Sam Power

[bulldogtragic]

I'm interested to hear the toughts on my man Sam. A bigger fan of his i'd like to know, i've always had faith that Sam would come good. On bigfooty i'll again run the "another Sam Power game, another win" thread.

Despite what i consider a break out year, many dont have him in our top 25 and still underrate him, often criticising his kicking skills. But look closely at his game, this ungamely looking kicks are almost always to advantge.

Last year he took his fair share of hits and geez does he have the fastest hands in the team, often just firing out the hands while opponents take him out. Which is not only a skillful way to have opponents not follow the pill, but very courageous. Also his ability to play tall and small and both outmark and outrun various opponents makes him very dangerous, and the Essendon game (first quarter in particular) showed his ability to not only kick goals but set up the play from the chf line.

I'm going to lay out my support from the outset of 2007, as i've done every other year so i'm not labelled a bandwagoner. I'm interested in where you see him, in the side, list and development.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I'm a converted fan of Power's, he really stood up in the second half of the season and particuarly in those last 5 or 6 games.

He looked brother-esque in the Adelaide & Dons games, where his reading of the play off a HFF was superb. His foot skills have improved a lot, as has his decision making which used to be poor. He still needs to carry the ball more for my liking, BUT, he has turned the corner I think.

Bigger body as the training reports suggest will help him a lot more. His body positioning and body work was really good in those last few games so added weight will only help him improve more in this area. His versatility is a big plus for the side and it'll have him in favour when the selectors are trying to pick a side. He's capable of playing backline, wing but also on a HFF where I think is his best position. He's a natural "assister" much like his brother. He's a smart Footballer now, as evident by the Essendon game alone with his precise kicking and movement.

IMO he'll play 15+ games. Somebody with that versatility but effect can't be left on the sidelines. He can play on talls & smalls too with his height, and with added bulk, that further strengthens the cause. As his confidence rises he'll only develop into a better player. Needs to carry the ball as I said, but he seems to be well on the way.

I just think he moved and delivered exactly like his brother in the last few games. No reason why he won't improve, and thus, no reason why he can't be a regular player in our side.

[Twodogs]

The thing I noticed about Sam in his first preseason was his hands. His disposal by hand, including instinctivley just knowing what the best option was, was outstanding. He just seemed to take a while to find his radar at senior level.


Has been a standout at several sessions I have seen this year. His tackling has been ferocious.

[Dry Rot]

OK, so where do you play him? HFF?

[bulldogtragic]

OK, so where do you play him? HFF?
Where ever is the answer. He can play back and runs the winds hard too, but is most dangerous around the hff and could run on the ball. His versatility could mean he starts anywhere, or a perfecet bench player who with multi-position ability, with height, speed and strength now.

[Dry Rot]

So how would you rate a HF line of Murphy, McDougall and Power? Where does Guido play?

[bulldogtragic]

So how would you rate a HF line of Murphy, McDougall and Power? Where does Guido play?
Rotates out of the pocket with Aker.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I would think Power would start on the bench but come on to play at a HFF, unless needed in the backline. He'd probably relieve Gia - or for the first part, perhaps even Murphy to ease Bobby into the games.

His 'speciality' thus far would be setting up goals from a HFF, so I think he'd interchange well with Gia. He will probably be a bit of a "fill the gap" type of player, somewhat like Smith, coming off the bench and playing where he's needed but as a preference, I would think he'd certainly move to the HFF first.

[bornadog]

There are two things I don't like about Sam:

Firsty, he doesn't go in hard enough at the ball. I have seen him many times a bit scared to get hurt. Maybe with the extra muscle he will gain some confidence.

and secondly, his disposal is atrocious for some one that can really kick a ball when he has to. He often does some silly chips and silly handpasses that put others under pressure. Its like he wants to get rid of the ball as quickly as possible and not allowing himself time to think about what he is doing.

[Dry Rot]

There are two things I don't like about Sam:

Firsty, he doesn't go in hard enough at the ball. I have seen him many times a bit scared to get hurt. Maybe with the extra muscle he will gain some confidence.

and secondly, his disposal is atrocious for some one that can really kick a ball when he has to. He often does some silly chips and silly handpasses that put others under pressure. Its like he wants to get rid of the ball as quickly as possible and not allowing himself time to think about what he is doing.

Re #1, optimists at training would claim that he is getting over this.

Re #2, the old vision thing. Again from training reports, some claim likewise that Faulkner can get the pill, but can't dispose of it.

[Go_Dogs]

I also think Power is in for a big year. I was one who last year was almost writing him off at stages, but he has really grown into a solid player. His versatility will be paramount to him retaining a spot in the side, and I feel he will be able to play a number of roles to good effect. Like a lot of players, it's going to be hard to get opportunities this year, so when they arise for Sam, he has to really grab them with both hands. I think he will start in our best 22, at least for the first part of the season.

[BulldogBelle]

I am also of the opinion that Sam Power will significantly further improve this season and is in for a big year. He has steadily over the years gained more momentum and confidence in his abilities under Rhode. Looking forward to watching him play.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Re #1, optimists at training would claim that he is getting over this.

Re #2, the old vision thing. Again from training reports, some claim likewise that Faulkner can get the pill, but can't dispose of it.


DR as one of the eternal optimists (albeit one who hasn't seen Sam at traning) you write of, I reckon that by years end Sam will have made you a believer :D
I posted at the beginning of 2006 on BF that I thought he would have a break out year in 2006... I was wrong but there were some really good signs that he was becoming a valuble part of the team by seasons end.
I thought he had shown impressive improvements both in his disposal and awareness on the field.
He looked alot more assured and confident in contests as well but I think his game would benefit further still from some more upper body strength.

[Dry Rot]

Agree that strength and confidence are what Power needs, and the two are linked.

Sounds like he has the former now (or getting there) and hopefully the latter will follow with some serious game time early in the season.

[LostDoggy]

I think Power is a bench player capable of playing a number of roles for us. Very happy to see him training well and I certainly have him in my best 22.

[GVGjr]

I also think Power is in for a big year. I was one who last year was almost writing him off at stages, but he has really grown into a solid player. His versatility will be paramount to him retaining a spot in the side, and I feel he will be able to play a number of roles to good effect. Like a lot of players, it's going to be hard to get opportunities this year, so when they arise for Sam, he has to really grab them with both hands. I think he will start in our best 22, at least for the first part of the season.

Is he now just a role player or is he capable of establishing himself in one or two positions?

As much as I rate him he is probably more of a handyman than a specialist. The modern game caters for both so it shouldn't be a problem for him.

[Go_Dogs]

Spot on. He'll play where he can get a game, and do a good job.

[Mofra]

As much as I rate him he is probably more of a handyman than a specialist. The modern game caters for both so it shouldn't be a problem for him.
He is the same size as Hargrave & has played back and forward so is arguably more versatile, although he lacks the mean streak Hargrave shows on field.

His best position is delivering into the forward line, looking at his best games he leads the team in assists and that is his real value to the team. Not a star but could be close to our most important pure utility player we have in the coming seasons.

[alwaysadog]

He will have a very good season and establish himself. Exactly where will depend on what happens to his rivals in the team for various spots. Essentially a flanker who can play back and forward and cover a tall at times.

Too many people don't see how he plays for the team and sets things up or blocks out for others. Because his roles have been limited few have appreciated him and because he doesn't do flashy things he gets underated.

We've had the PSLA and no one can have missed ther BHAStards we need a first WOOF cult hero and I nominate Sam Power. Someone with a marketing/advertising background could surely develop a name and a campaign, couldn't they?

[bulldogtragic]

He will have a very good season and establish himself. Exactly where will depend on what happens to his rivals in the team for various spots. Essentially a flanker who can play back and forward and cover a tall at times.

Too many people don't see how he plays for the team and sets things up or blocks out for others. Because his roles have been limited few have appreciated him and because he doesn't do flashy things he gets underated.

We've had the PSLA and no one can have missed ther BHAStards we need a first WOOF cult hero and I nominate Sam Power. Someone with a marketing/advertising background could surely develop a name and a campaign, couldn't they?
How about:

"Playing with Power" or
"The Power play" ?

Perhaps "The Power Posse"?

[bulldogtragic]

Perhaps "The Power Posee"?

[mjp]

...likewise that Faulkner can get the pill, but can't dispose of it.

Off the track, but surely Cam's problem is (well, has been) that he just doesn't get the thing enough? 1%'er king, but that is not enough.

As for Sam, I am not sure about the 'Another Power game, another win' thing, but do believe that last year particularly the poor bloke was needlessly picked on by a heap of supporters. I seem to remember creating a thread on this somewhere, but might be wrong.

He will be fine, just fine. He has exceptionally quick hands, and whilst he was pretty serviceable down back for large parts of 2006, showed a real creative ability in the forward line near the end of the season.

[alwaysadog]

Off the track, but surely Cam's problem is (well, has been) that he just doesn't get the thing enough? 1%'er king, but that is not enough.

As for Sam, I am not sure about the 'Another Power game, another win' thing, but do believe that last year particularly the poor bloke was needlessly picked on by a heap of supporters. I seem to remember creating a thread on this somewhere, but might be wrong.

He will be fine, just fine. He has exceptionally quick hands, and whilst he was pretty serviceable down back for large parts of 2006, showed a real creative ability in the forward line near the end of the season.

Good balanced post mjp. The "Another Power game..." thread seemed to me somewhat tongue in cheek while trying to get some balance because a few kept getting stuck into him.

IMHO the real problem has been finding where to play him to get the best outcome for the team. Many wrongly assumed he would be like his brother, but he's a completely different type of player and although Shaggy's size isn't in that mould either. I think the coaching pannel is a lot closer to working out the puzzle of where to play him or in what combinations he works best.

Faulkner is a worry, and that's the problem; I think he puts too much pressure on himself. He slotted a beautiful goal from the boundary line last season but did little else with very limited opportunities. Given his increased bulk let's hope he can stay healthy and work his way in to the side.

[alwaysadog]

Perhaps "The Power Posee"?

I like it! :D :D :D

Now what we need is the campaign for the recognition of his football genuis.

[bulldogtragic]

I like it! :D :D :D

Now what we need is the campaign for the recognition of his football genuis.
That's a bit tougher. I could rock up to the intraclub on 16/02 with a bed sheet with a painted on slogan... :)

[dog town]

I like and appreciate some of Powers assets but see him as a bit of a spare parts man at this stage. He has alot of quality players ahead of him in a couple of his preferred positions particularly if we get somewhere near full strength. He finds alot of targets with very safe and short sideways passes but when required to kick with a bit of penetration he tends to spoon it a bit. His short passes are pretty effective when he plays forward because he does spot up players very well and when in a goal scoring position he can hurt sides but when playing down back some of his passes can be a little pointless.

I like his tackling and his quick hands although just occasionally he can fire out his quick hands in a bit of a panicked fashion. Just cant see what role he will play with a near full strength side. I do like him as a potential tagger if he gets a chance because he can stick to a task and being in traffic alot his hands will be used a little more. As a forward where he did ok later in the year he really doesn't suit our structure because he doesn't push up to the ball carrier that well and could get a bit lost in our structure and that is something he will need to work on if he plays forward.

[Raw Toast]

I agree that he faces stiff competition as a forward but actually do think he fits our forward line structure. While he doesn't push up to the ball carrier as well as others, he seemed a good 'get out of trouble' option - when the ball was bombed in towards him he was generally able to bring it to ground, win the one-on-one contest with his opponent, and then hold it up until he could use it to advantage. Because he was generally playing on a hff the balls lobbed up to him didn't draw a crowd, obviously if he was more central a bombed ball would be likely to draw a pack and I'm not sure that would suit him.

The question would be how much of the ball he gets as a forward if we have a stronger forward line than late last year - if he gets enough then his creative use of the ball should keep him in the team.

I agree that a run-with role is another option, and as most of remember he took Nick Dal Santo apart a few years ago, but hasn't really been given many more opportunities there.

[GVGjr]

I like and appreciate some of Powers assets but see him as a bit of a spare parts man at this stage. He has alot of quality players ahead of him in a couple of his preferred positions particularly if we get somewhere near full strength. He finds alot of targets with very safe and short sideways passes but when required to kick with a bit of penetration he tends to spoon it a bit. His short passes are pretty effective when he plays forward because he does spot up players very well and when in a goal scoring position he can hurt sides but when playing down back some of his passes can be a little pointless.



Do you think he is in the best 22? I'm not 100% certain which position he will fill be I think he is a terrific player to have coming off the bench.

[dog town]

West , Johnson , Cross , Cooney , Grant , Gilbee , Morris , Mcmahon , Griffen , Harris , Boyd , Guido , Aker , Ray , Robbins are all ahead of him as players IMO then you have important plyers to the structure like Hargrave , the two ruckmen and possibly Wight which makes 21 already. Put in Darcy , Murphy and Hahn returning from injury along with players like Doogs (Eade will want to play him as early as possible) , Higgins and Montgomery and it is hard to put him in your top 22 players. The fortunate thing for him is that we will never have our best 22 avaialble all at once so he will get opportunities depending on who is injured at any given time. With Johnson , Aka , Darcy , Murphy , Hahn , Cooney , Doogs , Guido , Robbins , Grant and others to push forward I find it hard to find a spot for him up forward unless he can add a string or two to his bow.

That paragraph was not an attack on Power but just a realistic appraisal of just how tough he may find it. He will really have to continue improving and make every post a winner to claim a spot which is fantastic for our club. I can actually see a situation where he may end up competing with someone like Monty for a forward/backmen role coming off the bench. Both are versatile and can play similar sort of roles.

[Raw Toast]

I was going to say that Monty and Power will probably be competiting for the same spot, and DFA seems likely to be pressing for a place as well.

Sounds like Power is impressing a fair bit at training and has his confidence up - you'd think the pre-season comp would be pretty important for the fringe players like him and Monty.

Hopefully we can keep enough depth to be able to rest players when need-be this year...

[westdog54]

He is the same size as Hargrave & has played back and forward so is arguably more versatile, although he lacks the mean streak Hargrave shows on field.

His best position is delivering into the forward line, looking at his best games he leads the team in assists and that is his real value to the team. Not a star but could be close to our most important pure utility player we have in the coming seasons.

Its easy to forget just how tall Power is unless you either take a good look at him or check out the stat sheets, he always seems to just be midfielder size, or is just me?

Spot on about delivering into the forward line as well. His first quarter against Essendon was exemplary, had 5 or 6 goal assists to quarter time IIRC, blew the game wide open.

As for the "Power Posse" or whatever we're going to call it, I'll give him a go!