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After a disappointing end to the 2007 season that promised so much the Western Bulldogs highlighted 3 key areas in order to improve on the playing field. As a club they targeted;
A small defensive backman, someone who could play a purely defensive role on the elusive small forwards.
In this situation the club was looking for a strong-bodied player who was able to play a defensive shut down role mainly on the small forwards in order to free the likes of Gilbee and to a lesser extent Morris. The recruitment of Tim Callan didn’t make the headlines however it was a smart calculated decision based on the clubs needs at the time. Callan played for the best team in the competition and more specifically was a fringe player in the best defence in the competition. There is certainly no shame in not being able to get a regular game behind the likes of Scarlett, Egan, Hunt, Harley, Milburn, Mackie & Enright many of whom went onto become All Australian. Sydney successfully used this method to recruit Craig Bolton in the Brisbane dynasty, as often a fringe player for the best side is a better option than a starting player from a lesser side. The positive from this situation was that Callan was entering his prime, he was playing good consistent football at the level below and would have probably earned a game in any other side.
What makes Callan so valuable to the Bulldogs is that he is a team player; he understands his limitations and plays accordingly. Majority of times he is asked to perform a negating role and he doesn’t try to do anything beyond exactly that as he understands his purpose within the side. In the past as a team we have struggled to contain small elusive forwards, Callan not only takes this role but allows Gilbee to play higher on the field against opponents who are not as damaging. Surprisingly to some Dale Morris was also a benefactor of Callans arrival, previously Morris was the only player who offered a genuine negating role and many times it meant headaches when trying to decide which match up Morris should take.
Again opinions vary on Callan in 2009, some say he is a certain starter while many believe he is a fringe player at best. Realistically he is competing for a spot of defensive back pocket where his only real competition is Dylan Addison and it could be argued that while Addison has fantastic defensive skills, he may struggle on the last line of defence against the super quick agile forwards of the AFL. Callans last two games in 2008 against Sydney & Geelong in tough finals conditions saw him excel and lift to a level that many never knew he had. His importance in the side was most highlighted throughout the season when he was out injured and we struggled to find an adequate replacement for him. At times Eade used the out of form Akermanis in this role and it highlights more than anything the lack of options we have in this area as Addison was also out injured at the time.
From a negative point of view at times Callan can be a ‘dumb’ footballer. While his courage and toughness are his strengths they can also be his downfall, he needs to be able to pick his moments and know when to hold back. Many times throughout the season his opponent was able to lead him to a contest only to stay down or sit back while he committed at times when not necessary. It allowed cheap possessions for his opponents and could have been easily avoided had he assessed the situation better. Another criticism is that he needs to keep his feet in a contest more often, too many times he can go to ground and once he hits the ground he is virtually out of the contest especially considering he is playing on some of the quickest & deadliest players in the AFL. Finally, he can be caught out by quality players further up the field, against the Swans at the SCG he was given the job of Adam Goodes on a wing and it was obvious from the very first contest that he just wasn’t up to it, there is no doubt his niche is defending the small forwards.
All in all considering what we gave up and his contribution to the side it’s fair to say the trade was a success. What are your thoughts? How will he fair in 2009?
A small defensive backman, someone who could play a purely defensive role on the elusive small forwards.
In this situation the club was looking for a strong-bodied player who was able to play a defensive shut down role mainly on the small forwards in order to free the likes of Gilbee and to a lesser extent Morris. The recruitment of Tim Callan didn’t make the headlines however it was a smart calculated decision based on the clubs needs at the time. Callan played for the best team in the competition and more specifically was a fringe player in the best defence in the competition. There is certainly no shame in not being able to get a regular game behind the likes of Scarlett, Egan, Hunt, Harley, Milburn, Mackie & Enright many of whom went onto become All Australian. Sydney successfully used this method to recruit Craig Bolton in the Brisbane dynasty, as often a fringe player for the best side is a better option than a starting player from a lesser side. The positive from this situation was that Callan was entering his prime, he was playing good consistent football at the level below and would have probably earned a game in any other side.
What makes Callan so valuable to the Bulldogs is that he is a team player; he understands his limitations and plays accordingly. Majority of times he is asked to perform a negating role and he doesn’t try to do anything beyond exactly that as he understands his purpose within the side. In the past as a team we have struggled to contain small elusive forwards, Callan not only takes this role but allows Gilbee to play higher on the field against opponents who are not as damaging. Surprisingly to some Dale Morris was also a benefactor of Callans arrival, previously Morris was the only player who offered a genuine negating role and many times it meant headaches when trying to decide which match up Morris should take.
Again opinions vary on Callan in 2009, some say he is a certain starter while many believe he is a fringe player at best. Realistically he is competing for a spot of defensive back pocket where his only real competition is Dylan Addison and it could be argued that while Addison has fantastic defensive skills, he may struggle on the last line of defence against the super quick agile forwards of the AFL. Callans last two games in 2008 against Sydney & Geelong in tough finals conditions saw him excel and lift to a level that many never knew he had. His importance in the side was most highlighted throughout the season when he was out injured and we struggled to find an adequate replacement for him. At times Eade used the out of form Akermanis in this role and it highlights more than anything the lack of options we have in this area as Addison was also out injured at the time.
From a negative point of view at times Callan can be a ‘dumb’ footballer. While his courage and toughness are his strengths they can also be his downfall, he needs to be able to pick his moments and know when to hold back. Many times throughout the season his opponent was able to lead him to a contest only to stay down or sit back while he committed at times when not necessary. It allowed cheap possessions for his opponents and could have been easily avoided had he assessed the situation better. Another criticism is that he needs to keep his feet in a contest more often, too many times he can go to ground and once he hits the ground he is virtually out of the contest especially considering he is playing on some of the quickest & deadliest players in the AFL. Finally, he can be caught out by quality players further up the field, against the Swans at the SCG he was given the job of Adam Goodes on a wing and it was obvious from the very first contest that he just wasn’t up to it, there is no doubt his niche is defending the small forwards.
All in all considering what we gave up and his contribution to the side it’s fair to say the trade was a success. What are your thoughts? How will he fair in 2009?
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