Two teams which didn't make an impact on 2006 or leave much of a mark during trade week (except the Acker deal) are already looking forward to next season and planning ahead. However I don't think that the Kangaroos and Lions got the message; so are the 14 other teams!
It's good to see that the Roos are predicting a strong season next year. It'll be even better to see the struggling club back up those words and bounce back. This especially comes after a season in which a top draft pick quit footy altogether, they lost their stronghold of Manuka oval, and their clubhouse was damaged by fire. Talk of a move or a merger is going to haunt this club until they can win another premiership.
It seems that Wayne Carey left a curse on his former team. Leaving the club won 2 premierships with in 2002 due to the disgrace of sleeping with captain, Anthony Steven's wife, he moved to Adelaide in 2003. Since that the time the club has seen nothing but season after mediocre season go by.
Who would have thought that the most powerful team of the mid to late 90's would ever be in this sort of position. Who ever would have thought that membership was flailing much like it is with the other Victorian non-Collingwood clubs.
10 years ago I would have laughed and been delighted at the prospect of seeing the Kangaroos, or at the time, North Melbourne, suffer. Today the joke is past and in all seriousness, if things don't improve on and off the field, another move or merger or disappearance may take place in the AFL, and those are the saddest things to witness.
Take for instance Fitzroy. Although they are now formally a part of Brisbane, keeping their team name, colours and other such traditions. The name Fitzroy only lives on in those that supported the Lions before 1997. Today every one else just envisions them as the Brisbane Lions....the team that used to be called the Brisbane Bears, and the same side that struggled much like Fitzroy did, for most the 80's and 90's.
I was lucky to attend Fitzroys last ever VFL/AFL match, which was at Subiaco oval in 1996. The Lions played a determined Dockers side, the only team to lose to Fitzroy in that season and utterly humiliated. However this time around the farewell was more fitting for a club that had struggled throughout most of its existance, with the Dockers winning in excess of a hundred points. I waved a Lions flag that day, as a sign of respect and tribute to one of the founding clubs of Aussie Rules footy.
I don't want to have to wave the blue and white in a few years time for the same reason.
The upside for Fitzroy and their supporters is that in those magical years between 2001 and 2003, they enjoyed 3 consecutive premierships. The first one was monumental. A victory against Essendon, a club whose flag win the previous year when they were at their strongest, was a time when AFL attendance and viewing was at an all time low in Australia. The Lions success in 2001 was the ressurection of our great sport, and their great matches between the Pies the 2 years after that were even greater.
Brisbane find themselves in a similar position to the Roos. Although their last premiership comes at a more recent time, they will still suffer the consequences of underperforming, especially in Queensland where League is still the more popular code.
The Lions will need to regroup, stay positive, and most importantly, they will have to reconsider their game-plan. This comes from one sole reason: The Lions are a fast running, man-on-man team who play offensively. The current trend of teams that are on the rise in the AFL at the moment is to play defensively, slow the game down, and flood the oppositions forward 50. The only team that has been able to play against these tactics are West Coast, who won the premiership this year (against the most defensive side in the AFL).
The Lions simply do not have the running power, the tall players, and the superb midfield that the Eagles have. If Brisbane want to have success in 2007, they will have to reconsider what they have been doing since 2004, especially in their matches against West Coast. Brisbane has failed to beat the Eagles since 2002, even at their home ground of the Gabba they have been defeated convincingly on numerous occasions. This is because the Lions have attempted to go for a shootout against the biggest shooting side in the competition, however Brisbane have failed to realise recently - they aren't in the same league anymore.
Sure in 2001 they may have been a mighty opponent for any side. The same goes for 2002, 2003 and even in 2004 where they lost in the Grand Final to Port Adealaide. However they had an ageing side. Many former stars from Fitzroy including the legendary Alistair Lynch, who had served both clubs with loyalty and honour, was on the way out. Keating, Voss, Ackermanis, Michael, ageing, retired, or traded.
The one positive thing that the Lions now have in their possession is the potential for Jonathon Brown to return and blast the competition away next season. However this remains to be seen, he is young yet now prone to injury and form may be doubtful. It would be good to see him bag a hundred, or even the Coleman medal, yet other areas of the team need to be looked at in order for his own performance to shine. This means that Brisbane will have to look at rebuilding their famous star midfield that they once had. It's hard work though, and great midfielders do not just grow on trees.
Brisbane and the Kangaroos do have a lot to look forward to in 2007. So do 14 other clubs. Yet the difference is that these two sides really have the opportunity now to prove their critics wrong. They have a window where they can learn from recent mistakes, learn from defeats, learn from each other, and they can make an impact on the game next season.
Yet as I like to say; Only time will tell.
13.10.06
Trade Week Concludes
First of all, a quick apology on behalf of myself. Earlier today I promised to give you some more updates as they happened in the trade. However in a last minute decision I decided to race off to the cricket at the WACA to see the Warriors take on the Vics.
Gardiner a Saint
West Coast's wayward former ruckman Michael Gardiner has been picked up by St Kilda in exchange for their 3rd round pick (43). It was inevitable that Gardiner was going to leave the club where he started his AFL career, at the end of this season, however the Saints weren't a likely move. Ross Lyons I'm sure has his reasons and the undisciplined player may prove to be useful in the team, however time will only tell.
Meanwhile back here in the west, it looks as if the Eagles are continually making plans for the furture by keeping young talent and taking in even more draft picks. In what is tipped to be the best draft since the 2001 'super draft' which is hailed as the greatest pick of talent of all time (Chris Judd and Luke Hodge just some of the names), it would be useful for any side to grab as much of the talent as possible.
Andrew McDougall is one of the only other Eagles to fly east as he takes his spot with a resurgent Bulldogs, yet the depth and talent of West Coast is still extroadinarily great.
Last second dash by Dockers
With 15 seconds remaining before the trade-week deadline, Fremantle were able to pick up Bomber, Dean Solomon. Dean will join his former TAC cup mate from Bendigo Pioneers, Chris Tarrant at the club. In exchange for Solomon, Freo gave Essendon pick number 42 (which they gained off Richmond) and 47. Essendon are smart in offing experience for precious picks which they will use to rebuild the side over the next few years.
Solomon, who is in London at the moment, was unaware of his fate until the final minutes when everything was official. It was Tarrant who was on the phone with him to tell him the news. Apparently having Mark Harvey at Freo was a huge factor in getting Dean to the club due to his links with him in the past at Essendon as well as praise of his skill and ability.
It's another powerful move by Fremantle, who have this year proven to be just that, the Power Traders. Getting in big names to an already decent line-up is a move that only a club wanting to achieve premiership status will make. However the question about wether or not it pays off can only be answered in 12 months time. Until then we'll have to wait and see how the draft unfolds late next month.
Biiiiiig Mistake by Swans
Employing the services of the player with the worst ever home and away win/loss record can't be something to cheer about. And lets say that the player in question is in their early 30's and currently under-performing. That's exactly the kind of mistake that the Sydney Swans have just made. Trying to repeat proven success when they recruited Jason Ball from West Coast back in 1999, they will no doubt be pondering why it didn't work out the same way this time next year.
Peter 'Spida' Everitt might be one of the most colourful (I don't see how though) players in the AFL, and he may be somewhat talented as a Ruckman, however I can't see his form improving much over the summer and into next season. He had a shocker of a year for the Hawks, who traded him for pick number 33, and it will be safe for me to say that he will have a shocker of a year for the Swans next season as well. If I am wrong I will wear a Hawthorn Guernsey with his old number on it for an entire week next year! This is how confident I am about how useless he will prove to be after moving north.
Trade Weeks Over
Well it's finally over: Confusing three-way deals, exchanging picks and talent, rejections, acceptance, and adaptating to new clubs. This is what trade-week is all about. The most exciting week to witness after the Grand Final, and a taste of things to come for the draft in late November.
However in all my years I have never seen so many trades with big names made. Established stars at their respective clubs, completely turning the status quo on its head. Let's take a look at the big names that moved around.
Jason Ackermanis - 3 time premiership player for the Brisbane Lions and 2001 Brownlow medallist. Moved to the Western Bulldogs.
Chris Tarrant - 2003 All-Australian, cult superstar at Collingwood, extremely talented player. Moved to Fremantle.
Michael Gardiner - West Coast one time All-Australian Ruckman, tall and versatile, although lacks discipline he needs the right environment to grow. Moved to St Kilda.
Peter Everitt - Most talked about Ruckman over the past decade, highly praised as well as widely criticised on and off the field. Began career at St Kilda where he made a name for himself. Spent a few years at the Hawks and is now a Swan.
Paul Medhurst, Graham Polak, Dean Solomon and Andrew McDougall were also major trades, expect them to become bigger household names over the next few years.
Anyway that's it from Trade-Week. If there is anything important to report on AFL within the next couple of weeks, you'll see it here. Until then I'll be commenting on domestic as well as international cricket including the ICC tournament, Pura Cup, and Ford Ranger Cup. Seeya.
Gardiner a Saint
West Coast's wayward former ruckman Michael Gardiner has been picked up by St Kilda in exchange for their 3rd round pick (43). It was inevitable that Gardiner was going to leave the club where he started his AFL career, at the end of this season, however the Saints weren't a likely move. Ross Lyons I'm sure has his reasons and the undisciplined player may prove to be useful in the team, however time will only tell.
Meanwhile back here in the west, it looks as if the Eagles are continually making plans for the furture by keeping young talent and taking in even more draft picks. In what is tipped to be the best draft since the 2001 'super draft' which is hailed as the greatest pick of talent of all time (Chris Judd and Luke Hodge just some of the names), it would be useful for any side to grab as much of the talent as possible.
Andrew McDougall is one of the only other Eagles to fly east as he takes his spot with a resurgent Bulldogs, yet the depth and talent of West Coast is still extroadinarily great.
Last second dash by Dockers
With 15 seconds remaining before the trade-week deadline, Fremantle were able to pick up Bomber, Dean Solomon. Dean will join his former TAC cup mate from Bendigo Pioneers, Chris Tarrant at the club. In exchange for Solomon, Freo gave Essendon pick number 42 (which they gained off Richmond) and 47. Essendon are smart in offing experience for precious picks which they will use to rebuild the side over the next few years.
Solomon, who is in London at the moment, was unaware of his fate until the final minutes when everything was official. It was Tarrant who was on the phone with him to tell him the news. Apparently having Mark Harvey at Freo was a huge factor in getting Dean to the club due to his links with him in the past at Essendon as well as praise of his skill and ability.
It's another powerful move by Fremantle, who have this year proven to be just that, the Power Traders. Getting in big names to an already decent line-up is a move that only a club wanting to achieve premiership status will make. However the question about wether or not it pays off can only be answered in 12 months time. Until then we'll have to wait and see how the draft unfolds late next month.
Biiiiiig Mistake by Swans
Employing the services of the player with the worst ever home and away win/loss record can't be something to cheer about. And lets say that the player in question is in their early 30's and currently under-performing. That's exactly the kind of mistake that the Sydney Swans have just made. Trying to repeat proven success when they recruited Jason Ball from West Coast back in 1999, they will no doubt be pondering why it didn't work out the same way this time next year.
Peter 'Spida' Everitt might be one of the most colourful (I don't see how though) players in the AFL, and he may be somewhat talented as a Ruckman, however I can't see his form improving much over the summer and into next season. He had a shocker of a year for the Hawks, who traded him for pick number 33, and it will be safe for me to say that he will have a shocker of a year for the Swans next season as well. If I am wrong I will wear a Hawthorn Guernsey with his old number on it for an entire week next year! This is how confident I am about how useless he will prove to be after moving north.
Trade Weeks Over
Well it's finally over: Confusing three-way deals, exchanging picks and talent, rejections, acceptance, and adaptating to new clubs. This is what trade-week is all about. The most exciting week to witness after the Grand Final, and a taste of things to come for the draft in late November.
However in all my years I have never seen so many trades with big names made. Established stars at their respective clubs, completely turning the status quo on its head. Let's take a look at the big names that moved around.
Jason Ackermanis - 3 time premiership player for the Brisbane Lions and 2001 Brownlow medallist. Moved to the Western Bulldogs.
Chris Tarrant - 2003 All-Australian, cult superstar at Collingwood, extremely talented player. Moved to Fremantle.
Michael Gardiner - West Coast one time All-Australian Ruckman, tall and versatile, although lacks discipline he needs the right environment to grow. Moved to St Kilda.
Peter Everitt - Most talked about Ruckman over the past decade, highly praised as well as widely criticised on and off the field. Began career at St Kilda where he made a name for himself. Spent a few years at the Hawks and is now a Swan.
Paul Medhurst, Graham Polak, Dean Solomon and Andrew McDougall were also major trades, expect them to become bigger household names over the next few years.
Anyway that's it from Trade-Week. If there is anything important to report on AFL within the next couple of weeks, you'll see it here. Until then I'll be commenting on domestic as well as international cricket including the ICC tournament, Pura Cup, and Ford Ranger Cup. Seeya.
Three-Way Deal Complete
The biggest deal of Trade Week came on its final day as Richmond, Fremantle and Collingwood each traded up. Chris Tarrant is now a Docker, Graham Polak is now a Tiger and Paul Medhurst has ended up at Collingwood.
The complex deal has also seen a barrage of first round draft picks change hands as well as the players themselves. Since Fremantle have lost 2 players to gain Tarrant, it would be assumed that they would need to be compensated in picks and that is exactly what has happened by swiping pick number 8 of Richmond.
Although gaining Tarrant will prove to be a good move for Fremantle who are looking to improve upon last seasons effort, losing Polak may prove hurtful considering he can be a great utility player. It will also be interesting to see how the Pies utilise Medhurst on the field and how he fits into the club.
Richmond may go one better next season and possibly make the finals now that they have Polak, yet it is to be seen how he performs at the club.
With the 2pm deadline just 20 minutes away, it would be safe to assume that the deals for trade week are well and truly done, and this would have to be the biggest of them coming at its climax.
If anything at all does appear within that time-frame I'll be sure to post it on here and comment on it. Until then, have a good one.
The complex deal has also seen a barrage of first round draft picks change hands as well as the players themselves. Since Fremantle have lost 2 players to gain Tarrant, it would be assumed that they would need to be compensated in picks and that is exactly what has happened by swiping pick number 8 of Richmond.
Although gaining Tarrant will prove to be a good move for Fremantle who are looking to improve upon last seasons effort, losing Polak may prove hurtful considering he can be a great utility player. It will also be interesting to see how the Pies utilise Medhurst on the field and how he fits into the club.
Richmond may go one better next season and possibly make the finals now that they have Polak, yet it is to be seen how he performs at the club.
With the 2pm deadline just 20 minutes away, it would be safe to assume that the deals for trade week are well and truly done, and this would have to be the biggest of them coming at its climax.
If anything at all does appear within that time-frame I'll be sure to post it on here and comment on it. Until then, have a good one.
11.10.06
Tarrant Rejected, Lyon to Lead Saints
Well 2 big stories have come out of trade news today:
Eagles knock back Pies deal
West Coast has very intelligently passed up on an offer by Collingwood. The deal would have seen Chris Tarrant put on an Eagles gurnsey next season, but it would have also cost the club a first round draft pick plus the talented youngster Matt Rosa.
Although some West Coast fans will meet the move with doubts, it is above-all, a very smart swerve of the deal. At a time when the club will need to plan for a premiership defence, any major changes to the line-up would have averse affects on team performance.
This leaves Fremantle as the clear favourite to pick up the All-Australian and secure another big name at their club.
Although this may seem reminiscent of the 'Modra Trade' which the club took place in 7 years ago, which eventually became a disaster, Chris Tarrant will prove to be a more valuable asset, especially this time around since the Dockers don't really have any high placed draft picks.
This may mean that the 3-way deal with Richmond may still take place, yet there are other avenues since Collingwood are a club that has also expressed interest in young Docker, Graham Polack.
Longmire overlooked, Lyon gets greenlight
St Kilda have opted for the premiership experience of 5 coaches condensed into one man. That's basically the type of coach that Ross Lyon will prove to be after having the assistant job at a number of different clubs. Having worked with the likes of John Worsfold, Paul Roos and David Parkin, Lyon has definitely earned his right to take the helms of a club at the cross-roads.
This means that front-runner for the job, and my own tip, John Longmire is out of the running. Does this come as a surprise? Yes. Is it a bad move? No. I'm surprised that the media and myself completely overlooked Ross Lyon in the first place. For one thing he is definitely more qualified. He looks like the type of person who will suit the club. He is not too young and also not too old, he has energy and he has a good philosophy on football which is: "....based on character and producing the necessary basics."
Well said from a man who will be increasingly under scrutiny from the media all season. I wish him the best of luck as he fills a difficult role in 2007.
That's it for Up There Cazaly today, if there are any updates to trade week we'll let you know as soon as possible.
Eagles knock back Pies deal
West Coast has very intelligently passed up on an offer by Collingwood. The deal would have seen Chris Tarrant put on an Eagles gurnsey next season, but it would have also cost the club a first round draft pick plus the talented youngster Matt Rosa.
Although some West Coast fans will meet the move with doubts, it is above-all, a very smart swerve of the deal. At a time when the club will need to plan for a premiership defence, any major changes to the line-up would have averse affects on team performance.
This leaves Fremantle as the clear favourite to pick up the All-Australian and secure another big name at their club.
Although this may seem reminiscent of the 'Modra Trade' which the club took place in 7 years ago, which eventually became a disaster, Chris Tarrant will prove to be a more valuable asset, especially this time around since the Dockers don't really have any high placed draft picks.
This may mean that the 3-way deal with Richmond may still take place, yet there are other avenues since Collingwood are a club that has also expressed interest in young Docker, Graham Polack.
Longmire overlooked, Lyon gets greenlight
St Kilda have opted for the premiership experience of 5 coaches condensed into one man. That's basically the type of coach that Ross Lyon will prove to be after having the assistant job at a number of different clubs. Having worked with the likes of John Worsfold, Paul Roos and David Parkin, Lyon has definitely earned his right to take the helms of a club at the cross-roads.
This means that front-runner for the job, and my own tip, John Longmire is out of the running. Does this come as a surprise? Yes. Is it a bad move? No. I'm surprised that the media and myself completely overlooked Ross Lyon in the first place. For one thing he is definitely more qualified. He looks like the type of person who will suit the club. He is not too young and also not too old, he has energy and he has a good philosophy on football which is: "....based on character and producing the necessary basics."
Well said from a man who will be increasingly under scrutiny from the media all season. I wish him the best of luck as he fills a difficult role in 2007.
That's it for Up There Cazaly today, if there are any updates to trade week we'll let you know as soon as possible.
9.10.06
Trade Week - Day 1
With the 2006 Draft still over a month away, the attention is focussed on the all important trades that will take place this week between clubs. Will established stars leave their clubs? Will bottom rung sides give up top draft picks? Will any deals be seen as unfair? We'll let you be the judge!
An interesting start to the beginning of Trade Week for a number of clubs. The hot discussion at the moment is the heresay and conjecture surrounding Collingwood's Chris Tarrant; He has expressed an interest to move. He is under contract. A number of clubs have approached the club about him. Yet Collingwood management won't give him up without a reasonable deal. That reasonable deal could either take the face of some early picks or a player to replace the 2003 All-Australian.
It seems that although Tarrant had a seemingly lousy seaons this year, the Pies still view him as an important attribute to their side. Other clubs feel the same way. At the moment the media is stating that Fremantle would be the front-runner to grab him. A possible menage-a-trois between the Dockers, Richmond and the Pies could still take place. Its confusing but let me explain this one:
Graham Polack at Freo is being hunted by the Tigers. The Tigers, in order to grab Polack will need to return an equally good deal to Freo. Enter Collingwood. The Pies are willing to get rid of Tarrant in return for some great collateral.........let's say for instance an early round draft pick which the Tigers possess. In exchange for this, they will release Tarrant to Freo.
Three-way deals get struck all the time, however this one seems to hit the Pies a little unfairly and I just can't see it happening.
Nor can I see Richmond give up early draft picks. If they have learnt anything from other clubs such as Carlton who are intelligent enough not to budge, then they will not participate in the deal.
However this is footy and anything is bound to happen.
The Sunday Times ran a rediculous article in yesterdays paper. Although I can't stand this paper and refuse to buy it, I saw it at my cousins house in the early evening and had to have a gander at a headline that caught my eye about Chris Tarrant. The story basically went on to say how the Eagles were the favourites to grab Chris from the Pies. What a load of rubbish. This only came from the rumour that Tarrant wanted to move to either Freo or West Coast.
The Eagles are smart enough to avoid picking up big name stars from other clubs, especially those over east. This is for 2 reasons:
Firstly, the salary cap. Everyone seems to forget about this and the consequences for breaching it (except for Carlton who may never forget). West Coast would have way too many big names looking for bigger money and would not be able to do so. It would create rifts and problems between mates at the club and affect team performance.
Secondly, the Eagles already have an excellent line-up and as we saw before the Grand Final, there are many quality players working hard just to make the final line-up before a game. Tarrant would only force younger developing players to miss out on more games. West Coast would have another McDougall situation where those players would leave even after being offered contract extensions.
However let me just state my relief that McDougall has finally left. Not to be harsh to the young man, I do believe he has great potential, however to see someone who was far too good a player to be in the WAFL have to be kept out of the Eagles' lineup every week was sad. I was at the one game he played for West Coast this year at Telstra Dome. The loss to Collingwood. He played very ordinarily and that was the result of being out of the big leagues for so long, as well as having some huge shoes to fill.
I wish Andrew all the best at whichever club he ends up at next season (most probably the Bulldogs).
And some other big news, Jason Ackermanis is now a Bulldog. The Brisbane premiership player and Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist has officially moved to Whitten Oval. I see great things for the Bulldogs next season and believe they will be an absolute powerhouse.
Well that's all for today, I'll be back tomorrow with another update on day 2 of Trade Week, seeya!
An interesting start to the beginning of Trade Week for a number of clubs. The hot discussion at the moment is the heresay and conjecture surrounding Collingwood's Chris Tarrant; He has expressed an interest to move. He is under contract. A number of clubs have approached the club about him. Yet Collingwood management won't give him up without a reasonable deal. That reasonable deal could either take the face of some early picks or a player to replace the 2003 All-Australian.
It seems that although Tarrant had a seemingly lousy seaons this year, the Pies still view him as an important attribute to their side. Other clubs feel the same way. At the moment the media is stating that Fremantle would be the front-runner to grab him. A possible menage-a-trois between the Dockers, Richmond and the Pies could still take place. Its confusing but let me explain this one:
Graham Polack at Freo is being hunted by the Tigers. The Tigers, in order to grab Polack will need to return an equally good deal to Freo. Enter Collingwood. The Pies are willing to get rid of Tarrant in return for some great collateral.........let's say for instance an early round draft pick which the Tigers possess. In exchange for this, they will release Tarrant to Freo.
Three-way deals get struck all the time, however this one seems to hit the Pies a little unfairly and I just can't see it happening.
Nor can I see Richmond give up early draft picks. If they have learnt anything from other clubs such as Carlton who are intelligent enough not to budge, then they will not participate in the deal.
However this is footy and anything is bound to happen.
The Sunday Times ran a rediculous article in yesterdays paper. Although I can't stand this paper and refuse to buy it, I saw it at my cousins house in the early evening and had to have a gander at a headline that caught my eye about Chris Tarrant. The story basically went on to say how the Eagles were the favourites to grab Chris from the Pies. What a load of rubbish. This only came from the rumour that Tarrant wanted to move to either Freo or West Coast.
The Eagles are smart enough to avoid picking up big name stars from other clubs, especially those over east. This is for 2 reasons:
Firstly, the salary cap. Everyone seems to forget about this and the consequences for breaching it (except for Carlton who may never forget). West Coast would have way too many big names looking for bigger money and would not be able to do so. It would create rifts and problems between mates at the club and affect team performance.
Secondly, the Eagles already have an excellent line-up and as we saw before the Grand Final, there are many quality players working hard just to make the final line-up before a game. Tarrant would only force younger developing players to miss out on more games. West Coast would have another McDougall situation where those players would leave even after being offered contract extensions.
However let me just state my relief that McDougall has finally left. Not to be harsh to the young man, I do believe he has great potential, however to see someone who was far too good a player to be in the WAFL have to be kept out of the Eagles' lineup every week was sad. I was at the one game he played for West Coast this year at Telstra Dome. The loss to Collingwood. He played very ordinarily and that was the result of being out of the big leagues for so long, as well as having some huge shoes to fill.
I wish Andrew all the best at whichever club he ends up at next season (most probably the Bulldogs).
And some other big news, Jason Ackermanis is now a Bulldog. The Brisbane premiership player and Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist has officially moved to Whitten Oval. I see great things for the Bulldogs next season and believe they will be an absolute powerhouse.
Well that's all for today, I'll be back tomorrow with another update on day 2 of Trade Week, seeya!
7.10.06
2007 Ladder
As some of you may have noticed, I have a predicted end of season ladder for next year at the bottom of this page. Well wether you agree with it in any way completely disagree with it, let me state my reasons. I'll begin with the bottom 8:
16th - Essendon
My case for the Dons is more or less their team not being able to make a case for themselves. With Hird approaching retirement, a suspect Mathew Loyd, the skills loss with the departure of Dean Rioli and a growing side, I can't see the Bombers taking more than 8 points for the year. Count next season as Sheedy's last as a coach with a retirement announcement. Look out for a younger coach to take the helm of the side during its resurrection. (Guy McKenna, Mark Harvey)
15th - Brisbane
They've lost leadership with the retirement announcement of Voss, a champion player in Mal Michael and a large list of young, growing players much like the Bombers. Leigh Matthews really doesn't have too much to work with however this all depends on how the draft goes and how they can capitalise on a possible Ackermanis trade. Yet I still can't see this side getting more than 8 wins under its belt.
14th - Carlton
The team on the rise and the one to watch over the next 5 years. Expect them to pick up some great draft picks over the next month and develop their talent as far as possible. This team has the potential to become a powerhouse if upper management gets its act together. Denis Pagan is a great coach who has suffered by coming into a depleted side in recent years, he'll get them up and running again. Look out for Fevola to continually win the Coleman medal for a few more years and possibly kick over 100 goals in a season. The Blues will make the finals in 2008, the top 4 in 2009 and expect them to win a premiership sometime between 2010 to 2012.
13th - Hawthorn
Luke Hodge is the only shining light in a team that has lost its direction completely. Shane Crawford hasn't had an impact on the game since he won his Brownlow in 1998, picking up Spida Everrit didn't help the sides cause either. They'll be trading him soon so they could possibly gain something from that, however I can't see them getting over the line next year. Look out for Crawford's retirement sometime in the next couple of years.
12th - Port Adelaide
They won't stop stop stop till they're the top top top. Don't expect Port Adelaide to stop for a long time then.
11th - Geelong
I think disappointment is the only word to describe the Cats last few seasons. High expectations have allowed for this. However the one good thing for Geelong next year is that those same expectations won't be so high and they can go about concentrating on playing footy and rebuilding the club. They'll have a decent year in '07 and may even win half their amount of games, yet it won't be enough to keep up with the other sides.
10th - Richmond
Countless others have told me time and time again that they will make the finals in 2007. After considering this I've had to thing to myself, "why?" I see no seperating this side from the Cats or Port Adelaide and the only reason I've placed them higher is because they have a slightly better list than those two teams. However I will concede that they will hold their place in the top 8 for the first half of the season, then the usual disappointing final 11 games will kick in like it does every other year.
9th - Collingwood
I struggle to work out how they made the finals in '06. Then I remembered, it was because these guys weren't able to break in.....
8th - Kangaroos
Even though there aren't any more home games at Manuka, the Roos will definitely be a much improved side in '07. Expect some awesome draft picks from them this year as they try to replace holes in the side that have been evident for years already. The loss of Sav Rocca will hurt them a little yet other younger players will step up to the plate. Hamish McIntosh, Leigh Brown and Josh Gibson to be big names at the club and make a huge impact.
7th - Melbourne
Last season people would have said the Demons did well to make it into the second week of the finals. In my opinion they got lucky. Neil Daniher does have a great side, yet a side that still hasn't built on its potential and will find that its window of opportunity to have success is about to close. Expect Neitz to retire at seasons end.
6th - Adelaide
And yet another team that is finding time to win a premiership run out. Injuries plagued them last season, this year it will be retirements with the exit of Bigglands and Clark in '06. This hole can't realistically be filled in quickly and the Crows awesome form of 2005 and 2006 will be extremely hard for them to continue. Expect Ricciuto's retirement within 2 years.
5th - St Kilda
They'll improve by one spot next season, possibly with John Longmire at the helm. Look out for a season without major injuries to key players and a huge improvement in front of goal by Riewoldt, who'll place top 4 in the Coleman medal count. Frasier Gherig will have a shocker however, expect retirement rumours next year.
4th - Sydney
A great spot for Sydney to finish. Under the radar is where the Swans like to be as well as attaining underdog status for much of the seaons up until a strong run home in the final few weeks of home and away football. Look out for a Grand Final finish yet again in '07.
3rd - Fremantle
Whoever doesn't attribute the success of the Dockers to Mark Harvey has got a lot to learn about Aussie Rules Footy. He's the reason the side improved dramatically last season and once again he'll have those accolades in '07. The most improved sides in 2007 will be the Kangaroos and the Dockers. Expect Pavlich to finally have a consistent year and Josh Carr to poll highly in the Brownlow.
2nd - Western Bulldogs
And speaking of greatly improved sides. The Doggies were a good team in 2006, and in 2007 they'll be a great team. If Ackermanis is picked up and concentrates on footy they'll do well, if they pick up some height they do even better and if they reach a more cohesive game plan through the midfield, which they will, they'll finish second.
1st - West Coast
Any team that has Chris Judd would be a good side. However footy is a team sport and they would only be a good side, nothing more. Any team that has Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr and Ben Cousins is a better side. However a team cannot only rely on its midfield alone. Throw in the big man Dean Cox and you've got a better run in the middle of the ground. Chuck in flankers Andrew Embley, Ash Hansen and Adam Hunter and the recipe is alllllmost complete. Now you just need an All-Australian fullback and an awesome Full Forward who is continually improving such as Darren Glass and Quinten Lynch.
Expect a more consistent year from an even better Eagles squad, expect a premiership cup again as well as another blockbuster of a grand final match with the Swans.
Well that's it for that. If you have any comments on this post please don't hesitate to put one in.
16th - Essendon
My case for the Dons is more or less their team not being able to make a case for themselves. With Hird approaching retirement, a suspect Mathew Loyd, the skills loss with the departure of Dean Rioli and a growing side, I can't see the Bombers taking more than 8 points for the year. Count next season as Sheedy's last as a coach with a retirement announcement. Look out for a younger coach to take the helm of the side during its resurrection. (Guy McKenna, Mark Harvey)
15th - Brisbane
They've lost leadership with the retirement announcement of Voss, a champion player in Mal Michael and a large list of young, growing players much like the Bombers. Leigh Matthews really doesn't have too much to work with however this all depends on how the draft goes and how they can capitalise on a possible Ackermanis trade. Yet I still can't see this side getting more than 8 wins under its belt.
14th - Carlton
The team on the rise and the one to watch over the next 5 years. Expect them to pick up some great draft picks over the next month and develop their talent as far as possible. This team has the potential to become a powerhouse if upper management gets its act together. Denis Pagan is a great coach who has suffered by coming into a depleted side in recent years, he'll get them up and running again. Look out for Fevola to continually win the Coleman medal for a few more years and possibly kick over 100 goals in a season. The Blues will make the finals in 2008, the top 4 in 2009 and expect them to win a premiership sometime between 2010 to 2012.
13th - Hawthorn
Luke Hodge is the only shining light in a team that has lost its direction completely. Shane Crawford hasn't had an impact on the game since he won his Brownlow in 1998, picking up Spida Everrit didn't help the sides cause either. They'll be trading him soon so they could possibly gain something from that, however I can't see them getting over the line next year. Look out for Crawford's retirement sometime in the next couple of years.
12th - Port Adelaide
They won't stop stop stop till they're the top top top. Don't expect Port Adelaide to stop for a long time then.
11th - Geelong
I think disappointment is the only word to describe the Cats last few seasons. High expectations have allowed for this. However the one good thing for Geelong next year is that those same expectations won't be so high and they can go about concentrating on playing footy and rebuilding the club. They'll have a decent year in '07 and may even win half their amount of games, yet it won't be enough to keep up with the other sides.
10th - Richmond
Countless others have told me time and time again that they will make the finals in 2007. After considering this I've had to thing to myself, "why?" I see no seperating this side from the Cats or Port Adelaide and the only reason I've placed them higher is because they have a slightly better list than those two teams. However I will concede that they will hold their place in the top 8 for the first half of the season, then the usual disappointing final 11 games will kick in like it does every other year.
9th - Collingwood
I struggle to work out how they made the finals in '06. Then I remembered, it was because these guys weren't able to break in.....
8th - Kangaroos
Even though there aren't any more home games at Manuka, the Roos will definitely be a much improved side in '07. Expect some awesome draft picks from them this year as they try to replace holes in the side that have been evident for years already. The loss of Sav Rocca will hurt them a little yet other younger players will step up to the plate. Hamish McIntosh, Leigh Brown and Josh Gibson to be big names at the club and make a huge impact.
7th - Melbourne
Last season people would have said the Demons did well to make it into the second week of the finals. In my opinion they got lucky. Neil Daniher does have a great side, yet a side that still hasn't built on its potential and will find that its window of opportunity to have success is about to close. Expect Neitz to retire at seasons end.
6th - Adelaide
And yet another team that is finding time to win a premiership run out. Injuries plagued them last season, this year it will be retirements with the exit of Bigglands and Clark in '06. This hole can't realistically be filled in quickly and the Crows awesome form of 2005 and 2006 will be extremely hard for them to continue. Expect Ricciuto's retirement within 2 years.
5th - St Kilda
They'll improve by one spot next season, possibly with John Longmire at the helm. Look out for a season without major injuries to key players and a huge improvement in front of goal by Riewoldt, who'll place top 4 in the Coleman medal count. Frasier Gherig will have a shocker however, expect retirement rumours next year.
4th - Sydney
A great spot for Sydney to finish. Under the radar is where the Swans like to be as well as attaining underdog status for much of the seaons up until a strong run home in the final few weeks of home and away football. Look out for a Grand Final finish yet again in '07.
3rd - Fremantle
Whoever doesn't attribute the success of the Dockers to Mark Harvey has got a lot to learn about Aussie Rules Footy. He's the reason the side improved dramatically last season and once again he'll have those accolades in '07. The most improved sides in 2007 will be the Kangaroos and the Dockers. Expect Pavlich to finally have a consistent year and Josh Carr to poll highly in the Brownlow.
2nd - Western Bulldogs
And speaking of greatly improved sides. The Doggies were a good team in 2006, and in 2007 they'll be a great team. If Ackermanis is picked up and concentrates on footy they'll do well, if they pick up some height they do even better and if they reach a more cohesive game plan through the midfield, which they will, they'll finish second.
1st - West Coast
Any team that has Chris Judd would be a good side. However footy is a team sport and they would only be a good side, nothing more. Any team that has Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr and Ben Cousins is a better side. However a team cannot only rely on its midfield alone. Throw in the big man Dean Cox and you've got a better run in the middle of the ground. Chuck in flankers Andrew Embley, Ash Hansen and Adam Hunter and the recipe is alllllmost complete. Now you just need an All-Australian fullback and an awesome Full Forward who is continually improving such as Darren Glass and Quinten Lynch.
Expect a more consistent year from an even better Eagles squad, expect a premiership cup again as well as another blockbuster of a grand final match with the Swans.
Well that's it for that. If you have any comments on this post please don't hesitate to put one in.
5.10.06
Quick Ramblings
Draft Camp Update: It appears that Bryce Gibbs has been receiving quite a lot of media attention as of late. The South Aussie says that he would like to be picked up by the Crows for next season. However it is more than likely the Glenelg star will be heading to Victoria, more specifically; The Blues.
And speaking of Carlton, the club has become under increased pressure to hold on to their precious 1st, 17th and 19th picks with interest circulating around Gibbs and other highly rated youngsters.
In a statement to the media, coach Denis Pagan told reporters emphatically that the club would definitely hold on to those picks.
Very smart.
It would appear unwise, regarding the current form of the club, to NOT pick up a top draft. Snaring a talented young player is the beginning of the rebuilding phase that is long overdue at Carlton.
However all of the Blues' problems aren't weighed on their list of players. If you ask me they actually have a decent team, however upper management has consistently jeapordised the clubs chances in recent years, particularly with salary cap breaches and the following consequences.
Season '07
178 days to folks and the 2007 AFL season officialy begins. I always find it exciting to get the schedule for year and find out useless stats such as who has the most home games and who plays away the most, which team travels the most, that sort of thing.
One thing we can all count on is that it will no doubt be another season dominated by the usual clubs. Be sure to see West Coast, Adelaide, Sydney, Freo, St Kilda and Melbourne at the top. However the one big tip for next season from myself is that the Bulldogs will finish second. Yep that's right you heard it here first folks! The boys from Footscray are my tip to snare the second chance come finals time and maybe even make a big impact. Check out my end of season ladder prediction at the bottom of this site to see the rest of my tips.
When will the coach come marching in?
Much like the tune to the Saints club song, the question on the minds of all the boys at St Kilda now is; who will be coaching us in 2007?
My big tip is the favourite for the position, John Longmire. However let's not count out the others involved. For instance, former Eagle premiership player Guy McKenna is still in the running, something I'd like to see as well is him get the job, then there can be 3 former Eagles coaching in the AFL. That other former coach, Dean Laidley has apparently been approached yet I'd put that down to severe speculation as I can't see the Saints going after a current head coach. Plus I'd like to see Laidley at the Roos for a few more years and get them some success, the poor guy has copped enough.
Without digressing, let me just say how disgusting it was of St Kilda management to get rid of Grant Thomas in the first place. The guy is a great coach. He led them to some great success in 2004. They were a bit quieter last year and this year but the team suffered some hard injuries to big stars and they lost some very close matches. A couple more years with Thomas at the helm of this team could have seen them make the GF and possibly even win a premiership, however now the club has taken a step back. My tip for the Saints next year is for a top 5 finish due to a strong second half of the season. However my tip is also that they'll bow out in the first week of the finals.
And to finish
Spida Everitt is inching closer to becoming a Swan. The player in the AFL with the worst win loss record is looking for his third home in the past 4 years. I don't like this move at all. Much like the sacking of Grant Thomas, it is yet another step backwards for another club. The Swans could do better than pick up a veteran who is down on form. Of course they need height and they need a good ruckman, however there are other avenues to explore which I believe that the Swans have not looked at.
I'll leave you all with that for tonight. Look for this spot tomorrow where I explain my predicted ladder for next season.
Seeya!
And speaking of Carlton, the club has become under increased pressure to hold on to their precious 1st, 17th and 19th picks with interest circulating around Gibbs and other highly rated youngsters.
In a statement to the media, coach Denis Pagan told reporters emphatically that the club would definitely hold on to those picks.
Very smart.
It would appear unwise, regarding the current form of the club, to NOT pick up a top draft. Snaring a talented young player is the beginning of the rebuilding phase that is long overdue at Carlton.
However all of the Blues' problems aren't weighed on their list of players. If you ask me they actually have a decent team, however upper management has consistently jeapordised the clubs chances in recent years, particularly with salary cap breaches and the following consequences.
Season '07
178 days to folks and the 2007 AFL season officialy begins. I always find it exciting to get the schedule for year and find out useless stats such as who has the most home games and who plays away the most, which team travels the most, that sort of thing.
One thing we can all count on is that it will no doubt be another season dominated by the usual clubs. Be sure to see West Coast, Adelaide, Sydney, Freo, St Kilda and Melbourne at the top. However the one big tip for next season from myself is that the Bulldogs will finish second. Yep that's right you heard it here first folks! The boys from Footscray are my tip to snare the second chance come finals time and maybe even make a big impact. Check out my end of season ladder prediction at the bottom of this site to see the rest of my tips.
When will the coach come marching in?
Much like the tune to the Saints club song, the question on the minds of all the boys at St Kilda now is; who will be coaching us in 2007?
My big tip is the favourite for the position, John Longmire. However let's not count out the others involved. For instance, former Eagle premiership player Guy McKenna is still in the running, something I'd like to see as well is him get the job, then there can be 3 former Eagles coaching in the AFL. That other former coach, Dean Laidley has apparently been approached yet I'd put that down to severe speculation as I can't see the Saints going after a current head coach. Plus I'd like to see Laidley at the Roos for a few more years and get them some success, the poor guy has copped enough.
Without digressing, let me just say how disgusting it was of St Kilda management to get rid of Grant Thomas in the first place. The guy is a great coach. He led them to some great success in 2004. They were a bit quieter last year and this year but the team suffered some hard injuries to big stars and they lost some very close matches. A couple more years with Thomas at the helm of this team could have seen them make the GF and possibly even win a premiership, however now the club has taken a step back. My tip for the Saints next year is for a top 5 finish due to a strong second half of the season. However my tip is also that they'll bow out in the first week of the finals.
And to finish
Spida Everitt is inching closer to becoming a Swan. The player in the AFL with the worst win loss record is looking for his third home in the past 4 years. I don't like this move at all. Much like the sacking of Grant Thomas, it is yet another step backwards for another club. The Swans could do better than pick up a veteran who is down on form. Of course they need height and they need a good ruckman, however there are other avenues to explore which I believe that the Swans have not looked at.
I'll leave you all with that for tonight. Look for this spot tomorrow where I explain my predicted ladder for next season.
Seeya!
3.10.06
First Edition - Season Ends, Draft Begins
Hi and welcome to the very first post on the blog 100% dedicated to the AFL and Aussie Rules Footy. Tonight we'll take a quick look at; the up-coming draft, some young rookies to look out for, players that may be traded, and what deals could be struck between clubs.
G'day and welcome to Up There Cazaly. Hopefully this blog can become, over the years, a mecca for fans of AFL who are starved of information and footy action over the summer break. With the exodus of Fox Footy recently I understand what all you footy fans are going through. You can never get enough of the greatest sport on Earth.
Well today was the official beginning of the AFL draft camp. At the moment the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra is a hub of activity with scouts, club officials and coaching staff closely analysing the most talented and gifted footballers in the country.
72 young players will make the trip to the capital while another 115 will remain in their cities and take part in state-based screenings.
The tip this season is that the 3 important names to watch out for are; Bryce Gibbs, Lachlan Hansen and Scott Gumbleton from Perth.
Although the draft is a great way for clubs to get a first-hand look at some players they'd like to recruit next season, it's not always the way most AFL stars get their start. State leagues such as the WAFL and SANFL still contain un-drafted young players who improve dramatically over time and reach their peak performance in their early 20's or late teens. Rather than being invited to the draft, they will be picked up by a local team via the Colts system, play a few brilliant seasons for them and then they will get the attention of AFL clubs.
However there are those young players who really do have what it takes yet lack the dedication and love of the sport in order to make a career out of it.
For example, I remember my final year in junior footy. It was the Marist 17's in 1999. We won the premiership and I was surrounded by some of the most talented athletes I'd ever had the pleasure of calling a team-mate.
Of course I was lucky to be quite athletic as well in my youth (and if I'd actually played on a little longer and tried out for colts who knows...) however I was nowhere near as naturally gifted as many of these guys. The skill and pace at which they played the game was very judd-esque. The one little problem was in their attitude.
Now I'm not bagging anyone out here because these were all top blokes, very reliant and someone you'd want down in the trenches beside you. However most of them lacked the passion or the dedication to really call footy a career. It's a sad thing when you think about it because I can remember leaving training sessions with these guys and wondering if they'd be playing for an AFL club the very next year.
Andrew Embley is a good mate of my cousin Dave. As you all know Andrew won the Norm Smith medal in West Coast's grand final win over Sydney. I've had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions and watching him play back in his pre-AFL days. We all knew then what everyone knows now, the boy can PLAY.
We knew he was gonna be an AFL career man because of his dedication. You could see it out on the field, you could see it when he talked.
I remember finding out the very next year that Andrew had been drafted into the rookie list by West Coast. I was pleased to see that because not only had he broken into the AFL at such a young age, but he was playing for the team I had supported since 1987. And I knew that West Coast would be the perfect team to develop a young player. Look what they've done with Cousins, Judd, Glass, Waters, Cox, Kerr......the list goes on and on.
Remember, it's not always raw talent and skill that make a great player; it's also the way the club develops their skills, their talent, their pace, their leadership qualities, their determination and their desire for success.
The AFL may be a business, but it's still a passionate sport, and the players, while they should be brought up to be professional, should also be allowed to tap into their raw desire to be the best and to play with a fiery passion.
This is why only the most dedicated players will really cut it in the AFL. However there are sometimes when that doesn't hold true.
Take for instance Shane Woewodin. The 2000 Brownlow Medallist. Hailed as one of the greatest players at the time. Where is he today? At East Fremantle that's where. Why?
Shane did everything right. He didn't touch a drop of alcohol at all. He trained harder than any other player. He had awesome ball skills. A great determination. He always strived to be better.
Well in 2002 Melbourne was struggling to fit under the salary cap. Shane offered to take a pay-cut to allow the club to afford other certain players. The club wouldn't listen to him. Instead they traded Shane and he ended up at Collingwood where he had a miserable couple of seasons. He was then approached by the Kangaroos, a club where it looked like Shane would probably see out the rest of his career. This wasn't to be the case in the end. The Roos looked past him and sought out a younger player, a player who ended up dropping right out of AFL altogether.
Apparently now Shane wants to make a come-back in 2007, however with the way current drafts are being performed at the moment and with Shane having turned 30 this year, this seems highly unlikely.
Now onto some possible trades for next year. Hopefully there won't be anything as stupid as the 'Camporeale trade' the Bombers made last season.
However the only thing that could top that would be a 'Gardiner trade' by the Bombers, who are set to take an early draft pick and really begin a rebuilding phase at the club.
Carlton get the first pick for the second season running, perhaps their scouts are working overtime to work out what the smartest pick would be. However they also have the option of giving up some picks in return for a good trade. Players such as Jason Ackermanis and Peter Everitt are on the hunt for a new club. However Jason would be the better decision as 'Spida' is more than likely to end up at the Swans.
The Eagles, having won the premiership aren't really in a position to look at top draft picks, however they do have the Gardiner card to play and it would appear that a trade of the ruckman to a club over east would mean a swap of a draft pick. The Eagles however do have a quality side and a number of players who have been under utilised in 2006. Perhaps 2007 will be their year to build experience and become staples in the team.
So that's it for this first edition of 'Up There Cazaly'. If you have any comments please don't hesitate to post them here and remember to keep visiting as this blog will be updated often, even in the off-season.
Catchyalater!
G'day and welcome to Up There Cazaly. Hopefully this blog can become, over the years, a mecca for fans of AFL who are starved of information and footy action over the summer break. With the exodus of Fox Footy recently I understand what all you footy fans are going through. You can never get enough of the greatest sport on Earth.
Well today was the official beginning of the AFL draft camp. At the moment the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra is a hub of activity with scouts, club officials and coaching staff closely analysing the most talented and gifted footballers in the country.
72 young players will make the trip to the capital while another 115 will remain in their cities and take part in state-based screenings.
The tip this season is that the 3 important names to watch out for are; Bryce Gibbs, Lachlan Hansen and Scott Gumbleton from Perth.
Although the draft is a great way for clubs to get a first-hand look at some players they'd like to recruit next season, it's not always the way most AFL stars get their start. State leagues such as the WAFL and SANFL still contain un-drafted young players who improve dramatically over time and reach their peak performance in their early 20's or late teens. Rather than being invited to the draft, they will be picked up by a local team via the Colts system, play a few brilliant seasons for them and then they will get the attention of AFL clubs.
However there are those young players who really do have what it takes yet lack the dedication and love of the sport in order to make a career out of it.
For example, I remember my final year in junior footy. It was the Marist 17's in 1999. We won the premiership and I was surrounded by some of the most talented athletes I'd ever had the pleasure of calling a team-mate.
Of course I was lucky to be quite athletic as well in my youth (and if I'd actually played on a little longer and tried out for colts who knows...) however I was nowhere near as naturally gifted as many of these guys. The skill and pace at which they played the game was very judd-esque. The one little problem was in their attitude.
Now I'm not bagging anyone out here because these were all top blokes, very reliant and someone you'd want down in the trenches beside you. However most of them lacked the passion or the dedication to really call footy a career. It's a sad thing when you think about it because I can remember leaving training sessions with these guys and wondering if they'd be playing for an AFL club the very next year.
Andrew Embley is a good mate of my cousin Dave. As you all know Andrew won the Norm Smith medal in West Coast's grand final win over Sydney. I've had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions and watching him play back in his pre-AFL days. We all knew then what everyone knows now, the boy can PLAY.
We knew he was gonna be an AFL career man because of his dedication. You could see it out on the field, you could see it when he talked.
I remember finding out the very next year that Andrew had been drafted into the rookie list by West Coast. I was pleased to see that because not only had he broken into the AFL at such a young age, but he was playing for the team I had supported since 1987. And I knew that West Coast would be the perfect team to develop a young player. Look what they've done with Cousins, Judd, Glass, Waters, Cox, Kerr......the list goes on and on.
Remember, it's not always raw talent and skill that make a great player; it's also the way the club develops their skills, their talent, their pace, their leadership qualities, their determination and their desire for success.
The AFL may be a business, but it's still a passionate sport, and the players, while they should be brought up to be professional, should also be allowed to tap into their raw desire to be the best and to play with a fiery passion.
This is why only the most dedicated players will really cut it in the AFL. However there are sometimes when that doesn't hold true.
Take for instance Shane Woewodin. The 2000 Brownlow Medallist. Hailed as one of the greatest players at the time. Where is he today? At East Fremantle that's where. Why?
Shane did everything right. He didn't touch a drop of alcohol at all. He trained harder than any other player. He had awesome ball skills. A great determination. He always strived to be better.
Well in 2002 Melbourne was struggling to fit under the salary cap. Shane offered to take a pay-cut to allow the club to afford other certain players. The club wouldn't listen to him. Instead they traded Shane and he ended up at Collingwood where he had a miserable couple of seasons. He was then approached by the Kangaroos, a club where it looked like Shane would probably see out the rest of his career. This wasn't to be the case in the end. The Roos looked past him and sought out a younger player, a player who ended up dropping right out of AFL altogether.
Apparently now Shane wants to make a come-back in 2007, however with the way current drafts are being performed at the moment and with Shane having turned 30 this year, this seems highly unlikely.
Now onto some possible trades for next year. Hopefully there won't be anything as stupid as the 'Camporeale trade' the Bombers made last season.
However the only thing that could top that would be a 'Gardiner trade' by the Bombers, who are set to take an early draft pick and really begin a rebuilding phase at the club.
Carlton get the first pick for the second season running, perhaps their scouts are working overtime to work out what the smartest pick would be. However they also have the option of giving up some picks in return for a good trade. Players such as Jason Ackermanis and Peter Everitt are on the hunt for a new club. However Jason would be the better decision as 'Spida' is more than likely to end up at the Swans.
The Eagles, having won the premiership aren't really in a position to look at top draft picks, however they do have the Gardiner card to play and it would appear that a trade of the ruckman to a club over east would mean a swap of a draft pick. The Eagles however do have a quality side and a number of players who have been under utilised in 2006. Perhaps 2007 will be their year to build experience and become staples in the team.
So that's it for this first edition of 'Up There Cazaly'. If you have any comments please don't hesitate to post them here and remember to keep visiting as this blog will be updated often, even in the off-season.
Catchyalater!
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