ryan2000 wrote:
I think we should throw out our recruiting department though!
I'm gonna cop crap for this, but that's ok! It's my opinion - you don't have to aggree with me.
I'm not happy with Russell as our choice and was somewhat confused when we picked him up on draft day! Sure, i've seen his skills AND watched him on a few occasions last year - but as pick 9 i think there were at least 6 players that i can think of that should have gone before him.
Chris Egan (had a killer year last year for Murray and was continually standing in Deledio's Shadow)
Pattison (was my choice as he will be a future leader and Ruck king of the AFL, not to mention the fact that he is a damn fine goalkicker and decent forward!)
McQualter (Don't let the mostouche fool you - will be a great hard-at-it midfielder!)
Monfires (Couldn't stop thinking of Brett Ratten whenever i watched this kid!!!!!!!!!)
Danny Myer (was dumbfounded when Bulldogs used pick 6 on a project player when they could have snaped up this kid????? Was even more dumbfounded when we let him go to!)
I was happy with our Hartlett choice and despite the fact that i didn't even know his name last year - i was also happy with Raso being picked up (but was aprehensive to begin with!)
Our first round draft picks from the past 10 years have been shit! SHIT! there is no other way to put it (Walker aside that is!)
If we stuff up picks 1 & 3 (2 & 4) this year then we really have something to worry about and to be honest, i just don't trust them enough to get it right!
So let me get this right in my own mind .......
You want to get rid of the CFC recruiting manager after
1 year in the seat because you think he got it wrong picking Russell.
You were confused on draft day when he picked Russell because you saw him play in 3 (?) games last year. Did Russell play badly in your view in the those 3 games??? How was the rest of Russells year in SA ????
Did you watch Buddy Franklin last year?? Would you have drafted him top 5 on those 3 games. Did you watch Clarke this year??? Would you draft him top 10 on those 3 games. Did you watch Kennedy this year?? Would you draft him top 15 on those 3 games?? Just wondering if 3 games is really enough of a sample???
Getting back to last years draft.........You say you are happy with the choice of Harlett, who has been injured most of the year and hasn't had the chance to show anything as yet. You are happy with Raso who is running around for Hailebury and was an educated late pick at best that may or may not work. Did you see him play for the Stingrays last year or for Hailebury????
I presume you are happy with the choice of Bryant so far????
Backwell? I can only presume you are happy with him because you didn't mention him earlier.
You like the look of Egan. Yes he goes okay but if he continues to shirk contests when the heat is on how long do you think he will last at AFL level. Would it interest you to know that Collingwood where going to pick Russell at pick 10 if we had passed on him. The Pies actually thought Russell would make it through to pick 10 so they gave up there original pick 7 in another deal and missed out on their man. Egan was their 2nd choice. Lets see if he has the desire and 100% commitment to play another 3 years let alone 10 years. There's alot more to playing AFL then getting a kick. Just ask Angwin.
Pattison is decent tall and I rated him but he is up and down with his form in the VFL and his overall lack of mobility still might be in question at AFL level.
McQualter. Now you know I'm a fan but he was not a top 10 pick even in my eyes. CFC needed to inject an agile, very quick ball carrier into the team and Mini is not in that mould. Mini is an extractor at the contest. Yes we did need a Mini as well but we also needed what we got in Russell.
Monfires. Very good talent and was a possible pick 9 but he is 180cm and at that height has some limits where he might play. Russell can basically play HB, Wing, HF and onball in years to come.
Meyer. Good talent but not overly quick. Skills are solid but in years to come there is every chance Russell will leave him for dead.
You say.......IF they stuff up and you DON'T trust them enoguh to get it right.
On one draft you have arrived at these views. My opinion is that it is hardly what you would call a reasonable 'Core Sample' to make that call......even if it is just your opinion.
Oh by the way........50% of the recruiting staff did change over at the start of 2005 so for the new staff, it is actually their first year.
Regards Cazzesman
PS. Anyone see Crowley (kicked 4 goals), Mundy (rising star nominee this year), Murphy and Thornton play for Freo on Sunday. Apparently they went okay. Anyone know who recruited those 4 to Freo???