Mark Powell

[motorace_182]

They guy looked awesome during the year in firsts and reserves and i personally rate him very highly. Do you reckon he will have much of an impact this year?? He reads the play well, is one of our best overhead grabs, has a solid kick and great hands. Only needs a great couple of pre-seasons to bulk up to become really good IMHO. Your thoughts??

[Ajn]

I agree that Mark is one of our most talented players, with a strong set of hands. His talent is not quite matched by his attitude as he hales from the Dale Lewis school of not applying his natural skills into becoming an elite athlete. I think his best spot is half back flank, personally and think he could fit in nicely to our structure to allow a backline rotation that has back up options. Our backline played out of their skins last year, but under closer attention, may need a back up to keep the opposition guessing,

P.S. While we are on the subject, could he possibly stop trying to look like a girl and grow up?

[monopoly19]

Originally posted by Ajn


P.S. While we are on the subject, could he possibly stop trying to look like a girl and grow up?

Ouch! I don't think it matters much if he is playing good footy.

[robbieando]

While I believe he has the talent and ability to become a very solid footballer, there is something about him that gives me second thoughts on wether he'll become that sort of player. I really hope that this coming season he steps up and becomes a first team regular, but I just think he could be another Scott Stevens in the making - a player who has the talent to go far, but just never uses it, or doesn't get the chance to.

Hope I'm wrong though

[BayesysLeftBoot]

He impressed me too, he and Ablett both showed some good signs. Won't be able to tell how good until they both bulk up a bit though.

[BayesysLeftBoot]

"His talent is not quite matched by his attitude as he hales from the Dale Lewis school of not applying his natural skills into becoming an elite athlete."

What a load of rubbish, the kids only played a handful of games and in most of them he only had limited time on the ground. Young kids take time to develop and get used to the demands of AFL football. To have a go at his attitude towards the game at this stage is just not on.

[TheHood]

I'd love to see Powelly play 15 or 20 games this year, getting experience at both ends of the park.

He's got sure hands and with some more bulk on the bod and consistency in the mind, he should cement a place for 2005.

If Powelly has the minerals, he should starve Warfey of any opportunities in the utility backman role.

[dimelb]

He seems to me to have at least three vital attributes: a capacity to read the game (which can only improve with experience), plus enough height and enough pace to cause the opposition problems. I should add a fourth: a touch of mongrel. I hope he keeps working at it, he'll be good value.

[Reggi]

Foxtel recently showed the Geelong game - his courage and tackling really showd through.

I am tipping he will play at full forward this season and tip a few games

[Ruck'n'Roll]

He went for some spectacular flies early on last year (in both the firsts and reserves), but towards the end of the season he looked like he was marking time in the reserves (disappointment at being dropped?).

Hopefully he will have his head up after the preseason.

I'm not sure what position he will play, he is too light right now fopr a key position and he certainly doesn't to have huge leg speed. So I'll watch for developements with interest.

[robbieando]

Originally posted by Ruckman
I'm not sure what position he will play, he is too light right now fopr a key position and he certainly doesn't to have huge leg speed. So I'll watch for developements with interest.

My thoughts as well, I believe he could be the next Leo Barry type of player for us (position wise)

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Originally posted by BayseysLeftBoot
"His talent is not quite matched by his attitude as he hales from the Dale Lewis school of not applying his natural skills into becoming an elite athlete."

What a load of rubbish, the kids only played a handful of games and in most of them he only had limited time on the ground. Young kids take time to develop and get used to the demands of AFL football. To have a go at his attitude towards the game at this stage is just not on.

Agree with BLF here. I think Powelly is the player we can expect the most improvement from this season. I just like the look of him. Yes, he is a tad scrawny, but hopefully with his natural development and a good summer in the Basil Sellars Centre gym he'll develop into a key player for us. Agree, maybe a half back flank is the best spot for him. Or maybe even on a wing.

I was on a plane to Melbourne (via Albury, go REX, NOT!) and was seated next to his parents. So they gave me a good rundown of his playing history in both Nerranderra and later Albury, where they said the standard of footy was far higher. Mrs Powell hated Eddie Maguire, which pleased me no end!

Similarly I have high hopes for Lukey Ablett. Without Cressa this year we have a spot available in the middle of the park. I seriously can see Noggie stepping up and filling this role this season, either as a ruck rover or centreman. He reminds me of Kevin Dyson, both in looks and style of game.

His final against Brisbane was testament to his ability I feel. I've always been a big fan of his after a pre-season cup where we beat the Pies by 100 points in Canberra. He was one of our best that day (under Roos' coaching). I've liked him ever since, and have just wanted him to be given a bit more of a go ever since.

JF

[InTheKnow]

Originally posted by Ruckman
He went for some spectacular flies early on last year (in both the firsts and reserves), but towards the end of the season he looked like he was marking time in the reserves (disappointment at being dropped?).

He was struggling with injuries towards the end of the season and was really just 'making up numbers' such was the injury situation at the club. If we had more senior players fit towards the end of the season, he would have had his groin opertaion earlier.

His comparison to Dale Lewis is a tad questionable as well. Powelly is really laid back and has a relaxed attitude. It's a shame that gets mistaken for laziness by some.

Also, i think players get even more motivated when they're dropped and want to prove themselves. For eg. whenever Fossie was started from the bench last year, he'd come on and play a blinder almost saying ' serves you right for benching me!'

[Ajn]

Originally posted by InTheKnow
His comparison to Dale Lewis is a tad questionable as well. Powelly is really laid back and has a relaxed attitude. It's a shame that gets mistaken for laziness by some.

Still unsure how that makes him a good footballer, relaxed attitudes are what exists in the reserves, the rest of the team don't show the same signs and that's what makes them part of the top 22.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge wrap for the kid, it would be a shame to see him go the way of Stevens and not make the most of his ability.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Ajn
Still unsure how that makes him a good footballer, relaxed attitudes are what exists in the reserves, the rest of the team don't show the same signs and that's what makes them part of the top 22.

I think it depends on how people define "relaxed." Often it can be misinterpreted as lazy or disinterested, whereas some people simply have an unruffled air to them while they play. DRJ was very much one of that mould (while playing not fighting!! ).