Grape Ape wrote:Speccy02 wrote:Whats everyones thoughts on Portlock being "selected" for the Southern Districts side this weekend in Pirie.
Hasnt he only just got back from overseas a month or so ago.
I guess this puts to rest the discussion on whether players get picked for these types of teams on reputation or form.....
Dont get me wrong, I know Portlock is a great player and has performed in these games in the past, but
does it take away from being selected in the side if a player thats only played a handful of games and hasnt done preseason or anything to come straight in.From what I have been told it was the selectors that contacted Portlock and therefor is
certainly nothing against him. but does make a bit of a mockery of the selection process in my opinion. Surely there are plenty of qulaity players that have played a full season that could get the call up.
The other question is how can a squad that gets selected from three leagues be "ringing around" to get players??
He wasn't in the initial zone or GSFL squads for the reasons you've highlighted but made himself available for both. He was the runner for the GSFL team. Spots became available after guys who were given the first opportunity pulled out. Now you've got a 2010 All-Australian whose been committed to and performed in rep footy for best part of the last decade champing at the bit to go again - who would you call? And for the record there's been nothing wrong with his form. Unless you can name someone who deserves it more it sounds like there's a bit of tall poppy syndrome going on here.
How about you get off your high horse Grape Ape and read a post properly.
No where have I tried to "cut down" Portlock or any other players in fact I complimented him on being successful in these carnivals in the past.
My point was (as highlighted in bold) that it seems like bit of a joke if a team that has 3 leagues to pick from is ringing around to get players out. (no matter who they are ringing)
I'll repeat myself again (for grape ape) In my opinion it makes a great thing like being selected for a SD team a bit of a mockery when they are calling around to fill the team 3 days before the carnival. (makes it sound like more of a social basketball team).
In answer to your question about anyone who deserves it more I would say anyone who actually played in the GSFL / SFL association game. He was obviously a runner in that game for a reason..... Once again nothing against portlock or any other "tall poppies" just stating that 42 players played that game plus any other selectable players from KI for a reason.
On your reasoning GA if portlock is keen to play in 10 years and they have to ring around then he is the one to call..... If not at what point do they stop selecting players on what theyve done and select the side from the best that have played THAT YEAR.
