Rate our preseason: pros and cons?

[one-eyed]

Given the large turnover of players, new coaching staff, a young side and list, and this year being a development year after coming second last in 2009, how did you rate our preseason?

Pros - including what/who surprised or impressed you so far?

Cons - not the usual such and such is still a dud but things you thought would improve straight away but haven't?

[Penelope]

Relying mainly on second hand info makes it a little difficult, but sifting through the various  reports around the place; to me pros are,

Roberts - seems to be a smart, creative, natural footballer. Looks like he can adjust to the pace of AFL football.
Cotchin - he's on the park.
Farmer - although not by a unanimous decision, looks like he will slot in at BP.
Nason - Liked his endeavor for the little I saw of him in the NAB opener. Reports on him have been promising.

The shultze trade looks promising if these two can continue on with it.

Was happy to see players put pressure on the ball carrier rather than hang off them 10 meters or so with their hands in the air. There does seem to be a shift in the attitude when the opposition have posession. I know some will jump and down sprouting how easily the ball came out our forward line the other day, but at least there has been times when they have applied pressure to the enemy. It's a start.

No real disappointments as I understand the enormity of the task ahead and don't believe in fairy godmothers who can wave a magic wand and magically fix inherent problems.

[wayne]

Pros
The new draftees already showing good signs.
No serious injuries.
Cotchin doing a pre-season of sorts.
The usual suspects skill-wise, seem out of favour and not in our early season plans.
Don't seem to be chipping sideways and backwards as much.

Cons
Kick-ins still look terrible.
Still having trouble going inside 50.
If Dobbingwood kicked straight in the last quarter, we'd have had 3 pre-season losses by over 70 points.
Polak's training form hasn't translated to on-field form.
I have seen two games, and we've given away around 15-20 50m penalties in those games. Not to mention all the other free kicks we've had paid against us. Some have been terrible decisions, but umpires don't change their decisions. We need more discipline.

[Stripes]

Given the large turnover of players, new coaching staff, a young side and list, and this year being a development year after coming second last in 2009, how did you rate our preseason?

Pros -

Coaches
Hardwick seems to be the type of coach we need with the state of our list and club. He is a non frills educator who is extremely hands on with development and extremely hands off when it comes to spin. He has assembled a group of similarly minded assistants of equal enthusiasm who are collectively working towards the same goal regardless of the potential grumblings.

Hardwick has a clear and simple game plan which the players are responding to and learning. They seem to genuinely like him and understand him which has not always been the case with previous regimes. He is firm on players equally and ensures they train hard and like they intend to play. He is not scared to pull up players during a drill regardless of their prestige in the group.

The biggest positive from the coaches for mine is the acquisition of more recruiters, development and gym specialists. How the club has possible dreamed that they could compete against the only clubs without the sufficient staff especially when attempting to rebuild, is astonishing.  

Administration
Benny Gale.   We finally seemed unified and strong across the board. We have a joint focus which is driven by the board as much as the coach and we are determined to be a success regardless of the pain we need to endure to get there. Their has been the unwavering message coming out of Punt Road this pre-season - 'NO SHORT CUTS' - which has been music to my ears.

Recruits
Finally, at least it appears, we have introduced a crop of young players with the potential to step up.

Martin is a find. At the moment Melbourne must be worried they have made the wrong decision overlooking Martin. He appears to be our version of Daniel Rich and already has the body of a seasoned player. Even better he has clean disposal, fire to win his own ball and determination to succeed. Couple that with a healthy no bs attitude and eagerness to be involved in the physical nature of the game and I'll say he is a perfect inclusion.

Roberts is the 'diamond in the rough' for me this year. He has the skills, poise and time to damage opposition. Roberts also has the pace and unpredictability to make him a cult figure at Punt Road very quickly.

Nason is another potential cult figure. He seems too slight for AFL football but is deceptively strong and hard at it. Most importantly he relishes the contest, loves to tackle and has beautiful foot-skills. I'm hoping he continues to improve and becomes the star we all hope he can develop into.

Farmer has won me over with his hard at it attitude which surprised me given his size. We could come out clearly on top from the Schulz trade.

Astbury, Taylor, Dea and even Tompson have shown enough glimpses of ability to make me believe they could all be talented players for the yellow and black in the future.  


The Supporters
While we are still are ways off last years membership total, the Tigers faithful have still come to the support of their club. This is an amazing feat especially considering the state of the list, the obvious struggles we will face this season and the lack of media publicity we have experienced. We are an amazingly resistant and passionate collection of people given out lack of success over the journey.



Cons

Having to wait...

We have been waiting for success for years and rebuilding for what seems like an eternity only to be told we need to once again. This preseason we have been sold the message that we are 'transforming' but we all know this means 'prepare for pain'. I understand the need, I understand the goal and I understand the focus, I just find it hard to understand why we as a club have been put into this position yet again.

I am disappointed that we need to have players such as Polak in our team. I believe he should be extremely proud of himself to come back to the level he was previously at but unfortunately that level was never high to begin with.

I am disappointed that Polo and Hislop have not come on. I am saddened that Gus seems to be going backwards. I am angered that King, McMahon and even Tuck are still clogging up the list. I am upset that Foley is still injured.

Other that this I am happy that we seem to be laying the correct foundations through good recruiting and even better player education. Time will tell of course but at least we have made the required changes and are make the right noises.

That is my take on the preseason

Stripes

[Infamy]

Pros:

We smashed Geelong in the pre-season, who despite being understrength, fielded an older and more experienced side than ours.
All our new recruits look promising already. Quite a few new players look like debuting in Round 1 and some handy talent still to come, kpps especially.

Cons:

Impatient fans expecting miracles

[Stripes]

Cons -

Cousins extended stay in hospital and a Tiger supporter printing rubbish articles about his supposed drinking problems 

[bojangles17]

Pro's , we look to have found a few players in RR, DM, DA, Gourdis and Contin, and BN, havent seen the rest but this is a bloody fine start

Cons...of course would have liked more promising results, but sheesh we are young, you'd be surprised how much diff a little experie4nce in Cuzz and axel would add to the mix...alot resting on YOUNG shoulders
iend unfortunate we haven't seen anything of Griff and later astbury...we have gaping holes in F50...would warm the heart to see some promise there

[the claw]

cons
Couldnt delist more of the nuffas.
Failed to get a mature ruckman.
Failed to get a mature kpf as replacement for richo.
Failed to take enough talls in all drafts trades.
Failed to take enough genuine mids.
Still too many glass half fulls on list and in best 22.
Rookied Polak one has to ask why. surely after 8 seasons all have seen enough.imo just made a poor decision worse by upgrading him.
Preseason form of the seniors has been underwhelming
Promoted it seems a clearly unfit roberts when common sense said let him get a fitness base at coburg and promote later.

Pros
delisted/traded/retired 13. it will be a real pro if similar happens at the end of this yr.
New coaches  no more wallace.
New facilities.
Continued over rating of list and players by most.

[wayne]

Another Pro

Nason DIDN'T do his knee

[TigerLand]

Given the large turnover of players, new coaching staff, a young side and list, and this year being a development year after coming second last in 2009, how did you rate our preseason?

Pros -

Coaches
Hardwick seems to be the type of coach we need with the state of our list and club. He is a non frills educator who is extremely hands on with development and extremely hands off when it comes to spin. He has assembled a group of similarly minded assistants of equal enthusiasm who are collectively working towards the same goal regardless of the potential grumblings.

Hardwick has a clear and simple game plan which the players are responding to and learning. They seem to genuinely like him and understand him which has not always been the case with previous regimes. He is firm on players equally and ensures they train hard and like they intend to play. He is not scared to pull up players during a drill regardless of their prestige in the group.

The biggest positive from the coaches for mine is the acquisition of more recruiters, development and gym specialists. How the club has possible dreamed that they could compete against the only clubs without the sufficient staff especially when attempting to rebuild, is astonishing.  

Administration
Benny Gale.   We finally seemed unified and strong across the board. We have a joint focus which is driven by the board as much as the coach and we are determined to be a success regardless of the pain we need to endure to get there. Their has been the unwavering message coming out of Punt Road this pre-season - 'NO SHORT CUTS' - which has been music to my ears.

Recruits
Finally, at least it appears, we have introduced a crop of young players with the potential to step up.

Martin is a find. At the moment Melbourne must be worried they have made the wrong decision overlooking Martin. He appears to be our version of Daniel Rich and already has the body of a seasoned player. Even better he has clean disposal, fire to win his own ball and determination to succeed. Couple that with a healthy no bs attitude and eagerness to be involved in the physical nature of the game and I'll say he is a perfect inclusion.

Roberts is the 'diamond in the rough' for me this year. He has the skills, poise and time to damage opposition. Roberts also has the pace and unpredictability to make him a cult figure at Punt Road very quickly.

Nason is another potential cult figure. He seems too slight for AFL football but is deceptively strong and hard at it. Most importantly he relishes the contest, loves to tackle and has beautiful foot-skills. I'm hoping he continues to improve and becomes the star we all hope he can develop into.

Farmer has won me over with his hard at it attitude which surprised me given his size. We could come out clearly on top from the Schulz trade.

Astbury, Taylor, Dea and even Tompson have shown enough glimpses of ability to make me believe they could all be talented players for the yellow and black in the future.  


The Supporters
While we are still are ways off last years membership total, the Tigers faithful have still come to the support of their club. This is an amazing feat especially considering the state of the list, the obvious struggles we will face this season and the lack of media publicity we have experienced. We are an amazingly resistant and passionate collection of people given out lack of success over the journey.



Cons

Having to wait...

We have been waiting for success for years and rebuilding for what seems like an eternity only to be told we need to once again. This preseason we have been sold the message that we are 'transforming' but we all know this means 'prepare for pain'. I understand the need, I understand the goal and I understand the focus, I just find it hard to understand why we as a club have been put into this position yet again.

I am disappointed that we need to have players such as Polak in our team. I believe he should be extremely proud of himself to come back to the level he was previously at but unfortunately that level was never high to begin with.

I am disappointed that Polo and Hislop have not come on. I am saddened that Gus seems to be going backwards. I am angered that King, McMahon and even Tuck are still clogging up the list. I am upset that Foley is still injured.

Other that this I am happy that we seem to be laying the correct foundations through good recruiting and even better player education. Time will tell of course but at least we have made the required changes and are make the right noises.

That is my take on the preseason

Stripes

Just a perfect piece Stripes.

Here here.

[bojangles17]

Given the large turnover of players, new coaching staff, a young side and list, and this year being a development year after coming second last in 2009, how did you rate our preseason?

Pros -

Coaches
Hardwick seems to be the type of coach we need with the state of our list and club. He is a non frills educator who is extremely hands on with development and extremely hands off when it comes to spin. He has assembled a group of similarly minded assistants of equal enthusiasm who are collectively working towards the same goal regardless of the potential grumblings.

Hardwick has a clear and simple game plan which the players are responding to and learning. They seem to genuinely like him and understand him which has not always been the case with previous regimes. He is firm on players equally and ensures they train hard and like they intend to play. He is not scared to pull up players during a drill regardless of their prestige in the group.

The biggest positive from the coaches for mine is the acquisition of more recruiters, development and gym specialists. How the club has possible dreamed that they could compete against the only clubs without the sufficient staff especially when attempting to rebuild, is astonishing.  

Administration
Benny Gale.   We finally seemed unified and strong across the board. We have a joint focus which is driven by the board as much as the coach and we are determined to be a success regardless of the pain we need to endure to get there. Their has been the unwavering message coming out of Punt Road this pre-season - 'NO SHORT CUTS' - which has been music to my ears.

Recruits
Finally, at least it appears, we have introduced a crop of young players with the potential to step up.

Martin is a find. At the moment Melbourne must be worried they have made the wrong decision overlooking Martin. He appears to be our version of Daniel Rich and already has the body of a seasoned player. Even better he has clean disposal, fire to win his own ball and determination to succeed. Couple that with a healthy no bs attitude and eagerness to be involved in the physical nature of the game and I'll say he is a perfect inclusion.

Roberts is the 'diamond in the rough' for me this year. He has the skills, poise and time to damage opposition. Roberts also has the pace and unpredictability to make him a cult figure at Punt Road very quickly.

Nason is another potential cult figure. He seems too slight for AFL football but is deceptively strong and hard at it. Most importantly he relishes the contest, loves to tackle and has beautiful foot-skills. I'm hoping he continues to improve and becomes the star we all hope he can develop into.

Farmer has won me over with his hard at it attitude which surprised me given his size. We could come out clearly on top from the Schulz trade.

Astbury, Taylor, Dea and even Tompson have shown enough glimpses of ability to make me believe they could all be talented players for the yellow and black in the future.  


The Supporters
While we are still are ways off last years membership total, the Tigers faithful have still come to the support of their club. This is an amazing feat especially considering the state of the list, the obvious struggles we will face this season and the lack of media publicity we have experienced. We are an amazingly resistant and passionate collection of people given out lack of success over the journey.



Cons

Having to wait...

We have been waiting for success for years and rebuilding for what seems like an eternity only to be told we need to once again. This preseason we have been sold the message that we are 'transforming' but we all know this means 'prepare for pain'. I understand the need, I understand the goal and I understand the focus, I just find it hard to understand why we as a club have been put into this position yet again.

I am disappointed that we need to have players such as Polak in our team. I believe he should be extremely proud of himself to come back to the level he was previously at but unfortunately that level was never high to begin with.

I am disappointed that Polo and Hislop have not come on. I am saddened that Gus seems to be going backwards. I am angered that King, McMahon and even Tuck are still clogging up the list. I am upset that Foley is still injured.

Other that this I am happy that we seem to be laying the correct foundations through good recruiting and even better player education. Time will tell of course but at least we have made the required changes and are make the right noises.

That is my take on the preseason

Stripes

great wrap up stripes, Im inclined to support the Polly decisio0n on grounds we have precious few options in light of our young KPP have been noticably absent, other than that spot on

[mat073]

CONS

More misery is comming.

2010 looms as "gut check" time for us poor tortured tiger souls.

Im about one "false dawn" away from becomming the character played by Micheal Douglas in the movie "Falling down".

[WilliamPowell]

PROS:

The young talent we've seen so far. Granted it is early days but there is a lot to like

The game plan when it clicks is exciting to watch

The apparent unity throughout the club - about time

Finally having a plan that everyone (at the moment at least) is going to stick to

CONS:

Still alot problems with our disposal and decision making

When the game plan isn't "on song" it looks terrible because of my first point

People (supporteres) are saying they are expecting pain because of where we currently sit but still complain about things when we play badly - we expect the pain so live with it