Opinion Ashley Smith

[Dark Sharks]

I couldn't care less what Smith does outside of football.

It's his constant sub par performances and glaring deficiencies in his game which worries me.

If "Killuminati" effects that ^ then hell yeah i've got no time for it.

 

[Shupe]

His choice of business isn't the problem. It's just that many of us are starting to suspect he's more vested in his personal enterprises than in playing football to his utmost.

FFS - how do you even make that assessment without personally knowing him?

**** this - I'm done trying.

 

[Eaglemaniac]

No, I can't. Muzza has a possible jail sentence hanging over his head. Other players have other issues - family problems, relationships problems, death of loved ones - and these are all likely to affect playing performance. Whether one has an interest in fashion or not, the likelihood of that affecting the performances of a player are nil.

So you cant see that a guy that spends more time worrying about how he looks than how he plays might be influenced by having a fashion business?
Thats cool. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. I cant see Smith being around much longer on the list unless something drastically changes in his performances very soon.

 

[placebo]

The criticisms of his fashion or hair are completely and utterly irrelevant as it stands. None of us know him, know his passions, how interested he is, etc, whatever. It's pointless to speculate, because it makes you look like a silly arseh*le with a childish opinion. If Smith comes out and says he'd rather pursue business, then so be it, then we'll actually know. As for now, speculation is silly, pointless and no one has actually formed a credible opinion with evidence that what they're saying about Smith caring more about fashion is actually true. So, as it stands, it's silly speculation and pointless. So let's move it aside and move on. So that leaves us with his footballing ability (the actual topic). He had a very fine 2012, a mediocre 2013 (as did a bunch of folk). He's a better footballer and has shown more than: Brennan, Bennell, Carter, McGinnity and Wilson. And probably Shepard too. He had no worse a year last year than Schofield (who dogged it defensively), and yet we don't write off Schoey. As EH rightly pointed out in his very reasoned post, there were instances where we attributed blame to Smith for goals conceded that weren't actually his. On top of that, there was a tendency to blame Smith for being poor defensively, whilst giving free passes to Waters and Schofield, who are horrible defensively at time (Schoey moreso in 2013). Not to mention Wilson, McGinnity and Brennan…all worse defensively than Smith.

So what are we left with: A youngish footballer who has shown some good (in finals too), some bad, and needs to show more good consistently to stay on the list (the same as all players his age). Certainly doesn't justify the hate and the ridiculous over-the-top criticism. Hopefully he gets a chance to prove himself.

 

[Arthaus]

i've dished on Smith before, that he seems to have a nonchalant playing style or attitude..maybe thats just how he comes across on TV? ...you know how TV makes people look a couple of kilos heavier, well for poor ol' Smithy it makes him look disinterested, and affects his disposal efficiency.!? (why it doesnt affect all players similarly is one of the mysteries of TV world)

alright attempted humour aside..i think it doesnt matter whether he is disinterested, or too cool for school,or has a bad haircut, too many tattoos,is a hipster or metrosexual,a fashionista, or of a differing sexual preference. i think it doesnt matter whether he turns up for training or not, or misses a nab cup game for dubious reasons, or has good skills or not, or a good footy brain, or plays down back-in the middle-or up front......i think everything will evolve according to natural selection. it will resolve itself. smith will either be playing for us, or he wont. either way we'll all move on, as will smith.(excuse the pun?)

 

[Maxxyb]

You fellows really are serious. I liked the Muzza thread.

"i think it doesnt matter whether he turns up for training or not, or misses a nab cup game for dubious reasons, or has good skills or not, or a good footy brain, or plays down back-in the middle-or up front...."

Notwithstanding attempted humour, I'm reasonably confident this does matter.

You can't be on an AFL list and sit around waiting for your beak to evolve. By the time it's prehensile enough to excite your partner in life, an understudy will have nailed the lead role.

 

[The Dodger]

The criticisms of his fashion or hair are completely and utterly irrelevant as it stands. None of us know him, know his passions, how interested he is, etc, whatever. It's pointless to speculate, because it makes you look like a silly arseh*le with a childish opinion. If Smith comes out and says he'd rather pursue business, then so be it, then we'll actually know. As for now, speculation is silly, pointless and no one has actually formed a credible opinion with evidence that what they're saying about Smith caring more about fashion is actually true. So, as it stands, it's silly speculation and pointless. So let's move it aside and move on. So that leaves us with his footballing ability (the actual topic). He had a very fine 2012, a mediocre 2013 (as did a bunch of folk). He's a better footballer and has shown more than: Brennan, Bennell, Carter, McGinnity and Wilson. And probably Shepard too. He had no worse a year last year than Schofield (who dogged it defensively), and yet we don't write off Schoey. As EH rightly pointed out in his very reasoned post, there were instances where we attributed blame to Smith for goals conceded that weren't actually his. On top of that, there was a tendency to blame Smith for being poor defensively, whilst giving free passes to Waters and Schofield, who are horrible defensively at time (Schoey moreso in 2013). Not to mention Wilson, McGinnity and Brennan…all worse defensively than Smith.

So what are we left with: A youngish footballer who has shown some good (in finals too), some bad, and needs to show more good consistently to stay on the list (the same as all players his age). Certainly doesn't justify the hate and the ridiculous over-the-top criticism. Hopefully he gets a chance to prove himself.

Yep pretty reasonable. Definitely agree with others not being potted as much as Smith while doing exactly the same thing on the field. Schofield was very bad last year.

 

[Dark Sharks]

I keep reading things like..

"Had an awesome 2011"
"Played a great 2012"
"Pretty ordinary 2013.."

I honestly can't really tell the difference between Smiths performances in each of those years. He STILL refuses to use his pace, has questionable kicking, a nonchalant attitude, plays with next to no intensity (at least that you can see), never throws around his strong body, can be seen walking in the background during critical stages of games etc etc.. it's been that way from the start. Sure he may have played a handful of games more or less in those years, but his overall skills and attitude have remained the same.

I'd like to think both Carter and Brennan are in front of him. At least they look like they are trying and play with intent when they chase the ball.

 

[lmach]

So you cant see that a guy that spends more time worrying about how he looks than how he plays might be influenced by having a fashion business?

And how exactly do you know this? Do you know him personally? What a childish argument.

 

[javaguice]

FFS - how do you even make that assessment without personally knowing him?

**** this - I'm done trying.

Shupe is Ash Smith....I think....

 

[Yamumluvsbigcox]

There was a play at the end of last season where smith got a hand ball form a centre wing stoppage and took off at speed running bounces cutting through the corridor all the way to the 50 then SHANK ! I couldn't help but laugh .
I feel if anyone can get the most out of smith it will be Simpson . With a game plan of more uncontested kicking and marking from defence smith may be a player suited to it . Just would have hoped to hear more good preseason news about him

 

[Eaglemaniac]

And how exactly do you know this? Do you know him personally? What a childish argument.

Do you know him personally? I guess you know all the players you have commented on before on BF personally and they're your good friends?
We are talking about how a certain player comes across from his football application, and how that image can be influenced by what else they do outside of footy. Its not really that hard to work out. You cant tell me Swift was given a fair go after his topknot episode? I personally thought the crowd should of layed off on him but that didnt happen.
Like ive said plenty of times in this thread, i couldnt care what he looks like, if he's playing good footy thats all that matters in the end, but he's not playing good footy, and therefore many people have questioned his outside activities due to him coming across as disinterested, and more interested in how he looks.
If you cant work that out then I dont know what will help you. Its not a childish argument, its simply a discussion about why some people have a less than favouorable opinion about a player.

 

[lmach]

Do you know him personally? I guess you know all the players you have commented on before on BF personally and they're your good friends?
We are talking about how a certain player comes across from his football application, and how that image can be influenced by what else they do outside of footy. Its not really that hard to work out. You cant tell me Swift was given a fair go after his topknot episode? I personally thought the crowd should of layed off on him but that didnt happen.
Like ive said plenty of times in this thread, i couldnt care what he looks like, if he's playing good footy thats all that matters in the end, but he's not playing good footy, and therefore many people have questioned his outside activities due to him coming across as disinterested, and more interested in how he looks.
If you cant work that out then I dont know what will help you. Its not a childish argument, its simply a discussion about why some people have a less than favouorable opinion about a player.

So every time Butler has a bad game it's because he's more focused on helping out JK at Sleepy's? It's childish. Who cares about what he does out of footy. You have no idea if he's more focused on fashion rather than playing for WC.



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[jaxxon]

JK has two businesses. No wonder he tailed off so badly at the end of last year, obviously too focused on his work...and his hipster beard, which is as bad as hipster hair.

 

[Arthaus]

You fellows really are serious. I liked the Muzza thread.

"i think it doesnt matter whether he turns up for training or not, or misses a nab cup game for dubious reasons, or has good skills or not, or a good footy brain, or plays down back-in the middle-or up front...."

Notwithstanding attempted humour, I'm reasonably confident this does matter.

You can't be on an AFL list and sit around waiting for your beak to evolve. By the time it's prehensile enough to excite your partner in life, an understudy will have nailed the lead role.

my point exactly. one way or another. in the bigger picture. approximately. or even generally. que sera sera.
(and no, not serious at all).......(i hope smith comes good-its a win/win-another string in the eagles bow)

 

[the harry]

I hope Smith goes all Dennis Rodman just to really screw with some of you people.

 

[Keys]

Shupe is Ash Smith....I think....

Nope

Shupe is Brody Grundy

 

[Shupe]

I'd like to think both Carter and Brennan are in front of him. At least they look like they are trying and play with intent when they chase the ball.

Well if that's the requirement to play for the West Coast Eagles, then where do I sign up? I like to chase a ball too!

If you think Brennan is ahead of Smith then you lose all credibility with me. Brennan should be nowhere near this team.

 

[Keys]

Thats not what the argument is. If he performs poorly then thats because he is performing poorly, not because of his look, but it will bring attention to him unnecessarily. Its similar to when you buy a pair of flashy coloured boots ala Reimers..you'd wanna hope you play well or you are going to attract attention. Naturally people will then discuss why they think he is performing poorly. Smith is a guy who gives the impression to a lot of people that he is just going through the motions. He lacks intensity at the contest, and seems disinterested when playing despite the belief from many that he may have some talent. If someone seems to lack focus, then the natural tendency is for people to wonder if there are other things affecting them outside of football, for example, Muzza pulling out of a game due to his upcoming court appearance.
In this case, we have a guy who seems to be a little pre-occupied with how he looks and has a fashion business, that leads people to wonder if he's more concerned about how he looks than how he plays. Surely you can understand that.

Did you just compare a bloke with a silly haircut, shit tatts and an interest in t-shirts to someone found guilty of GBH?

I don't think anyone in here is of the opinion that ash smith doesn't need to improve his football to last beyond this year on our list, some are more hopeful than others on his chances of succeeding. It's a reasonable debate to have as he is at the crossroads and it would be a shame if a guy with his natural ability should fail for whatever reason

Linking his perceived lack of motivation to his haircut and/or t-shirt business is ridiculously simplistic

 

[Keys]

Im not a "set your watch to that haircut" Johnny Unitas kind of person but its annoying when people have to remove their hair from their eyes in a fast paced game. I couldn't care if he had a mohawk or mullet just keep it out of your eyes or at least wear something that prevents you having to worry about it during the game up in samurai style etc.

IMO he is bit like McDougall got all of the athleticism in the world but the want / will to succeed is lacking. McDougall dusted off his shorts mid contest once I can see Ash Smith doing something just as unfocused as well.

James hird used to lick his hands before contesting a mark

Guess he wasn't focused either

 

[the harry]

James hird used to lick his hands before contesting a mark

Guess he wasn't focused either

Look how that ended.....

 

[lmach]

Smith is going to be suspended from coaching?

 

[QS]

My problem with Smith isn't his extra curricular activities; they have no bearing on his performance, I just don't think he has that natural intensity of a level that is required at AFL. He also seems to be nervy at times.

 

[the harry]

Smith is going to be suspended from coaching?

It'll give him more time to focus on his football/t shirts/hair/deaf cat

 

[the harry]

My problem with Smith isn't his extra curricular activities; they have no bearing on his performance, I just don't think he has that natural intensity of a level that is required at AFL. He also seems to be nervy at times.

Maybe his role needs to be simplified? Instead of a) beat your man then b) attack, we just play him hff and tell him to get the ball and kick it in the general direction of JK/Lecca/Darling and they'll handle the rest.