Keeping the Doyle faith

[Plugger46]

Originally posted by midaro
At the start of 2004, Doyle will be our third ruckman - behind Goodes and Ball.

Assuming they're both fit, Doyle will be fighting for the third "beanpole" position with LRT (its unlikely that we could play all four from a team balance POV).

Given LRT is a more likely KPP prospect (esp. outside FF), Doyle will most likely start outside our best 22 in 2004.

Doyle's played 20 games in 4/5 seasons, he will get another go next year on potential, but it will be his last chance.

He will be in our best 22, if fit, without any shadow of a doubt. He doesn't have to ruck, just stick him in the Goal square, no one will out mark this bloke. He can be a relief ruckman for Ball, and Goodesy can just run anywhere, and "let him play football", and doing some ruckwork when and where neccessary.

[Bleed Red Blood]

Originally posted by Plugger46
He will be in our best 22, if fit, without any shadow of a doubt. He doesn't have to ruck, just stick him in the Goal square, no one will out mark this bloke. He can be a relief ruckman for Ball, and Goodesy can just run anywhere, and "let him play football", and doing some ruckwork when and where neccessary.

Sounds right to me except the bit about Goodsey not backing up Ball

[BAM_BAM]

Originally posted by Plugger46
Barring injury, this bloke will be a star! Someone quote me on that.

absolutely Plugger! couldn't agree more

This year was disappointing and given his build up to the finals you can not make judgements.

Goodes plays his best when in the ruck, but with having Ball and Doyle available it frees up Roos to move Adam around if necessary due to his athleticism he can virtually play anywhere. By having Doyle in the ruck we really don't lose that much compared with having LRT in the ruck.

Doyle also has the ability to move forward and kick goals. Why would we trade him?

[dimelb]

AG can certainly play ruck - I think his game against Port in the QF probably got him the AA gig - but I like it better when he can roam the ground, float across half forward and launch an attack, or half back and mark our way out of trouble. His best assets are his size and mobility - let's not tie him into the ruck too often. And I wouldn't dream of trading Doyle - far too much potential. Anyway, it's a big advantage to have the option of backing up with LRT and Meiklejohn from time to time, especially LRT because of his proven versatility. Doyle and Meiklejohn need more time, and we are in the fortunate position of being able to let them have it.

[Dpw]

Originally posted by lizz
The counter-argument is Ryan Fitzgerald. The decision to trade him when we did was, with hindsight, inspired (unfortunately for Ryan). I think this trade effectively netted us Powell.

Having said that, I'm firmly in the 'keep the faith in Doyle' camp. His two bad injuries this year and last seem to be just bad luck - ie a Burgoyne recklessly jumping into him and then a seeming freakish knee injury this year - rather than the major joint injuries Fitzy kept getting.

As for his talent, Templeton was quoted as saying once that Doyle was the most naturally talented player on the list. And he has put on bulk now, which should mean that when he can get himself on the paddock he should be able to be a very effective ruckman/forward.

Agree with you lizz, always enjoy your balanced views.

[DST]

We are very lucky we got Doyle in the first place, why would we want to give him up now with all the work that has gone into him and just at the point when we will start to see what he is actually capable of.

He was considered by all in the know a top 3 pick the year we picked him up in the second round, just thank god his dad played for the red & white.

If at 27 he has not progressed (ie Stafford) we look to off load him then, but he has plenty of time to prove his worth and play the football he is capable of.

DST

[Jeffers1984]

Originally posted by DST

If at 27 he has not progressed (ie Stafford) we look to off load him then, but he has plenty of time to prove his worth and play the football he is capable of.

Exactly! Doyle is only 22 FFS! Plenty of time for further development and hopefully if he can stay injury free (and bloody stop getting freakish injuries) he'll be fine

[Bleed Red Blood]

Nol doubt hell be great for us, if Ball can keep it together for a couple of seasons Doyle will be ready for taking on the best rucks in the game.

[Ruda Wakening]

Originally posted by Plugger46
Barring injury, this bloke will be a star! Someone quote me on that.

Martin Blake made a simliar comment ...

" BRIGHTEST PROSPECT Stephen Doyle (Syd) "

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988351095.html?from=storyrhs

[stellation]

Originally posted by Ruda Wakening
Martin Blake made a simliar comment ...

" BRIGHTEST PROSPECT Stephen Doyle (Syd) "

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/a...?from=storyrhs

He also predicted

"WOODEN SPOON Sydney "

as did most everybody else

[Ruda Wakening]

Originally posted by stellation
He also predicted

"WOODEN SPOON Sydney "

as did most everybody else

Lol, i saw that . Actually, i thought at least that made his wrap for Stephen Doyle objective .

[Bas]

I was of the opinion we should trade Doyle but only because of his numerous injuries. However, as Liz pointed out his injuries are nothing compared to Fitzy's and I hope Doyle has many injury free seasons with us.

MJ should stay on the rookie list again I imagine and hopefully will develop further. Don't forget that next year will probably be Ball's last.