Eagle News #2 – 2009 Pre-Season cont.

[ferret]

Very poor planning Eagles.
No back up strategy if Biglands fell over, no back up plan if we did not get Skippy.
It's no good saying we had a few irons in the fire, something must eventuate.
Our recruiting over the last three years has been impotent.
Lets hope the club is not banking on Sam Jacobs being delisted by Carlton next year. We should be going all out now to find a suitable ruckman.
Our supporter base/member numbers is very tenuous, these people want to see something happening within the club. Some exuberance to keep their interest up is required right now from the club.

[Big Phil]

Very poor planning Eagles.
No back up strategy if Biglands fell over, no back up plan if we did not get Skippy.
It's no good saying we had a few irons in the fire, something must eventuate.
Our recruiting over the last three years has been impotent.
Lets hope the club is not banking on Sam Jacobs being delisted by Carlton next year. We should be going all out now to find a suitable ruckman.
Our supporter base/member numbers is very tenuous, these people want to see something happening within the club. Some exuberance to keep their interest up is required right now from the club.

This was from Ronnie Fuller on the 5RPH Summer Sports Show last night...

Interesting to hear Ronnie Fuller talk about his sqaud for the season ahead. Confirming that Rhett Biglands won't be pulling on the boots in the SANFL this season, Fireman Fuller spoke about hoping young Power lised Jarred Redden will step up and play some good league footy as well as a couple of "local" recruits from Henley and Clare to help Dabrowski in ruck.

I can't remember the 2 boys names but Ron said they are more versatile KPP who pinch hit in the ruck and are training really well on the track (and in the pool in these conditions !!) He described them as "bullocking and bustling type players much like Buckets Mackenzie from Centrals".

If I were an Eagles supporter I wouldn't mind a couple of players in the same ilk as Buckets Mackenzie in my side...

I guess time will tell and we will have to wait and see how these local recruits work out. Similar circumstances when Buckets came to Centrals from Kapunda, except he did do his time in the 2's before proving himself at league level. These 2 Eagles lads may just have to be fast tracked to back up Dabrowski in ruck if young Redden doesn't come up with the goods.

[matt1]

How many back up plans can you have? The club actually signed Hayden Skipworth and had committed to him. No one thought that he would get drafted until the last minute. All of the good players are committed to clubs before the draft so if the club erred anywhere it was going for Skipworth in the first place.

Unfortunately though it would be the same people whinging that the Eagles didn't get Skipworth that are whinging now for not having a back up plan.

We all heard Ron last night. He is happy that he has enough back up. I personally dont think we have but we should judge him during the season and see if he has been correct. If he hasn't then we can all call for his head - if he is right then we'll all put our hands up and bow to our coach - someone who has the best record outside of Centrals over the past 10 years.

Don't worry, I'll lead the charge if we don't finish in the finals this year but I can't see that happening as our three recruits are quality, McGregor, Cheep and Westbrook will no doubt add something to our team and who have we actually lost that was a regular player at League level?

I am sick to death of the same people whinging year in year out on this forum. We should give the new bloke in there the time to actually make decisions on what is best for the footy club in the long term.

[Mickyj]

How many back up plans can you have? The club actually signed Hayden Skipworth and had committed to him. No one thought that he would get drafted until the last minute. All of the good players are committed to clubs before the draft so if the club erred anywhere it was going for Skipworth in the first place.

Unfortunately though it would be the same people whinging that the Eagles didn't get Skipworth that are whinging now for not having a back up plan.

We all heard Ron last night. He is happy that he has enough back up. I personally dont think we have but we should judge him during the season and see if he has been correct. If he hasn't then we can all call for his head - if he is right then we'll all put our hands up and bow to our coach - someone who has the best record outside of Centrals over the past 10 years.

Don't worry, I'll lead the charge if we don't finish in the finals this year but I can't see that happening as our three recruits are quality, McGregor, Cheep and Westbrook will no doubt add something to our team and who have we actually lost that was a regular player at League level?

I am sick to death of the same people whinging year in year out on this forum. We should give the new bloke in there the time to actually make decisions on what is best for the footy club in the long term.

If we as Eagle fans look past the Skippy and Biglands not playing.I think the biggest difference from this time last year to now is we really have heard nothing.
last year we heard about everything this year we have heard very little to nothing.
Not sure which approach I like more hearing everything little thing or knowing nothing.
Holdens and schimma's comments are interesting should we re approach those named players.In other words go back to go forward .Or trust in Ron with these zone lads .
Perhaps to er on the side of Caution and trust in Ron as we ALL KNOW THIS IS RON'S LAST CONTRACTED YEAR.Another year like 08(it looked better than it was)in 09 and Ron will know what to do.

Cheers

[Brodlach]

People keep mentioning Kenny as a recruit. What will Kenny bring that he didnt last year?. He played more games for the Eagles last year than in the AFL.

[JK]

People keep mentioning Kenny as a recruit. What will Kenny bring that he didnt last year?. He played more games for the Eagles last year than in the AFL.

As an opposition supporter I reckon Kenny is a commanding figure down back, aerially there aren't much better ... I also have a feeling that he'll improve on last years effort just by way of training with the 1 set of lads and being fully focussed and committed to just the one club.

I guess only time will tell on that.

[ferret]

It was mentioned very early that Essendon/Knights were looking to pick up a mature age recruit and Skippy's excellent relationship with Knights made him an obvious choice, but supporters ridiculed the possibility of Skippy being redrafted but it has now happened.................the signs were there early enough.

David Westbrook has only been training for a week, how far behind will he be in fitness, and don't give me this crap he is a farm boy and is naturally fit. He will end up playing in the reserves under done and get an injury and ruin his season.

Have makeshift ruckmen ever worked!!!!!!!!!

We were clearly beaten in ruck most games last year with two supposed league ruckmen.

[Mickyj]

It was mentioned very early that Essendon/Knights were looking to pick up a mature age recruit and Skippy's excellent relationship with Knights made him an obvious choice, but supporters ridiculed the possibility of Skippy being redrafted but it has now happened.................the signs were there early enough.

David Westbrook has only been training for a week, how far behind will he be in fitness, and don't give me this crap he is a farm boy and is naturally fit. He will end up playing in the reserves under done and get an injury and ruin his season.

Have makeshift ruckmen ever worked!!!!!!!!!

We were clearly beaten in ruck most games last year with two supposed league ruckmen.

So what can the club do now do u think Ferret ?
shouldn't you be doing some packing Ferret ?

[holden78]

So now after listening to Fuller on 5rph last night , all this speculation has been confirmed . Ron seems resigned to the fact that Dobba has 18 year old Redden & 24 year old rookie Cullen to back him up ! What about plan B & C when injuries come ? Again I say there is no way we have used all our cap $ yet , even the radio guys last night stated to Fuller that we are short in the big man dept. . It looks like 08 all over again ! We must have some very stubborn , short sighted decision makers at the Eagles if their struggling with very basic list management decisions like this ! Or are those powered with the tasks just simply too lazy to get out there & work damn hard to secure a target . Its too hot ? Too far away to drive or fly ? As Ive said before , its a test of whether lessons have been learned from 07 & 08 ! I know Fullers still got the passion for this years challenges , but it appears the Board is happy to just float along & HOPE its 06 all over again . Centrals dont sit back & dream of recruits , their always pro active if they have list deficiencies ala 06 ! Its no wonder the AGM is a waste of time attending !

Listening to Fuller on the weekend radio , it seems Biglands has had a few minor issues and Ron said they will need to resolve if its worth Rhett risking his long term health ! So I would say that unfortunately that little plan is all but dead in the water !! Obviously now we are well short on back up for Dobba , especially if injuries strike to him or young Redden & asking Kenny to fill in isnt the answer . Lets hope unlike last season when Pedlar quit in march , we react immediately and bring at least Pederson back , with a decent ruckman recruited also within the next month ! This is looming as a significant test as to whether lessons have been learnt from last year or are the Powers That Be all talk & little action . To quote the coach ....... " lets react instinctively " !

[holden78]

Welcome fellow Eagle , congratulations on your first post ! However its a wee bit rich to criticise robust , emotional & parochial debate over many seasons , when all you have been doing is reading & sitting on the fence ! We will give the new bloke time ( not to much though ) , but he doesnt make the bullets , he only fires them . The Board is where the buck stops ! !

How many back up plans can you have? The club actually signed Hayden Skipworth and had committed to him. No one thought that he would get drafted until the last minute. All of the good players are committed to clubs before the draft so if the club erred anywhere it was going for Skipworth in the first place.

Unfortunately though it would be the same people whinging that the Eagles didn't get Skipworth that are whinging now for not having a back up plan.

We all heard Ron last night. He is happy that he has enough back up. I personally dont think we have but we should judge him during the season and see if he has been correct. If he hasn't then we can all call for his head - if he is right then we'll all put our hands up and bow to our coach - someone who has the best record outside of Centrals over the past 10 years.

Don't worry, I'll lead the charge if we don't finish in the finals this year but I can't see that happening as our three recruits are quality, McGregor, Cheep and Westbrook will no doubt add something to our team and who have we actually lost that was a regular player at League level?

I am sick to death of the same people whinging year in year out on this forum. We should give the new bloke in there the time to actually make decisions on what is best for the footy club in the long term.

[matt1]

So then Holden 78, I assume you nominated for the Board? No? Another person willing to criticise and then sit on the fence...... You're right, I should have posted but I have refused until now to enter into your 'robust' (negative), parochial (criticising) debate.

It's simple - the club has missed its targets for Season 2009. It banked on Skipworth who didn't come to fruition. And, you're probably right the club may not have used all its salary cap but after a year where we lost $350K can you blame it?

Please answer me that if nothing else.

[holden78]

Lets start by stating that you have acknowledged Im right twice ! Not too bad for me then Maybe you can tell us why now you decide to contribute ( Im glad , we need all the Eagles on here we can get ! ) ? What Im suggesting is maybe a bit too hard line for some , but the Doggies have raised the bar very high & Id like us to catch up ! The issue of Recruiting is far from simple my friend , its quite complicated to get good outcomes regulary , it requires real effort . But the signing window doesnt close until June 30 ! Simply if the Board cant run the finances any better maybe their not suited to be in those positions ? Any new blood this year ? NO ! Maybe the stated losses are worse then has been previously published . .

It's simple - the club has missed its targets for Season 2009. It banked on Skipworth who didn't come to fruition. And, you're probably right the club may not have used all its salary cap but after a year where we lost $350K can you blame it?

Please answer me that if nothing else.[/quote]

[Mickyj]

So then Holden 78, I assume you nominated for the Board? No? Another person willing to criticise and then sit on the fence...... You're right, I should have posted but I have refused until now to enter into your 'robust' (negative), parochial (criticising) debate.

It's simple - the club has missed its targets for Season 2009. It banked on Skipworth who didn't come to fruition. And, you're probably right the club may not have used all its salary cap but after a year where we lost $350K can you blame it?

Please answer me that if nothing else.

I didn't nominate either would be way out of my depth if I did .
And yes Matt I will get irate just like everyone else .
I think that the likes of Biagi and co from last year have tarnished our club somewhat .perhaps the recruiting officer needed to be given a stern word or worse.
Then look further up the chain of command why recruit someone like biagi.

[Mickyj]

Lets start by stating that you have acknowledged Im right twice ! Not too bad for me then Maybe you can tell us why now you decide to contribute ( Im glad , we need all the Eagles on here we can get ! ) ? What Im suggesting is maybe a bit too hard line for some , but the Doggies have raised the bar very high & Id like us to catch up ! The issue of Recruiting is far from simple my friend , its quite complicated to get good outcomes regulary , it requires real effort . But the signing window doesnt close until June 30 ! Simply if the Board cant run the finances any better maybe their not suited to be in those positions ? Any new blood this year ? NO ! Maybe the stated losses are worse then has been previously published . .

It's simple - the club has missed its targets for Season 2009. It banked on Skipworth who didn't come to fruition. And, you're probably right the club may not have used all its salary cap but after a year where we lost $350K can you blame it?

Please answer me that if nothing else.

[/quote]

Hence my comments on recruiting people who leave other clubs ie a Groecke .
We have done it before and no doubt will do it again but do some home work no more Gogoll's .

[holden78]

And another thing your overlooking Matt1 , Biaggi wasnt signed up until early Feb. 08 ! If the desire is there , players can be found and procured by the right type of inducements .

[matt1]

As you've said, I suppose that I got to a point where I couldn't stand the 'hard line' approach. I actually have some time for Ron aswell and think that we owe it to him to back him in this instance. More importantly though I have got my head around this internet forum thing.

He has said that he doesn't want to do what we did last year and I respect that. I would rather us play kids than to purchase players from elsewhere who aren't our type of players - which describes our recruiting last year!

Honestly, I think this year will be a year where we improve and push for the top 4. I hope it is and will provide us with a platform for a fair dinkum crack at it in 2010.

Less hard line but no less passionate.

The word is though that the new boss in there has already had some words to a few people regarding our clubs recruiting guidelines - or lack of them.....

[Mickyj]

The word is though that the new boss in there has already had some words to a few people regarding our clubs recruiting guidelines - or lack of them.....

yes yes yes finally some one with some sense yipeeeeeeeee

[ferret]

If our proceess for recruiting for 2009 was "not to be sucked in" like we were for 2008, then why hasn't our recruiting improved for 2009????

[Mickyj]

If our proceess for recruiting for 2009 was "not to be sucked in" like we were for 2008, then why hasn't our recruiting improved for 2009????

As i tried to tell so many of the club via this site last year .We as a club do not have to recruit the big names form around the country.there are so many state games of minor leagues these days televised on stations like aurora .we as a club could be sitting back writing names down and talking to these younger guys.
If we want to recruit players like Treeby and Powell this would be the way to go forward .

MY 2 cents worth

[cd]

I appreciate the passion and the commitment to the success of the club shown by the posters.

As a board member who is in regular contact with the members and in mor general communication with many via websites, I would personally offer the invitation to all members to get to the AGM on Thursday and ask your questions directly to the board & the CEO.

I look forward to seeing a large turn out of members at the club on Thursday.

I honestly and sincerely believe we are looking much better in 2009 than at the same time in 2008 and am confident of a much improved performance. Hopefully my faith will be rewarded!

And for those wishing to know about about bike riders:
They made it, congratulations must go to Luke Powell, James Rimington, Mark Passador and fitness guru Mark Harris who all completed the grueling 155km bike ride from Burnside Village to Angaston.

Unfortunately the guys were no match for Lance Armstrong and the rest of the TDU professionals who were able to complete the journey in three and a half hours compared to the players who took six hours.

While the guys were very excited to have completed the ride they will be in no hurry to jump back on the bike. Mark Passador said “that was one of the toughest things I have done, riding up Menglers Hill after already riding 110km was not an easy task.”

The guys are just lucky games of football do not go for six hours.

see you Thursday