a conservative 99.99%.

Perhaps but there's a very vocal minority that want to criticise him at any opportunity possible

 

[Partridge]

Like I just added to my previous post, I hope he gets a game against the Hawks at the expense of one of the others, but please take note at how often he pulls out of a contest if caught in the area, it's a joke.

I feel for the other boys who are prepared to put the body in harms way.
Thanks for the wee bit of support, I don't like to say it, but it's true, that's why he'll never be a Cyril.

To be honest I don't think Cyril is any better. Except Varcoe has much better endurance. Cyril has Bruce slobbering over his testicles every time he goes within 5 metres of the ball though, that makes a big difference.

Don't disagree at all about Varcoe's propensity to avoid contests. It's the only query I have with him.

 

[FredLeDeux]

Cyril has Bruce slobbering over his testicles every time he goes within 5 metres of the ball though, that makes a big difference.

Does it make him better, faster, tougher, what?

 

[Partridge]

Does it make him better, faster, tougher, what?

The answer is E) None of the above. But it does generate media plaudits, and that convinces a lot of ignorant fans. He's called a superstar every time he goes near the ball, last year was the only season that was remotely close to consistent performance (of course he disappeared Grand Final day).

 

[catswhiskers]

B: Guthrie - Lonergan - Mackie
HB: Rivers - Taylor - Bartel
C: Murdoch - Selwood - Duncan
HF: Varcoe - Vardy - Brown
F: Chapman - Hawkins - Smedts
R: West - Horlin-Smith - T.Hunt
I/C: Caddy - Corey - Motlop
Sub: Christensen

I too would like to see Murdoch on a wing. He has a defensive mindset but also has shown the ability to slot a goal. Add to that pace closing speed and tackling (see last weekend). If he goes well he would be a great match up in round 1 for Smith.

Even though I think Murdoch has limitations (similar to Wojo early on) he has Smith covered for pace and size. His endurance would be the only question.

 

[meto]

Perhaps but there's a very vocal minority that want to criticise him at any opportunity possible

Only when his inclusion prevents the selection of others more deserving! You've highlighted weaknesses in the others, isn't it fair that I do the same?

Blicavs not quick?
Have you ever seen a national class middle distance runner just doing run throughs, blooody fast!

 

[maxy87]

Only when his inclusion prevents the selection of others more deserving! You've highlighted weaknesses in the others, isn't it fair that I do the same?

Blicavs not quick?
Have you ever seen a national class middle distance runner just doing run throughs, blooody fast!

I've mentioned strengths and weaknesses in other players to provide a context around the roles certain players are suited too, whereas your posts about Varcoe are invariably negative and rarely constructive. That's the key difference. I've even critiqued elements of Varcoes game in my last few points (i.e consistency) but that shouldn't detract from the fact that Varcoe will be a vital element to our 2013 campaign playing a wing/flank role and will only develop further.

And again,middle distance running may be fast and yes it is a freakish skill but it is different to short burst sprinting from a cold start which is what Im referring to with Varcoe and his suitability for a position on the wing. Going by this notion Id say Murdoch would be a good candidate for a run on the wing during the NAB but if you're going to talk about deserving, Murdoch has hardly set the world on fire at this stage (though is likely to in the future).

 

[Footy Smarts]

Only when his inclusion prevents the selection of others more deserving! You've highlighted weaknesses in the others, isn't it fair that I do the same?

You actually think that somebody like Sherringham is "more deserving" of a spot in our best 22 than Varcoe? Go back and look at the 2011 GF. Then find me the last time Sherringham did those sorts of things at VFL level let alone AFL.

Nobody's saying he's a superstar. Nobody's saying he's in our best 10 or so players. He does though play an important role on the outside where we've generally struggled. Because of this he's clearly a top 22 player. To put a player like Sherringham, who's never done more than a bit part role at AFL level and would struggle to be in our top 30 players above him is a complete joke.

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Amazing to think these names won't be in a round 1 contest against Hawthorn.

1. Gary Ablett Jnr
2. Matthew Scarlett
3. Cameron Ling
4. Tom Harley
5. Max Rooke
6. David Wojinscki
7. Brad Ottens
8. Cameron Mooney
9. Max Rooke
10. Darren Milburn
11. Steve Johnson
12. James Kelly
13. Josh Hunt

That is pretty much the entire core of our Halcyon days (with the notable exception of Jimmy Bartel, Joel Selwood, Paul Chapman, Andrew Mackie, Joel Corey).

Anybody who is under the impression that we have not had a changing of the guard is very much mistaken.

Really enjoying the challenges we have ahead of us this year and seeing the likes of Horlin-Smith, Smedts, Christensen and Duncan just whets the appetite for more. Will be a great hitout against the crows!

Anyone have information no Hmac's likely return date?

 

[FredLeDeux]

Amazing to think these names won't be in a round 1 contest against Hawthorn.

1. Gary Ablett Jnr
2. Matthew Scarlett
3. Cameron Ling
4. Tom Harley
5. Max Rooke
6. David Wojinscki
7. Brad Ottens
8. Cameron Mooney
9. Max Rooke
10. Darren Milburn
11. Steve Johnson
12. James Kelly
13. Josh Hunt

That is pretty much the entire core of our Halcyon days (with the notable exception of Jimmy Bartel, Joel Selwood, Paul Chapman, Andrew Mackie, Joel Corey).

Anybody who is under the impression that we have not had a changing of the guard is very much mistaken.

Really enjoying the challenges we have ahead of us this year and seeing the likes of Horlin-Smith, Smedts, Christensen and Duncan just whets the appetite for more. Will be a great hitout against the crows!

Anyone have information no Hmac's likely return date?

I'd heard people say he was under-rated, but.......where's Wally?

 

[Stan The Caddy]

I'd heard people say he was under-rated, but.......where's Wally?

Yeah i think Enright has done just enough over the years to deserve a mention.

 

[The_Big_Ship]

Trav has a particular skillset

 

[meto]

You actually think that somebody like Sherringham is "more deserving" of a spot in our best 22 than Varcoe? Go back and look at the 2011 GF. Then find me the last time Sherringham did those sorts of things at VFL level let alone AFL.

Nobody's saying he's a superstar. Nobody's saying he's in our best 10 or so players. He does though play an important role on the outside where we've generally struggled. Because of this he's clearly a top 22 player. To put a player like Sherringham, who's never done more than a bit part role at AFL level and would struggle to be in our top 30 players above him is a complete joke.

I'd say plenty have called him a star and almost lauded superstar status to him, he's barely played since 2011, that's why he just wouldn't be a walk up for game 1 Hawthorn IMO.
I'd expect him to prove he's a better player than Stringer, Sherry, Murdoch, in the NAB, not to mention Christensen who's almost the equal of Mitch Duncan in my book.

Yesterday he was criticised by Robbo on SEN for just not being hard enough, on public radio!
Even I thought that was a bit rough, but nevertheless it was said.

If he plays out of his socks great, but I have my doubts!

 

[footscore]

I'd say plenty have called him a star and almost lauded superstar status to him, he's barely played since 2011, that's why he just wouldn't be a walk up for game 1 Hawthorn IMO.
I'd expect him to prove he's a better player than Stringer, Sherry, Murdoch, in the NAB, not to mention Christensen who's almost the equal of Mitch Duncan in my book.

Varcoe has something not many in our team possess though, he's just freakish and uncanny around goals, it's something that cannot be taught and I can bet any opposition player having to match up on him would often feel a little intimidated if he's alone in space on a wing.
Thought he was excellent in his first game back on the weekend, looked incredibly fit and explosive for sure.

He's a starter no doubts about it for me, listening to commentators also highlighted his gut running which was brought up and although he did not get on the end of the play, he's doing the one percenters in order to make himself a more complete player, any Cat fan would love to see this and at 25yrs of age, he's about to enter the peak of his powers so expect big things from Trav in RD1 and for 2013 imo.

 

[meto]

Varcoe has something not many in our team possess though, he's just freakish and uncanny around goals, it's something that cannot be taught and I can bet any opposition player having to match up on him would often feel a little intimidated if he's alone in space on a wing.
Thought he was excellent in his first game back on the weekend, looked incredibly fit and explosive for sure.

He's a starter no doubts about it for me, listening to commentators also highlighted his gut running which was brought up and although he did not get on the end of the play, he's doing the one percenters in order to make himself a more complete player, any Cat fan would love to see this and at 25yrs of age, he's about to enter the peak of his powers so expect big things from Trav in RD1 and for 2013 imo.

FS, he's in great condition ATM no doubt, just needs a big game to convince me.
Potential is just a word not the substance, I need to see.

 

[maxy87]

I'd say plenty have called him a star and almost lauded superstar status to him, he's barely played since 2011, that's why he just wouldn't be a walk up for game 1 Hawthorn IMO.
I'd expect him to prove he's a better player than Stringer, Sherry, Murdoch, in the NAB, not to mention Christensen who's almost the equal of Mitch Duncan in my book.

Yesterday he was criticised by Robbo on SEN for just not being hard enough, on public radio!
Even I thought that was a bit rough, but nevertheless it was said.

If he plays out of his socks great, but I have my doubts!

He no doubt will have to show he's up to playing in the 22. That should be a given for every player, but I'm confident he will over the course of the NAB Cup and I suspect that the fact Trav has played only 1 match since 2011 has little to do with your opinion of him..

 

[Footy Smarts]

I'd say plenty have called him a star and almost lauded superstar status to him, he's barely played since 2011, that's why he just wouldn't be a walk up for game 1 Hawthorn IMO.
I'd expect him to prove he's a better player than Stringer, Sherry, Murdoch, in the NAB, not to mention Christensen who's almost the equal of Mitch Duncan in my book.

Yesterday he was criticised by Robbo on SEN for just not being hard enough, on public radio!
Even I thought that was a bit rough, but nevertheless it was said.

If he plays out of his socks great, but I have my doubts!

No problems with that. I think based on previous performances he's showed that his best has been better than any of those mentioned. On the weekend I think he showed that he does give us something more than what the others can at the moment in the outside role that he plays. Not to say he was brilliant or anything but his athleticism and positional awareness are above what the others have in that role.

You also seemed to suggest that you wouldn't play Varcoe this weekend and you'd replace him with one of the others you mentioned. Is this the case or have I misunderstood your comment? If you would drop Varcoe how do you expect him to prove his worth without giving him game time?

Personally I'd be looking to give all of these players time in the side over the NAB cup. If one of them stamps their authority on games in the role Varcoe normally fills and Varcoe struggles then sure bring them in. But on current exposed form Varcoe's got that position. That's not saying he's a superstar but he's currently clearly a better option than any of those you name.

 

[Moggy]

I know that, as a rookie, Blicavs needs to be promoted to the senior list before he can play in the H&A season, but, even so, I would really like to see more of him against the Crows.

He's got something, I think.
A competitive nature has been mentioned, but I didn't realize it extended to trying to give Sandilands a little whack after one of his first ruck duels ever at AFL level.
Sandi had given him a bump/nudge or something and immediately Blicavs is trying to settle the score! The kid seems to have confidence and could be really interesting for us.

 

[meto]

He no doubt will have to show he's up to playing in the 22. That should be a given for every player, but I'm confident he will over the course of the NAB Cup and I suspect that the fact Trav has played only 1 match since 2011 has little to do with your opinion of him..

Travis having played 1 game since 2011 has everything to do with it!
It's 2013, hello!....there are others that have pressed their claims for game time since. Surely performances should determine the selection of team not blind bias based on a few flashy moments, that's why I prefer Murdoch, Stringer and Sherry ATM, young Murdoch is now a unit and the other two are sublime in traffic.

Come on down and play first Trav that's all I'm saying. I'd play him pre-season, but he starts on the same line as the others.
No freebies.

I know that, as a rookie, Blicavs needs to be promoted to the senior list before he can play in the H&A season, but, even so, I would really like to see more of him against the Crows.

He's got something, I think.
A competitive nature has been mentioned, but I didn't realize it extended to trying to give Sandilands a little whack after one of his first ruck duels ever at AFL level.
Sandi had given him a bump/nudge or something and immediately Blicavs is trying to settle the score! The kid seems to have confidence and could be really interesting for us.

I'm with you, I'd be telling this young fella we really like what we see, go out and prove to us we should promote you onto the list.
We're now prepared to give you every opportunity, the rest is up to you.
Now go out there and kill it!

With his leap at the pill he could prove to be a real pain in the rear for opposition rucks and keys. Sounds like he's got the hardness to go,......the parents were Australian basketballers', nuff said.

And run!... this one will run all day and not slow down.

 

[Moggy]

With [Blicav's] leap at the pill he could prove to be a real pain in the rear for opposition rucks and keys. Sounds like he's got the hardness to go,......the parents were Australian basketballers', nuff said.

And run!... this one will run all day and not slow down.

Yes, our very own Blic-Blac-Blu!

(that was bad, wasn't it)

 

[maxy87]

So it's OK to have a family background in a NON CONTACT sport but its not OK to be an outside runner in an AFL team?

On Murdoch, I'd like to see him given some time on the wing throughout the NAB as well but it's a bit rich to say that on exposed form he is any better than a dual premiership player whom has had a year out of the game.In Murdochs last AFL game
he was a deer in the headlights. That's not a knock on him but it shows that perspective is needed.

Sherry and Stringer have done some good things throughout 2012 and should get a solid run next week but Id say its fairly liberal use of the word 'sublime' to describe their skills in traffic at this stage. Even if they were 'sublime' as you suggest Meto, does that make them suited to a role on the wing?

 

[Footy Smarts]

Travis having played 1 game since 2011 has everything to do with it!
It's 2013, hello!....there are others that have pressed their claims for game time since. Surely performances should determine the selection of team not blind bias based on a few flashy moments, that's why I prefer Murdoch, Stringer and Sherry ATM, young Murdoch is now a unit and the other two are sublime in traffic.

Can I ask how you rated each of these player's performance last year? Same with their performance at the weekend (add in Varcoe too).

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Travis having played 1 game since 2011 has everything to do with it!
It's 2013, hello!....there are others that have pressed their claims for game time since. Surely performances should determine the selection of team not blind bias based on a few flashy moments, that's why I prefer Murdoch, Stringer and Sherry ATM, young Murdoch is now a unit and the other two are sublime in traffic.

Come on down and play first Trav that's all I'm saying. I'd play him pre-season, but he starts on the same line as the others.
No freebies.







I'm with you, I'd be telling this young fella we really like what we see, go out and prove to us we should promote you onto the list.
We're now prepared to give you every opportunity, the rest is up to you.
Now go out there and kill it!

With his leap at the pill he could prove to be a real pain in the rear for opposition rucks and keys. Sounds like he's got the hardness to go,......the parents were Australian basketballers', nuff said.

And run!... this one will run all day and not slow down.

Could be anything Blicvas....however I think we need to temper expectations as given the athletic experiments over the last decade it is very rare that they come on within 5 years.

I would be very happy to see Blicvas have a solid VFL season and just get his basics right.