Rodney Eade stands firm as hopes of a return fade for Jason Akermanis

[BulldogBelle]

* Mark Stevens
* From: Herald Sun
* July 20, 2010 12:00AM

JASON Akermanis appears certain to be stranded in the VFL for a fourth successive week.

The Western Bulldogs have a long list of in-form candidates vying for selection, leaving Akermanis at long odds to return against Fremantle on Sunday.

A training mishap, or the unlikely event of a player not recovering from the trip to Darwin, loom as Akermanis's best chance.


Do you think Aker's finished at the Bulldogs? Have your say below.


Dogs coach Rodney Eade last night remained tight-lipped on Akermanis's chances, saying: "He is in the mix."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/rodney-eade-stands-firm-as-hopes-of-a-return-fade-for-jason-akermanis/story-e6frf9jf-1225894299688

[chef]

"But it is believed the details of an almost completed book are causing as much angst, if not more.

It is understood the book, due for release after the season, is honest in its appraisal of some current teammates.

There is speculation that Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and perhaps ruckman Ben Hudson get mentions in the book - and word has filtered back to Whitten Oval."


Don't like this bit.

[Mantis]

Are we going to cop one of these articles each week (which is happening now) until Aker gets a game?

They must be struggling to fill the pages down at the Herald Sun.

[Jeanette54]

I had hoped that this sort of nonsense was confined to the clubs past.

Sure Aker probably needed some recovery time, a slap on the wrist and some quiet time in the corner at Williamstown.

But I think anyone who thinks that the win against Port marked a return to form for the team is kidding themselves. Sure our effective kicking stats were up, but generally the game , whilst being physically demanding becase of the heat, didn't have the pressure on the kicker that a top three side will constantly apply.

I believe that we need Aker firing in the forward line, if we are to progress beyond the first weeks of the finals series, purely because we need the goals, and the goal opportunities he creates.

Johnno is rapidly returning to form, Jarrad Grant improves every week and Big Barry's back. That's all good, but Aker and Johnno together provide the magic which can really stretch a defense, making them accountable and reducing the drive from the halfback line; which is the springboard for attacking football in most top teams.

With Gia and Sean Higgins lurking quietly around the forward pockets, there are no easy outs for the defense.

Our three senior forwards all demonstrate the ability to bring the players around them into the game (admittedly a rare quality in a full forward and an absolute credit to Barry's unselfishness); and, fitness allowing, all three should play.

Aker is also a proven big game player, and each game from now on (including Geelong) is a must win, if we are to get the double chance.

Come on guys, put your differences aside and get on with the game.

[Ghost Dog]

I had hoped that this sort of nonsense was confined to the clubs past.

Sure Aker probably needed some recovery time, a slap on the wrist and some quiet time in the corner at Williamstown.

But I think anyone who thinks that the win against Port marked a return to form for the team is kidding themselves. Sure our effective kicking stats were up, but generally the game , whilst being physically demanding becase of the heat, didn't have the pressure on the kicker that a top three side will constantly apply.

I believe that we need Aker firing in the forward line, if we are to progress beyond the first weeks of the finals series, purely because we need the goals, and the goal opportunities he creates.

Johnno is rapidly returning to form, Jarrad Grant improves every week and Big Barry's back. That's all good, but Aker and Johnno together provide the magic which can really stretch a defense, making them accountable and reducing the drive from the halfback line; which is the springboard for attacking football in most top teams.

With Gia and Sean Higgins lurking quietly around the forward pockets, there are no easy outs for the defense.

Our three senior forwards all demonstrate the ability to bring the players around them into the game (admittedly a rare quality in a full forward and an absolute credit to Barry's unselfishness); and, fitness allowing, all three should play.

Aker is also a proven big game player, and each game from now on (including Geelong) is a must win, if we are to get the double chance.

Come on guys, put your differences aside and get on with the game.

Interesting post Jeanette. Aker certainly would / will be a concern for any opposition coach.
So what would be your I/O selections for this week?

[The Pie Man]

"But it is believed the details of an almost completed book are causing as much angst, if not more.

It is understood the book, due for release after the season, is honest in its appraisal of some current teammates.

There is speculation that Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and perhaps ruckman Ben Hudson get mentions in the book - and word has filtered back to Whitten Oval."


Don't like this bit.

Would you want to read it once it's released?

Hyporcite time - I'm not into giving media hungry types too much attention....but given the subject matter, I want to read it.

[Jeanette54]

Interesting post Jeanette. Aker certainly would / will be a concern for any opposition coach.
So what would be your I/O selections for this week?

Thanks Ghost Dog, I guess thats a polite way of saying "Put your money where your mouth is" :)

I don't think anyone deserved to be dropped after last week, but there are a couple of changes which will have to happen.

My in/outs would be (for what its worth):

in: Jordan Roughead, Barry Hall and Jason Akermanis

out: Brode Moles, Eastern Wood and anyone who genuinely needs a weeks rest/recovery after Darwin (maybe Daniel Giansiracusa ?).

(Oh how I wish we could afford to give Ben Hudson. Matthew Boyd or Daniel Cross a week off, but not this one) and I don't think we should disrupt the back six either, unless its neccessary.

When is Big Will available ?

There, I am glad I am not a selector. Pretty tough job I would imagine. :confused:

[LostDoggy]

in: Jordan Roughead, Barry Hall and Jason Akermanis

out: Brode Moles, Eastern Wood and anyone who genuinely needs a weeks rest/recovery after Darwin (maybe Daniel Giansiracusa ?).




There, I am glad I am not a selector. Pretty tough job I would imagine. :confused:

Me too:D

[chef]

Would you want to read it once it's released?

Hyporcite time - I'm not into giving media hungry types too much attention....but given the subject matter, I want to read it.

Probably:D

I just don't understand why he would want to alienate himself from another group of players/club(one that had gone out of it's way to make him feel like he was a part of our club).

[mjp]

I don't think we should disrupt the back six either

You can't have it both ways - either you dont disrupt the back 6 or you drop Wood...you can't take both options.

[Jeanette54]

You can't have it both ways - either you dont disrupt the back 6 or you drop Wood...you can't take both options.

The back six, as named on Thursday night, were:

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee

Which, with Bob Murphy rotating through it, is I think is about our best.

[mjp]

The back six, as named on Thursday night, were:

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee

Which, with Bob Murphy rotating through it, is I think is about our best.

Great. Wood spent the night playing down there, so what was in the paper was basically irrelevant.

[chef]

The back six, as named on Thursday night, were:

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee

Which, with Bob Murphy rotating through it, is I think is about our best.

I don't think it's a coincidence that Woods inclusion into our side has allowed Gilbee to become a more damaging player over the last month.

[Ozza]

Agree with the sentiments on Wood being good for the side and helping Gilbee to be more damaging.
Plus I really like that Wood brings more leg speed and ability to run and carry into the side.

Wood did a great job on what was seemingly an unusual match up for him on Shultz after quarter time.

[Mantis]

Wood did a great job on what was seemingly an unusual match up for him on Shultz after quarter time.

Jay Schulz.

[mighty_west]

"But it is believed the details of an almost completed book are causing as much angst, if not more.

It is understood the book, due for release after the season, is honest in its appraisal of some current teammates.

There is speculation that Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and perhaps ruckman Ben Hudson get mentions in the book - and word has filtered back to Whitten Oval."


Don't like this bit.

I also don't like it, if it's true of course.

Aker is well within his rights to bring out a tell all book, blow by blow description on his ex team mates etc, but not whilst he is at the club.

I think that smacks of complete disrespect whilst these players are his team mates, once he has left the building, fine, go for his life, but whilst these players are still there, still playing alongside etc, just poor form, and i couldn't care less if the club was placed 16th and no chance of making finals what so ever, you just don't go there, while he is still there.

Aker is going to be retired for a VERY LONG TIME, and plenty of free time to write whatever the hell he wants to.

[LostDoggy]

“Due for release after the season”

Aker will have left the building.

Bulldogs: Shut up and play footy.

[azabob]

“Due for release after the season”

Aker will have left the building.

Bulldogs: Shut up and play footy.

How about Aker shutting up and playing footy.

[MrMahatma]

He didn't write the article - and hasn't released the book. He has been playing footy and has done everything asked of him. Not his fault he isn't selected.

Having said that. I wouldn't pic him yet. 3 changes are too many. Maybe next week bring him in - for Gia.

[AndrewP6]

“Due for release after the season”

Aker will have left the building.

Bulldogs: Shut up and play footy.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Aker's being hung out to dry based on speculation (by the public anyway)... IF there's a book, and IF he pays out on current team mates, it's not going to happen for aaaaaaages.... and we have important football games to try and win. It's not likely that anyone should be surprised by his candour! He served his penance, either bring him back in or release him and let him get on with his life. Speculation is, as always, rife. Remember Briza's contract negotiations, and all the speculation that went with that?

[The Coon Dog]

He didn't write the article - and hasn't released the book. He has been playing footy and has done everything asked of him. Not his fault he isn't selected.

Having said that. I wouldn't pic him yet. 3 changes are too many. Maybe next week bring him in - for Gia.

Utter nonsense, of course it's his own fault but neither he nor those who blindly follow his every utterance will see that.

[Flamethrower]

It is really simple. If Jason is in the best 22 then he should be in the team.

[chef]

He didn't write the article - and hasn't released the book. He has been playing footy and has done everything asked of him. Not his fault he isn't selected.Having said that. I wouldn't pic him yet. 3 changes are too many. Maybe next week bring him in - for Gia.

If only he could control his own mouth:D.

Honestly, all he had to do was shut up for a couple of weeks(and preform well enough at Willi) and would have gotten back in the side. I just can't understand how he couldn't put his ego aside and think about the big picture 'help win us a bloody flag'.

[wb_age]

It is really simple. If Jason is in the best 22 then he should be in the team.
Exactly. Now seriously, without considering his past season's output, do you really believe he is a definite starter in our 22?

On skill which he has in abundance of, he makes the cut with ease. On this years output, his aging legs, lack of pace/defensive efforts, lack of cohesion with the club and or players, I'd have to say no.

IMO, all supporters that suggest the club are hanging him out to dry for his misdemeanors should really look at Akermanis of 2010, whether you take into consideration his injury/excuse/reasoning the game has simply passed him by. What he needed to do is devote anytime possible to get his body in as good as a condition possible and at regain the form we have seen in the years gone by.

The same can be said about Mitch Hahn, I can't see either of these two players making a difference come finals time.

[chef]

Exactly. Now seriously, without considering his past season's output, do you really believe he is a definite starter in our 22?

On skill which he has in abundance of, he makes the cut with ease. On this years output, his aging legs, lack of pace/defensive efforts, lack of cohesion with the club and or players, I'd have to say no.

IMO, all supporters that suggest the club are hanging him out to dry for his misdemeanors should really look at Akermanis of 2010, whether you take into consideration his injury/excuse/reasoning the game has simply passed him by. What he needed to do is devote anytime possible to get his body in as good as a condition possible and at regain the form we have seen in the years gone by.

The same can be said about Mitch Hahn, I can't see either of these two players making a difference come finals time.

Great post and I agree 100%:)

[The Boy From Brasil]

He didn't write the article - and hasn't released the book. He has been playing footy and has done everything asked of him. Not his fault he isn't selected.



Why do you say that?

Eade said last week that there were still some things that Aker needed to do or show before he could get into the senior team. The ball is in clearly Jasons court.

Not related to this post, but just in general, it amazes me how little respect or trust some supporters have for our leadership group. They are critical of the leadership group without knowing all the facts that goes on behind the scenes. And they don't appreciate the fact that the reason that the leadership group sets standards, values and a "team before individual" ethos is for the young players who come into the club, so they know what is acceptable and not acceptable. Any actions that the leadership group is for the benefit of the team and the playing list as a whole. The team will always come before the individual.

[comrade]

Utter nonsense, of course it's his own fault but neither he nor those who blindly follow his every utterance will see that.

I'm waiting for the old 'accepting mediocrity' line to be rolled out by supporters who have fallen for Aker's victim act.

[LostDoggy]

Exactly. Now seriously, without considering his past season's output, do you really believe he is a definite starter in our 22?

On skill which he has in abundance of, he makes the cut with ease. On this years output, his aging legs, lack of pace/defensive efforts, lack of cohesion with the club and or players, I'd have to say no.

IMO, all supporters that suggest the club are hanging him out to dry for his misdemeanors should really look at Akermanis of 2010, whether you take into consideration his injury/excuse/reasoning the game has simply passed him by. What he needed to do is devote anytime possible to get his body in as good as a condition possible and at regain the form we have seen in the years gone by.

The same can be said about Mitch Hahn, I can't see either of these two players making a difference come finals time.

Very good post. This is how I feel too. From memory he has rolled out quite a few excuses over the last few years whenever his form has been down.

[Stefcep]

Very good post. This is how I feel too. From memory he has rolled out quite a few excuses over the last few years whenever his form has been down.

I reckon we've carried a few "favorite sons" over the years who on the basis of form and fitness, should have been de-listed. In fact I think we still are doing that this year.

And when i look at he deeds of Cousins with his ongoing drug-related problems, and Hall who I don't think I'm the only one who nervously waits for the inevitable brain explosion, I think Acker's been hard done by.

Eade's mentioned the club not having a "winning mentality" or words to that affect. Well winners are often selfish, they are different, and they are often extroverts. But Acker, really, was never a "favorite son" and didn't fit the culture of the club-too extroverted, too selfish, and dare I say it, won too many premierships.

[AndrewP6]

Eade said last week that there were still some things that Aker needed to do or show before he could get into the senior team. The ball is in clearly Jasons court.


Didn't he also say they were 'on field' issues? That clearly wasn't the case.