Trent Croad

[Rampaging_Richo]

In a recent article by Robert Walls, he wrote about how Trent Croad would do himself, the dockers and prob Dermott a favour if he came back to a Melbourne club next year as his form and obvious enjoyment of the game over west has fallen away completely.

IMO he has been played out of position for some years now. The hawks in his final year and the dockers have tried to make him into a forward which he clearly isn't.

His reputation far outweighs his overall output, but is based entirely on his work at CHB for the Hawks in 1999 - and part 2001.
The poofy hairdoo, sports car, suntan and physique make up the rest of his rep.

My point is, if he did want to come home, I think he would be a good pick up for the tiges in the back line.
Although shorter than A Kellaway, he is as strong as a bull, as good an athlete going around, not bad skills without being outstanding, but his thought processes leave a lot to be desired, which are constantly highlighted when he plays as a forward. By putting in the backline, it simplifies his role in that he has only one way to go.

IMO he would really bolster the backline with his big body at every contest, and his natural athletisism would allow him to sneak forward or have a crack in the middle on the ball or even pinch in the ruck which he has done before.

His wage would be an issue, as would what the dockers would want for him, but it would be something worth the club considering.

Any thoughts?

 

[Tigerblood]

Can't afford another inconsistent player I would have thought. We tear our hair out enough as it is with blokes who perform one week and go missing the next. And I really really don't want to give up priority draft picks any more. But if they'll take Clinton King...

 

[Rampaging_Richo]

TB, my point is that he is played out of position every week.

Despite Dermott blowing sunshine up his bum that he is a key forward, he is not, never has been and never will be. He doesn't know how to lead and looks lost when he camped under the ball in a pack contest. With Richo, if his first lead is not honoured, he will go back and relead to a different spot. Trent makes one lead and if it doesn't get honoured he keeps running towards the guy with the ball until he is only 5 meters away and still asking for it. Like I said - no idea as a key forward.

If he was recruited as a backman, I think he would offer good value.

 

[tiga]

RR, I think he would be a pretty good pickup if he's mind was on the job. This was a guy that was really looking forward to head to the west and make a big impression but so far he hasn't done that. Maybe as you said, It's because he's being played out of position but imo I think there are other issues he needs to sort out before we even look at him. At the moment we have enough on our plate with the likes of Hilton and Co without having to add another inconsistent performer to the list.

 

[Tigerdog]

I wouldn't go anywhere near him, he is another example of Hawthorn trying to turn an athlete into a footballer. He can kick long and is a good runner but he can't read the play at all and generally has no footy smarts whatsoever. And the price!! IMO he would be lucky if any Melbourne club would pay him even a 1/4 of his current salary.
Let Hawthorn have him back and let's get a whole bunch of decent bloody kids for once... sprinkled with the odd trade for good established players to cover perceived weaknesses.
IMO No capuano or croad type players are wanted at Tigerland... we should be looking forwards not backwards.

 

[Rosy]

The difference with Capuano and Croad is that if Matty came to Coburg we'd get a real good look at if he's up to it still or not. Like a try before you buy deal.

If he came over and Miller and co saw fit to draft him next year I'd go with their judgement.

Croad is a different story. We'd be taking him on cold turkey coming off what has so far been a disappointing season.

I imagine with us re- signing our premiership players we might be a bit too short on $$ for Trent.

 

[JohnF]

STAY CLEAR OF RICHMOND CROAD, PLEASE!

Croad can join the Ben Graham and Anthony Rocca Society of over-rated, over-sized, over-priced football commodities.

What we need is under-rated, consistent, hard-working, unfashionable, butt-ugly players who can earn a reputation the hard way. We don't need golden boys who sport the best haircuts, clothes, night club conquests and need their salaries doubled to take care of their manicuring requirements.

Nothing against pretty boys, but he just isn't consistent enough and goes missing even when played in his best position and hasn't an ouce of footy nous.