List Mgmt. Geelong at the 2012 AFL National Draft (selections Nos. 16, 77 and 92)

[FredLeDeux]

What a total puff piece. He could slide to 16...he could be taken at 6. Thank you for that penetrating bit of journalistic insight HS.

Even by the standards of Hun Speculative Fiction, it is a really weird piece:

Jake Stringer has tumbled down the draft order because of complications from breaking two bones in his leg 18 months ago. Recruiters described the 191cm goalkicker's running gait as "atrocious" in the 3km time-trial at last month's AFL draft combine.Another said it was like he was running on "one leg".
But the Herald Sun can reveal an AFL club official believes Stringer's issues could be resolved inside three months with the help of some modified boots and re-modelling his running style.
It is expected that Stringer could fall to the Cats at pick 16....
It is believed the Cats are happy to be patient with Stringer and back their heavily resourced and widely commended development academy to nurture the 18-year-old.
But the Western Bulldogs could also strike as early as pick six.

Does the "AFL club official" even exist? If he does exist and comes from Geelong, why would he be alerting other clubs like this? If he does exist but comes from another club, is he just trying to spoil it for Geelong (and why)? And if one club knows the trick, they all do (fixing crook gaits is no longer rocket science).

It advances our knowledge of likely draft outcomes not one iota.

 

[Senatorguesty]

If (and I know, MASSIVE if) Stringer falls to 16 then its the biggest get since Selwood, maybe even bigger.
The kid will be a monster, wow I have a peaked front pant thinking of Stringer, Hawkins, Menzel and Vardy all in the same forward line.
Likely he will go ALOT sooner though...

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Tend to agree with Jes that that piece is speculative rubbish. That said, I have no doubt we will pick Stringer if he's actually there at 16, though I still doubt he will drop that far.

Back on 79, the more I think about that I tend to think there's a specific plan for that pick (much like we went in with a specific plan to pick Orren with out last pick last year). Under normal circumstances you wouldn't consider 79 better value than Walker given the promise he is showing, so getting him to agree to remain on the rookie list may indicate they felt we had to have 79-i.e. they are targeting a player we want or need who we are fairly certain will not be around for our first pick in the rookie draft. Given the scarcity of key defenders on the market (which pushes up their value) Sully would seem like the most likely answer to that one IMO.

 

[meto]

Interesting to see his running gait is still an issue though. Might scare a few off particularly the doggies who have already had to suffer through watching Cooney be a shadow of himself.

Using first round picks, who wouldn't be a little worried, ok, he's been a champion among kids but even he has to step up to the big league.
There are some very good players other than this guy, lets not forget it.

 

[Jmac2225]

Using first round picks, who wouldn't be a little worried, ok, he's been a champion among kids but even he has to step up to the big league.
There are some very good players other than this guy, lets not forget it.

True. But then again Corey, Kelly, Enright and Ling are all very good players but they aren't G.Ablett.

Perhaps not the greatest example and a bit over exaggerated but I think you can catch my drift i.e.. Stringer = Gazza, Vlastuin = Lingy.

 

[Ikan Bodoh]

If we get Jake Stringer I will cream my pants.

 

[GloblFotbalCrsis]

What a great start to the day I had, woke up a read two pieces (one from afl.com.au as well as the HS) suggesting stringer could fall to us. It would be a great result if he could fix his leg and become the next Goddard

 

[dazbroncos]

Depending on who is available, and lets face it could be anyone, how much of a factor on the "risk of the pick" will be influenced by the clubs position on Stringer, Hypen, Cowan etc.

By this I mean, do you think Wells will be more inclined to go a slightly riskier pick (say Tenzel or Stringer) if the club have total faith in the VFL crew coming through successfully (which I feel they do) or will he go a safer pick thinking they may not cut it.

More of a note on the considerations that effect whom to pick rather than a comment on any player.

As a club, we can probably have a longer timeline for a developing player than a team that needs performance NOW out of their picks.

Even though WB are rebuilding, BMAC would need to see something from his pick 5 and 6 sooner than CS would pick 16. Same with PA at 7 so do they have the patience or time to let a Stringer type recover for the next 18 months. One would postulate that the coaching hotseat and pressure for results now - or even just better efforts than before - would keep them heading for the safer type picks with no injury clouds.
Safe to say Hamling was a 3 year project so its not like we haven't doe it before...

Not much of theory but if we have to choose between Tenzel and Stringer at 16.... oh what a day...

Go Catters

 

[meto]

True. But then again Corey, Kelly, Enright and Ling are all very good players but they aren't G.Ablett.

Perhaps not the greatest example and a bit over exaggerated but I think you can catch my drift i.e.. Stringer = Gazza, Vlastuin = Lingy.

Stringer=Gary!!....................Seriously I'm laughing so much it hurts.

 

[supahoops]

Depending on who is available, and lets face it could be anyone, how much of a factor on the "risk of the pick" will be influenced by the clubs position on Stringer, Hypen, Cowan etc.

By this I mean, do you think Wells will be more inclined to go a slightly riskier pick (say Tenzel or Stringer) if the club have total faith in the VFL crew coming through successfully (which I feel they do) or will he go a safer pick thinking they may not cut it.

More of a note on the considerations that effect whom to pick rather than a comment on any player.

As a club, we can probably have a longer timeline for a developing player than a team that needs performance NOW out of their picks.

Even though WB are rebuilding, BMAC would need to see something from his pick 5 and 6 sooner than CS would pick 16. Same with PA at 7 so do they have the patience or time to let a Stringer type recover for the next 18 months. One would postulate that the coaching hotseat and pressure for results now - or even just better efforts than before - would keep them heading for the safer type picks with no injury clouds.
Safe to say Hamling was a 3 year project so its not like we haven't doe it before...

Not much of theory but if we have to choose between Tenzel and Stringer at 16.... oh what a day...

Go Catters

Given Simpkin could not stay on our list with his last game being a final and plenty of upside even at his age it's fair to say we have a pretty solid list. Even gillies and Byrnes have new homes. To me that's a solid, if unspectacular list and leads me think we have the ability to absorb a risk like Stringer ( or Menzel ) to add that potential X - factor, where other clubs may look to a safer option.

The coaching angle is interesting - not sure macca, malthouse, kenny, guy McKenna, even Brad Scott at this stage can afford a 2-3 year investment that may or may not come off..

You could probably add voss and hardwick to that list, which leaves GWS who are a big chance to take both IMO

 

[Turbocat]

Even by the standards of Hun Speculative Fiction, it is a really weird piece:

Jake Stringer has tumbled down the draft order because of complications from breaking two bones in his leg 18 months ago. Recruiters described the 191cm goalkicker's running gait as "atrocious" in the 3km time-trial at last month's AFL draft combine.Another said it was like he was running on "one leg".
But the Herald Sun can reveal an AFL club official believes Stringer's issues could be resolved inside three months with the help of some modified boots and re-modelling his running style.
It is expected that Stringer could fall to the Cats at pick 16....
It is believed the Cats are happy to be patient with Stringer and back their heavily resourced and widely commended development academy to nurture the 18-year-old.
But the Western Bulldogs could also strike as early as pick six.

Does the "AFL club official" even exist? If he does exist and comes from Geelong, why would he be alerting other clubs like this? If he does exist but comes from another club, is he just trying to spoil it for Geelong (and why)? And if one club knows the trick, they all do (fixing crook gaits is no longer rocket science).

It advances our knowledge of likely draft outcomes not one iota.

I agree with your sentiments Fred. Geelong/Wells traditionally have kept hush about real choices unless it had a reason. This smells like mud , the smelly feral mud in the goal square in the middle of winter used to cloud the market.

** By the way like your avatar. Whens that badge from , I had one at one stage , the picture reminds us that were wee originally the black cats , as in bad luck.

 

[Jmac2225]

Stringer=Gary!!....................Seriously I'm laughing so much it hurts.

Stringer was the hottest thing coming through the system since Judd (who was also a slider due to injuries) before breaking his.

I concede the Gazza example was poor but you should get the point.

 

[Turbocat]

Tend to agree with Jes that that piece is speculative rubbish. That said, I have no doubt we will pick Stringer if he's actually there at 16, though I still doubt he will drop that far.

Back on 79, the more I think about that I tend to think there's a specific plan for that pick (much like we went in with a specific plan to pick Orren with out last pick last year). Under normal circumstances you wouldn't consider 79 better value than Walker given the promise he is showing, so getting him to agree to remain on the rookie list may indicate they felt we had to have 79-i.e. they are targeting a player we want or need who we are fairly certain will not be around for our first pick in the rookie draft. Given the scarcity of key defenders on the market (which pushes up their value) Sully would seem like the most likely answer to that one IMO.

Pure , has it been confirmed that elevating Walker would not have solved our late pick conundrum. We tried to swap our R1 pick for 2 in the 20's , that to me says the knew they had to use at least 2 picks.

 

[meto]

Stringer was the hottest thing coming through the system since Judd (who was also a slider due to injuries) before breaking his.

I concede the Gazza example was poor but you should get the point.

Ok, I'm trying to, "get the point that is", but lets face it, he's a big kid with one bung leg ATM, and that definately doesn't add up to a should be multiple Brownlow medalist, and how many MVP awards is it now, the real measure of a best player??
Chances are if he's not that fast due to the leg, he'll be set upon before he goes anywhere when he plays with men. Not saying he's unlikely to have a career, but being a champion is another thing again.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

Pure , has it been confirmed that elevating Walker would not have solved our late pick conundrum. We tried to swap our R1 pick for 2 in the 20's , that to me says the knew they had to use at least 2 picks.

Tend to agree TC , was generally thought that Rookie upgrades after Stringer wouldn't count as picks leaving us needing to have 2 picks in the ND.
No doubt we will have targets at P79 but I seriously doubt it's part of some grand , master plan as some posters have alluded to.

 

[Jmac2225]

Ok, I'm trying to, "get the point that is", but lets face it, he's a big kid with one bung leg ATM, and that definately doesn't add up to a should be multiple Brownlow medalist, and how many MVP awards is it now, the real measure of a best player??
Chances are if he's not that fast due to the leg, he'll be set upon before he goes anywhere when he plays with men. Not saying he's unlikely to have a career, but being a champion is another thing again.

And Judd was a midfield powerhouse with two bung shoulders and Selwood was a tough nut with a bung knee. But both have proven to be better than those taken before them not because their ability rose and they shook off their issues. Stringer is likely as anyone in this draft to be a champion and more likely than most who will be around at pick 16 (which he may not). Tenzel falls into the same category. These blokes are a class above the likes of Vlastuin, Garlett and Kennedy but there is a degree of risk in them which is the catch I guess.

 

[topic97]

And Judd was a midfield powerhouse with two bung shoulders and Selwood was a tough nut with a bung knee. But both have proven to be better than those taken before them not because their ability rose and they shook off their issues. Stringer is likely as anyone in this draft to be a champion and more likely than most who will be around at pick 16 (which he may not). Tenzel falls into the same category. These blokes are a class above the likes of Vlastuin, Garlett and Kennedy but there is a degree of risk in them which is the catch I guess.

And I think if you take into account that both WestCoast & Geelong had/have very very good medical teams which were able to make sure that there wasnt any re-occurrence to those injuries.

Not to mention the fact that Selwood & Judd fell into two pretty freaking awesome midfields as well.
Both those players were like icing on the cake for their respective midfields, whereas if you look at a lot of other draftees they usually go to teams who are struggling & pinning all their hopes on a single 17 year old, with teammates giving them little support but copping all the attention from senior opposition.

 

[dazbroncos]

And I think if you take into account that both WestCoast & Geelong had/have very very good medical teams which were able to make sure that there wasnt any re-occurrence to those injuries.

Not to mention the fact that Selwood & Judd fell into two pretty freaking awesome midfields as well.
Both those players were like icing on the cake for their respective midfields, whereas if you look at a lot of other draftees they usually go to teams who are struggling & pinning all their hopes on a single 17 year old, with teammates giving them little support but copping all the attention from senior opposition.

Great post - illustrates what I was inferring earlier about risky picks for Wb and 5 and 6 and PA at 7... Can they really afford to take an injured 18 yo with little or no help in the MF.... and it aint like WB and PA have the strongest mids around....

Go Catters

 

[FredLeDeux]

I agree with your sentiments Fred. Geelong/Wells traditionally have kept hush about real choices unless it had a reason. This smells like mud , the smelly feral mud in the goal square in the middle of winter used to cloud the market.

** By the way like your avatar. Whens that badge from , I had one at one stage , the picture reminds us that were wee originally the black cats , as in bad luck.

They were a giveaway with some product or other back in the 60s when I was a kid, I saw this in Google Images, I think it might have been on e-bay.

 

[muttweed]

Great post - illustrates what I was inferring earlier about risky picks for Wb and 5 and 6 and PA at 7... Can they really afford to take an injured 18 yo with little or no help in the MF.... and it aint like WB and PA have the strongest mids around....

Go Catters

Bulldogs have a pretty strong midfield, in spite of their latest ladder position. We have to remember it was only 2 years ago that they were a consistent top 4 team. Boyd and Griffen for starters are definitely not shabby players. They could definitely afford a kid with Stringer's potential. If he pulled through, WB would have an amazing midfield. Though as others have said, they most probably will be scared away because of what happened with Cooney.

 

[SJ]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/151187/default.aspx

FINAL ORDER FOR NAB AFL DRAFT

CLUB (No. of selections) DRAFT PICKS

Adelaide (3 selections) 20, 54, 64* (PR)
Brisbane Lions (5) 24, 33, 87* (PR), 99* (PR)
Carlton (7) 11, 36, 56, 71, 76, 90* (PR), 102* (PR)
Collingwood (6) 18, 19, 21, 39, 82, 95* (PR)
Essendon (8) 10* (F/S Daniher), 35, 52, 55, 75, 89, 101, 106* (PR)
Fremantle (5) 17, 37, 40, 80* (PR), 94* (PR)
Geelong Cats (3) 16, 79, 93* (PR)
Gold Coast Suns (4) 13, 57, 59* (PR), 60* (LT)
GWS Giants (10) 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 28, 65, 69, 84* (PR), 97* (PR)
Hawthorn (3) 29, 68, 72
Melbourne (7) 4, 27* (F/S Viney), 49, 53, 70, 73* (PR), 74* (PR)
North Melbourne (9) 15, 38, 42, 48, 58, 63, 78* (PR), 92* (PR), 103* (PR)
Port Adelaide (5) 7, 30, 31, 83, 86* (PR)
Richmond (6) 9, 32, 34, 43, 88, 100
St Kilda (6) 25, 26, 41, 44, 77, 91* (PR)
Sydney Swans (8) 23, 45, 47, 66, 67, 96, 104, 107* (PR)
West Coast (4) 46, 61, 62, 81* (PR)
Western Bulldogs (8) 5, 6, 22, 50* (F/S Hunter), 51, 85, 98* (PR), 105* (PR)

F/S indicates father/son selection
PR indicates promoted rookie position.
LT indicates local talent position.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/151187/default.aspx

 

[catswhiskers]

True. But then again Corey, Kelly, Enright and Ling are all very good players but they aren't G.Ablett.

Perhaps not the greatest example and a bit over exaggerated but I think you can catch my drift i.e.. Stringer = Gazza, Vlastuin = Lingy.

The drift is good.

Gazza, though, despite the common mythology was not a first round pick value in his draft. Even after his first year or two I would have said third round was about right.

Thats the joy of drafting. An elite player (Dayne Swan anyone) can be found in any round. Its just more likely that someone will identify them early = first round. To have the luxury of early picks you have to endure a poor season first.

I'll settle with finals with selections like Vardy,Christensen, Duncan etc at later picks. They could be anything.

 

[coltsstriker]

Whats your dream first choice pick to suit your club?
During the year the boys asked dayle garlett what team would you like to play afl for. he replied,
well i would preffer and rather not play footy or live in queensland, adelaide ,sydney with the new teams and the other teams like
the cats, tigers, freo, north melb, blues he cant see himself playing for them as not a fan of them growing up so hopefully not them teams will be sweet. but the the rest is ok, so guys would you rather a player like vlastuin, jasksch, kennedy, clurey, stringer ect that are keen to play with pride as there is so many great kids around ?

 

[FredLeDeux]

Whats your dream first choice pick to suit your club?
During the year the boys asked dayle garlett what team would you like to play afl for. he replied,
well i would preffer and rather not play footy or live in queensland, adelaide ,sydney with the new teams and the other teams like
the cats, tigers, freo, north melb, blues he cant see himself playing for them as not a fan of them growing up so hopefully not them teams will be sweet. but the the rest is ok, so guys would you rather a player like vlastuin, jasksch, kennedy, clurey, stringer ect that are keen to play with pride as there is so many great kids around ?

Are you trying to scare us off Garlett for some nefarious reason?
You do know that all of his family, friends and coaches have advised him to get out of WA?

But to answer your question, if we are confident medically, our dream choices are Stringer or Menzel.

 

[Turbocat]

Whats your dream first choice pick to suit your club??

Whitfield getting thru to 16 would be one hell of a dream. Bar that , any kid who can either push into our best 22 now or become a very strong member in the near future