Welcome to the Westernbulldogs - Charlie Parker

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFF4u7gVQAI9qm2?format=jpg&name=large

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFF4u7gVQAI9qm2?format=jpg&name=large

I mean his nickname has to the 'Bird' doesn't it?

[josie]

Congrats & Welcome to the Mighty Bulldogs, Yardbird. There is a Facebook short clip of him kicking a goal from boundary line - looks like it was well over 50m. More of those please!! Presume he has been recruited as a defender.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Any of our Adelaide Woofers got the skinny on this fella?

[Axe Man]

Talented cricketer too:

It’s blue skies for Sturt’s Parker brothers as trio make their mark (https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/cricket/its-blue-skies-for-sturts-parker-brothers-as-trio-make-their-mark/news-story/efd03e6039f6094ed35230ab92f038e6)

https://i.postimg.cc/4xnY5104/parker.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Sturt Cricket Club has three brothers - (LtoR) Charlie,22, Angus,17, and Max Parker, 27, playing in its grade cricket side this season. It is the first time the three have played A grade together. 24 October 2019. Picture Dean Martin

Mention the name Parker at the Sturt District Cricket Club and there’s a fair chance the response will be: “which one?”

Brothers Max, Charlie and Angus Parker are padding up together for this first time this season in Sturt’s top side, making up more than a quarter of the team.

And with dad Stephen the Blues’ secretary and scorer and mum Deb looking after the afternoon tea, it’s become a real Parker family affair at Price Memorial Oval.

Max, a batting all-rounder, and leg-spinner Charlie have become regulars in Sturt’s top side while batsman Angus, 17, made his debut in round one earlier this month.

Max, 27, says the special feat came as a bit of a surprise.

“There’s quite an age gap between myself and Angus, so to be able to play some B grade cricket with him last year was really good and I definitely didn’t expect to be playing some A grade cricket with him,” Max says.

“But he’s taken the opportunity he’s been given due to a couple of guys leaving and the club’s youth policy, which I think is fantastic.

“It was more of a reward for mum and dad as well because of the sacrifices they’ve made over the years for us.

“For those two to see the three of us run out was pretty special.”

Backyard battles unsurprisingly shaped the Parker brothers’ skills and competitiveness, including fourth brother Lewis who has given up the game but still plays football alongside Charlie at Adelaide University.

Charlie modestly names Max as holding the mantle of the best cricketer in the family but says Angus has the potential to take the title.

“I think Angus probably has the potential to be the best in the family and Max has probably held the reins for a while, being the oldest,” Charlie, 22, says.

“We have played a lot of heated battles in the backyard, ending in tears a lot of the time, it’s nice that we can play together instead of against each other now.

“I’ve also been lucky enough to play a fair bit of footy out at Uni with Max and Lewis and now Angus and Max with cricket.”

Unfortunately the Blues were not able to snare wins in their opening two rounds with all three brothers playing, before breaking the duck against East Torrens – a win Max missed through injury.

Max says Sturt’s policy of bringing through youth ahead of heavy recruitment is the right way forward.

“The core is there from the last two seasons where we’ve played a one-day final and a two-day final so we’re confident with the group we’ve got,” he says.

“The challenge we’ve got now through guys like myself, Brad Davis, Ty Watson and Ziggy Kulesza is to be role models and leaders for the young guys coming through, like Angus.”

The eldest Parker made his A grade debut in the 2012-13 campaign while Charlie made his first appearance in the top side at the beginning of last season.

Both were part of the Blues losing 2018-19 One-Day Cup grand final side.

[Testekill]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f00VQ_TjMBM

Likes a goal and reasonable pace.

[The Doctor]

Go The Bird

Good luck young man!

[The Underdog]

I mean his nickname has to the 'Bird' doesn't it?

I mean, for you and me, yes.
For footballers under 30, probably not.

[Eastdog]

Good luck Charlie! Welcome to the Dogs!

[Mofra]

I'd guess we're looking to him to be a 193cm wingman who can roll back into defence to provide aerial support.
It's not the worst idea

[Bulldog Revolution]

Looks a good prospect

[comrade]

Another tweener.

[Axe Man]

Geelong and the Western Bulldogs have pulled huge surprises in the AFL rookie draft on Friday as 24-year-old Williamstown defender Charlie Dean finally got his chance at the top level.

In the first shock of the online event, which saw all 18 clubs call in remotely, Stephen Wells and the Cats plucked Ollie Dempsey straight from Old Carey Grammarians in the VAFA at pick 13.

The Bulldogs followed suit two selections later, taking Sturt’s Charlie Parker, who was playing amateur footy in Adelaide last year.

The first-grade cricketer turned league footballer said he was still coming to terms with playing SANFL league football with Sturt this year when AFL grand finalist the Western Bulldogs sensationally picked him.

Now the 24-year-old mature-age selection is taking his impressive, pacy, long-kicking game to the big league.

“It’s fair to say I am in a bit of shock,’’ Parker said minutes after seeing his name pop up on the AFL website as the 17th pick of the rookie draft.

“It’s just been an amazing year and this tops it all off.

“I’m still shocked that I played league footy this year and now this happens.

“It’s incredible that I’m in this position, very exciting, and I can’t wait to get started with the Bulldogs

The club also plucked another mature-ager from their VFL program in 24-year-old midfielder Robbie McComb.

Link (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-rookie-draft-2021-follow-all-the-latest-news-and-see-who-your-club-takes/news-story/e748134ec4695630fd2386c8f4cfb012)

[jazzadogs]

I liked how he lowered his eyes a few times when hitting the 50-60m out zone, and hit a forward in the clear rather than taking the shot at goal.

From the clip he has a bit of a funny kicking action, but efficiency didn't seem to be an issue. Good luck lad!

[Grantysghost]

The link is pay walled is he a ruck? Many thanks.

[Grantysghost]

Ok read back you dill. 193 ain't bad. Not many above that at AFL level. But alas we don't want a ruckman.

[Axe Man]

The link is pay walled is he a ruck? Many thanks.

Which link? There is nothing further relevant in the links I have posted, they are just there for completness.

No he's not a ruck:

2021 AFL Rookie Draft: Pick 17 – Charlie Parker (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1034063/2021-afl-rookie-draft-pick-17-charlie-parker)

The Western Bulldogs have drafted mature-age utility Charlie Parker with pick 17 in the 2021 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Parker, a 24-year-old, caught the eye of the Bulldogs’ recruiters during the 2021 season with his performances with Sturt in the SANFL.

He played nine games for the Double Blues this year as a wingman/defender, before missing the second half of the season through injury.

He is a penetrating kick, who has the precious combination of high-end speed and endurance.

Parker is an extremely talented cricketer who plied his trade in England after finishing high school, before he returned for his breakout SANFL season.

Charlie Parker profile
Former Club: Sturt Football Club (South Australia)
Height: 193cm
Weight: 85kg
Date of Birth: 13/10/1997

[Grantysghost]

Which link? There is nothing further relevant in the links I have posted, they are just there for completness.

No he's not a ruck:

2021 AFL Rookie Draft: Pick 17 – Charlie Parker (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1034063/2021-afl-rookie-draft-pick-17-charlie-parker)

The Western Bulldogs have drafted mature-age utility Charlie Parker with pick 17 in the 2021 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Parker, a 24-year-old, caught the eye of the Bulldogs’ recruiters during the 2021 season with his performances with Sturt in the SANFL.

He played nine games for the Double Blues this year as a wingman/defender, before missing the second half of the season through injury.

He is a penetrating kick, who has the precious combination of high-end speed and endurance.

Parker is an extremely talented cricketer who plied his trade in England after finishing high school, before he returned for his breakout SANFL season.

Charlie Parker profile
Former Club: Sturt Football Club (South Australia)
Height: 193cm
Weight: 85kg
Date of Birth: 13/10/1997

I edited and slapped myself. 2000 apologies. Thanks.
Edit : Sometimes in the activity stream I just read the latest post and respond before I look back so my bad.

[ratsmac]

The link is pay walled is he a ruck? Many thanks.

He is now a Bulldog player so yes he is a ruck:p

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Following Keath's path.
( As opposed to Keith Stackpole and Ian Redpath).

[soupman]

From the clip he has a bit of a funny kicking action, but efficiency didn't seem to be an issue. Good luck lad!

His action reminds me a little of Gardner weirdly. Mainly in that he holds the ball a touch low (maybe from long arms) and kicks with his hips quite upright (notice how none of his kicks are even remotely around the corner, just like Gardner).

[divvydan]

Will probably go up on website on YT soon but there's a short interview with Charlie on the WB twitter page

https://twitter.com/westernbulldogs/status/1465562788420415488

[Dry Rot]

Will probably go up on website on YT soon but there's a short interview with Charlie on the WB twitter page

https://twitter.com/westernbulldogs/status/1465562788420415488

Two things stand out for me.

Firstly, going off by himself at age 18 yo play cricket in England is impressive.

Secondly, training through November with little prospect of joining an AFL team shows a good attitude.

[kruder]

Have a feeling he is going to surprise, really good size, neat kick and flexible position wise.

When coming off half back he reminds me a little of Crisp of the Pies.

[hujsh]

Looks a bit like ol' microphone head Grant

[Dancin' Douggy]

gee I love the look of him. Plays with genuine intent and spark. Smart, fast and confident.
could be a real surprise packet. And I agree he does look like he may possibly have some indigenous ancestry in his profile picture.

[jazzadogs]

I can't find any information that he is indigenous, and not a huge fan of 'he looks indigenous' as a comment on appearance. This isn't a personal crack at the posters, but think it's worth reflecting on.

[josie]

I can't find any information that he is indigenous, and not a huge fan of 'he looks indigenous' as a comment on appearance. This isn't a personal crack at the posters, but think it's worth reflecting on.

Hi Jazzadogs.

If some of us have been blind to cultural differences please inform us of specifics so we can avoid faux pas.

I’m proud of my Chinese heritage and I have no problems with folks saying I look Asian or Chinese. I’ve had my fair share of racism - fortunately a lot better now than decades ago. I also think we/Australians can still do so much better. With many supporters having a keen desire to harness the best of the talent pool, including indigenous talent, I do not think there is anything inappropriate in queries or observations, unless I’m missing something.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I can't find any information that he is indigenous, and not a huge fan of 'he looks indigenous' as a comment on appearance. This isn't a personal crack at the posters, but think it's worth reflecting on.

Can I agree with a previous poster and say "yes. he might look indigenous?

[Grantysghost]

Can I agree with a previous poster and say "yes. he might look indigenous?

I don't have an issue with that. But also I don't care either way if he is or not he looks an exciting prospect.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I am very very very very sorry.

I can't find any information that he is indigenous, and not a huge fan of 'he looks indigenous' as a comment on appearance. This isn't a personal crack at the posters, but think it's worth reflecting on.

[Grantysghost]

I am very very very very sorry.

Are you the head of BP?


https://youtu.be/15HTd4Um1m4

[Dancin' Douggy]

Are you the head of BP?


https://youtu.be/15HTd4Um1m4

Sorry I don’t get it

[bornadog]

Hi Jazzadogs.

If some of us have been blind to cultural differences please inform us of specifics so we can avoid faux pas.

I’m proud of my Chinese heritage and I have no problems with folks saying I look Asian or Chinese. I’ve had my fair share of racism - fortunately a lot better now than decades ago. I also think we/Australians can still do so much better. With many supporters having a keen desire to harness the best of the talent pool, including indigenous talent, I do not think there is anything inappropriate in queries or observations, unless I’m missing something.

I agree Josie, and sorry to hear that you have had your fair share of racism. I don't actually get racism, ie why people are like that.

[Grantysghost]

Sorry I don’t get it

It's a South Park skit, poking fun at the head of BP for the Gulf of Mexico accident.

[Mofra]

He seems the right kind of project 'type' to use the rookie list on.
I do wonder whether we're considering him a HB prospect for a potential wing option. We do love our 'HB turned wingmen' type (Roarke Smith, and we recruited Butler with the same idea)

[SquirrelGrip]

He seems the right kind of project 'type' to use the rookie list on.
I do wonder whether we're considering him a HB prospect for a potential wing option. We do love our 'HB turned wingmen' type (Roarke Smith, and we recruited Butler with the same idea)

Maybe he can become our midfield tagging option we've called for in the past.

[Twodogs]

Hi Jazzadogs.

If some of us have been blind to cultural differences please inform us of specifics so we can avoid faux pas.

I’m proud of my Chinese heritage and I have no problems with folks saying I look Asian or Chinese. I’ve had my fair share of racism - fortunately a lot better now than decades ago. I also think we/Australians can still do so much better. With many supporters having a keen desire to harness the best of the talent pool, including indigenous talent, I do not think there is anything inappropriate in queries or observations, unless I’m missing something.

My mum waited until I was 57 before she got around to telling me that her grandfather was Chinese. "I thought that I'd told you?"

[josie]

My mum waited until I was 57 before she got around to telling me that her grandfather was Chinese. "I thought that I'd told you?"

Family histories are so interesting. Hope you could find out more info. Makes travel to where ancestors came from more special too.

[Twodogs]

Family histories are so interesting. Hope you could find out more info. Makes travel to where ancestors came from more special too.

I remember saying "whoah, back up a bit. I thought that your ancestors came from Cornwall?" (we were watching a TV show about Cornwall at the time) and she said that half of them did but they were living in Bendigo and her grandmother met a Chinese bloke there and married him. There's lots of Chinese in Bendigo dating back to the gold rush.

Combine it with my Jamaican great grandmother on my dad's side and the Danish, British, German and Italian ancestry and it makes for a cosmopolitan bloodline!

[GVGjr]

Nice article on SEN (https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/12/03/the-former-cricketer-the-bulldogs-took-a-punt-on/)

https://images.ctfassets.net/u8w3l566ay8a/01CELB34FWm4VWFdoiEDej/3ec0132d5d4d4014bb2a23c8b26a84e9/untitled-9287.jpg?w=980&h=520&fit=fill&f=faces

The Western Bulldogs swung somewhat of a surprise when they selected Charlie Parker in the rookie draft.

Prior to hearing his name read out last Friday, the 24-year-old had spent just one season playing in the SANFL with Sturt following a cricket career which took him to England at the age of 18.

Double Blues coach Marty Mattner says it has been some sort of journey from the cricket pitch to Whitten Oval via Adelaide University and Unley Oval.

“Charlie’s an interesting story,” Mattner said on SEN SA Breakfast.

“He played cricket all year round, a couple of years in England and Australia, and played a bit of amateur league (footy).

“We had his name spoken about and given to us. We said come out and trial with us.

“From his first session when he won our 2km time trial we saw that he had some elite traits, not just for SANFL but for AFL.

“Even (football manager) David Oatey, who is a wise head in footy, started seeing him at training and was like, ‘This kid is going to be good’.”

222-game former Crow and Swan Mattner said it was Parker’s thirst for knowledge and desire to improve himself as a footballer which put him on the radar of the Dogs.

“It was just progression, it was his learning and over pre-season he was great, he asked questions of players and coaches,” Mattner added.

“He wanted to learn and get better and be out doing extras all the time.

“He had that drive and want to get better. He naturally progressed after starting in the reserves and then the league. Unfortunately he got injured, broke his collarbone which finished his season.

“He had some interest mid-season. A few clubs rang up to find out who he was and his background because no one really knew who he was.

“He didn’t play much in the second half of the year but then we thought he might miss out on a rookie. A couple of clubs kept in contact about where he was at.”

Off-season training alongside Sturt alumni - Collingwood pair Brodie Grundy and Ash Johnson and Port Adelaide youngster Jed McEntee - helped prepare and condition Parker for a move to the AFL.

“He’s been training with Brodie Grundy, Jed McEntee and Ash Johnson which has been really good,” said Mattner.

“He’s fully fit (now), so the Bulldogs took a punt on him. He’s an elite runner, really quick, he’s a good kick as well.

“And at 193 (cm) he’s that prototype AFL footballer.”

Parker, who played primarily off half-back and on a wing for Sturt, was taken by the Dogs with pick 17 in last week’s rookie draft.

Ahead of the 2022 season, Mattner also indicated that Sturt expects to sign delisted Port Adelaide defender Jarrod Lienert while confirming the capture of former Sydney rookie Malachy Carruthers.

[azabob]

Charlie Parker was just interviewed on RSN - a really good interview.

Seems very level headed - he was told on Thursday night after the national draft he'd be selected in the rookie draft but to keep it very quiet. He did and didn't even tell his mum!

Humble, well spoken, clearly has natural ability. His dad and uncle played for Sturt in the SANFL also.

Dare we say lock him in for round 1?

[GVGjr]

Charlie Parker was just interviewed on RSN - a really good interview.

Seems very level headed - he was told on Thursday night after the national draft he'd be selected in the rookie draft but to keep it very quiet. He did and didn't even tell his mum!

Humble, well spoken, clearly has natural ability. His dad and uncle played for Sturt in the SANFL also.

Dare we say lock him in for round 1?

I think he is a way off as a lock but we also know Bevo likes shiny new toys. If there is a specific role identified for him you might very well be right.

[SquirrelGrip]

Charlie Parker was just interviewed on RSN - a really good interview.

Seems very level headed - he was told on Thursday night after the national draft he'd be selected in the rookie draft but to keep it very quiet. He did and didn't even tell his mum!

Humble, well spoken, clearly has natural ability. His dad and uncle played for Sturt in the SANFL also.

Dare we say lock him in for round 1?

Link to interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rsn-breakfast-club/id1240150172?i=1000544485313

[Mofra]

Charlie Parker was just interviewed on RSN - a really good interview.

Seems very level headed - he was told on Thursday night after the national draft he'd be selected in the rookie draft but to keep it very quiet. He did and didn't even tell his mum!

Humble, well spoken, clearly has natural ability. His dad and uncle played for Sturt in the SANFL also.

Dare we say lock him in for round 1?
Might need a bit of time in our system first but a 193cm bloke who is already running very well (with our experienced mids going by track reports) is a positive.
He's exactly the type of player the rookie list was designed for.

[GVGjr]

Might need a bit of time in our system first but a 193cm bloke who is already running very well (with our experienced mids going by track reports) is a positive.
He's exactly the type of player the rookie list was designed for.

I agree, I'm not a fan of the way some clubs use the rookie list by dumping contracted players there rather than investing in the likes of ruck man or genuine mature aged option.
Looking forward to seeing what Parker brings us next year.

[bornadog]

I agree, I'm not a fan of the way some clubs use the rookie list by dumping contracted players there rather than investing in the likes of ruck man or genuine mature aged option.
Looking forward to seeing what Parker brings us next year.

We did that with Hahn a few years ago.

I agree, the original idea of a rookie list has long been lost and the AFL should reign it in.

[Axe Man]

I agree, I'm not a fan of the way some clubs use the rookie list by dumping contracted players there rather than investing in the likes of ruck man or genuine mature aged option.
Looking forward to seeing what Parker brings us next year.

Is it just the name - rookie - that is the issue? What if the AFL went back to the old name of supplementary list (or similar)? It stopped being a rookie list many years ago.

[GVGjr]

Is it just the name - rookie - that is the issue? What if the AFL went back to the old name of supplementary list (or similar)? It stopped being a rookie list many years ago.

No, it's because the AFL wanted to provide clubs the option to add indigenous players or KP players that might take longer to develop in the system. After consulting clubs on why they weren't drafting taller players or taking chances on players from outside of the normal pathway the clubs advised that they tended to go with the more traditionally safer options like midfielders. The rookie list was a chance for clubs to take more of a punt on players without it costing them list spots.

I don't care if it's just extra spots on the main list or if they call it a supplementary list but if they genuinely want to incentivise clubs to invest in players that will either take a bit longer to develop or come from the less traditional pathway into the AFL like Parker then that is how the rookie list should be used. Dumping the likes of Polec and his 700K contract onto a rookie list isn't in the spirit of the design.

[soupman]

I don't really see the point of it anymore. The only benefit I can see is that you don't have to give rookies 2 year contracts (drafted players you do iirc) and you can pay them less.

I'd just combine the two lists, and keep the cat b stuff as a bonus list spot. If player don't want to draft long term projects in their now combined list then thats on them.

[GVGjr]

I don't really see the point of it anymore. The only benefit I can see is that you don't have to give rookies 2 year contracts (drafted players you do iirc) and you can pay them less.

I'd just combine the two lists, and keep the cat b stuff as a bonus list spot. If player don't want to draft long term projects in their now combined list then thats on them.

Exactly but at least the AFL tried to provide an incentive for clubs rather than lose the taller players to other sports. The AFL just allowed clubs the chances to chip away and deviate away from what it was intended for.
I'd be happy enough if the AFL said here is your salary cap and make sure you have at least 40 players contracted. If you can squeeze in 50 then good luck to you.

[Mofra]

I don't really see the point of it anymore. The only benefit I can see is that you don't have to give rookies 2 year contracts (drafted players you do iirc) and you can pay them less.

I'd just combine the two lists, and keep the cat b stuff as a bonus list spot. If player don't want to draft long term projects in their now combined list then thats on them.
Even that's marginal now that the AFL changed the rules and 'mature aged' players can be given 1 year deals.
Just scrap it, make 4th round+ pick draftee deals one year, and be done with it.