Assessing our list

[sWAns63]

Originally posted by monopoly19
Kennelly makes as many mistakes as he does good things, but I agree that he is one to keep. Keep O'Keefe, Buchanan, Schneider, McVeigh, Craig Bolton, Goodes, O'Loughlin, Hall, Bevan, Kirk, Schuable and Saddington (!) and do whatever you friggin' like with the rest. I'm beyond caring.

Fosdike is probably the luckiest man on earth tonight, I reckon.

What is this,Saddington,Nicks,Fosdike & Ball should be traded & not trying to sound cruel but Maxfield should retire & Jude Bolton should take a salary cut or get on his bike.
Wouldn't really miss any of them.

[Wil]

Re: Assessing our list

Originally posted by monopoly19

We need a midfield. B1 is not the man to lead us to a premiership.

I was thinking the same thing. With Jude Bolton as our R/R we will never win a premiership (I hope I am proven wrong).

Buchanan showed some great play, possibly Swans BOG (at least for the first 3/4's) but, of course, did not have a perfect game but I think has shown enough to stick in the team. There should be some interesting competition between him and Schneider over the next couple of years (you might even throw Schmidt and Willoughby in that equation as well).

[hammo]

As well as some quality midfielders I think we need a recently retired gun player as a midfield coach.
As far as Ross Lyon is concerned the results speak for themselves.
Look at what Cressa has done at Geelong and likewise Ratten at Melbourne.
The club should spend some decent $$$ to get the best man available.
If Roosy want his mates as assistants then he should get Alistair Lynch on board next year - Lyon hasn't played for a decade and I think it shows.
I don't think B1 or Fozzie will spend much time in the middle next season. Ablett looks ready to step up and McVeigh will be better with 20 games and other pre season under his belt.

[Nico]

Originally posted by hammo
As well as some quality midfielders I think we need a recently retired gun player as a midfield coach.
As far as Ross Lyon is concerned the results speak for themselves.
Look at what Cressa has done at Geelong and likewise Ratten at Melbourne.
The club should spend some decent $$$ to get the best man available.
If Roosy want his mates as assistants then he should get Alistair Lynch on board next year - Lyon hasn't played for a decade and I think it shows.
I don't think B1 or Fozzie will spend much time in the middle next season. Ablett looks ready to step up and McVeigh will be better with 20 games and other pre season under his belt.

Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

[Diego]

Originally posted by hammo
As well as some quality midfielders I think we need a recently retired gun player as a midfield coach.
As far as Ross Lyon is concerned the results speak for themselves.
Look at what Cressa has done at Geelong and likewise Ratten at Melbourne.
The club should spend some decent $$$ to get the best man available.
If Roosy want his mates as assistants then he should get Alistair Lynch on board next year - Lyon hasn't played for a decade and I think it shows.
I don't think B1 or Fozzie will spend much time in the middle next season. Ablett looks ready to step up and McVeigh will be better with 20 games and other pre season under his belt.

Couldnt agree more regarding Lyons. It was a shame to see Malaxos want to go back to WA as i feel with him our midfield was stronger and smarter.

Now we are a joke and guess whos in charge?

Try and get cressa back ASAP. Offer him the world.
Also agree in regards to our defensive midfielders.

If only Baz was a year or two younger we could build a solid team around him at CHF. Still can i suppose..but i feel we have one of the best if not the best CHF going around atm being wasted.

Suprised no one mentioned Nick Davis.

[Charlie]

Hall - ah, keep thanks.

Davis - ditto.

McVeigh - got talent, needs game time.

Mathews - I'm going to be harsh, he's a good, solid player who
simply doesn't make himself a crucial member of the team.

O'Keefe - keep, thanks. I can't wait to see what he can do when Hall, O'Loughlin and Davis are all in the same team as him.

C.Bolton - not untouchable, but useful nonetheless. I suspect he'll be one of those low key players who'll play 150+ games for the club.

Willoughby - I'm not qualified to comment on a player I've only seen once in a pre-season game.

Fixter - not untouchable, but all the same I'd be surprised if there was much interest in a bloke who's played 3 games in two years.
Will be on the list next year, but he needs to stamp himself on the team or he's in a bit of strife.

Williams - he's not going anywhere.

Maxfield - has another year in him. Ambivalent about whether I want the captaincy to change hands, though.

Fosdike - Like Mathews, with less ball-winning ability. Not untouchable.

Schneider - Not untouchable, but considering we know he can do much better than he has this year (yes, I know, injuries are to blame for that), his market value is very unlikely to be tempting. So one would assume he stays.

Doyle - hesitant keep. We simply don't have the rucking depth to even consider making a call one way or the other.

Kennelly - don't touch. He's had a tougher year of it this year, but that happens. I want him to move up to a wing eventually.

James - Sing it with me. "All we are saying..."

O'Loughlin - you don't need me to tell you that he's pure class. Injuries or no injuries, he's untouchable under any realistic circumstances.

Ablett - I had thought that his problems were due to confidence issues. I think I'm on the way to being proved right. Had enough good games for me to give him a tentative nod for next year.

Barry - He's unique, and he's going to infuriate us sometimes. But the fact is, he sets up a lot more than he stuffs up. Very near untouchable status.

Saddington - We saw hints of what we used to know he could do this year. Cruelly cut down just as he was coming good, and whilst his lost the untouchable status he might have had in 2001-02, he's still a fairly strong 'keep' at this stage. Depends on whether Bradshaw gets itchy feet, I suppose.

Nicks - Proving me wrong and deserves to be on the list next year. He's come to the point of one-year contracts though, and I suspect he'd see the reason for that.

J.Bolton - Premier midfielder or not, he's up there with the best we've got at the moment. If we're trading away Jude at this stage, we're overrating our other midfielders. Almost untouchable.

Schauble - This bloke just doesn't get the attention he deserves. Untouchable.

Dempster - Can't comment on a player I haven't seen.

Ball - Well, I think he'll retire. I'm praying he doesn't.

Crouch - I want to see him play as a more attacking midfielder though. He did it in the practice games and looked great. If Ablett continues to develop as a run-with player, and Fixter comes good injury-wise, we might finally see the best of Crouchy, which I feel we've been deprived of.

Powell - Clock's ticking. I would have preferred that he get a few weeks to prove himself, but it hasn't happened and from what I've read on here his reserves form hasn't warranted it. If he goes... well, you don't win 'em all.

Roberts-Thomson - Hadn't played many more games than Kennelly before we picked him up... he'll have at least next year. If at the end of that he isn't looking like a footballer, then it's time for some earnest discussion.

Kirk - Untouchable.

Buchanan - I'm very happy with him. Is he on a two-year contract? If not, give him one.

Warfe - Bye, Warfey. You were good in the '90s, but time has passed you by.

Sundqvist - I feel like an absolute bastard saying this, considering the knee, but he has to be delisted this year. Should be given the same opportunity as Heath, though, to go onto the rookie list.

Schmidt - Again, I don't feel qualified to comment.

Goodes - Untouchable.

Thewlis - Ok, so he's close enough to be the emergency. But if there's a need to put him in the team, at least give him meaningful game time. Keep next year.

McGlone - If I were him, I'd be looking out for a spot elsewhere. He's apparently doing all he possibly can. Good luck, Scott.

Malceski - Suspect he'll be luckier than Sundqvist. Will be given another year.

Erickson - Not qualified to comment, but aren't we supposed to be waiting until 2006-07 for this kid to play? It seems silly to have him on the senior list in that case, but presumedly they saw the need.

Bevan - Automatic promotion.

Meiklejohn - Why was he promoted in the first place? Put him back on the rookie list, or delist him. We don't have the room to carry him when he's not really ready to contribute much.

Davis - Can't comment.

Rogers - Another year on the rookie list, presumably.

[barry]

Will you guys stop bagging Doyle. He was the No. 1 ruckman for the first 3/4 of the roos game. Then lack of game time, saw his fitness drop away in the last.

Our think out forward line and defense is ok for the next couple of years.
Its our midfield that needs a total shift in focus. We need to stop being a defensive midfield and become an attacking one.

This first needs a very tall, tap ruckman to get first use: Doyle is the only one.
It also needs a quality midfielder. Williams may be past it, but I think you could have a very competitive midfield out of:

- new quality midfielder
- Kirk (tagging or attacking)
- Bolton - in and under stuff.
- Ablett/McViegh - more quality.

This means Fosdike, Matthews and Crouch must be banished to the pockets, or the bush. For good.

I think, just the addition of someone first class next year would make us a serious threat. It could be a Judd (throwing lots of cash at him), or even a Crawford (change of scene).

Otherwise is a long rebuild through the draft.

[cressakel]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
We need a high-quality, classy midfielder. Someone like Williams was, or Judd or Black are now.

We need a quality inside midfielder who can get clearances for us.

We need a decent ruckman. Someone who can tap to advantage and can make space and mark around the ground, as well as drop into the forward or back line as necessary.

We need a solid CHB, about 195cm and strong, quick and agile.

We lack in all of these areas. This may bring the rest of the players up to a useful standard, although many still lack skills, particularly under pressure, don't think enough often taking the wrong option, and just seem to lack heart or commitment or something at the critical time.

Well said, couldn't have put down these thoughts any better myself.

Although, to be greedy, in addition to the above mentioned positional players, a hard running Back Pocket, another strong tall forward to complement the likes of Hall, O'Loughlin, O'Keefe and Davis and another seasoned midfielder like Fletcher or Kerr from the Eagles would be handy as well.....

But, most importantly, a seasoned Ruckman is needed big time in Sydney - even if Roosy has a change of heart and plays Goodes on the ball on a regular basis.

Don't be suprised if the Swans gun hard for Rhett Biglands, Dean Cox, Beau McDonald or similar players in the silly season.

A CHB who can play FB is needed as importantly as a Ruckman, as this player can play CHB in Melbourne and on bigger grounds interstate and FB at the SCG.

[Wil]

Do we really need to get established midfielder? Surely our midfield is going to come out of players like: Bevan, Ablett, Nick Davis, McVeigh, Buchanan, Schmidt, Schneider, Willoughby and even McGlone or Nick Potter. If they are NOT then shouldn't we be questioning our scouting and development of these players?

I think we still have to be a bit patient with our swannies. The frustrating thing this year is we could of won every game (well maybe except a couple) this year. A bit of luck,some straighter kicking and nicer umpiring and we may well be competing for a top 4 spot.

However I agree we do need a genuine, dominant CHB/FB type and fairly fast and we have needed one for about 4 years now.

[cressakel]

Originally posted by Wil
Do we really need to get established midfielder? Surely our midfield is going to come out of players like: Bevan, Ablett, Nick Davis, McVeigh, Buchanan, Schmidt, Schneider, Willoughby and even McGlone or Nick Potter. If they are NOT then shouldn't we be questioning our scouting and development of these players?

I think we still have to be a bit patient with our swannies. The frustrating thing this year is we could of won every game (well maybe except a couple) this year. A bit of luck,some straighter kicking and nicer umpiring and we may well be competing for a top 4 spot.

However I agree we do need a genuine, dominant CHB/FB type and fairly fast and we have needed one for about 4 years now.

And what about a capable seasoned Ruckman, surely you are not hanging your hat on Ball ( soon to retire ), Doyle, Meiklejohn and Erikson !!

[Wazza]

re Assessing our list

Howdy I love subjects like this so here goes,

Doyle - Why the criticism? has missed many games and does not get much match time but I believe he has shown enough that with a good injury free pre season he will develop into our no 1 Ruckman next season.

Fosdike - I cant understand why anyone here bags Fosdike probably has the cleanest set of hands in the entire squad and his kicking is at least as good as Judes. Great at hard ball gets and we have missed him.

Mathews - gets a lot of ball but doesnt have the smarts to go with it. Terrible decision maker good trade bait - perfect example of why you should never judge a player on how many kicks or HP they get in a game.

McVeigh - has shown glimpses but has been found out when placed under pressure, typicaL for most young blokes, might develop ok next year but we have plenty of 4ft midgets with average skills in our midfield already.

Ablett - really impressed the last 2 months, reminds me of Brett Kirk in many ways, has taken a step forward lately.

Crouch - ready to take on Willows role, SET HIM FREE!!! free as an offensive midfielder/ HF great skills can kick goals on the run, Amon or Fixter could play his defensive role.

Sundqvist - Probably missed his chance but knowing the Swans they will give him 1 more year.

Maxfield - time to go, cant play 4 quarters now let alone next year, has been a great player for us but we cant afford to carry someone who only contributes for half a game.

If we are going to trade we need to offer some talent to get something back so time to go

Mathews ( as above), Schneider (Buchanan has moved ahead)
McVeigh ( as bait for someone better, wont be as good as everyone is saying, skills are only average)

And see ya late Maxfield ( has been great ) Warfe maybe Rogers hasnt really shown enough to hold a someone else out.

Cheers

Waz

[pillowtalk]

Wazza, I think you'll find that Doyle hasn't done enough. A heap of mistakes in crucial situations, he's done more harm than good. Hence the criticism.
With McVeigh, he's more skinny than short. Still has silky skills and so much scope for improvement. I wouldn't give up on him as easily.

[Scottee]

Doyle will be good. Simply missed too much football to have all the skills at his fingertips now. Need another ruckman though given the imminent departure of Bally and the injury prone nature of ruckmen in general. From reports trhough, Erickson is improving rapidly.

McVeigh will be excellent.

Expect good things from Schmidt and Willoughby.

Thewliss has the build and the speed to be a RR.

B1 would be valuable in a forward role and could be freed to do this.

Totally impressed with Buchanan's transformation.

Agree that Abletts confidence problem is being overcome. Keep.

Mathews is in my opinion a good backman and would be severely missed as a player with toughness and ball getting ability. Can also RR.

Would consider the following as on the disposable list:

MJ- (dissappointed, thought he showed ability)
Sundqvist- (bad luck but has to go to make room)
Warfe
Hunt
Maxfield- (by his own choice, retirement)

Marginal:
Powell-hasn'y shown the smarts but has some ability
Rogers- ditto
McGlone(either play him or let him build a career somewhere else. hope it's the former)
Dempster-ditto
Fixter- simply on injury proneness

In terms of players we need, I think the 195cm KPP/Ruckman is called for but I also think that a Martin Pike type would be invaluable, around 190-192cm with BMI and skill .This type can play on the flank but also back up in key positions or ruck rove. We have players with the height, but not the bulk.

I don't think we are going to need any genuine smalls, especially if Fixter gets fit.

Otherwise we need another Cresswell. True ruck rover BMI and good ball winning and disposal skills.

Clearing 5 to 7 players from the list would result in the necessary turnover to find some of these players via the draft. However, at least one of the 3 required types in my opinion should be acquired ASAP (eg Bradshaw)

[ROK Lobster]

What future for LRT: KPP, Ruckman, SFL ??

[Barry Schneider]

Waz,
I'll have to disagree with a few things you posted.

Doyle.I hope he improves but if he is our number one ruckman next year due to Ball retiring then we are in big trouble.

McVeigh.I rate this bloke and am looking forward to seeing alot more of him.He has got poise and more time than other players plus he backs himself.

Get rid of Schneider.Fair crack of the whip.He has been injured all year and when he has played he was getting oxygen in the warm ups.Buchanan and Schneider are different players and can play in the same team in my opinion.Buchanan can graduate to a tough in and under midfielder while Schneider can provide a bit of penetration( when fit) with his running and kicking in the midfield.

Going by what Roos has said about our plethora of young blokes I think we will be trading our early draft picks for experienced talls.
Whatever we do I can't see us trading to get a premiership.The improvement has to come from our young blokes who have had a taste eg Schneider,LRT,McVeigh,Buchanan etc.
If Schneider gets aerobically fit then he is the logical replacement for Maxfield who I think has another year of his contract left.