So far, the 2011 AFL season has been able to last eight rounds without much press surrounding player movement to the Greater Western Sydney Giants. This time last year, rumours were rife over Ablett, Falou, Bock and a swag of others as to their intentions with the fledgling club.
So far the talk surrounding GWS has mainly involved their legitimacy, whether they can be competitive next year in the after math of some Gold Coast shellacking’s, and whether big name stars would even want to move into Eddie’s ‘Land of the Falafel’.
Aside from the Collingwood big three, Swan, Pendleburry and Thomas, and Carlton’s prime mover Marc Murphy, there hasn’t been the same anxious talk around water coolers this year – except in Adelaide.
Taylor Walker, Alipate Carlisle and Daniel Pearce have been mentioned as targets for the club for one reason or another – for Walker a return to his home state, and the Port boys the chance to reunite with an old mentor and be coached by a legend of the game. And all three should take the big bucks and develop a taste for falafel.
While GWS may struggle for big name stars as many have suggested, they can still approach creating a list in a systematic and successful way. Build each line around a few, and rely on the youngsters and some mature age SANFL, VFL and WAFL players to complement them.
Walker is a player to build a forward line around. He has all the hall marks of a great forward, but is lacking a defensive edge which the Crows under Neal Craig pride themselves on.
He is also forced from arguably his best spot at full forward by Tippett, and potentially forced from selection by the younger, faster, and outright freakishly gifted McKernann.
Rather then compete with these two for a spot against attributes he does not posses naturally, Walker could instead ensure his future by making the move North West.
Undoubtedly Sheedy would use him as the key tall man at full forward, and let him play to his instincts.
Give him a fleet of smaller, younger forward a his feet and suddenly Walker goes from being a ‘convenient problem’ to a staple full forward left to lead, mark, and goal.
Carlisle and Pearce have the unenviable choice of staying loyal to there struggling club and rookie coach, and be seen as jumping from a sinking ship. But the fact for both players is that the potential for success is just not there at Alberton. Carlisle, like Walker, would have a whole line built around him, and sure up his future. Pearce, who has been given the label ‘downhill skier,’ or perhaps the more PC ‘outside player,’ could really thrive under his old coach who nurtured his grace and speed in his early years, and get some lessons on breaking tags and working harder form one of the games greatest minds.
The greatest gift each payer would get from taking the giant leap is anonymity.
The ability to play out their career under less media and fan scrutiny then is possible in the football fishbowl of Adelaide would benefit each to no ends. Another player based in Melbourne and often described as being much maligned who benefit form the move is Justin Koschitzke.
While the Saints struggle with what to do with the big fella, a simple option for him is to take the money and move. While at St Kilda his best spot is hard to pin down, and ultimately playing him any where stops the inclusion of another tall youngster which the Saints desperately need, Kossy could help himself and his embattled club by making the move.
For Walker, Carlisle, Pearce and Kossy, the move should not solely be about the money – each player has a future in the AFL, and this move could help enhance these futures, and ensure they last without controversy and scrutiny until there end.
And, let’s not forget, there’s chance to be apart of history and witness footy’s greatest gamble. Let’s hope it pays of for all concerned.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
It could be a weekend for contenders to emerge, teams to hopefully break droughts, o and overall footy to have a party.
We’ve already seen what Jack Ginnivan is capable of at Collingwood with his ability to grasp big moments - how will he go against his former teammates?
