POBT
Brownlow Medallist
Worsfold was head coach at West Coach from 2002. The Cousins drug thing really blew up in 2007 with early signs of problems before then. If he inherited the problem, it took him a long time to rectify it.
Non-Lions Footy Discussion
- Thread starter Hollow Knight
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- Apr 19, 2012
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Easy to let it slide when you're winning.
MSB ROYS
Brownlow Medallist
It was the talk around town when I was in Perth in late 1999...
POBT
Brownlow Medallist
I understand Chris Mainwaring had a problem with drugs even earlier than that.
It doesn't surprise me, btw. Every club would have had players taking cocaine, ecstasy etc.
POBT
Brownlow Medallist
Yeah. I also think it was socially accepted in footy circles (just as it was/is in other social circles). I think that, as time passes, we're hearing more and more stories about what players got up to in that era which probably just reinforces that footballers weren't much different from any other young men.
It must be hard to step in when a player is abusing substances. First issue is differentiating the addict from the rest. It is a bit like drinking - if most of a group likes to get on the piss, how do you know whether someone has a problem with alcohol? If a bunch of players take drugs every Saturday night, it makes it harder to notice the bloke who is a little too eager to get amongst it because it has become more than a social thing for him.
Aren't they an American female crime fighting duo?
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I'd give Angie Harmon a good 30 second workout. Trust me on that.
Stokes has joined Crowley, Kelly and Simpkin at the Bombers. Strong rumours that Jamar and Polkinghorne are set to follow. Congratulations to Polks if it turns out to be true.
As much as they will be behind the game with a sudden and unplanned list turnover, they haven't exactly brought in village footballers. Might surprise a team or 2 this year, just hopefully not us
don't get me wrong, still think they and the Blues will be the bottom 2, but just think the experienced heads might pinch a game or 2not so sure. they're not exactly
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Not sure about the Stokes addition, he looked absolutely cooked last year.
Hollow Knight
Imperfect vessel
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Yeah, and they are starting their AFL pre-season very late.
Its like one of those American sporting stories, the old guys have one more season, they band together for the 'Love Of The Game' they were never meant to win but we will Remember the Titans, they have picked the best available player for one season only in the positions they lost, no long term planning here is the Money Ball theory. They just have to get one more fight from them, bring back Rocky also I say.
Yeah - by no means am I saying they will have a Hollywood fairy-tale season and make the finals, but I do think the experience they have brought in will catch a team or 2 off-guard.
I wouldn't get carried away yet. Crowley, Kelly, Simpkin and Stokes*
Simpkin hardly a star, and with experience, when talking retirees and delistees, also comes struggling bodies and declining fitness & skill. The best is long behind all of these guys, and I still doubt they're going to be match winners any time soon. Even if you get half a dozen of these types (of this calibre) you still have to consider their supporting cast.
You're right about one thing though; if they do manage to inspire a win or two, their opponents (and I) will be very much surprised. The 12 outs are a very big deal for the Bombers, and if all of these 'star' replacements can stay injury free for the season, they'll still struggle with the pace of the game. Think about how Malceski went at the Gold Coast last year. Sometimes a lifeline can hit you in the head.
*Still pending.
chopperduck
Brownlow Medallist
Fitness will be the main thing i think. Most of these guys retired, and for good reason. As TBD mentioned, they would be starting preseason late as well. Best the Bombers can get out of this, is use these guys and their experience to just help guide the kids and get through the year. The delisted players and less known types like Polks will help round them out on field by giving them some foot soldiers as such. Overall though, will be very hard to get a competitive, fit enough and cohesive team on the field for the majority of the year.
- Apr 19, 2012
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Essendon's biggest losses have been in their midfield, and I doubt Stokes and Kelly will be much help there for a while (if ever). Simpkin might help, but they'll need a lot more (I doubt Polks will have suddenly developed the capability to play midfield at AFL level). Merrett, Zaharakis and Goddard are still there, but they don't exactly thrive in contested situations.
I'd almost argue their defence has taken the biggest hit.
Yes Stanton, Heppell and Jobe are massive, but Hurley, Hibberd and Hooker is like taking Merrett, Clarke and Andrews away from us (I think Essendon would argue they are even greater).
They have lost all their big bodied defenders, leaves a huge hole for Gwilt to fill. Shame they can't shift Carlisle back right?..
honestly don't think Essendon will be giving much thought into this season anyway. They know they will finish towards the bottom so they will be looking forward to a likely top 2 pick in the next draft. They may as well draw names out of a hat.
Reset and start to push towards finals again in 2017.
Reset and start to push towards finals again in 2017.
Not so sure.
It would be nice to be able to take that approach, but they have sponsors, corporates and members that they need to try everything to can to keep them. There's an office full of well-paid marketing and membership sales people that need something to sell. Staff retention across the whole operation is hard.
The business has been bleeding so writing off another without giving a yelp on field just digs the hole deeper. Not saying it's completely within their control, but they need to sell something positive in 2016.
Seems ridiculous that Essendon can play top ups in their senior team when they sill have a full squad of listed players to choose from. If they get injuries and can't field a full team THEN they can add some top up players. The top up players can play for their VFL side until they are required.
Agreed; it is ridiculous and flies in the face of the penalty itself that Kelly or Stokes etc can be selected before any the other 30 something senior and rookie listed players are selected.
I said it last week, I am firmly of the view that the additional 10 players they're acquiring should not be allowed to play until the initial squad of 30 odd players are unable to form a 22 due to injury or suspension.
It should be irrelevant as to the impact that has on the club. They cheated and that should be the repercussion regardless of the impact.
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