Welcome Mark Austin

[Ghost Dog]

Mate at Carlton reckons this is a good pick.

this from a guy who is usually more pessimistic about players from his own club than any others!

Welcome to the club Mark!

Edit: Not the son of Rod Austin!

[Twodogs]

I remember Jimmy Edmond giving Curly Austin a run around at the Western Oval in early in '83. Kicked 6 from memory.

[LostDoggy]

Lets hope Mark didnt inherit Curly's kicking style.
No offence to Mark or ghost dog but where is the welcome Fletcher Roberts thread? He made the list.

[The Coon Dog]

The son of Rod Curly Austin.

Are you sure about this?

Rod's son Nick only played one reserves game for Carlton after being recruited from the Northern Suburbs whereas Mark was recruited from Glenelg.

[LostDoggy]

Are you thinking about the Brisbane Austin?

[Throughandthrough]

This is his Dad

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0dOFJIg_vw/TA2O9BPDyWI/AAAAAAAABnA/gEO6IpGR8xE/s400/lee+majors.jpg


PS if anyone cares, he was recruited from Glenelg, the same year as Bryce Gibbs and James Sellar. All three went to Brighton HS (i think), making them allmost the only Glenelg AFL players that didn't go to Sacred Heart College. Is (or was at the time, presumably still is) great mates with Bryce Gibbs.

[Ghost Dog]

Lets hope Mark didnt inherit Curly's kicking style.
No offence to Mark or ghost dog but where is the welcome Fletcher Roberts thread? He made the list.

Let's do it! Stack of recruits this year. Interesting times at the dogs.

[Ghost Dog]

Are you sure about this?

Rod's son Nick only played one reserves game for Carlton after being recruited from the Northern Suburbs whereas Mark was recruited from Glenelg.

thanks Coon Dog. Was absolutely , 100% wrong!
I will have to have a good dig at my Carlton friend. Seems carlton posted something on their some time ago to clarify this.
Seems I'm not the only one who made the mistake.

[KT31]

This is his Dad

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0dOFJIg_vw/TA2O9BPDyWI/AAAAAAAABnA/gEO6IpGR8xE/s400/lee+majors.jpg


PS if anyone cares, he was recruited from Glenelg, the same year as Bryce Gibbs and James Sellar. All three went to Brighton HS (i think), making them allmost the only Glenelg AFL players that didn't go to Sacred Heart College. Is (or was at the time, presumably still is) great mates with Bryce Gibbs.

Champagne comedy.:D

[bornadog]

Talking about Rod Austin - in the 80's he was coaching Fitzroy and we were playing them at Princes Park. My mate and I were sitting about 8 rows down from the coaches box. Rod was fuming that day as his players were making lots of mistakes and he was banging the table and throwing around the phone.

In the last quarter we started getting on top, and I am not sure what happened on the field but it was something he didn't like and next thing we hear BANG, Rod put his fist through the coaches box window. There was glass everywhere including in the hair of a a few older ladies.

Rod, well he just kept coaching as the assistance cleared the broken glass.

[Bulldog4life]

Talking about Rod Austin - in the 80's he was coaching Fitzroy and we were playing them at Princes Park. My mate and I were sitting about 8 rows down from the coaches box. Rod was fuming that day as his players were making lots of mistakes and he was banging the table and throwing around the phone.


Was the anointed one to coach the Fitzroy Bulldogs which luckily never eventuated.

[AndrewP6]

This is his Dad


I'm sure it's this guy...
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbowUa78KinIgdY3faqTH1e3o-AGF71tU2UGV0OqqYRK6IHDrocw

[LostDoggy]

Is there a 'Welcome Fletcher Roberts' thread yet?

[ledge]

I'm sure it's this guy...
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbowUa78KinIgdY3faqTH1e3o-AGF71tU2UGV0OqqYRK6IHDrocw

Maybe this was the guy getting Fev on the grog, throwing cans from his ute

[bornadog]

Should make his debut for us this Sunday. Still only 23 years of age.



Number 47
Height 194cm
Weight 95kg
DOB 24-02-1989
Career 15

A 194cm and 95kg key position player who played 15 games with Carlton,
including one last season, after making his debut in 2007.
Takes a terrific contested mark and will add depth to the club’s tall stocks.

Previous AFL club: Carlton (2007-11: 15 games, 1 goal).

Draft history: 2006 National AFL Draft 3rd round selection (Carlton)
No. 35 overall;

2011 Rookie Draft selection (Western Bulldogs) No. 76.

[G-Mo77]

I recall he played a few games at forward for the Bullants so potentially he may be able to go either end.

[DragzLS1]

Seen the video and he has played both ends.

He is a great size and can play either end. Hoping he has a good crack at it and possibly a regular starter for us and a great rookie pick up (we get lucky with our rookies lets be honest)

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Are you sure about this?

Rod's son Nick only played one reserves game for Carlton after being recruited from the Northern Suburbs whereas Mark was recruited from Glenelg.

Nick was also a staff member at the WB at one time and opens the bowling for Carlton in the District Cricket.

[Ozza]

Austin hasn't ended up being picked this week. Seems strange to upgrade him and not play him that week.

[bornadog]

Austin hasn't ended up being picked this week. Seems strange to upgrade him and not play him that week.

oh well, we will have to welcome him next week.:)

[Go_Dogs]

Austin hasn't ended up being picked this week. Seems strange to upgrade him and not play him that week.

Agreed, could have waited another week if we didn't think there was a suitable match up for him, which appears the case now. Perhaps there will be a late change?

[chef]

oh well, we will have to welcome him next week.:)

With Lake coming back in against GWS, can't see that happening. There's got to be a late change IMO.

[Desipura]

With Lake coming back in against GWS, can't see that happening. There's got to be a late change IMO.


You would think Roughy would be the out if there is an out.

[chef]

You would think Roughy would be the out if there is an out.

You would think so. I'd prefer Cordy to be given a go as the 2nd ruck.

[Dry Rot]

Agreed, could have waited another week if we didn't think there was a suitable match up for him, which appears the case now. Perhaps there will be a late change?

Ch7 tonight: Markovic out

[Remi Moses]

We're going to see how Mark Austin goes.
Must confess never seen him play

[LostDoggy]

Ch7 tonight: Markovic out

Damn , then Roughead is going to have to spend some time in defense to give us some extra height , if Austin is at FB and ends up on Clark he's going to be a bit nervous

.

[LostDoggy]

Well, Roughead did not too bad as a backman , I thought he was the most likely player to be switched back

Austin did OK for his first game , 11 disposals, 5 contested, 73% disposal efficiency , 7 1% , 92% TOG

Despite Lake having a holiday and Markovic as a late withdrawal the Club benefited from Austin and Veszpremi having a solid hitout


.

[DragzLS1]

Well, Roughead did not too bad as a backman , I thought he was the most likely player to be switched back

Austin did OK for his first game , 11 disposals, 5 contested, 73% disposal efficiency , 7 1% , 92% TOG

Despite Lake having a holiday and Markovic as a late withdrawal the Club benefited from Austin and Veszpremi having a solid hitout


.

I was happy with Austin today reminds me of Marko :p

Roughy lost his man a few times in the first half but was very good after the first quater.

All in all they done well and would like to see Austin and Markovic play in the same backline against a shorter forward line, think they would compliment eachother well.

[LostDoggy]

I was happy with Austin today reminds me of Marko :p

Roughy lost his man a few times in the first half but was very good after the first quater.

All in all they done well and would like to see Austin and Markovic play in the same backline against a shorter forward line, think they would compliment eachother well.

Why does he remind you of Markovic? He also trys? His poor disposal? Or his lack of speed? To me he is at least the equal of Markovic but we haven't seen enough of him yet. I'd give him another game with Lake not Markovic.

As for Roughead I prefer him playing backline rather than forward. No reason why he can't play on opposition monsters.

[always right]

Why does he remind you of Markovic? He also trys? His poor disposal? Or his lack of speed? To me he is at least the equal of Markovic but we haven't seen enough of him yet. I'd give him another game with Lake not Markovic.

As for Roughead I prefer him playing backline rather than forward. No reason why he can't play on opposition monsters.

At the risk of being shouted down I alo thought he reminded me of Marcovic. Certainly in appearance anyway.

[LostDoggy]

At the risk of being shouted down I alo thought he reminded me of Marcovic. Certainly in appearance anyway.

Just asking why?

I hope he is better than Markovic.

[bornadog]

At the risk of being shouted down I alo thought he reminded me of Marcovic. Certainly in appearance anyway.


Just asking why?

I hope he is better than Markovic.

Markovic is a very stiff looking solid type of bloke (an old fashion backman) who has no hope below his knees whereas Austin looks like his body is more flexible and nothing like Markovic.

[always right]

Just asking why?

I hope he is better than Markovic.

Apologies....read is if you were challenging the fact he reminds someone of Marcovic. Tone is very subjective when it comes to text.:)

[Sockeye Salmon]

Why isn't Austin getting the same grief for dropping an uncontested chest mark that Crossy is getting?

[Ghost Dog]

Why does he remind you of Markovic? He also trys? His poor disposal? Or his lack of speed? To me he is at least the equal of Markovic but we haven't seen enough of him yet. I'd give him another game with Lake not Markovic.

As for Roughead I prefer him playing backline rather than forward. No reason why he can't play on opposition monsters.

Right. Do you think he is mobile enough for the defensive chase? I reckon he did well V Dees and would be interested to see how he would slot into the backline.

[LostDoggy]

While its not a great situation we have at the moment with an unstable back six , getting some game time into Austin is important , while he has admitted that his match fitness is down and thats why he cramped early he still played 92% game time , if he can get some regular game time now in defense when the others are back on deck he can be switched forward , having Austin and Jones on the HF line would give us a better target spread and take some pressure off Jones

.

[Ghost Dog]

What was his possie at the blues?

[chef]

Why isn't Austin getting the same grief for dropping an uncontested chest mark that Crossy is getting?

I guess it's his first game(for us) and Crossy is a senior seasoned player.

[Desipura]

Why isn't Austin getting the same grief for dropping an uncontested chest mark that Crossy is getting?

I dont believe Austin's drop mark resulted in a goal like Crossy's.

[DragzLS1]

Why does he remind you of Markovic? He also trys? His poor disposal? Or his lack of speed? To me he is at least the equal of Markovic but we haven't seen enough of him yet. I'd give him another game with Lake not Markovic.

As for Roughead I prefer him playing backline rather than forward. No reason why he can't play on opposition monsters.


Just the way he moves and body shape ect they both look like the oldschool lock down type although it was only 1 game so I am basing it on what I saw with my own eyes against teh demons. Another game with Lake would be good to see and looks like he could be a handy back up although need to see more of him to be convinced he can take the big guys like a Cloke or Dawes.

As with Roughead I also think he is more suitable in the backline rather then forward. He looked a bit unsettled at the start of the game but got into it the more the game went on and done really well.

[LostDoggy]

Just the way he moves and body shape ect they both look like the oldschool lock down type although it was only 1 game so I am basing it on what I saw with my own eyes against teh demons. Another game with Lake would be good to see and looks like he could be a handy back up although need to see more of him to be convinced he can take the big guys like a Cloke or Dawes

Preseason they may have been the same height and weight but I don't think they look similar. Markovic is all shoulders and looks more robotic (less flexible) as mentioned already. Austin looks slimmer.
Not convinced Markovic can take Cloke or Dawes either.

[immortalmike]

Why isn't Austin getting the same grief for dropping an uncontested chest mark that Crossy is getting?

Three reasons, 1) Austin's first game, 2) no goal resulted, 3)Cross is older than 28 which apparently means his days are numbered despite form.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Three reasons, 1) Austin's first game, 2) no goal resulted, 3)Cross is older than 28 which apparently means his days are numbered despite form.

Griffen dropped a sitter 20 metres out right in front - that cost a goal

[Mantis]

What was his possie at the blues?

FB for the Northern Bullants.

[Sedat]

Why isn't Austin getting the same grief for dropping an uncontested chest mark that Crossy is getting?That was a poor drop by Austin, regardless of whether or not it was his first game for the club. He's not Izzy Folau - he's actually played a fair bit of footy in the last 12+ years so chest marks shouldn't be a problem. I'm not sold on Austin as yet - happy with a couple of things but unhappy with a couple of others. James Sellar isn't exactly Wayne Carey.

Crossy's game has been pretty severely maligned. I thought he was alright on Sunday - not one out of the box but still a decent contribution. However, His dropped chest mark was very poor, and in the context of the game it gifted Melbourne a frankly undeserved goal at a time where we were dominating the match. Arguably that conceded goal on half time was the spur for their 3rd qtr revival. When icing the clock late in qtrs, we simply need to be much better than that.

[Sedat]

FB for the Northern Bullants.
I see what you did there ;)

[AndrewP6]

That was a poor drop by Austin, regardless of whether or not it was his first game for the club. He's not Izzy Folau - he's actually played a fair bit of footy in the last 12+ years so chest marks shouldn't be a problem. I'm not sold on Austin as yet - happy with a couple of things but unhappy with a couple of others. James Sellar isn't exactly Wayne Carey.
.

Since he was 11? He played 15 games with the Blues, only one last year. I'm prepared to give him a bit of slack.

[Sedat]

Since he was 11? He played 15 games with the Blues, only one last year. I'm prepared to give him a bit of slack.Do you think he first touched a Sherrin at draft age? ;)

Why should anybody cut him slack for failing to do a basic fundamental (uncontested chest mark) just because it's his first game for the club? My 5yo son is already taking chest marks after a couple of Aus Kick sessions.

[AndrewP6]

Do you think he first touched a Sherrin at draft age? ;)

We're marking them pretty tough if we're going to consider kids footy when looking at current errors. :)

[AndrewP6]

Do you think he first touched a Sherrin at draft age? ;)

My point is why cut him slack for failing to do a basic fundamental (chest mark) just because it's his first game for the club. My 5yo son is already taking chest marks after a couple of Aus Kick sessions.

Because it's his first game for the club. He's a bloke who's only been on the senior list for a minute. It was wet, he made a blue.

Your son might be taking chest marks, but have you looked at his kicking technique? :D

[Sedat]

Your son might be taking chest marks, but have you looked at his kicking technique? :DShocking, almost as bad as Clay Smith's :D

[bornadog]

Shocking, almost as bad as Clay Smith's :D

Then he will get drafted:D

[LostDoggy]

Why does he remind you of Markovic? He also trys? His poor disposal? Or his lack of speed? To me he is at least the equal of Markovic but we haven't seen enough of him yet. I'd give him another game with Lake not Markovic.


You sure you're not referring to Cross?

[immortalmike]

Griffen dropped a sitter 20 metres out right in front - that cost a goal

Yes but Griffen is a sacred cow on this board who has not had a good game this year but has yet to be criticized for it. As a whole our supporters seem very trigger happy this year, which means if you are on the wrong side of 28 watch out if you make a mistake.

[Sedat]

Yes but Griffen is a sacred cow on this board who has not had a good game this year but has yet to be criticized for it.He hasn't been working hard enough to break the shackles in the last 2 weeks but he was very good against Adelaide. Having a smashed up hand would not be helping too much.

Back onto Austin, what do posters think he can add to the table over and above the likes of Lake, Markovic, Morris and Williams? These guys would all currently be ahead of Austin in the pecking order when they are injury free, and all will be around for at least the next 2 seasons. Does Austin have any specific skills set that the others lack? Or is he simply key defensive cover in the event of injury (as is the case right now)? Looking at him on Sunday, I feel it is the latter.

[LostDoggy]

Back onto Austin, what do posters think he can add to the table over and above the likes of Lake, Markovic, Morris and Williams? These guys would all currently be ahead of Austin in the pecking order when they are injury free, and all will be around for at least the next 2 seasons. Does Austin have any specific skills set that the others lack? Or is he simply key defensive cover in the event of injury (as is the case right now)? Looking at him on Sunday, I feel it is the latter.

Basically if you break it down Austin was recruited as the second coming of Adam Morgan , ( same height same weight ) a key position player who can switch between back and forward , if he can stay injury free he will do better than Chad , once we have a stable back six Austin will probably play forward , for example if Veszpremi can cement a place in the backline while Morris is out then you could rotate Austin and Veszpremi to unbalance opposition matchups

.

[Desipura]

Yes but Griffen is a sacred cow on this board who has not had a good game this year but has yet to be criticized for it. As a whole our supporters seem very trigger happy this year, which means if you are on the wrong side of 28 watch out if you make a mistake.
Have you seen the Adelaide game yet? Griffen was one of our best.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

He hasn't been working hard enough to break the shackles in the last 2 weeks but he was very good against Adelaide. Having a smashed up hand would not be helping too much.

Back onto Austin, what do posters think he can add to the table over and above the likes of Lake, Markovic, Morris and Williams? These guys would all currently be ahead of Austin in the pecking order when they are injury free, and all will be around for at least the next 2 seasons. Does Austin have any specific skills set that the others lack? Or is he simply key defensive cover in the event of injury (as is the case right now)? Looking at him on Sunday, I feel it is the latter.

Well said. With Williams out for some time, Austin becomes a handy back up for both Lake and/ or Markovic missing as we experienced against Melbourne. Carlton who are not over flushed with key defenders would have wanted to hold onto Austin if they felt he was good enough. You would want to see him against much stronger opposition to get a better handle on whether he has a future with us.

[Ghost Dog]

Well said. With Williams out for some time, Austin becomes a handy back up for both Lake and/ or Markovic missing as we experienced against Melbourne. Carlton who are not over flushed with key defenders would have wanted to hold onto Austin if they felt he was good enough. You would want to see him against much stronger opposition to get a better handle on whether he has a future with us.

Quite a few Carlton Supporters I know didn't want to let him go.

[immortalmike]

Have you seen the Adelaide game yet? Griffen was one of our best.

Yeah I have. Griff wasted the ball worse than Cross and Boyd could ever hope to (48% DE and 3 clangers is not good enough). I stand by my statement that he has not produced a good game yet. Hey, Griffen's probably my favourite player after Murph but he's nowhere near as good as he should be or has been.

[GVGjr]

I think he was a bit stiff to be dropped. With the injuries we have it might have been worth sticking with him for a couple of games.

[LostDoggy]

I think he was a bit stiff to be dropped. With the injuries we have it might have been worth sticking with him for a couple of games.

I agree with your comment considering where we are at and who we are playing.

If we were challenging this year it would be a different story.

[LostDoggy]

I think he was a bit stiff to be dropped. With the injuries we have it might have been worth sticking with him for a couple of games.

If Hargrave had a poor game last week but Markovic was right to play this week they still might have dropped Austin , Hargrave had a solid game but Markovic isn,t right to play and Austin is dropped , I can only assume its more to do with matchups against GWS

Against Collingwood with Cloke and Dawes moving up and back it might be worthwhile having Lake on Dawes and Austin on Cloke , they can go with them up to the 50m arc and let them run on , if Markovic is back on deck he can stay back as a tall sweeper who can go to Jolly when he goes forward , to me it makes sense having all three against Collingwood

.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Against Collingwood with Cloke and Dawes moving up and back it might be worthwhile having Lake on Dawes and Austin on Cloke , they can go with them up to the 50m arc and let them run on , if Markovic is back on deck he can stay back as a tall sweeper who can go to Jolly when he goes forward , to me it makes sense having all three against Collingwood

.

Wouldn't it have made sense to get another game into Austin if this was the case?

FWIW I can't see us bringing Austin back for the Collingwood game. We have clearly identified Roughead as a player who can go back -- he did it last week v Clark, but even as a ruckman he's been dropping back quite a lot.

In such a case, we would likely use Roughead to cover Jolly which would then allow Lake/Markovic to take Dawes/Cloke.

[Ghost Dog]

Wouldn't it have made sense to get another game into Austin if this was the case?

FWIW I can't see us bringing Austin back for the Collingwood game. We have clearly identified Roughead as a player who can go back -- he did it last week v Clark, but even as a ruckman he's been dropping back quite a lot.

In such a case, we would likely use Roughead to cover Jolly which would then allow Lake/Markovic to take Dawes/Cloke.

Roughy looked very shakey early in defence. My heart was in my mouth the whole time he was against Clarke early on. Roughead would get monstered by Jolly IMO. Just too strong and wily.

[LostDoggy]

Roughy looked very shakey early in defence. My heart was in my mouth the whole time he was against Clarke early on. Roughead would get monstered by Jolly IMO. Just too strong and wily.

By a ruckman like Jolly? If he can't stand up against Jolly in defence then how is is he gonna play him in ruck? Give him a go cos if he fails agaimst those opponents then he'll wont make it anywhere.

[LostDoggy]

Seeing how poor Henderson is. Either Ratten knows nothing or Austin must be pretty bad not be able to stay on the Carlton list.

[LostDoggy]

Seeing how poor Henderson is. Either Ratten knows nothing or Austin must be pretty bad not be able to stay on the Carlton list.

Henderson poor? Are you kidding!? Have you watched any Carlton games this year? He's been fantastic. One of the most improved players in the comp IMO

[Remi Moses]

Seeing how poor Henderson is. Either Ratten knows nothing or Austin must be pretty bad not be able to stay on the Carlton list.

Gee, he was good tonight

[LostDoggy]

Henderson was ok last night after a poor start. Last week got beaten by Cammeri last week. The ball rarely ventured into the freo forward line.
To say he has been fantastic is an exaggeration, serviceable is better.

[LostDoggy]

Wouldn't it have made sense to get another game into Austin if this was the case?
FWIW I can't see us bringing Austin back for the Collingwood game.

Austin is going to get some more game time now , in for Hargrave , he had 92% game time against Melbourne and cramped towards the end , with Libba as the Sub against GWS it could be that Libba comes on for Austin unless there is an injury , as I stated earlier I believe we need Austin in against Collingwood

.