2024 Pre Season

[Captain]

Absolutely agree with all of the above. Not writing him off but am acknowledging he is under pressure due to this extra midfield depth we now have.

I actually really like the idea of him becoming a defender, suits his natural style and would be the ideal replacement of Cunningham or Lloyd.

[giant]

As a well known fan of Rowie, I’ll say this.

His grunt work is better than many appreciate, and not just his tackling. His stoppage clearances are first class, he’s probably the best ‘one percenter’ per player in our side, the coaches clearly love the role he plays and he’s utterly selfless, as well as an all round total hard arse. He’s also usually someone who uses the ball aware of his limitations and will deliver the right kick, as opposed to trying the Errol like lace out. Even his old nemesis on here The Bloods used to remark how he’d always find a spot up for Buddy.

Where I think there is a challenge is his centre clearance possessions are low compared to his work at stoppages. Whether that’s a function of the defensive task he’s given, or it’s not his natural skill set, not sure. Though I felt when he first played he was a bit better at bursting through contests and getting a release away. Either way, he will never be like Chad, but I’m sure he could do a bit more in there than he currently does.

I do think where he has another challenge is there’s not a lot of versatility to his game. He plays tight at the contest, and that’s that. He seemed to cover the ground a bit better when he first arrived and seemed to get back to some of that in the second half of both ‘22 and ‘23. So he’ll need to maintain that, as you’re not likely to play him at half forward, or as small defender (not sure he has the leg speed for that ).

For me, he is still easily best 22. You don’t come top three in the B&F two years in a row if you’re not. I think it was the Gold Coast game at the SCG in 2023 where he and Parker just went to work inside and at the contest, and bashed their terrific midfield into submission. They absolutely went body hunting. It was brutal, a joy to watch two hard heads at work, and a reminder of why Rowie is so valued. But of course there are things for him to keep working on.

But isn’t the debate about his place ‘maybe’ coming under some pressure a great sign of the depth we’re building. So exciting.

I too am a big JR fan, but if he needs inspiration about where his improvement will come from, a look at the four above him in the tackle count stats would be a good place to start - all highly effective multi-dimensional midfield players. Geez, what a player the Bont is.

[Auntie.Gerald]

Gulden leads the way in 2km time trial

Heeney !!!!!!!

and image 5 in the gallery "Roberts transformation" looks like an athlete !!!!

and just behind Lloyd after Lloyds 10 pre seasons.........not bad Matt Roberts !

[707]

Gulden leads the way in 2km time trial

Heeney !!!!!!!

and image 5 in the gallery "Roberts transformation" looks like an athlete !!!!

and just behind Lloyd after Lloyds 10 pre seasons.........not bad Matt Roberts !

Maybe after 10 years Heeney is finally injury free during a pre-season? Augers well finishing in high un-chartered TT territory

[i'm-uninformed2]

Gulden leads the way in 2km time trial

Heeney !!!!!!!

and image 5 in the gallery "Roberts transformation" looks like an athlete !!!!

and just behind Lloyd after Lloyds 10 pre seasons.........not bad Matt Roberts !

Nice re Heeney, and good to see Jordan is such a great runner.

Is anyone else worried re Chad's hair cut. We don't wanna see a JMac style form decline.

[Auntie.Gerald]

his mum is a hairdresser

it must driver her crazy !!!!!!

The Chad !!!!

[Blood Fever]

Might be imagining it, but the guys look very fit.

[Nico]

Absolutely agree with all of the above. Not writing him off but am acknowledging he is under pressure due to this extra midfield depth we now have.

I actually really like the idea of him becoming a defender, suits his natural style and would be the ideal replacement of Cunningham or Lloyd.

I think his poor kicking and composure disqualifies him from being a defender.

[707]

his mum is a hairdresser

it must driver her crazy !!!!!!

The Chad !!!!

The third brother Ashton Warner is eligible for this years draft, his haircut on the WAFL website is a shocker, Mum needs to pull rank and get him looking draftable.

[Maltopia]

The third brother Ashton Warner is eligible for this years draft, his haircut on the WAFL website is a shocker, Mum needs to pull rank and get him looking draftable.

So we need about pick 41 for him, going by his two older brothers.

That's about a top two finish after academy and father son selections.

That would be nice

[dejavoodoo44]

The third brother Ashton Warner is eligible for this years draft, his haircut on the WAFL website is a shocker, Mum needs to pull rank and get him looking draftable.

I'm fairly sure that the previous haircuts of Chad and Corey were the creations of Mrs Warner, so I'm guessing that Ashton's cut is her work as well.

Despite the McInerney precedent, I'm hoping for better hair, better form, from Chad and Corey this season. Actually, I'm pretty confident.

[sharp9]

I’m over the moon that Sheldrick has matched it with Blakeyband Chad in the 2km! Going places ????

[Dow]

I’m over the moon that Sheldrick has matched it with Blakeyband Chad in the 2km! Going places ????

Yeah I am a hoping as well ????I am also praying Chad can lift his game another level and find some consistency

[graemed]

I’m just wondering if I’ve missed something. Many respondents have been naming Mills in the mid-field whilst it’s been my understanding that he will be sidelined for the year.
On another point can anyone tell me what days the groups are training

[dejavoodoo44]

I’m just wondering if I’ve missed something. Many respondents have been naming Mills in the mid-field whilst it’s been my understanding that he will be sidelined for the year.
On another point can anyone tell me what days the groups are training

After he did the injury, I don't think anyone was giving a definitive answer about how long he would be out for, but perhaps the general vibe was that he'd miss the start of the season and then return a month or two later. I've noticed him in a few of the training pics, but I'm not sure how hard he's been training.