Markovic 2012

[jeemak]

Re: Markovic 2012

Would Markovic be an option up forward?

Played some junior football as a forward IIRC.

Depends on what we're trying to achieve as a club next year, and whether we can keep all of Grant, Jones, Roughead and Panos fit. Add Cordy to that list for his physical attributes alone that will look to be developed further as well.

If we're all about development then from what I've seen those listed above are clearly better forward options than Markovic, (admittedly his potential in that position is completely unknown to me as I've not seen him there!). Nothing I've seen at this point suggests he'll be anything more than an honest defender (which is no bad thing mind, every sides need them). If I'm selling him short then fine, and I'd be more than happy to be proven wrong.

[Dancin' Douggy]

Re: Markovic 2012

The big thing for me is his composure. He looks quite calm as he goes about it. for a young lad, that's a good thing.

I'm right behind you there ghost dog. He WAS composed, always.
He may be a Prestagiacomo type. Just solid and humble.
Nothing wrong with that. And as a footy purist, some of his spoils this year could have been from the old "How to play football" books. Just classic and perfect. The way he timed his leap from behind to punch, to me was perfect brutal ballet.

[jeemak]

Re: Markovic 2012

Would agree that he does show good composure when he gets his hands on the footy.

Not sure if he's got the same speed off the mark that Prestigiacomo had although he's probably on par with him with the ball in his hands and helping out third up.

At 24 he's not in a bad position in terms of our current list composition. He may not be in our most prefered 22 over the next year or so, but if our development as a club puts us in a position to challenge again in 3 years and both of Morris and Lake have declined like we all expect then he'll start getting regular games. I guess it's up to him to stick around and be content as being a bit part player, if the club decides to persevere with him of course. The key defensive prospect stocks are bare at the moment, and it's a bit of a worry.

[Sedat]

Re: Markovic 2012

I don't see Markovic being able to consistently play on the better players to allow Lake to play this role.

I would have said the same thing about Tom Lonergan circa 2008-2010. If Markovic had at his disposal the same talent and defensive mindedness that Geelong's mids have to support Lonergan, I reckon he possesses the necessary smarts and know-how to similarly succeed as a negating key backman. But he will struggle if the present lack of defensive mindest in our mids continues into 2012.

Ideally we would have Williams as our Harry Taylor, Markovic as our Lonergan and Lake as our Scarlett, with Morris taking the small forwards. If all are fit and in form, and if our mids work tirelessly defensively to protect the defenders from being exposed one-out, we still have the shell of an effective defensive unit.

[jeemak]

Re: Markovic 2012

It's almost moot to consider that possibility though Sedat, well at least as far as most recent attitude and perfomance is concerned, because our midfield and forward set doesn't contain the attributes to play that way.

I can't wait to see whether BM can turn the required players around to give us half a chance to make it happen though. This time of year with a new coach on board leaves me feeling optimistic that we can move the ball forward efficiently enough to allow our forwards to benefit from advantage, or at least be close enough to the contest to allow them to slow down the opposition to protect our defenders.

But realistically I'm concerned I'll turn into a pessimist prior to April closing out.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Markovic 2012

One of the few highlights.
Hell of a lot quicker, fitter and more agile than his first year.
Good on his non preferred

[LostDoggy]

Re: Markovic 2012

Depends what McCartney wants to do with our forward structure.

If Lake regains fitness, is tried down forward and works well with the likes of Grant and Jones then Markovic may become a mainstay down back as the KP defender duo with Williams.

If Morris' leg comes along well that'll also be a factor.

[Mofra]

Re: Markovic 2012

Ideally we would have Williams as our Harry Taylor, Markovic as our Lonergan and Lake as our Scarlett, with Morris taking the small forwards. If all are fit and in form, and if our mids work tirelessly defensively to protect the defenders from being exposed one-out, we still have the shell of an effective defensive unit.

That would suit us some weeks, although I get the feeling for rebound's sake we'd want Wood & Murphy in the back 6 and Schofield will be knocking down the door too, even if we release Picken to the midfield.

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: Markovic 2012

I see Markovic as someone who could play forward and I think a better option forward than Lake.

I did see marko go forward in a VFL game in 2010 and he led well. He has good hands and is a reliable kick. Lake is not a leading forward and his goal kicking would need to improve to be merely atrocious.

As a forward Brian can drift down and take an occasional speccy, but he needs to get right, play in his right position and rediscover his form before any thought of moving him forward is entertained.

[The Doctor]

Re: Markovic 2012

I see Markovic as someone who could play forward and I think a better option forward than Lake.

I did see marko go forward in a VFL game in 2010 and he led well. He has good hands and is a reliable kick. Lake is not a leading forward and his goal kicking would need to improve to be merely atrocious.

I think Marko is your classic deputy key defender. First in line for a call up when the frontline guys, Lake, Williams and Morris are unavailable or coming in with them when the match ups dictate it. That should be the priority.

however, I agree with you.

I know others won't like the idea citing his pace as a drawback. But he is a smart footballer and he can time his leads well. He is strong and will protect the flight of the ball better than some of these skinny quick forwards. He also played played forward in the TAC cup games and kicked the odd bag. He is at least worth a try.

[ledge]

Re: Markovic 2012

I think Marko is your classic deputy key defender. First in line for a call up when the frontline guys, Lake, Williams and Morris are unavailable or coming in with them when the match ups dictate it. That should be the priority.

however, I agree with you.

I know others won't like the idea citing his pace as a drawback. But he is a smart footballer and he can time his leads well. He is strong and will protect the flight of the ball better than some of these skinny quick forwards. He also played played forward in the TAC cup games and kicked the odd bag. He is at least worth a try.

How about both Lake and Markovic can go forward at times, not at the same time though, but ones a leading player the other a strong mark one on one if bombed.
Depend on opposition and game situation of course.

[1eyedog]

Re: Markovic 2012

He's a solid role player rather than a stand out individual backman. If the back six get up and running I think he can be a tower of strength with his ability to read the ball and spoil. With good players around him at the drop of the ball he can be super effective for us, without being brilliant.

I am close to picking Marko before Williams even though they are different players with different abilities.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Markovic 2012

I am close to picking Marko before Williams even though they are different players with different abilities.

This. Williams is more gifted atheletically so if we're looking at versatility in terms of match-ups he's important, but if we're talking about who of the two is a better out-and-out defender there is simply no comparison.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Markovic 2012

This. Williams is more gifted atheletically so if we're looking at versatility in terms of match-ups he's important, but if we're talking about who of the two is a better out-and-out defender there is simply no comparison.

For all the hype on Williams that the club delivered a few years ago, he really hasn't shown much outside of a handful of games has he?

[GVGjr]

Re: Markovic 2012

I'm a bit worried about Marko. There is a facebook photo of him which I commented on- it's on the dogs fb page. He's looking a little out of shape.