Craig Bird in u18 Rams game

[liz]

Did anyone get along to Telstra Stadium early enough to watch the warm-up game?

I got there at half-time (after driving from the SCG to watch the reserves) and was quite impressed by Bird. He's now 'top-age' so probably was expected to dominate but he certainly commanded the Rams' midfield very well. I'd be interested to know how many clearances he got - would have to be comfortably double figures in the second half alone.

The bad news is that, apart from the clearance ability, many of his attributes are not those at the top of the shopping list - ie he's not quick and while his kicking looked better than the likes of Bolton and Mathews, it doesn't look top shelf either. He also looked a bit overweight to me, for an 18yo anyway, which was surprising because last year playing with the reserves he looked fairly skinny.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Was also impressed by the Rams' no 2 (Davies?) who I think is a Bombers' apprentice. Didn't dominate but showed a good turn of speed. And the guy playing at FF marked just about everything - I gather he's an Adelaide apprentice (Taylor something).

From the NT team, Cyril Rioli showed a lot of class. I gather he's touted as a fairly high draft pick for this year.

[ugg]

The Adelaide apprentice is Taylor Walker. Has been kicking bags for fun in their matches against TAC sides. The BF Adelaide board has been talking him up big time.

AFL.com.au results: http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/New...x?newsId=45868

[reigning premier]

Excellent... We might be able to recruit a young, gun midfielder...

But what are the chances we'll actually get him???

[Industrial Fan]

Isn't he already effectively ours? As far as I understood, we have to give a late draft pick to secure him if we so choose.

[Damien]

Isn't he already effectively ours? As far as I understood, we have to give a late draft pick to secure him if we so choose.

Yeah he is a dead cert if we want him.

[Justice]

Craig Bird

Saw the whole game and he looks a really solid (skills and size) all round player. As stated by Liz, he had multiple ruck clearances where he gather the tap and burst into space delivering a kick into the forward 50. He also took a number of solid marks under pressure and racked up possessions by hand and foot. He kicked with either foot during the game with mixed results.

Given that he is 'apprenticed' to Sydney, they would be mad not to nominate thier last draft pick to ensure he is a listed player for 2008.

Cheers

Sean

[Ruda Wakening]

Was also impressed by the Rams' no 2 (Davies?) who I think is a Bombers' apprentice. Didn't dominate but showed a good turn of speed. And the guy playing at FF marked just about everything - I gather he's an Adelaide apprentice (Taylor something).

I was impressed by Scott Reed.

[liz]

I was impressed by Scott Reed.

I had a look out for him since Collingwood fans all seem to think he's the best thing since sliced bread (or at least, since Martin Clark). Found it very hard to spot him because he never seemed to be close to the ball.

Maybe he had a good first half?

[Northern_Swan]

Did I not read somewhere that Bird had been out for a few weeks with injury? That may go some way to explaining a possible 'heavyness' on the track??

[ugg]

Kevin Sheehan's report:

http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=45913

[ugg]

My spies tell me Craig Bird had another dominant game in the muddy Geelong today against Queensland. Kicked a few goals as well. NSW/ACT won by about 9 goals.

[liz]

Results are up on the AFL board but I've just closed the window and it takes so long to load that most frustating of websites that I can't be bothered to go back and get the link.

He kicked three goals and was named as the last of the best players - though one wonders whether he is marked according to expectations. Ranga was named as the Rams' best. Also noted Bruest named amongst the best - he's been one of the occasional top-ups for the twos this year.

[ugg]

Couldn't find anything on afl.com.au about today's game. Found this video with Kevin Sheehan and Andrew Maher on the first round of games. Has footage of Bird in action: http://bigpondguide.com/07u18sp1_1_

Other players that impressed my mate included Ranga, Bruce, McGregor, Davies and Davis.

[Bas]

I was impressed by Scott Reed.

Central Coast boy and WILL be future champion. Outstanding athlete and can play several different games and does.

How the knuckledraggers found him up here, I don't know.

[smasher]

In 2004 it was Jarred Moore who starred for the Victorian metro team,was all Australian and won an individual award as well.
Look where he is now.Languishing in a reserves team that gets no opposition so he just cruises around getting kicks.Many of his teamates from that Vic team are established AFL senior players now!
It is stories like this that make me non interested in what goes on in the under 18s as it seems to be luck of the draw at seasons end.