Craig Bird

[BSA5]

Does anybody else think Bird has spent a great deal of the preseason in the gym slimming down and getting fitter? At the Port game, I was struck by how lean he looked, and it seemed to me that he was moving with a lot more speed, agility and freedom in general play (compared to last year, when he had a tendency to plod along a bit on occasion). I was very excited to see this, as I thought it might take him a couple of preseasons to get to that point.

Thoughts? What are we all expecting of Birdy this season?

[dimelb]

Does anybody else think Bird has spent a great deal of the preseason in the gym slimming down and getting fitter? At the Port game, I was struck by how lean he looked, and it seemed to me that he was moving with a lot more speed, agility and freedom in general play (compared to last year, when he had a tendency to plod along a bit on occasion). I was very excited to see this, as I thought it might take him a couple of preseasons to get to that point.

Thoughts? What are we all expecting of Birdy this season?

If he keeps doing what he did last weekend for all his game time, I will be delighted. If he improves on that he will raise the level of superstition about the number he wears. Good hands and I suspect great eyes, can also take a knock.

[jono2707]

Does anybody else think Bird has spent a great deal of the preseason in the gym slimming down and getting fitter? At the Port game, I was struck by how lean he looked, and it seemed to me that he was moving with a lot more speed, agility and freedom in general play (compared to last year, when he had a tendency to plod along a bit on occasion). I was very excited to see this, as I thought it might take him a couple of preseasons to get to that point.

Thoughts? What are we all expecting of Birdy this season?

I thought he looked great on Sunday (one of the few highlights). Great hands and seemed to have plenty of time. He'll never be the quickest going around but geez he looked good with the ball in hand on Sunday - hopefully 2009 will be a big year for him, and will show that it was worthwhile developing him in 2008.

[ShockOfHair]

I thought he looked great on Sunday (one of the few highlights). Great hands and seemed to have plenty of time. He'll never be the quickest going around but geez he looked good with the ball in hand on Sunday - hopefully 2009 will be a big year for him, and will show that it was worthwhile developing him in 2008.

He always has plenty of time. I reckon that's why he missed out on a Rising Star nomination last year -- he just didn't look like a guy in his first year. He's a gun.

[Plugger46]

Gun. Not flashy but is going to get the job done consistently.

[Mr Magoo]

If by flashy you mean lighting quick , I agree but otherwise if you mean skilful then I disagree.

Not flashy is how I would describe Ben matthews not craig bird. They guy oozes class. Jarred McVeigh looked similar in his first season but nowhere near as level headed as this guy. Hopefully he doesnt suffer from the same second/third year syndrome that seemed to drag mcveigh down.

[dread and might]

If. Hopefully he doesnt suffer from the same second/third year syndrome that seemed to drag mcveigh down.

Also known as the "getting turned into a tagger" syndrome.

[Mr Magoo]

Also known as the "getting turned into a tagger" syndrome.

Totally agree. You know not everyone needs to learn by tagging. Dont think judd or kerr ever filled that role.

[Plugger46]

If by flashy you mean lighting quick , I agree but otherwise if you mean skilful then I disagree.

Not flashy is how I would describe Ben matthews not craig bird. They guy oozes class. Jarred McVeigh looked similar in his first season but nowhere near as level headed as this guy. Hopefully he doesnt suffer from the same second/third year syndrome that seemed to drag mcveigh down.

Yeah, pretty much what I meant.

By not being flashy - I meant that I'm not expecting him to kick mercurial goals and that sort of thing.

[Pace To Burn]

If by flashy you mean lighting quick , I agree but otherwise if you mean skilful then I disagree.

Not flashy is how I would describe Ben matthews not craig bird. They guy oozes class. Jarred McVeigh looked similar in his first season but nowhere near as level headed as this guy. Hopefully he doesnt suffer from the same second/third year syndrome that seemed to drag mcveigh down.

Is very level headed and down to earth. Dont think hell have a problem at all, if you talk too him you would think hes just a neville no-one. Hes a great kid and is very hard on himself if he doesnt play well. Nearly as hard to please as his old man

[Nico]

Yeah, pretty much what I meant.

By not being flashy - I meant that I'm not expecting him to kick mercurial goals and that sort of thing.

Mercuri used to kick mercurial goals.

[stellation]

I honestly believe that any a massive chunk of the chance for immediate future success of the Sydney Swans sits with Craig Bird. His ability in close is relatively uncommon, he has 1.2 times the time of the other young elite midfielders.

[Legs Akimbo]

I honestly believe that any a massive chunk of the chance for immediate future success of the Sydney Swans sits with Craig Bird. His ability in close is relatively uncommon, he has 1.2 times the time of the other young elite midfielders.

Back off, he's my love child. I was here first.