Walker our new CHB

ThePsychologist · **Joined:** Sun May 03, 2009 9:52 am **Posts:** 7893

ThePsychologist wrote:

A couple of things we need to remember with Walker. He has played bugger all footy for the past few years because of injury. Prior to that he was a talented 1st round draft pick that hadn't really established himself yet. He also had a debut game that set his expectations ridiculously high.

He has only played 90 games in 6 years in one the worst sides going around. This can have the effect of cutting corners and getting away with things you may not in better sides.

Go watch Walker at training he is fantastic. Very fit, athletic and doesn't stop and in time trials even beats Judd.

IMO he has been moved around and because of his running capability has been labelled as purely a midfielder. The issue I see is that he is not a natural 'ball magnet' and has trouble finding the ball in open play and thus is frustrated and runs harder.

I like the idea of him playing CHB for several reasons:

1. He is allowed to settle down in one role and show his worth.
2. He will be lead to the ball.
3. He will understand that his main role is to beat his opponent. Getting the ball will then naturally develop after.
4. Even though his disposal has been poor having the opportunity to run straight I believe given time and confidence it will settle.
5. He has a fantastic vertical leap and can match most fwds. Match ups will be the key for him. I see him playing well on Gumbleton, Staker, Reiwoldt, Hentschell, Murphy, Anthony, Bate, Kennedy etc. IMO he has atleast broken even on the last two games this year.
6. He will add to the flexibility and run of our defence. He along with Bower and Jamo surrounded by runners make a more dangerous and attacking defence. Guys like these and Armfield, AJ, Russell really have the ability to run and carry and break lines.
7. He is still young and has time and gives his all.

For what's its worth I think he is worth persisting with and to be fair he was one of our only real triers last week, I just hope that Ratts and Co persist with him in the role as they did with Russell. Amazing what can happen when given a chance! :thanks:

Yeh Baby!!!!!!!!!! :smoking:

blue4 · **Joined:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:04 pm **Posts:** 976

dannyboy wrote:

very good game from tex today.

Over rated it's what Thornton does week in week out.

Resolve in the team is what was pleasing and should be consistent... we will see.

camel · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 5:59 pm

Looked very good today and was clearly in our best. A better test would be to keep him in the same role against the Cats next week. Tougher opposition will give a better indication as to the long term possibilities here.

Apart from that, thoguh. :thumbsup:

ThePsychologist · **Joined:** Sun May 03, 2009 9:52 am **Posts:** 7893

blue4 wrote:

dannyboy wrote:

very good game from tex today.

Over rated it's what Thornton does week in week out.

Resolve in the team is what was pleasing and should be consistent... we will see.

A little ray of sunshine................................... :lol:

Cazzesman · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 6:09 pm

ThePsychologist wrote:

A couple of things we need to remember with Walker. He has played bugger all footy for the past few years because of injury. Prior to that he was a talented 1st round draft pick that hadn't really established himself yet. He also had a debut game that set his expectations ridiculously high.

He has only played 90 games in 6 years in one the worst sides going around. This can have the effect of cutting corners and getting away with things you may not in better sides.

Go watch Walker at training he is fantastic. Very fit, athletic and doesn't stop and in time trials even beats Judd.

IMO he has been moved around and because of his running capability has been labelled as purely a midfielder. The issue I see is that he is not a natural 'ball magnet' and has trouble finding the ball in open play and thus is frustrated and runs harder.

I like the idea of him playing CHB for several reasons:

1. He is allowed to settle down in one role and show his worth.
2. He will be lead to the ball.
3. He will understand that his main role is to beat his opponent. Getting the ball will then naturally develop after.
4. Even though his disposal has been poor having the opportunity to run straight I believe given time and confidence it will settle.
5. He has a fantastic vertical leap and can match most fwds. Match ups will be the key for him. I see him playing well on Gumbleton, Staker, Reiwoldt, Hentschell, Murphy, Anthony, Bate, Kennedy etc. IMO he has atleast broken even on the last two games this year.
6. He will add to the flexibility and run of our defence. He along with Bower and Jamo surrounded by runners make a more dangerous and attacking defence. Guys like these and Armfield, AJ, Russell really have the ability to run and carry and break lines.
7. He is still young and has time and gives his all.

For what's its worth I think he is worth persisting with and to be fair he was one of our only real triers last week, I just hope that Ratts and Co persist with him in the role as they did with Russell. Amazing what can happen when given a chance! :thanks:

Yeh Baby!!!!!!!!!! :smoking:

Steady Dr. Consistency hasn't been his biggest forte' :yikes:

But I am very happy for him, Ratts and of course yourself for getting one right :wink:

Hopefully all 3 of you get on a roll now :thumbsup:

Regards Cazzesman

ThePsychologist · **Joined:** Sun May 03, 2009 9:52 am **Posts:** 7893

I know Cazz and he will have ups and downs but the kid has been through hell and I am happy for him.

Cazzesman · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 6:11 pm

blue4 wrote:

dannyboy wrote:

very good game from tex today.

Over rated it's what Thornton does week in week out.

Resolve in the team is what was pleasing and should be consistent... we will see.

You are a miserable supporter aren't you. Is it too difficult to be happy for the lad? :roll:

Regards Cazzesman

aramari · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 6:13 pm

Blighty thought walker was BOG ahead of Judd FWIW

Juddy&theKruezers · **Joined:** Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:12 pm **Posts:** 4426

aramari wrote:

Blighty thought walker was BOG ahead of Judd FWIW

And he was...although Judd....well he was at least on equal par...I would take 1AW over Thornton in the back half any day of the week because he brings so much more to the table...

blue4 · **Joined:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:04 pm **Posts:** 976

Cazzesman wrote:

blue4 wrote:

dannyboy wrote:

very good game from tex today.

Over rated it's what Thornton does week in week out.

Resolve in the team is what was pleasing and should be consistent... we will see.

You are a miserable supporter aren't you. Is it too difficult to be happy for the lad? :roll:

Regards Cazzesman

He's not a kid anymore - I want consistent output. Very happy with his performance in my top three today as was Thornton when he played loose man in defence. I want the same resolve every single week.

Mrs Caz · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 6:19 pm

So why couldn't you just say you were happy with his game, rather than say it was over rated?

Posting like this (and I mean all posters who do it) only reinforces the view of a negative poster.

blue4 · **Joined:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:04 pm **Posts:** 976

Thorntons performances were also over rated - make no mistake..

Loose man in defence getting easy kicks was the best gig on the ground.

Not overly concerned about Walker getting easy kicks more ecstatic with Lucas getting his hard kicks. What a star.

aramari · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 6:26 pm

I've never thought Walks lacked resolve. Form, confidence, continuity and a position have been his issues.

blue4 · **Joined:** Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:04 pm **Posts:** 976

Perhaps.... I dont see it that way not saying it's correct either -- I just think he lacks temprement.

frank dardew · **Joined:** Mon Feb 28, 2005 12:38 pm **Posts:** 7640

His best game for awhile if not BOG -then second to the beautiful bald man

A couple of clangers today but seemed to spear pretty well his passes today -never lacked grunt or resolve -needs confidence and todays game would have given him a lot
Gave a lot of run and seemed more composed today -well done Andrew top game

DesEnglish · **Joined:** Fri May 18, 2007 2:10 pm **Posts:** 2873

Was very good today and exactly what he needs going forward. If he can be the third tall when Bower comes back things will really start to take shape down back.

jimmae · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 8:42 pm

blue4 wrote:

Thorntons performances were also over rated - make no mistake..

Loose man in defence getting easy kicks was the best gig on the ground.

Not overly concerned about Walker getting easy kicks more ecstatic with Lucas getting his hard kicks. What a star.

Walker didn't get easy kicks floating about... he worked hard to create an option for his team mates to dispose to, then executed when he had the ball. Exactly what Bower does every week. If you feel like I'm singling you out, you're right: you keep making thoughtless comments.

Well done Walks, I didn't think you could just flip a switch and improve your balance of decision making and execution, but apparently you can. :razz:

Bookie · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 9:26 pm

I suspect early on Adelaide was zoning off letting him have it, because it was coming back their way anyway.
Fair play he got better as the game went on and he worked hard all game.

get rid of the hacks · **Joined:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:53 am **Posts:** 1194

Cazzesman wrote:

"3 votes Andrew Walker. he controlled the Half back line all game" - Malcolm Blight

Regards Cazzesman

I've been a harsh critic but he was fantastic today and got my 3 also.

Ponkstar · **Posted:** Sat Apr 17, 2010 10:15 pm

Sheesh people if you are happy to criticise when he plays poorly at least give credit where & when it's due. Walker was great today and hopefully his confidence will grow from it.

Walker our new CHB

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