'Waikikamoocow and Fremantle[span style='color: #2e2e2e; background-color: #ffffff;]star Nat Fyfe remains eligible for this year's Brownlow Medal after the Match Review Panel fined him for tripping in Sunday's win over the Western Bulldogs.' [span style='color: #2e2e2e; background-color: #ffffff;] [span style='color: #2e2e2e; background-color: #ffffff;]A collective sigh was heard across the Cow's heartland as punters worst fears were not realised. Those who also invested in Nat to win the Les W medal were in awe as our boy racked up 88 SC points in the first half against the Dogs. Seven consecutive vote gathering games to start the season from the kid - wow.
How quickly can one's own words come back and bite one? In our pre-MSD draft review we noted - '[span style='font-size: 14px; color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;]Gleeson[span style='font-size: 14px; color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;](69) is coming along fine and we are excited about his potential and the amount of time he is spending across half back.' Since then his form has dropped off - perhaps because of the way 'Coach Hird' has dicked him round with green and red vests. We decided to trade him out meaning I think he now holds the record for the shortest stay in Cowland. Given his injury problems Chris Knights was also cut. Thanks for your efforts guys but prejudice and balance meant you weredispensable. [span style='color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;] [span style='color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;]We extend a warm Waikick welcome to Alex Neal-Bullen and Daniel Menzel. [span style='color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;] [span style='color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;]ANB is a first year player who plays in and under and as a high forward. We have a penchant for guys who do the hard work and despite his fruity moniker Alex is in that category. We feel he has been undervalued because the 2014 SA draft of midfields was so strong, Now he is (touchwood) clear of injury he is starting to show his talent at the afl level. [span style='color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;] [span style='color: #333333; background-color: #ffffff;]Some have asked what drugs are we on down here in Waikick country? They cite the recent evidence of trading an injured Chris Knights out and replacing him with the injured Daniel Menzel? Good question. One answer is bloody good drugs. Another answer is the relentless search for quality players. When fit there is no doubt that Daniel can play terrific footy. And he can produce big SC numbers. And he is driven. We reckon if he comes (up after his fourth knee reconstruction) he strolls into the Cats best 18 and (perhaps) shows the footy world what it has missed since round 24 in 2011 and the following week in the first quarter of the qualifying final. He has accepted a short term contract and we have the option to renew. However, if he doesn't come up the problem of who to de-list for the 2016 PSD will be one quarter solved. Ruthless - yes; tough - yes; realistic - yes. We certainly hope he is here for a good few years - he is still three months shy of his 24th birthday.
I was presently surprised when I updated the player profiles. The group is younger and less experienced than I had thought. From age 26 and under (from Mitch R down) the median age drops to 23 and the median number of games played falls to 24. Further, there is sufficient spread of positions to field a full team (subject to fitness and selection). Therejuvenationof the Cows is most definitely on track. <table border='0' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='281' style='width: 210pt;] <col width='149' style='width: 112pt;[/img] <col width='66' style='width: 49pt;[/img] <col width='66' style='width: 49pt;[/img] <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl68' style='height: 14.4pt; width: 112pt; text-align: left;] <td class='xl65' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]age <td class='xl69' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]games <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl67' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Nick Dal Santo <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]31.3 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]288 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Hamish McIntosh <td class='xl79' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]30.8 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]126 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl71' style='height: 14.4pt; width: 112pt; text-align: left;]Paul Duffield <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]30.4 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]167 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl66' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Jarrad McVeigh <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]30.3 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]255 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Harry Taylor <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]29.0 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]171 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Sam Jacobs <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]27.2 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]116 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl66' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Jarryn Geary <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]27.0 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]110 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl70' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Dawson Simpson <td class='xl79' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]26.3 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]27 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl75' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Mitch Robinson M/F <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]26.0 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]112 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl73' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Callum Sinclair R/F <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]25.8 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]19 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Michael Hibberd <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]25.5 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]75 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl66' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Matthew Wright M/F <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]25.5 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]90 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Daniel Hannebery <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]24.3 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]132 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl67' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Ryan Harwood <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]24.0 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]58 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Nat Fyfe <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]23.8 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]104 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl66' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Ben Griffiths <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]23.8 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]45 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Daniel Menzel <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]23.8 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]21 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Jeremy McGovern D/F <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]23.2 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]24 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Jamie Elliott <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]22.8 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]64 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl67' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Nic Newman <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]22.5 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]0 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Tom Mitchell M/F <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]22.0 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]28 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl67' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Mason Wood <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]21.8 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]7 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Brad Crouch <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]21.4 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]25 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl74' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Nick Graham <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]21.0 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]15 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl73' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Reilly O'Brien <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]19.9 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]0 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl67' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Alex Neal-Bullen <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]19.5 <td class='xl69' style='text-align: left;]2 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Toby McLean <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]19.3 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]3 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl76' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]Reece McKenzie <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]19.3 <td class='xl78' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;]0 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl68' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;] <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;] <td class='xl72' style='width: 49pt; text-align: left;] <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl68' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]mean <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]24.5 <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]74.4 <tr height='19' style='height: 14.4pt;] <td class='xl68' style='height: 14.4pt; text-align: left;]median <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]23.9 <td class='xl77' style='text-align: left;]51.5
Graham, Neal-Bullen and McLean are giving that lower-end age group a real boost. All three look good (especially McLean, like him a lot)
Well summarised Chris, for mine the doggies drafting over the last few years has been as good as any other team, especially with restricted choices and trading. Some of the guys who spring to mind include: ]2012 - Macrae and Stringer; 2013 Bontempelli; 2014 - Dale, Webb, Daniel and McLean.
Dale and Webb were two guys who I was heavily considering in the MSD. Surprised no-one grabbed them. It'll be interesting to see how they develop throughout the rest of this year. And Caleb Daniel is absolute dynamite.
[span style='color: #000000; background-color: #f5f5f5;]In a nice return to footy Dan reached his targets for the day and sat out the end of Q3 and all of Q4. Finished with 17 touches (14 contested), 10 clearances and 2 tackles. [span style='color: #000000; background-color: #f5f5f5;] [span style='color: #000000; background-color: #f5f5f5;]Possibly the feel good story of a depleted Cow's sides weekend. Bring on the red wine.
O[span style='font-size: small; font-family: Arial;]nce again the Cows bow out early from the big dance. The old cliche of you have got to lose one to win one is now you have to lose three to win one. Be aware - 2016, the year of the Cow! <div>[span style='line-height: 16.8999996185303px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;] <div>[span style='line-height: 16.8999996185303px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]Had a very funny message from someone who must remain anonymous asking why I was only bothering to put out a 12 or 13 man team each week. Was I trying to humiliate fellow ORFFA members by beating them short handed or was I trying to get a better position in the draft? I sent him this list (yes him, so Jen is off the hook) which I thought I would share with you in light of losing to the chooks with a score of 1083 from the 12 players available. [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;] [span style='text-decoration: underline; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]Guys not currently playing [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]Duffield - out of favour [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]Harwood - hip surgery, out for rest of season [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]McGovern - out for another two weeks [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]N Newman - not promoted from rookie list (yet) [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]T Mitchell - injured (finger in eye) at training, out for two weeks [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]B Crouch - out for rest of season [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]N Graham - out for another 2 weeks [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]H Mac - retired [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]D Simpson - out of favour [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]R O'Brien - off rookie list but not picked (yet) [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]M Wright - out of favour [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]M Wood - out of favour [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]B Griffiths - out for another 7 weeks [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]T McLean - out for another 2 to 3 weeks [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]D Menzel - might be the best good news story of the year but when does he get a game? [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]R McKenzie - playing in the magoos, learning, maybe ready late next year. Was always a long term prospect. [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;] [span style='font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;]He replied - 'the unavailable list is a pretty decent team, could win something next year. The de-listing process will not be easy!' I hope he is good judge of talent. Will keep track of the team's score next week - purely for comparative purposes. Hope you understand.
It appears that my old approach of cut and paste from word has not stood up well. Time for an update in the next post, please bear with me as I add material through the edit process. Go Cows
As ORFFA heads into the pre-PSD period it is time for an update from everyone's favourite NZ based team. A disappointing end to the 2015 season with the injuries finally catching up and making the side uncompetitive. Despite fielding less than 15 players we were still competitive with many top sides and even beat a couple despite the numerical disadvantage. The positional changes were pretty much as expected and not too bad compared to others - really sad about the impact on IK. One of our older players (HMac) finally called a day on a injury plagued career. And Ross put the Duffman out of his misery; although he might turn up as a top-up players. Not many players have a better peg on them than Paul. So how do we look pre-PSD? Defenders Jarrad McVeigh (D/M), Jeremy McGovern, Harry Taylor, Jarryn Geary, Ryan Harwood will be the backbone of the defence. Alex Neal-Bullen (D/M) and Nic Newman represent the development future. If the two kids come on as hoped then an established defender may well be superfluous. [As most of you are aware Michael Hibberd is currently enjoying a well earned sabbatical / study leave preparing for his doctoral defence on "Zen and the role of the modern mobile defender"]. Midfielders Nathan Fyfe, Dan Hannebery, Tom Mitchell, Brad Crouch, Nick Graham and Nick Dal Santo are the base of the midfield and interchange lines. Despite the lack of age of all except NDS (fun fact - did you know he is the highest aggregate scorer in the history of SC) we are still looking for some young talent who will not look out of place with the core guys. Rucks Sam Jacobs, Callum Sinclair (F/R), Dawson Simpson and Reilly O'Brien. The middle two are plying their trade at new clubs, As most know we love our rucks at the Cows. Dawson might be available to another club - a deal involving a favourable draft pick and/or a young mid would secure his services along with a depth forward. Forwards Mitch Robinson (F/M), Jamie Elliott, Daniel Menzel and Toby Mclean (along with Sincs) are the probably forward line. Depth comes from Ben Griffiths, Mason Wood and Matty Wright. Given the numbers that is a source of a trade for anyone looking for depth in their forward line. We are excited about Reece McKenzie but realise he may not get a run until 2017. The match committee is pretty happy with the team for 2016. We need to delist at least four players for the PSD and it is clear that the decision on the identity of the last two to be cut (Duffman and HMac are gawn) will be a real heartache. A blockbuster deal for one of our 18 settled players might solve that problem. The development of O'Brien, Newman and McKenzie is something we are really looking forward to so please do not enquire.
Was that analysis only five weeks ago? My how things change, and quickly. We thank the following for their services and note that the trade gods made it too hard to hold them. Jamie Elliott - so much talent but, sadly, so much ink; not really the look the Cows wish too project. Nick Dal Santo - will watch you play with a heavy heart. Champion player, champion bloke. Two years unstinting service. A player's player. [Please feel free to add platitudes in the reply section.] We hope the youngster earmarked to join the Cows as a result of trading NDS (and Gears) has half as good a career. Jarryn Geary - unlucky to draw the short straw, needed to de-list a current playing defender to make the trade for PSD pick #6 work and his name came up. HMac and the Duffman as above. 2016 suddenly became the year of the team rebuild. A strong position in the PSD draft (currently 6, 14, 18, 32 & 39) coupled with some excellent talent at the top of the 2015 National Draft make for an exciting time. It would be terrific if we can still finish in the top half of the Association as we rebuild. We have asked all our members to grab a paddle and help us maneuver through this testing time. Weekly drinks at the Bulls Hit Tavern will this year be Wednesday evening to accommodate club nights (Tuesday and Thursday) at the Kiwitea Bridge Club. Visitors, especially TiB, are always welcome.
The PSD was particularly active for the Cows' player management manager (me!). We entered the draft with six picks (6, 14, 18, 32, 39 and 60) the latter after a decision to de-list Matty Wright. We were gratified to see Matty picked up by the Chooks. At pick 6 we selected Daniel Howe (D, Hawthorn) who had been our primary target since seeing him in rounds 22 and 23 last year. A very talented player who will thrive as the ageing Hawks retire and greater responsibility falls on his shoulders. At pick 14 our silent prayers were answered and Aaron Hall (F/M, GCS) was still available so we were delighted to call out his name. He has made a midfield spot at the Suns his own with pace and desire. Attributes the Cows always look for both on the field and in late night entertainers when Andy is around. Pick 18 and Tom Campbell (F/R, Western Bulldogs) was chosen. Big TC boosts our forward line and has that R nomenclature that is so highly valued at Bulls. His first full pre-season behind him and we expect a marked lift from his previous output. One to watch. At pick 32 we started looking to the future and snapped up Ryan Burton (F, Hawthorn). Had the draft been held twelve months Ryan might have gone top 5 (or even top 3) rather than at #19 - a hideous knee injury meant he had not played for over a year. However, we are delighted to report he played a quarter of a VFL praccy match last week as he begins, what we hope will be a steady path towards an AFL debut. A game late this year would more than meet our expectations. At pick 39 we were delighted to be able to snaffle Josh Dunkley (M, Western Bulldogs) a bull of a young midfielder from the footy factory that has produced Tom Mitchell, Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills. Dunks chose to return to family in Melbourne rather than join his Academy team mates. The Dalrymple seal of approval was the final piece in the puzzle and we are confident he will develop his potential in the resurgent Dogs' environment. At pick 60 we again followed a Dalrymple pick and recruited Bailey Williams (D/M) who was one of the youngest players at this year's draft. Just 18 years and 5 months and so much potential as seen in a brief cameo in the NAB Cup. The official presentation of the 2016 Cows will be held in the small coastal settlement of Blackhead. Its permanent population is described as "low." It features a lovely sandy beach and an abundance of marine life. It abuts the Te Angiangi Marine Reserve which covers an area of 446 hectares and extends one nautical mile offshore between Shoal Beach and Blackhead. If you do not like seafood we suggest you do not make the trip. Waikikamoocow Incorrigibles squad as at 16 March 2016: Jarrad McVeigh D/M Jeremy McGovern Harry Taylor Daniel Howe Ryan Harwood Nic Newman Alex Neal-Bullen D/M Bailey Williams D/M Nat Fyfe Daniel Hannebery Tom Mitchell Brad Crouch Nick Graham Josh Dunkley Sam Jacobs Reilly O'Brien Dawson Simpson Mitch Robinson F/M Aaron Hall F/M Callum Sinclair F/R Tom Campbell F/R Daniel Menzel Toby McLean Ben Griffiths Mason Wood F/M Ryan Burton Reece McKenzie Michael Hibberd Average age 23.6 years; (median: 24.4 years) Average number of AFL games played: 51.7 (median 28); 6 squad members have not yet played an AFL game.
Did round one turn out like we at the Bulls Hit Tavern expected? No. Honestly, no. Fyfe 61 points - no. Round 1 best and fairest for the Blackhead Cup (see post 176) presented by the good folk of that fine seaside community. You guys rock. 5 - Aaron Hall (129) 4 - Tom Mitchell (127) 3 - Dan Hannebery (100) 2 - Toby McLean (90) 1 - Nick Graham (85) The oldest guy on the B&F list is 25 and a bit. "The future looks bright" is not an excuse for that performance. Rising Star Cup presented by the Poverty Bay Business Men's Club. Thanks guys, love the Club motto: "Deeds not Words." 3 - Toby McLean (90, 73% TOG) 2 - Josh Dunkley (61, 71% TOG) NTD However, the future does look bright.
Rousing choruses of "Normal service is resumed" rang out from the Bulls Hit Tavern last night as the Cows once again won a match they had no right to win. Apologies Fizzy - grand larceny happened and you should not have lost. Five Cows amassed a total score of 200 and yet we put a second W in the result column winning 1246 to 1134. The B&F numbers below may give an inkling as to how. And, yes as one or two have mentioned it is currently not easy to get a vote in the Blackhead Cup. Round 2 best and fairest for the Blackhead Cup 5 - Nat Fyfe (157) 4 - T Mitchell (133) 3 - A Hall (124) 2 - D Hannebery (121) 1 - C Sinclair (116) Cumulative B&F votes 8 - A Hall, T Mitchell 5 - N Fyfe, D Hannebery 2 - T McLean 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair Early days but we note that Aaron and Titch are two of the three leaders (on eight points along with former Cow SMitch) of the ORFFA B&F. Rising Star Cup presented by the Poverty Bay Business Men's Club 3 - T McLean (72, 75% TOG) 2 - D Howe (39, 76% TOG) 1 - J Dunkley (33, 76% TOG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 6 - T Mclean 3 - J Dunkley 2 - D Howe Congrats to Dan on his debut game for the Cows (his fifth afl game) - we rated the performance much more highly than the SC score. A bit like Dunk's effort in his second game. As to Toby, the headlines might go to the short guy in the head gear but pound for pound we - who are unashamedly biased - reckon the future star pulls on a Cows' guernsey and note he has only played 6 afl games.
The current lack of depth at the Incorrigibles - a first order affect of the recent rebuild - was exposed for all to see by the strong Codpieces outfit. We only fielded 13 players but a full complement would not have changed the outcome. The resulting hit to points for and percentages drops the Cows back to ninth place on the ORFFA table. Round 3 best and fairest for the Blackhead Cup 5 - A Hall (134) 4 - D Hannebery (125) 3 - M Robinson (120) 2 - Nat Fyfe (115) 1 - T Mitchell (108) Cumulative B&F votes 13 - A Hall 9 - D Hannebery, T Mitchell 7 - N Fyfe 3 - M Robinson 2 - T McLean 1 - N Graham, C Sinclair Aaron and GCS teammate GAJ are joint leaders on 12 points after three games in the ORFFA B&F. Rising Star Cup presented by the Poverty Bay Business Men's Club 3 - T McLean (81, 71% TOG) Cumulative Rising Star votes 9 - T Mclean 3 - J Dunkley 2 - D Howe It would be terrific to see the dogs give Toby a little more time on the field - he has played less than the equivalent of three quarters in each game this year. Particularly when this week his disposal efficiency was at 100%.