One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on February 06, 2010, 05:02:26 AM
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Tiger talls set to forge power forward line
Andrea Petrie
February 6, 2010
(http://images.theage.com.au/2010/02/05/1097427/svPOLAK-200x0.jpg)
Tiger Graham Polak in action yesterday. Photo: Justin McManus
IF YESTERDAY'S practice match in gusty conditions was anything to go by, Richmond's forward line may prove a force to be reckoned with in the AFL this year.
Tall forwards Graham Polak and Dean Polo showed some promising signs alongside key forward Jack Riewoldt, despite weather for the intra-club clash between Richmond's seniors and the Coburg Tigers at the exposed Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn making goals a lot harder to come by.
Also impressive were former Essendon midfielder Tom Hislop and newcomer Troy Taylor whenever they got their hands on the pill, showing the huge crowd who braved the elements that the Tigers were keen to improve on their disappointing season last year.
While several players were unavailable for the clash including Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley and several young recruits who the club did not want to push too hard at this stage of the season, coach Damien Hardwick said the list was in ''pretty good shape''.
Trent Cotchin, who has had two consecutive interrupted pre-seasons and played only 10 games last year, ran out three quarters yesterday, silencing any suggestions that his football career was over.
''There was a few vicious rumours over the course of the pre-season that Trent was finished but our fans will be pleased to see him running around today,'' Hardwick said. ''He's one of those guys who has grown faster than his muscles have and his tendons and that sort of thing as young men do and we've just got to be patient with him because we expect him to be a player of the future at this club. We're not prepared to rush him at this stage.''
Having added 14 youngsters to its list this season to replace retired veterans such as Matthew Richardson and Nathan Brown, Hardwick said he had seen some promising signs from the newcomers over summer - all of whom had been in his office this week asking whether they were ready their debut in the NAB Cup.
''Dustin Martin has done some really nice things, David Astbury and even young Nick Westhoff - our last pick in the rookie draft - has actually shown that he can play, so from that point of view we're really pleased with the progression of our young players.''
Hardwick said that the Tigers would be playing to win every game of the NAB Cup, which kicks off next week.
''From that point of view we'll just pick our side that we think will be taking us into the future, because it's all about long-term success to us. Whatever we think's going to be best going forward we'll do.''
Hardwick said he was looking forward to taking on the Hawks at Aurora Stadium next Saturday night, although he joked that Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson would make his coaching debut easier by resting Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Cyril Rioli.
''It'll be great,'' he said. ''There's nothing better than our side playing against a good quality side. Hawthorn will be up and going. They had an injury-ravaged year last year so they'll be fully prepare. From our point of view it'll be a great experience for our guys.''
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tiger-talls-set-to-forge-power-forward-line-20100205-nioo.html
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Tall forwards Graham Polak and Dean Polo showed some promising signs alongside key forward Jack Riewoldt, despite weather for the intra-club clash between Richmond's seniors and the Coburg Tigers at the exposed Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn making goals a lot harder to come by.
Happy to see Dean Polo doing well but when did he become "tall"? :lol
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Tall forwards Graham Polak and Dean Polo showed some promising signs alongside key forward Jack Riewoldt, despite weather for the intra-club clash between Richmond's seniors and the Coburg Tigers at the exposed Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn making goals a lot harder to come by.
Happy to see Dean Polo doing well but when did he become "tall"? :lol
he does havelonger arms than a monkey.
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Before Polak had his accident,his stats werent very flash and was on the verge of being delisted.
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Before Polak had his accident,his stats werent very flash and was on the verge of being delisted.
hey I thought I was the only one that remembered that...
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Before Polak had his accident,his stats werent very flash and was on the verge of being delisted.
There's no way he would have been delisted that year.
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yeah yeah everyone is flying. every club in the AFL is going great at the moment.
if your relying on Polak to kick our goals well then its going to be one long season
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Before Polak had his accident,his stats werent very flash and was on the verge of being delisted.
There's no way he would have been delisted that year.
Can tell you his name was on the list for exit-either by trade or delisting.
The club have done the right thing by the player but he really has to improve out of site to make any impact at Punt Road.
His stats the year he got injured werent good
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Always thought Graeme had soft hands (likes the ball nicely presented and gift wrapped) and lacked somewhat in the hardness department.
But hey its a new coach and a new beginning
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It's been a quiet pre season at Punt Rd and rightly so, so the media is just looking for a story to write on us. Yet in their season predictions the same bloke(s) would probably say we lack firepower which right now would be more closer than the truth. A win against Coburg is not going to transform us. A little cynical from Andrea if you ask me.
Right now everything is like water in a sieve. Lets just wait 7 days and maybe the water might be less murkier than it is now.
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Yeah thats its guys the usual positive comments we expect out of the faithful.... ::), we now have a complete different forward line that I IMO is capable of kicking many goals but lets bag them... :banghead
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It's been a quiet pre season at Punt Rd and rightly so, so the media is just looking for a story to write on us. Yet in their season predictions the same bloke(s) would probably say we lack firepower which right now would be more closer than the truth. A win against Coburg is not going to transform us. A little cynical from Andrea if you ask me.
Right now everything is like water in a sieve. Lets just wait 7 days and maybe the water might be less murkier than it is now.
Love your signature.... :pray
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Yeah thats its guys the usual positive comments we expect out of the faithful.... ::), we now have a complete different forward line that I IMO is capable of kicking many goals but lets bag them... :banghead
Not capable of kicking many goals you mean.
Morton is the only player capable of kicking more than 4 a game
Reiwoldt is a woefull kick if you havent noticed and Polak is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
You tell me who ?
If Hardwick has any balls, he should try and reinvent Tuck.
Great mark overhead and good accuate kick for goal.
Tucky should play inside 50 ;)
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Yeah thats its guys the usual positive comments we expect out of the faithful.... ::), we now have a complete different forward line that I IMO is capable of kicking many goals but lets bag them... :banghead
Not capable of kicking many goals you mean.
Morton is the only player capable of kicking more than 4 a game
Reiwoldt is a woefull kick if you havent noticed and Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
You tell me who ?
If Hardwick has any balls, he should try and reinvent Tuck.
Great mark overhead and good accuate kick for goal.
Tucky should play inside 50 ;)
about first intelligent thing Ive heard you say, i would have thought this would have happened prior to Polo getting a shot ...who knows still might...Polo is one that may very well grow another leg under hardwick, was pretty obvious he wasn't a fav of wallace despite most good judges believing he could play a bit..
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Bojangles, I just stir a few up on here. :lol
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Would think from my past dealings at punt road that Tucky would be a certainity to line up inside F 50. ;)
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I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
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I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
'You have to make sure your head is in gear before you open your trap'
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Bojangles, I just stir a few up on here. :lol
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Would think from my past dealings at punt road that Tucky would be a certainity to line up inside F 50. ;)
I seem to recall you once stating that you played a part in his recruitment :)
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Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
I think you mean Polak "Oh Mighty Intelligent One"
Polo is in FACT on the senior list
Polak is the mature age rookie
And I thought you would know that seeing we have no Veterans on out list we can elevate 2 rookies before a ball is bounced in the H&A season of 2010
I would think Polak is almost a given to be elevated ;D
:gotigers
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I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
POLAK, sorry
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Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
I think you mean Polak "Oh Mighty Intelligent One"
Polo is in FACT on the senior list
Polak is the mature age rookie
And I thought you would know that seeing we have no Veterans on out list we can elevate 2 rookies before a ball is bounced in the H&A season of 2010
I would think Polak is almost a given to be elevated ;D
:gotigers
Funny, I meant POLAK and I get executed by all the highly intelligent internet posters :banghead
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Bojangles, I just stir a few up on here. :lol
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Would think from my past dealings at punt road that Tucky would be a certainity to line up inside F 50. ;)
I seem to recall you once stating that you played a part in his recruitment :)
Its no secret I worked there for 4 years, whats your problem
And its was recruiting and opposition analysis.
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I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
Spelling error you CLOWN,. you knew I meant POLAK.
Cant do ten things on the computer at once.
Am trying to lay bets on Betfair, take quaddies with Tab Vic and post on OER , stuff, read Herald sun Online at the same time, its a bit hard
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Am trying to lay bets on Betfair, take quaddies with Tab Vic and post on OER , stuff, read Herald sun Online at the same time, its a bit hard
I thought they were the root of all evil - Betfair :rollin :rollin
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Lighten up - Jack when you post something like the above you open yourself up to being shot down :rollin :rollin :thumbsup
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Am trying to lay bets on Betfair, take quaddies with Tab Vic and post on OER , stuff, read Herald sun Online at the same time, its a bit hard
I thought they were the root of evil - Betfair :rollin :rollin
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Lighten up - Jack when you post something like the above you open yourself up to being shot down :rollin :rollin :thumbsup
Was being light hearted with the Betfair comment :lol
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Yeah thats its guys the usual positive comments we expect out of the faithful.... ::), we now have a complete different forward line that I IMO is capable of kicking many goals but lets bag them... :banghead
Not capable of kicking many goals you mean.
Morton is the only player capable of kicking more than 4 a game
Reiwoldt is a woefull kick if you havent noticed and Polak is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
You tell me who ?
If Hardwick has any balls, he should try and reinvent Tuck.
Great mark overhead and good accuate kick for goal.
Tucky should play inside 50 ;)
Have a look at the spread of goal kickers yesterday..... thats who, against Coburg or not that is the what we need not one player kicking 8 every 3rd game. Look at the Cats, even spread of goal kickers, enough said I would think. I agree with you on Tuck, when I mentioned him in the forward line earlier in the year I was shot down, lets wait and see.
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Was being light hearted with the Betfair comment :lol
Well that's a relief, much prefer to see your hard earned $$$ going to our new corporate partner Tabcorp or our major partner LuXbet.com ;D
And just on Tuck I agree to a point it could work but I'd worry about his defensive pressure and having the opposition running off him
(and BTW he is only 2cm taller than Polo so the hieght thing is a none issue when you compere Tuck to Polo as hit up forwards :thumbsup)
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Was being light hearted with the Betfair comment :lol
Well that's a relief, much prefer to see your hard earned $$$ going to our new corporate partner Tabcorp or our major partner LuXbet.com ;D
And just on Tuck I agree to a point it could work but I'd worry about his defensive pressure and having the opposition running off him
(and BTW he is only 2cm taller than Polo so the hieght thing is a none issue when you compere Tuck to Polo as hit up forwards :thumbsup)
Are you married to Polo's mother or what WP... ;D ;D :D :D... joking, joking, joking before I am attacked again.. ;). Tuck might be 2cm taller but he is bigger in the body, leaps higher and is a smarter player than Polo IMO. I would much rather see Tuck in the forward line than Polo, but hey if Polo works for us in the forward lind then great and great for him.
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Bojangles, I just stir a few up on here. :lol
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Would think from my past dealings at punt road that Tucky would be a certainity to line up inside F 50. ;)
I seem to recall you once stating that you played a part in his recruitment :)
Its no secret I worked there for 4 years, whats your problem
And its was recruiting and opposition analysis.
So Jack your'e partly to blame for the position our list is in now? :rollin
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Bojangles, I just stir a few up on here. :lol
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Would think from my past dealings at punt road that Tucky would be a certainity to line up inside F 50. ;)
I seem to recall you once stating that you played a part in his recruitment :)
Its no secret I worked there for 4 years, whats your problem
And its was recruiting and opposition analysis.
So Jack your'e partly to blame for the position our list is in now? :rollin
Cop that....lol :clapping
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I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
POLAK, sorry
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
Spelling error you CLOWN,. you knew I meant POLAK.
Cant do ten things on the computer at once.
Am trying to lay bets on Betfair, take quaddies with Tab Vic and post on OER , stuff, read Herald sun Online at the same time, its a bit hard
Had to quote and respond to me twice did you?
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Are you married to Polo's mother or what WP... ;D ;D :D :D... joking, joking, joking before I am attacked again.. ;). Tuck might be 2cm taller but he is bigger in the body, leaps higher and is a smarter player than Polo IMO. I would much rather see Tuck in the forward line than Polo, but hey if Polo works for us in the forward lind then great and great for him.
I know you are joking but trust me yesterday I didn't attack ya - you'd know if I did ;D (that's a joke too OK?)
I actually like Tucky as a forward but as I said defensively (and that seems to the be the area of his game that they are working on) he lacks that extra bit of pressure that say a Nahas or a Hislop brings to the contest.
From the 1 training session that I saw (when they did the match stimulation side of things) Polo brings that pressure to the contest.
As for Tuck being smarter - I actually think that is one of Tucky's biggest weaknesses in that he isn't a smart footballer under pressure, he just throws it on his boot and hopes for the best
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Bojangles, I just stir a few up on here. :lol
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Would think from my past dealings at punt road that Tucky would be a certainity to line up inside F 50. ;)
I seem to recall you once stating that you played a part in his recruitment :)
Its no secret I worked there for 4 years, whats your problem
And its was recruiting and opposition analysis.
So Jack your'e partly to blame for the position our list is in now? :rollin
So whats your problem,
Give Polo the tick, didnt rate Patterson. Did that tapes , so what ??
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I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
POLAK, sorry
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Proven by this highly intelligent comment
Polo is mature rookie who needs to elevated to play,who cant kick either
Ummm, no
Spelling error you CLOWN,. you knew I meant POLAK.
Cant do ten things on the computer at once.
Am trying to lay bets on Betfair, take quaddies with Tab Vic and post on OER , stuff, read Herald sun Online at the same time, its a bit hard
Had to quote and respond to me twice did you?
Yep, as you give me the sshitts
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Yep, as you give me the poos
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Yep, as you give me the poos
More like you're so full of it you can't hold it in anymore
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Are you married to Polo's mother or what WP... ;D ;D :D :D... joking, joking, joking before I am attacked again.. ;). Tuck might be 2cm taller but he is bigger in the body, leaps higher and is a smarter player than Polo IMO. I would much rather see Tuck in the forward line than Polo, but hey if Polo works for us in the forward lind then great and great for him.
I know you are joking but trust me yesterday I didn't attack ya - you'd know if I did ;D (that's a joke too OK?)
I actually like Tucky as a forward but as I said defensively (and that seems to the be the area of his game that they are working on) he lacks that extra bit of pressure that say a Nahas or a Hislop brings to the contest.
From the 1 training session that I saw (when they did the match stimulation side of things) Polo brings that pressure to the contest.
As for Tuck being smarter - I actually think that is one of Tucky's biggest weaknesses in that he isn't a smart footballer under pressure, he just throws it on his boot and hopes for the best
He might just throw it on the boot sometimes but he gets it, Polo gets it given to him,wasn't Tuck our biggest possession getter from clearances last year??
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Bojangles, I just stir a few up on here. :lol
I am full of highly intelligent things about footy, ;)
Would think from my past dealings at punt road that Tucky would be a certainity to line up inside F 50. ;)
I seem to recall you once stating that you played a part in his recruitment :)
Its no secret I worked there for 4 years, whats your problem
And its was recruiting and opposition analysis.
So Jack your'e partly to blame for the position our list is in now? :rollin
So whats your problem,
Give Polo the tick, didnt rate Patterson. Did that tapes , so what ??
Hook, Line and Sinker. Damn fishing is easier here than in the bay. I better try here a bit more.
Nahh just asking the question Jack, You seem to bag so many of our players even before then season starts and we get a chance to see how they are going. If you were involved in recuitment and you knew they were that bad why were they picked in the first place? Either you werent as influential as you would like us to believe or your crystal ball is a flawed as the rest of ours in which case cant you at least give the kids time before you get stuck into them.
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Problem was 4 years ago there were people making decisions who had little idea.
eg, why would you sign Schulz up on a 3 year contract etc etc.
Wallace had the last say in ALL recruiting, end of story.
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He might just throw it on the boot sometimes but he gets it, Polo gets it given to him,wasn't Tuck our biggest possession getter from clearances last year??
"Polo get's it given to him" ???
I think I should send you some DVDs of some games from the last 2 seasons that would show just how many "hard ball gets" Polo actually gets and many off loads he has. Also, a DVD of the draw from 2009 against North will highlight what I am talking about with Tucky ;D
And as I've said many times - it aint always about how many times you get it but what you do with it.
You have 10 clearances but they all or 90% go straight to the opposition or result in turnovers, they don't mean very much at all.
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He might just throw it on the boot sometimes but he gets it, Polo gets it given to him,wasn't Tuck our biggest possession getter from clearances last year??
"Polo get's it given to him" ???
I think I should send you some DVDs of some games from the last 2 seasons that would show just how many "hard ball gets" Polo actually gets and many off loads he has. Also, a DVD of the draw from 2009 against North will highlight what I am talking about with Tucky ;D
And as I've said many times - it aint always about how many times you get it but what you do with it.
You have 10 clearances but they all or 90% go straight to the opposition or result in turnovers, they don't mean very much at all.
Polo has got what it takes.
Good listener. I remember is first game when he won best afield in the dreamtime game..
His time at Gippsland in the TAC proved the kid had what it takes. :thumbsup
The problem is getting a coach that can coach and improve and develop players.
Something that has been sadly lacking at punt road over the past 5 years.
With Tuck, its a no brainer that he plays inside F 50.
Will be interesting to see what happens this year with Tucky
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if we are hopin for tucky and polo to lead us to the promised land we'll be waiting longer than what the Melbourne Victory will have to wait for before any of there fraudulent championships are recognised by FIFA. We (Richmond) and the scum (Victory) will be waiting decades ;D
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Tuck might be 2cm taller but he is bigger in the body, leaps higher and is a smarter player than Polo IMO. I would much rather see Tuck in the forward line than Polo, but hey if Polo works for us in the forward lind then great and great for him.
Sorry WAT but that would have to be closest to the silliest thing posted on here. If footy were the three cups and a ball trick, Tucky would be the perplexed customer and Polo the smooth con man. When they play footy Polo knows exactly what's going on around him and thinks two steps ahead. Tuck is lucky they let him play without a safety helmet.
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Trent Cotchin, who has had two consecutive interrupted pre-seasons and played only 10 games last year, ran out three quarters yesterday, silencing any suggestions that his football career was over.
WTF ??
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Tuck might be 2cm taller but he is bigger in the body, leaps higher and is a smarter player than Polo IMO. I would much rather see Tuck in the forward line than Polo, but hey if Polo works for us in the forward lind then great and great for him.
Sorry WAT but that would have to be closest to the silliest thing posted on here. If footy were the three cups and a ball trick, Tucky would be the perplexed customer and Polo the smooth con man. When they play footy Polo knows exactly what's going on around him and thinks two steps ahead. Tuck is lucky they let him play without a safety helmet.
If my post was the "silliest" yours must be a very close runner up, IMO, please go and read some other posts on the forum I think you will find there are posts out there a little bit more special than mine.. :wallywink. Polo knows whats going on does he, please go around to WP's (William Polo... :lol) house and watch some footage of Polo like I have been doing here, he gets caught a hell of a lot and I have recently watched the Freo game and he turned the ball over a lot in that game. Tuck on the other hand..... well I have said what I have said about him.
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seems to me to have a power forward line you need power forwards. the only porential power forwards on our entire list are gourdis and griffiths no mention of them from that silly reporter.
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Wallace had the last say in ALL recruiting, end of story.
Very sad. Always was clueless about building lists.
Before Polak had his accident,his stats werent very flash and was on the verge of being delisted.
Agree re your Polak comments also.
He was an ordinary kick for goal (ordinary.) before the injury.
He's done remarkably well to get back to where he is and I praise him entirely for that but to suggest he's going to be a mainstay in our 'power' forward line in 2010 makes me weep for Richo all the more. :'(
I imagine Polly will largely be used as a mature bodied battering ram at CHF in 2010 until the younger KPPs come on. Don't want to be wrecking the young Posts, Astbury's and Griffiths in the key possies.
Not much wrong with that strategy as this year is a write off anyhows.
Longer term..
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If my post was the "silliest" yours must be a very close runner up, IMO, please go and read some other posts on the forum I think you will find there are posts out there a little bit more special than mine.. :wallywink. Polo knows whats going on does he, please go around to WP's (William Polo... :lol) house and watch some footage of Polo like I have been doing here, he gets caught a hell of a lot and I have recently watched the Freo game and he turned the ball over a lot in that game. Tuck on the other hand..... well I have said what I have said about him.
I quite enjoy Mr Powell's posts. Your post however is still silly ;D
Smart and Tuck are not words you use in the same sentence. Oops!
Dont sweat it WAT, time will tell the tale!
I do note there are negative sentimenets re Dean. I think they reflect more on the poster than the player!
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I would actually like to see Tuck up forward along side Polak, Riewoldt and Polo. I don't think you would classify either Polo or Tuck as KPP but Tuck would have the muscle to bring the ball to ground at least and take a nice grab and slot it through at best. He's good at stoppages too so would be able to win the ball and feed it out to our more nibble forwards in the F50.
I think ultimately Polak and Tuck would be short term fixes but Polo could carve out a position their if he steps up. You would hope eventually Astbury and Griffiths step into the 2 top spots with Riewoldt the 2/3rd option.
My beginning of 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Tuck Polak Nahas
HF Polo Riewoldt Morton
My end-year 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Griffiths/Taylor Polak Nahas/Polo
HF Astbury Riewoldt Morton
My future forwardline would be -
FF Taylor Griffiths Nahas/Roberts
HF Riewoldt Astbury Morton/Polo
Stripes
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Watched the drawn game from last year against North over the week end. (the first half and last 10 minutes to be truthfull :whistle) Polo seemed to be playing as a forward and did quite well. The defensive pressure of the forward line was quite good during the first half and Tuck used the ball reasonably well in the first half as well.
Obviously it all went poo in the second half, for nearly everyone involved. Wasn't in the mood to stomach that.
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Watched the drawn game from last year against North over the week end. (the first half and last 10 minutes to be truthfull :whistle) Polo seemed to be playing as a forward and did quite well. The defensive pressure of the forward line was quite good during the first half and Tuck used the ball reasonably well in the first half as well.
Obviously it all went poo in the second half, for nearly everyone involved. Wasn't in the mood to stomach that.
I watched the 2nd half.
:'(
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Masochist!
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I would actually like to see Tuck up forward along side Polak, Riewoldt and Polo. I don't think you would classify either Polo or Tuck as KPP but Tuck would have the muscle to bring the ball to ground at least and take a nice grab and slot it through at best. He's good at stoppages too so would be able to win the ball and feed it out to our more nibble forwards in the F50.
I think ultimately Polak and Tuck would be short term fixes but Polo could carve out a position their if he steps up. You would hope eventually Astbury and Griffiths step into the 2 top spots with Riewoldt the 2/3rd option.
My beginning of 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Tuck Polak Nahas
HF Polo Riewoldt Morton
My end-year 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Griffiths/Taylor Polak Nahas/Polo
HF Astbury Riewoldt Morton
My future forwardline would be -
FF Taylor Griffiths Nahas/Roberts
HF Riewoldt Astbury Morton/Polo
Stripes
hmm not bad but i believe griffiths will play almost from the start and rightly so.he will play and when he struggles astbury will get a game these two imo will be rotated in and out of the side all yr.
okay polo as a forward. the options and who are the better ones.
well we have 3 tall forwards who will play most weeks. i believe morton is a lock in and while im one who does not rate him based on his efforts last yr nahas is going to get a decent go. to me it leaves one spot and with so many mids who are easily in our best 22 i belive one of these mids will get the gig, to me the logical choice is cotchin imo there is no place for tuck or polo forward because i believe one of roberts taylor nason will get a go for development purposes if cotchin doesnt play there.
this leads one to ask just where do tuck and polo fit in.
lets look down back. again i expect we will go with three talls. the likely ones are thursfield. post. rance. and mcguane.at least one of these 4 will miss it could be two missses and moore becomes the third tall.
clearly tuck wont be going back so polo goes into competition with, webberley.tambling. connors. farmer. newman. dea. moore. for one of three spots. imo tambling newman and more are the front runners but i believe all of farmer webberley connors will stake strong claims and i think dea will get games as well at some stage for development purposes i cant see polo in front of any of these players for some pretty basic reasons.
it leaves midfield on ball.
with tuck i believe hes in competition with thomson i believe one of these two will play most weeks. my money atm is on thomson but im not overly confident. either way we need more big bodied exrtactors.
okay polo thru the midfield. to me he is now in competition with jackson especially if its true hes significantly bulked up in the off season.
like jackson he lacks skills and yea its my opinion im sticking to it okay. what he does have is some footy smarts something jackson is clearly lacking in a genuine mid who can find the ball. in many ways wallace did stuff this bloke around. anyway to cut it short i think hes in comp with jacko as a run with player.if hes not well its what i would do with him.
8 talls 3 med/sml backs, 2 med/sml forwards, leaves 9 spots. we need to fit in for sure collins cotchin cousins deledio foley martin. jackson probably gets the tag job and thomson gets the inside mid job. to me these two are competing with many for what is two final spots. personally id give those spots to younger players.edwards connors dea taylor farmer webberley all in front of those two.
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My personal belief is that Tucky will struggle to get a game this year especially if Thomson firstly play well in the NAB and then follows that form on in the season proper. From what I have seen of him I believe this is a likely scenario. The problem is that we are crying out for big bodied players which Tucky is but conversely we are equally wanting players with good decision making and disposal skills which he isn't. Placing Tuck in the forwardline would be a good fit because it highlights all his strengths while hiding much of his weaknesses. Tucky is a good mark and kick for goal and has the body strength to compete and work off a big backman. Forwards do not need to be as concerned about poor disposals or decision making as they are usually kicking for goal or kicking to a lead. Yes forwards are expected to be much more defensive and work with each other to create space etc but Tucky could be a great fill-in in the forwardline until the likes of Griffith and Astbury gain the sufficient size to become KPP.
Do I think this will happen - unlikely, but it is an option I would at least attempt in the early stages of the year.
Polo as a forward is a given. He has been training as a forward all summer and has shown some excellent signs in the position. The coaches have spoken in glowing terms about him in the role so regardless I believe the move is already a reality.
Is it a long term change....possibly given his age and ability but he will need to show consistent success in the role for him to claim a place in the F50. I think you will also see him moving into the midfield at times too as part of the center rotations but I would be surprised if he took Jackson's place as a tagger. Polo has a great deal of upside to his game and, I believe, the skill and decision making to succeed in the game. I believe, like Lids/Bling/Pattison/Post and many other developing talent, they were thrown around all over the ground by Wallace which made it difficult for them to develop and gain confidence to fulfill their potential. Polo showed in his first game he had the potential to be a star much Like Bling did in his first NAB game. I believe he will come on from this point if he is allowed to use his natural attacking, creative game.
Stripes
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Seems like Hardwit has a game plan that cant be implemented by the team, due to shortcomings in the talent pool.
Polak will give 100 percent but i doubt if it will be enough.
Jak is a eff en dud - if he's the future of our forward line then get used to low scores.
Polo.........
no FF
No FB
No real Ruck
Nothing has changed-the joint is stuffed.
Edit: swear filter
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Seems like Hardwit has a game plan that cant be implemented by the team, due to shortcomings in the talent pool.
Polak will give 100 percent but i doubt if it will be enough.
Jak is a eff en dud - if he's the future of our forward line then get used to low scores.
Polo.........
no FF
No FB
No real Ruck
Nothing has changed-the joint is stuffed.
I agree with your analysis here Oxy but at least we have attempted to draft quality talent into the club to hopefully fill these voids in the future. If all goes to plan and we can develop them properly then Griffiths will be our FF, Rance our FB and Vickery our Ruck. We have a few more holes around the ground as well to be honest too.
Players such as Polak and King are stopgaps until these young fellows can come on - nothing more.
Stripes
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My personal belief is that Tucky will struggle to get a game this year especially if Thomson firstly play well in the NAB and then follows that form on in the season proper. From what I have seen of him I believe this is a likely scenario. The problem is that we are crying out for big bodied players which Tucky is but conversely we are equally wanting players with good decision making and disposal skills which he isn't. Placing Tuck in the forwardline would be a good fit because it highlights all his strengths while hiding much of his weaknesses. Tucky is a good mark and kick for goal and has the body strength to compete and work off a big backman. Forwards do not need to be as concerned about poor disposals or decision making as they are usually kicking for goal or kicking to a lead. Yes forwards are expected to be much more defensive and work with each other to create space etc but Tucky could be a great fill-in in the forwardline until the likes of Griffith and Astbury gain the sufficient size to become KPP.
Do I think this will happen - unlikely, but it is an option I would at least attempt in the early stages of the year.
Polo as a forward is a given. He has been training as a forward all summer and has shown some excellent signs in the position. The coaches have spoken in glowing terms about him in the role so regardless I believe the move is already a reality.
Is it a long term change....possibly given his age and ability but he will need to show consistent success in the role for him to claim a place in the F50. I think you will also see him moving into the midfield at times too as part of the center rotations but I would be surprised if he took Jackson's place as a tagger. Polo has a great deal of upside to his game and, I believe, the skill and decision making to succeed in the game. I believe, like Lids/Bling/Pattison/Post and many other developing talent, they were thrown around all over the ground by Wallace which made it difficult for them to develop and gain confidence to fulfill their potential. Polo showed in his first game he had the potential to be a star much Like Bling did in his first NAB game. I believe he will come on from this point if he is allowed to use his natural attacking, creative game.
Stripes
so you are saying tuck is in a battle with thomson for a midfield role which i agree with, but on the other hand then say because of size issues we will play him forward.
im sorry but i disagree. with jack polak and griffiths the talls will all this yr have genuine size. add morton who has gone from 80kg to close to what he needs to be at 84kg. he is the logical player tuck would be competing with for a spot and rhe forward half will not lack for size.
the only player who will lack size is nahas and he performs a role that tuck polo cannot. what the forward line is screaming out for is quality and class and unfortunately tuck and polo just cant provide this. players like taylor who will need developing roberts and cotchin and connors do provide whats needed. they imo are clearly better forward line options.
as for playing them thru the midfield. at this stage all of collins cousins cotchin deledio foley martin thomson jackson and edwards would be in front of both polo and tuck. add in possible mid field rotations in tambling newman farmer where do you play all these blokes at coburg.
all i can say is if polo is already a lock in for the forward line hardwick is not as smart as many give him credit for.
polo made AA as basically a defensive mid he racked up possesions and was very good defensively. motor work rate and competetiveness around packs was his strength .i think he won the powers b&f as well.
he slipped to pick 20 because of footskills. and there was a few of us who thought he would go much later because of these deficiencies and thought definately a wasted pick where we took him.
i had a mate who was very irate about this.
we have a junior AA defensive mid on our hands who we will play forward who lacks polish and a yard of pace for the role we are now going to ask him to play.
i have no doubt if he is to survive it will be as a defensive mid hence the observation that i think him in competition with jackson.
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I'm not sure if you read my passage correctly claw. I said I can see the benefit from Tuck playing forward for the reasons I mentioned but I believe it is unlikely. His time in the midfield is limited.
Polo as a forward is a given and time will tell if Hardwick is or isn't as smart as you think he is. I personally believe it is a inspired move.
Stripes
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I would actually like to see Tuck up forward along side Polak, Riewoldt and Polo. I don't think you would classify either Polo or Tuck as KPP but Tuck would have the muscle to bring the ball to ground at least and take a nice grab and slot it through at best. He's good at stoppages too so would be able to win the ball and feed it out to our more nibble forwards in the F50.
I think ultimately Polak and Tuck would be short term fixes but Polo could carve out a position their if he steps up. You would hope eventually Astbury and Griffiths step into the 2 top spots with Riewoldt the 2/3rd option.
My beginning of 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Tuck Polak Nahas
HF Polo Riewoldt Morton
My end-year 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Griffiths/Taylor Polak Nahas/Polo
HF Astbury Riewoldt Morton
My future forwardline would be -
FF Taylor Griffiths Nahas/Roberts
HF Riewoldt Astbury Morton/Polo
Yep that's the way I see it too Stripes. The young newbies won't have the experience, size and endurance yet to hold down 2010 spots for the whole season. It's unrealistic at this stage to have Griffiths and Astbury in key forward positions week in week out. Even if they exceed expectations they're going to have periods at Coburg even as a "rest" for sore young bodies. So there's going to be a mixture of old names and newbies and eventually the old names who aren't part of our future will be replace in the next couple of years as the younger guys with ability mature in mind and body to last a full season. So the likes of Tucky, Polly and possibly Polo despite their deficiencies will be used moreso than the cubs in 2010. It's a transition year.
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Good on you Polly.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/improved-polak-on-stuff-forward-20100210-nsfh.html
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I would actually like to see Tuck up forward along side Polak, Riewoldt and Polo. I don't think you would classify either Polo or Tuck as KPP but Tuck would have the muscle to bring the ball to ground at least and take a nice grab and slot it through at best. He's good at stoppages too so would be able to win the ball and feed it out to our more nibble forwards in the F50.
I think ultimately Polak and Tuck would be short term fixes but Polo could carve out a position their if he steps up. You would hope eventually Astbury and Griffiths step into the 2 top spots with Riewoldt the 2/3rd option.
My beginning of 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Tuck Polak Nahas
HF Polo Riewoldt Morton
My end-year 2010 Forwardline would be -
FF Griffiths/Taylor Polak Nahas/Polo
HF Astbury Riewoldt Morton
My future forwardline would be -
FF Taylor Griffiths Nahas/Roberts
HF Riewoldt Astbury Morton/Polo
Yep that's the way I see it too Stripes. The young newbies won't have the experience, size and endurance yet to hold down 2010 spots for the whole season. It's unrealistic at this stage to have Griffiths and Astbury in key forward positions week in week out. Even if they exceed expectations they're going to have periods at Coburg even as a "rest" for sore young bodies. So there's going to be a mixture of old names and newbies and eventually the old names who aren't part of our future will be replace in the next couple of years as the younger guys with ability mature in mind and body to last a full season. So the likes of Tucky, Polly and possibly Polo despite their deficiencies will be used moreso than the cubs in 2010. It's a transition year.
nothing unrealistic in expecting astbury and griffiths and you could add gourdis in there if he shows enough to rotate thru the senior side. they play next to polak and and jack and get blocks of 3 or 4 games more if they show a bit. when one tires in comes the other one for a block of 3 or 4. in this fashion it would be easy to get 10 11 games into both players.
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Our forward line cannot be any worse than these Essendon midget spastics
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Our forward line cannot be any worse than these Essendon midget wackos
Yeah, they were seriously under done for size and strength last night, and as soon as they ran out of puff it was all over. Only the NAB Cup I know, but they would need to improve in leaps and bounds if they wanted to move up the ladder this year. And to put it into perspective, at this time last year I said there was no way Brisbane could make the 8. :-[
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I don't think that would be their preferred starting lineup. Quite a few talls missing from that line up
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I don't think that would be their preferred starting lineup. Quite a few talls missing from that line up
No, but I don't think the missing talls are of great quality or quantity. Laycock is average and Gumbleton is the unproven and injury prone great white hope. The rest are novices. Hille and Ryder are probably the only two I can think of that will help and they need a lot more help than that.
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Fair assesment smokey. I rate Hille and Ryder, although Hille can be a bit hit or miss with his goal kicking. (I think it was him that that kicked poorly allowing us to beat them a couple of years ago ;D ;D) Hurley showed a bit of promise last year as well.
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Always thought Graeme had soft hands (likes the ball nicely presented and gift wrapped) and lacked somewhat in the hardness department.
But hey its a new coach and a new beginning
I agree, a new beginning. Give Polly a break, he could still re invent himself.
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Fair assesment smokey. I rate Hille and Ryder, although Hille can be a bit hit or miss with his goal kicking. (I think it was him that that kicked poorly allowing us to beat them a couple of years ago ;D ;D) Hurley showed a bit of promise last year as well.
Hille is actually a reliable shot for goal most times.
You are referring to Laycock Al. :thumbsup
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your right tucker, I was thinking of laycock.
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Interesting to see what we do with our forward line now before round 1. The Club's gone with Polly and Polo up forward based on preseason training but Polly isn't the answer as a tall target as he's too slow and is out of the contest once the ball spills from the marking contest. Polo did nothing either tonight. We don't have many other options. Griffiths and Astbury are only starting out so you can't rely on them for 22 rounds even if we can get a number of games into them this year.
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polo spent the first half in defence and when went fwd did alot of hard work
hislop white rance all poo and must go, same for thomson
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We could have had Jon Brown in our forward line last night and it would have made no difference with the way the ball was coming in
I don't think there was one direct pass to a leading forward the entire night
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We could have had Jon Brown in our forward line last night and it would have made no difference with the way the ball was coming in
I don't think there was one direct pass to a leading forward the entire night
They gave us no space and pressured our young midfielders relentlessly. I think they will be hard to beat this year. We still need to learn how to run in waves and work for each other to create space to better dispose of the ball.
I agree Polly is too slow but showed that he can still kick and mark. Players such as Nahas, Hislop etc will need to camp under him continuously because he can not follow up anything at ground level. Perhaps we definitely need to rotate Astbury and Giffiths (when fit) through the forwardline as 3rd tall options but last night we lost the game in the midfield which made both our defenders and forwards look worse than perhaps they really are.
Stripes
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hislop. wtf he shouldnt be under the packs he should just stuff off he is a useless prick