Prediction Round 2: Changes Vs St Kilda + pre-match discussion

[Madas]

Potential can of worms here. Yeah, I had heard the rumour about Langdons girlfriend, and also that Langdon, Weller and Blakely all lived together and Blakely came out looking the villain when Weller and Langdon departed. But that was about three of four years ago now, wasnt it?

I always thought that whole debacle was a window to Blakelys attitude and effect at the club (not great), and was possibly the main reason why he's still on the outer. But geez, I thought he's been doing a pretty good job of letting his footy do the talking. And now he's lost weight as well. To my knowledge, he hasnt put a foot wrong in recent years. Give him another go, I say. The way I see it, the bloke is working his butt off to make amends and he really does add grunt.

His disposal and game awareness is pretty atrocious whereas Sonny’s is next level elite .
Sonny just needs to try and keep his feet and stop going to ground , I’m not removing him from the team just yet and he’s earned his position through years of service and toil .
Henry is a work in progress, he will come good if he wants to put in the effort and I think a few weeks at Peel wouldn’t hurt to stimulate that motivation.

 

[wayToGo_]

The Dockers hope to be boosted by their two biggest stars, with captain Nat Fyfe and club champion Sean Darcy pushing to return against St Kilda on Sunday. Fyfe will be assessed later in the week after back and knee issues flared recently, while Darcy completed a solid training run at the weekend after missing the season opener with a calf complaint. Nine Dockers played for Peel Thunder in a WAFL trial game, with trimmed down midfielder Connor Blakely (two goals) the standout, winning plenty of possessions on the wing. Blake Acres

13

Blake Acres

Age

29

Ht

193cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.5

4star

K

8.9

3star

HB

8.6

5star

M

3.7

4star

T

3.2

5star

CL

1.9

4star

D

12.7

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

7.7

4star

M

4.0

4star

T

2.7

4star

CL

1.0

3star

D

8.2

2star

K

3.8

2star

HB

4.4

4star

M

1.2

2star

T

2.4

4star

CL

1.8

4star

and Liam Henry played on the wing in round one, but there will be competition for their spots, with Nathan O'Driscoll also impressive with the Thunder and Neil Erasmus, who can play forward, waiting for an opportunity. Travis Colyer would also be an option of there are changes in attack.

R1 medical substitute: Travis Colyer

33

Travis Colyer

Age

33

Ht

173cm

Wt

74kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.8

4star

K

9.1

4star

HB

5.7

4star

M

3.4

3star

T

2.4

4star

G

0.6

4star

D

9.5

2star

K

6.7

3star

HB

2.8

2star

M

1.8

2star

T

1.3

2star

G

0.3

3star

D

16.8

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

7.8

5star

M

2.2

3star

T

3.2

5star

G

0.0

1star

(unused)

Verdict: Darcy and Erasmus for Meek and Banfield – Nathan Schmook

In the mix, R2: Who's pushing for selection, who's under the pump?

Our reporters predict all the round two ins and outs

www.afl.com.au

 

[dont bowl there]

Banfield wasn't all that bad. Obviously the fluffed shot sticks in people's minds, but he contributed in some significant ways, which probably doesn't stick in the mind so much in the emotional experience of watching the game.

As for Henry, it just doesn't make sense to only invest 1 solitary AFL level game on the wing, now you've done it. If it were me, I'd be wanting to invest another 2-3 at least, to make that initial outlay worthwhile. You're either committing to him there or not. I can understand some looking in from the outside not committing to him on the wing, but from a coaching perspective, it seems they have. Looking at the "almost" of his game, he just needs to feel like he really has a key role and belongs out there. Break-out performance would help.

Walters showed on the weekend his vision and skill hasn't dimmed. He needs to accept he isn't going to get a fair deal from the umpires and should just pretend they don't exist and be all tooth and nail. Losing his feet a little too often isn't a good sign, but that might be something he works through as the season warms up and he's fitter. Maybe a WAFL stint might help at some stage, later or sooner.

My issue with Banfield being not that bad is that is about all we can ever expect. He will never improve to a level that is worthy of being in the side so why are we persisting with someone that plays not that bad.

 

[dont bowl there]

I also think people are being incredibly kind when describing Banfields game on the weekend as "not that bad".

 

[Madas]

My issue with Banfield being not that bad is that is about all we can ever expect. He will never improve to a level that is worthy of being in the side so why are we persisting with someone that plays not that bad.

I recommend anyone wanting to get a read on Banfield go back and rewatch the last Derby .
He did a great job tagging Shuey and then Kelly but his clangers around the ground were many and costly.
I reckon that game pretty much sums him up .

 

[DragoDelph]

I recommend anyone wanting to get a read on Banfield go back and rewatch the last Derby .
He did a great job tagging Shuey and then Kelly but his clangers around the ground were many and costly.
I reckon that game pretty much sums him up .

More recently.

The game on the weekend when, free in the forward 50, he turns around and into an Adelaide player, instead of continuing straight and being able to deliver to a free player over the top.

Why... Just...

 

[freoextra]

The team will not change much (just Darcy) but if I was a selector, and I can’t believe I am going to say this, I would also include Colyer (for Henry or Banfield).

In that first scratchie against WC we had some serious wheels between Colyer, Clark and Frederick, just ran them of their legs.

Wouldn’t mind being that unbelievably quick team again.

 

[arsesmart]

My issue with Banfield being not that bad is that is about all we can ever expect. He will never improve to a level that is worthy of being in the side so why are we persisting with someone that plays not that bad.

I think he still has some potential improvement, likely not huge, but it's there. One ssue is that he'll probably never own a position, so he'll always be a bits'n'pieces, "where can we fit you type". You can rely on him to do a role 100% to his ability though, so worth a spot on the list beyond this year you'd think.

I also think people are being incredibly kind when describing Banfields game on the weekend as "not that bad".

You'll have to be more specific on that one.

 

[Scham]

The Dockers hope to be boosted by their two biggest stars, with captain Nat Fyfe and club champion Sean Darcy pushing to return against St Kilda on Sunday. Fyfe will be assessed later in the week after back and knee issues flared recently, while Darcy completed a solid training run at the weekend after missing the season opener with a calf complaint. Nine Dockers played for Peel Thunder in a WAFL trial game, with trimmed down midfielder Connor Blakely (two goals) the standout, winning plenty of possessions on the wing. Blake Acres and Liam Henry played on the wing in round one, but there will be competition for their spots, with Nathan O'Driscoll also impressive with the Thunder and Neil Erasmus, who can play forward, waiting for an opportunity. Travis Colyer would also be an option of there are changes in attack.

R1 medical substitute: Travis Colyer (unused)

Verdict: Darcy and Erasmus for Meek and Banfield – Nathan Schmook

In the mix, R2: Who's pushing for selection, who's under the pump?

Our reporters predict all the round two ins and outs

www.afl.com.au

I'd be happy with that. Allow Fyfe to be 100%

 

[Scham]

More recently.

The game on the weekend when, free in the forward 50, he turns around and into an Adelaide player, instead of continuing straight and being able to deliver to a free player over the top.

Why... Just...

Thanks, I was wondering who that was. I should've know. Peak dumbarse.

 

[theGav56]

Some just aren't capable. For some, their best position is much better than other positions so it's about getting the best out of them for the team's best.

Re development, early in a young players AFL career it's best to get a player settled, comfortable and confident at the level before progressing their skillset too quickly.

I thought Cerra's development was perfect giving him time on the hbf, midfield and wing. Cox in ruck, defence and forward. Serong as a run with player then an inside mid. Fyfe forward then midfield. All happening early in their careers while they build experience and confidence.
.

 

[Madas]

I'd be happy with that. Allow Fyfe to be 100%

I actually don’t want Darcy playing against NicFat in the Derby .
His time is done and he knows it so he’ll be targeting Darcy for an injury like he did to Sandilands.

 

[Scham]

I recommend anyone wanting to get a read on Banfield go back and rewatch the last Derby .
He did a great job tagging Shuey and then Kelly but his clangers around the ground were many and costly.
I reckon that game pretty much sums him up .

Surely, surely if you're even a half hearted Freo fan you'd know full well what Banfield is capable of. What's his absolute best is, and what his baseline game is. But every year he still gets pushed up on preseason training and scratch matches, and here we are still debating his worth. He's depth at best.

It's bad enough the coaches select him whether it be Graham or JL but I can somewhat understand it given the options were Colyer and Crowden who are much shorter and we needed height to make up for Tabs absence.

 

[CapitalA]

The team will not change much (just Darcy) but if I was a selector, and I can’t believe I am going to say this, I would also include Colyer (for Henry or Banfield).

In that first scratchie against WC we had some serious wheels between Colyer, Clark and Frederick, just ran them of their legs.

Wouldn’t mind being that unbelievably quick team again.

There was also Wilson in the scratchies, I can see them bringing willo back in, I would love to see Erasmus in for Banfield and Darcy will be a good addition. I just have nfi who to drop hahaha.

 

[theGav56]

His disposal and game awareness is pretty atrocious whereas Sonny’s is next level elite .
Sonny just needs to try and keep his feet and stop going to ground , I’m not removing him from the team just yet and he’s earned his position through years of service and toil .

How is Walters going to learn to keep his feet? He's been doing it for years.

 

[Madas]

Surely, surely if you're even a half hearted Freo fan you'd know full well what Banfield is capable of. What's his absolute best is, and what his baseline game is. But every year he still gets pushed up on preseason training and scratch matches, and here we are still debating his worth. He's depth at best.

It's bad enough the coaches select him whether it be Graham or JL but I can somewhat understand it given the options were Colyer and Crowden who are much shorter and we needed height to make up for Tabs absence.

Schofield made some good observations on Banfield when commenting the pre-season game in that he was difficult to match up on as he plays small and tall .
Definitely has the attributes to be the kind of forward we need and he plays a tough game but just lacks that polish .
I want to see Sturt play again to see if his efforts and defensive game have improved because if they haven’t

 

[Madas]

How is Walters going to learn to keep his feet? He's been doing it for years.

I don’t know the answer to this unfortunately

 

[Scham]

I thought Cerra's development was perfect giving him time on the hbf, midfield and wing. Cox in ruck, defence and forward. Serong as a run with player then an inside mid. Fyfe forward then midfield. All happening early in their careers while they build experience and confidence.
.

Of course there are exceptions but your point was very general as was my reply. But now you're into specific examples, I'll address them.

Fyfe was drafted as a forward and became comfortable quickly given his talent level. He then moved once he'd found his place at the level.

Cerra at Hb didn't work imo, and he would've been better off playing more WAFL in the midfield. I note that you also think WAFL is the preferred development route (in general)

Serong, again a high talent played midfield where he is now - same position. Different role but following a gun midfielder is ideal development for a midfielder provided they're good enough to limit the opponent's damage, which Serong was.

Cox was mostly a forward as a junior so it made some sense to start him there especially as that's where we needed him most as a team. But it could've gone either way as he played defence well in the 18's carnival. Lyon and his team chose forward.

 

[theGav56]

I don’t know the answer to this unfortunately

At his stage of career he is who he is, and will decline. The club needs to weigh his output, including leadership/mentoring value, against production and opportunity to other players such as Colyer, Crowden and Erasmus.

 

[Scham]

At his stage of career he is who he is, and will decline. The club needs to weigh his output, including leadership/mentoring value, against production and opportunity to other players such as Colyer, Crowden and Erasmus.

Amazing for me to think this way as I've never been a huge fan of Colyer but I'm almost at the stage of thinking I'd go him over Walters. I've always said that it'll be a quick decline for Sonny once he gets dropped and perhaps the MC see that too and are giving him every single chance at the top level.

 

[theGav56]

Of course there are exceptions but your point was very general as was my reply. But now you're into specific examples, I'll address them.

Fyfe was drafted as a forward and became comfortable quickly given his talent level. He then moved once he'd found his place at the level.

Cerra at Hb didn't work imo, and he would've been better off playing more WAFL in the midfield. I note that you also think WAFL is the preferred development route (in general)

Serong, again a high talent played midfield where he is now - same position. Different role but following a gun midfielder is ideal development for a midfielder provided they're good enough to limit the opponent's damage, which Serong was.

Cox was mostly a forward as a junior so it made some sense to start him there especially as that's where we needed him most as a team. But it could've gone either way as he played defence well in the 18's carnival. Lyon and his team chose forward.

I didn't think your point of view was very general at all. It seem quite specific.

It is quite clear that most players play in a variety of positions before being drafted. It is a significant but not a defining part of their development. Logue thrown forward and midfield for a game or two pre-draft is an example is almost a marketing move for recruiters.

A generalisation is that the more talented players have the skills to be used in a variety of positions. They may have a best position or a preferred position and that needs to balance against a teams needs. That's the issue we are experiencing with Chapman. And it is heightened because we persist in building depth in the position we use him in.

Yes, I prefer players to have a handful of wafl games before debut. I prefer them to "earn" the opportunity. I prefer home debuts. I'm fine with exceptions, but would have preferred Cerra to have done that. Brayshaw in contrast had the athletic base.

 

[Mogumber]

Membrey, King & Hayes is a fairly comprehensive tall set for us to defend.
Hamling may be needed

 

[dont bowl there]

I recommend anyone wanting to get a read on Banfield go back and rewatch the last Derby .
He did a great job tagging Shuey and then Kelly but his clangers around the ground were many and costly.
I reckon that game pretty much sums him up .

That doesn't sum him up, it gives a fair assessment of his absolute best. How was his tag the week after on Steele?

 

[DragoDelph]

That doesn't sum him up, it gives a fair assessment of his absolute best. How was his tag the week after on Steele?

 

[Scham]

I didn't think your point of view was very general at all. It seem quite specific.

It is quite clear that most players play in a variety of positions before being drafted. It is a significant but not a defining part of their development. Logue thrown forward and midfield for a game or two pre-draft is an example is almost a marketing move for recruiters.

A generalisation is that the more talented players have the skills to be used in a variety of positions. They may have a best position or a preferred position and that needs to balance against a teams needs. That's the issue we are experiencing with Chapman. And it is heightened because we persist in building depth in the position we use him in.

Yes, I prefer players to have a handful of wafl games before debut. I prefer them to "earn" the opportunity. I prefer home debuts. I'm fine with exceptions, but would have preferred Cerra to have done that. Brayshaw in contrast had the athletic base.

Sorry, I thought we were talking about development once in the AFL system. My bad.

Once a young player is drafted into the AFL I believe in general that for the vast majority of them, the best form of development to bring them into the top team, it's best to play them to their strengths and where they're most comfortable to allow them a quick passage to feeling comfortable at the level and forming a sense of belonging. Once that's achieved, adding new skills and knowledge to develop versatility can be added. Just my view. All good if you disagree.