Changes for Round 12 v Giants

[barracuda]

Totally agree with ET... he will be a gun.. just needs to have 10-15 games to receive some confidence and then explode. Mickey O in the making

What sticks with me is when he was on the bench during the last quarter, head down, with kirk trying to console him. I think he is quite a fragile character who easily loses confidence. Yes he will be very good, but getting him there is a careful process. On any analysis he is avoiding any body contact, he shirks collisions, and his tackles are soft. In my view playing him again would destroy his confidence even further and drive him away. Other than Kirk who has made Taylor his special project, the other coaches are pretty brutal and he no doubt would have got a very blunt review. The best thing for his long term development would be to run out the year in the twos focusing on the basics like body work and tackling. Then next year build him back to seniors after a solid pre-season adding extra bulk and speed. There is nothing to be gained continuing to play him in seniors with a "sink or swim" approach. Given his nature there is a very high probability he will sink.

I should add that we are seeing some of the concerns about Elijah pre draft, that he may struggle with resilience. This was the issue not a couple of beers.

And he is mickey o in the making but needs a modern nurturing approach.

[AB Swannie]

I don’t think it’s gifting games. We have a bit of a rotation policy it seems with some of our young guys and so it would make sense to give them an opportunity to show their wares in front of family. This also builds culture. Looking after people is a good thing and can pay dividends later when people are choosing to stay or ask to be traded.

I stand by giving Warner and ET a game in Perth.

[barracuda]

I don’t think it’s gifting games. We have a bit of a rotation policy it seems with some of our young guys and so it would make sense to give them an opportunity to show their wares in front of family. This also builds culture. Looking after people is a good thing and can pay dividends later when people are choosing to stay or ask to be traded.

I stand by giving Warner and ET a game in Perth.

I have no problem with what you are saying. Warner could easily cycle into the rotation as you describe as he is playing in the scratchies as well as anyone. I just think there are other issues with Elijah that are more important for his development that indicate he should not play. If he played, and performed as he has been, he will cop more criticism from coaches and players. Apparently Papley was pretty frank during last weeks game. This can't be good for him or his confidence.

[Ludwig]

What sticks with me is when he was on the bench during the last quarter, head down, with kirk trying to console him. I think he is quite a fragile character who easily loses confidence. Yes he will be very good, but getting him there is a careful process. On any analysis he is avoiding any body contact, he shirks collisions, and his tackles are soft. In my view playing him again would destroy his confidence even further and drive him away. Other than Kirk who has made Taylor his special project, the other coaches are pretty brutal and he no doubt would have got a very blunt review. The best thing for his long term development would be to run out the year in the twos focusing on the basics like body work and tackling. Then next year build him back to seniors after a solid pre-season adding extra bulk and speed. There is nothing to be gained continuing to play him in seniors with a "sink or swim" approach. Given his nature there is a very high probability he will sink.

I should add that we are seeing some of the concerns about Elijah pre draft, that he may struggle with resilience. This was the issue not a couple of beers.

And he is mickey o in the making but needs a modern nurturing approach.

I certainly agree with your analysis on ET. I've said pretty much the same. Your solution is also probably the right way to go. I hope we can turn him into a real footballer, not just a wasted talent.

[Captain]

What sticks with me is when he was on the bench during the last quarter, head down, with kirk trying to console him. I think he is quite a fragile character who easily loses confidence. Yes he will be very good, but getting him there is a careful process. On any analysis he is avoiding any body contact, he shirks collisions, and his tackles are soft. In my view playing him again would destroy his confidence even further and drive him away. Other than Kirk who has made Taylor his special project, the other coaches are pretty brutal and he no doubt would have got a very blunt review. The best thing for his long term development would be to run out the year in the twos focusing on the basics like body work and tackling. Then next year build him back to seniors after a solid pre-season adding extra bulk and speed. There is nothing to be gained continuing to play him in seniors with a "sink or swim" approach. Given his nature there is a very high probability he will sink.

I should add that we are seeing some of the concerns about Elijah pre draft, that he may struggle with resilience. This was the issue not a couple of beers.

And he is mickey o in the making but needs a modern nurturing approach.

Excellent post.

Agree with everything except the Micky O comparison. I watched Micky O from day 1 and never once accused him of being soft at the football.

[707]

Coaches will know exactly what is the correct approach with ET, whatever that is it will be done with his long term future in mind.

About time we saw Will Gould, physically ready as he played very good footy at senior SANFL level last year.

Selection night so much more exciting with left field selections every week.

[stevoswan]

All the draftees from last year have played....except Gould. He was more ready for seniors than any of them.....time to see what he's got.

[Mountain Man]

Melican just back, and if Brand is fit, I would be happy to see him back against the physical GWS.

Gould can wait a little longer as the season is not finished yet

[waswan]

All the draftees from last year have played....except Gould. He was more ready for seniors than any of them.....time to see what he's got.

Nearly 20 touches in a SANFL GF.....more than ready

[AB Swannie]

There must be good reason for Gould to not have debuted yet. There is no doubt that he seems strong enough but perhaps his fitness isn’t quite there. I don’t know for sure but given so many others have been afforded a chance, one can only guess that there is something that he needs to do before being picked. It might just mean that when he does get his chance he will have the best opportunity to succeed.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Coaches will know exactly what is the correct approach with ET, whatever that is it will be done with his long term future in mind.

About time we saw Will Gould, physically ready as he played very good footy at senior SANFL level last year.

Selection night so much more exciting with left field selections every week.

Knoll came to us having done really well in the SANFL WAFL game, and even with all or ruck woes he spent the season in the 2's (and then in the injury room).

So performance in other leagues may not have a great deal of relevance to getting a game in the firsts

[Markwebbos]

Brand is still 3-4 weeks away.

My hope with Gould is that the club is planning that when he comes into the side, that will be it, so they are potentially making him reach a higher standard than others who have already debuted.

[Ralph Dawg]

In the spirit of not giving away free games:
In: Gould Blakey
Out: Aliir Taylor
Leaves no Western Australians.

Aliir needs a break. His mobility was clearly effected the other night. Perhaps rucking has taken it's toll. Blakey back in for Taylor. There are alot of things I like about Taylor and I think he will be a star for us. But he needs to learn how to tackle.

[Aaron]

Foot was seen in quite a few photos of Swans in Perth. Will he debut on Thursday? By the way it was mentioned in the Social Media that our next hub after Perth would be Cairns. Very difficult for our team

[barracuda]

Foot was seen in quite a few photos of Swans in Perth. Will he debut on Thursday? By the way it was mentioned in the Social Media that our next hub after Perth would be Cairns. Very difficult for our team

Good call. You might have hit the nail on the head.