Carlton fans were onto Ryan Crowley as soon as he first touched the ball in Sunday’s AFL pre-season match.
Regardless of the guernsey, the former Fremantle star and new Essendon replacement is always the subject of opposition supporters’ vitriol.
But while that was the same for Crowley, it was not just his team that had changed.
The man who drove opponents to distraction with his tagging at Fremantle is exploring different roles with the Bombers.
He started Sunday’s 10-goal win as an opportunistic forward and when Crowley went into the midfield after half time, it was with much more of a free rein.
That will no doubt change when the need arises, but coach John Worsfold has now said several times that he wants to try Crowley in different roles.
“We’ll have a look at him where he’s not accountable for anyone, which was the second half … but we also want to see what he brings in that forward line,” Worsfold said.
“At this stage we’ll just keep throwing him around – in season, it still may be a real mix.”
Crowley was among four of Essendon’s 10 replacement players who took to the field against the Blues.
Sam Michael, Sam Grimley, Jonathan Simpkin and Crowley all had solid games as Essendon overwhelmed a young Carlton team.
Grimley has a suspect goalkicking action, but he and Joe Daniher worked well as key forwards.
“Neither of them are going to be the target for us – as in just one key target,” Worsfold said.
“They’re both going to be able to play higher and push back to the goalsquare as well.”
Michael worked hard in the ruck, a position Worsfold wants him to make his own.
“He’s not going to finesse too much,” Worsfold said with a grin.
Fellow top-up players Matt Dea and Mark Jamar will probably come into the team for next Saturday’s Shepparton game against Geelong.
But James Polkinghorne has a calf muscle injury, while Nathan Grima, Mathew Stokes and James Kelly are another week away at least from playing.
Youngster Jason Ashby also rolled his ankle in the last quarter of Sunday’s match.
Gecko
Guest
I wouldn't say he was treated appallingly but I'm surprised that Freo didn't keep him (there's still a role for taggers in the modern game) or at least give him a dignified departure. He played his guts out for Freo over many years and I don't think Freo gave him the respect he deserved. Hopefully he can bounce back from a terrible 2015.
D Fitz
Guest
KKB, I sent the following reply by email yesterday morning but The Roar did not add my reply to this thread. Don't understand why or how their system works. Fitz KKB, You know more about Crowley than me. I think Crowley was treated rather harshly for a relatively minor breach. Even so he trained diligently and was said to be in contention for the last finals. It seems Crowley also thought he was in contention to be retained on the list for 2016. So when did Lyon/Fremantle tell him he was not part of their future ? It seems to me they probably decided a relatively long time ago that they would (probably) delist him. But they did not tell him just in case of injury or some other reason they may need him in the finals. So they cynically kept their options open and him in the dark until relatively recently. I thought that was poor because they did not allow him sufficient time to fully explore his options with other clubs. Rgds, Fitz
Graeme
Guest
Thanks Roger, enjoyed your article. I'm a Bombers fan and have a mix of apprehension and some anticipation for the season ahead. I think the top ups could be really good and Crowley in particular. I reckon the Bombers have lacked a bit of hardness and presence recently and Crowley but also James Kelly should help rectify that. The young guys like Parish, Laverde, Fantasia and Langford will play with more confidence with those two around.
KingKongBundy
Guest
D Fitz how was it appalling ? he stuffed up and got banned for a year then the dockers went on to play better without him.Lyon was honest with him and said your not apart of our future so be it.And don't forget Freo and Lyon gave him a second chance when he was on the verge of getting the boot under Harvey. I think Crowley owes Freo if anything .not the other way around.
D Fitz
Guest
I thought Fremantle's treatment of him in the end was appalling.
Lroy
Guest
Agreed, I think he is a decent footballer in his own right and would be a serviceable contributor in any of the good sides. No reason he cant play in the midfield, get forward and kick a few goals. Hope he goes well, he has been awfully unlucky over the last couple of years.
D Fitz
Guest
Crowley is a competent AFL footballer and I hope he is allowed to perform as such rather than as a pest tagger.
Gerry
Guest
I heard the crowd booing Crowley every time he went near the ball, perhaps he'll have to take a few weeks off to get over it .....
Aransan
Guest
I think Essendon will develop Sam Michael as a bash and crash ruckman who will be an invaluable backup ruckman.