Andrejs Everitt to be a giant in Sydney

[LostDoggy]

Matt Windley
From: Herald Sun
December 29, 2010

ANDREJS Everitt says Sydney's ability to turn AFL recyclables into superstars was a major factor behind him wanting to become a Swan.

As the Western Bulldogs did their best to find Everitt a new home after another season spent mostly in the VFL, the 21-year-old said Sydney's lifestyle and the club's culture helped him make up his mind.

"Sydney was pretty much my first preference," he said.

"I had a couple of days up here getting to know the city a bit better. I had (coach) John Longmire take me around for a day and show me the ropes, which was good.

"What sort of helped the decision was seeing the likes of Shane Mumford and Benny McGlynn and also Josh Kennedy go up there and play really well.

"They know what players they need and obviously they needed a defender, so they came after me and I was lucky enough for it to work out."

Despite his undoubted potential, the defender managed only 29 senior games after being drafted by the Bulldogs with pick No. 11 in 2006.

But after being involved in a trade that saw him swap homes with Patrick Veszpremi, Everitt said there were no hard feelings towards his old club.

"Definitely not," he said.

"Me and Patty were in the same position, we both just wanted a fresh start and it sort of worked out well.

"There's definitely no bad blood between us, at all. It was my decision, I needed a fresh start and the coaches and everyone were supportive of that."

The Everitt-Veszpremi trade shapes as a win-win for both players and clubs.

Longmire said: "Patty was looking for another opportunity in Melbourne and Andrejs was a similar case, looking for more game time in Sydney.

"It's pretty hard to judge it initially, but hopefully you look back in a few years time and both players had had good AFL careers."

The new coach plans to use Everitt in defence.

"We see him playing across half back," Longmire said.

"We think his versatility will be important for us, he's a player that can play on the talls and the smalls and really set up across that part of the ground.

"Obviously he can defend, but we want him to be able to give us that rebound as well. He will really add to the depth in that defensive group we've got down there."

Andrejs is not the first Everitt to frequent Sydney's shores after 'Spida' Everitt spent seasons 2007-08 as a Swan.

Everitt said he had spoken to his older brother about the city and the club before deciding to move.

"He (Spida) just talked to me before I got traded there and gave me a rundown of the club," he said.

"He said that I would really enjoy it up here and said it was my sort of scene, which was really good to hear from him. He's been very supportive of the move."

Link (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/andrejs-everitt-to-be-giant-in-sydney/story-e6frf9jf-1225977421528)

[Doggy]

ANDREJS Everitt says Sydney's ability to turn AFL recyclables into superstars was a major factor behind him wanting to become a Swan.

Hmm how did Henry Playfair go Andre?

[AndrewP6]

Superstar? I'll believe that when I see it....

[GVGjr]

ANDREJS Everitt says Sydney's ability to turn AFL recyclables into superstars was a major factor behind him wanting to become a Swan.

Hmm how did Henry Playfair go Andre?

As far as I am concerned they have enough credits in the bank for their ability to turn players with Everitt's talent into solid performers.

[Doggy]

As far as I am concerned they have enough credits in the bank for their ability to turn players with Everitt's talent into solid performers.

Superstar?

[GVGjr]

Superstar?

Your example was Playfair who cost them bugger all and he was just to provide some additional ruck coverage in the forward line.
I don't think Everitt will reach the star level but he certainly has a lot of talent that could be unwrapped.

[Maddog37]

My gut tells me he will only be a good average player at best. Lacks explosiveness and creativity.


My gut also tells me to drink lots of beer and eat KFC so it maybe not be the best guide!

[Doggy]

So who would you prefer I use as an example. Ted Ricard's maybe. The sole purpose of me choosing Playfair was to point out that not all recycled players Sydney pick up turn into "superstars" as Andre seems to think.

[GVGjr]

So who would you prefer I use as an example. Ted Ricard's maybe. The sole purpose of me choosing Playfair was to point out that not all recycled players Sydney pick up turn into "superstars" as Andre seems to think.

You can use any player as an example you like but I don't think the Playfair comparison was a particularly good one.
In my opinion Mattner might have been a better option. He's been a solid contributor for them since he moved from Adelaide and I expect Everitt can probably aim a bit higher.

I obviously don't put as much emphasis in his superstar comment as you have.

[KT31]

My gut tells me he will only be a good average player at best. Lacks explosiveness and creativity.


My gut also tells me to drink lots of beer and eat KFC so it maybe not be the best guide!

I think he will come out all guns blazing for half a season then go back to being the same Andrejs.
IMO he will just become another player who could have and would have.

[Doggy]

You can use any player as an example you like but I don't think the Playfair comparison was a particularly good one.
In my opinion Mattner might have been a better option. He's been a solid contributor for them since he moved from Adelaide and I expect Everitt can probably aim a bit higher.

I obviously don't put as much emphasis in his superstar comment as you have.



If Andre had used the words solid contributor and not superstar, then I would not have even bothered to post in the first instance.

[chef]

Superstar?

Where did Everitt say this?

I think it's just a journalist using a little creative licence.

[Doggy]

Where did Everitt say this?

I think it's just a journalist using a little creative licence.

You could be right.
Maybe Matt Windley from the HS is full of wind.

[jazzadogs]

If Andre had used the words solid contributor and not superstar, then I would not have even bothered to post in the first instance.
The lack of quotation marks around that phrase suggest it was never used by Everitt. What he actually said was perfectly reasonable.

[Sedat]

They'll turn Spangher into a superstar ;)

[MrMahatma]

I think the key is finding him a role that he can own. He has the ability to become a good player, but the question is where.

Good luck to him. I rate the kid - no animosity towards him at all. Personally, I think we'll have done better out of the trade with Ves, mostly due to needs and the fact Ves has a set role. But Dre could be anything...

[Mantis]

I think the key is finding him a role that he can own. He has the ability to become a good player, but the question is where.



What role do you think that is?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Hopefully Everitt can carve out a career for himself, but he definitely lacks a certain edge that you really need to make it at AFL level. He's not strong enough for his height, and obviously slower than the genuine midfielders. Sydney need to determine where he can play his best footy. If it's as a KPP, he needs to bulk up and forget about the rebounding game.

I like Everitt, wish he made it with us. He should be a better player than the likes of Ray, who has done well at St. Kilda, so hopefully he can do well.

[Mofra]

I think the key is finding him a role that he can own. He has the ability to become a good player, but the question is where.
He couldn't do that with us, but I'd guess Sydney have defined him as a tall running defender by their comments so far.

I remember him being interviewed after a VFL game and he was asked his best position - even he didn't know. To me, that's a negative.

I still get the feeling this trade will be spectacular for neither party, but will be marked as a win/win.

[Ghost Dog]

He couldn't do that with us, but I'd guess Sydney have defined him as a tall running defender by their comments so far.

I remember him being interviewed after a VFL game and he was asked his best position - even he didn't know. To me, that's a negative.

I still get the feeling this trade will be spectacular for neither party, but will be marked as a win/win.


On the club site, before, there was an interview where he stated he wanted to play on the wing.
I remember at the time being told he was too slow but I disagreed. According to a second hand source in his first time trial he ran against 35 others and came third ( 2007 ) . They will play him down half back to build him up and thats what they need at the moment, but as he gets confidence, I reckon he will get more opportunities on the wing or in the forward line.
I reckon he will do well at Sydney barring injury but will be a bit hot cold. He has a streak of creative flair. Example some rather ambitious things ( passes ) he tried to do in the Darwin game that did not quite work. At the time, it was like WTF, but he is a young guy who just needs better experience to back himself.
Can see how Eade's style of coaching to favour hard - consistent no nonsesne work horse types did not suit him. Hoopers debut is a good example. Proved his worth in the VFL and just a nuggety hard worker. Andrejs maybe had stars in his eyes but wasn't able to demonstrate it at training.
Anyway, Sydney have taken a punt - It takes all kinds and there have been plenty of freakish players who didn't always show it on the training track but turned it on in games.

[Desipura]

On the club site, before, there was an interview where he stated he wanted to play on the wing.
I remember at the time being told he was too slow but I disagreed. According to a second hand source in his first time trial he ran against 35 others and came third ( 2007 ) . wingman.
I reckon he will do well at Sydney barring injury but will be a bit hot cold. He has a streak of creative flair. Example some rather ambitious things ( passes ) he tried to do in the Darwin game that did not quite work. Can see how Eade's style of coaching to favour hard - consistent no nonsesne work horse types did not suit him. However, it takes all kinds and there have been plenty of freakish players who didn't give a stuff about training. You obviously are not referring to Everitt.

[Ghost Dog]

You obviously are not referring to Everitt.

Well who else would I be referring to Desi?

[Desipura]

Well who else would I be referring to Desi?
I never saw Everitt do anything freakish. Sure he should some ability in his first year, but freakish, Im not too sure about that.

[Ghost Dog]

Freaky - wrong word - Surprising. not in terms of his ability, but to come out of nowhere and open your eyes you with a sudden burst of effort.
There have been plenty of players who were laconic on the track but grew in the spotlight. Freaky in terms of this.

Paul Van Der Har . Smoked like a chimney and had to be dragged to training. But his battles with Peter Knights are some of the great highlights of VFL. Thrived on the big stage. these days? Would not get a game. Yet, he was able to turn it on, on the day. I think Everitt is a bit like this IMO. Hot and Cold. Show pony. needs the attention before he will give the effort.

[GVGjr]

Freaky - wrong word - Surprising. not in terms of his ability, but to come out of nowhere and open your eyes you with a sudden burst of effort.
There have been plenty of players who were laconic on the track but grew in the spotlight. Freaky in terms of this.


One of my main criticisms of Robert Murphy a couple of seasons back was that he was too laconic and for a skillful guy made too many skill errors.
Everitt hasn't reached Murphy's talent level but I see some similarities between he and Murphy.
Remains to be seen if Sydney can take him to another level but I look at him as a missed opportunity for us.

[boydogs]

Everitt will fit in well at Sydney, where all their defenders are rebound specialists. This quality is what impressed us all in his debut year. If we gave him as much of a go as Tom Williams he would be further along IMO.

[Mofra]

Everitt will fit in well at Sydney, where all their defenders are rebound specialists. This quality is what impressed us all in his debut year. If we gave him as much of a go as Tom Williams he would be further along IMO.
Our gameplan is based on rebound defenders still being able to defend. Williams can at least put body-pressure on an opponent, Everitt doesn't.
Good luck to him but on what was shown last year, we need a small forward more than we need a fringe tall who hasn't cemented a spot or a best position in the side.

[Jasper]

What role do you think that is?

I remain terrified he will become Adam Goodes V2.0.
Athletically he is certainly that gifted.

He clearly will have a role model in Goodes and the second chance mentality will probably improve his work ethic as will some maturity.

Let's hope Vespremi can do similar for us

[Greystache]

I remain terrified he will become Adam Goodes V2.0.
Athletically he is certainly that gifted.

He clearly will have a role model in Goodes and the second chance mentality will probably improve his work ethic as will some maturity.

Let's hope Vespremi can do similar for us

Goodes would beat Everitt over 100m by 30m, and over 20m by 10m. That's Everitt's problem in a nutshell, he's a bit of everything and nothing of anything. Too slow to play small, not physically strong enough to play tall, not a strong enough mark to play forward, and not disciplined enough to play as a defender. If he's to make it at AFL level it will probably be as a free running defender and they're a dime a dozen.

[MrMahatma]

What role do you think that is?
I honestly don't know. And I guess that's the difference between him and other Swans success stories. The ones that do well have all had defined roles and been told to go and make it theirs. The Swans seem to think Dre is a defender, so I guess we'll see if that is the case.

[Ghost Dog]

Goodes would beat Everitt over 100m by 30m, and over 20m by 10m. That's Everitt's problem in a nutshell, he's a bit of everything and nothing of anything. Too slow to play small, not physically strong enough to play tall, not a strong enough mark to play forward, and not disciplined enough to play as a defender. If he's to make it at AFL level it will probably be as a free running defender and they're a dime a dozen.

Is it a problem? His all round capability could be very handy, especially with new sub rule.
He did score top three in Agility 2006 draft camp. While ago though

http://www.topendsports.com/sport/afl/testing-draft-results-2006.htm


Was good to go back and look at those camp times as Nathan Djerrkura features in top 10 of 4 out of 6 trials. Cheers Cats!

[Remi Moses]

I remain terrified he will become Adam Goodes V2.0.
Athletically he is certainly that gifted.

He clearly will have a role model in Goodes and the second chance mentality will probably improve his work ethic as will some maturity.

Let's hope Vespremi can do similar for us

More likely the Goodes who played at Nth Ballarat.
Had ample chances and didn't show any intensity or performed at an acceptable level
We've swapped under achievers

[Topdog]

I remain terrified he will become Adam Goodes V2.0.
Athletically he is certainly that gifted.

He clearly will have a role model in Goodes and the second chance mentality will probably improve his work ethic as will some maturity.

Let's hope Vespremi can do similar for us

I think he can become a good player but gee that is pushing the boundaries of realism Captain. He doesn't have the pace, strength or mental toughness to be anywhere near Goodes ability.

[Go_Dogs]

I would've loved to have seen him tried more as a third tall, lead up type forward - which is where I think he'll end up playing his best footy. Whilst he never nailed it, he showed a lot of promising signs for mine in the brief periods he played the role. He's tall, he can run, his kicking to advantage into the F50 was good, and he could roost a long goal.

Sydney will most likely trial him as a defender, or perhaps a swing man playing at both ends.

[Sockeye Salmon]

I would've loved to have seen him tried more as a third tall, lead up type forward - which is where I think he'll end up playing his best footy. Whilst he never nailed it, he showed a lot of promising signs for mine in the brief periods he played the role. He's tall, he can run, his kicking to advantage into the F50 was good, and he could roost a long goal.

Sydney will most likely trial him as a defender, or perhaps a swing man playing at both ends.

He spend most of 2010 playing forward at Willi and wasn't much chop at that either.

[Go_Dogs]

He spend most of 2010 playing forward at Willi and wasn't much chop at that either.

Probably playing the wrong role, and less suited to that position at the lower level.

For mine, he showed some good signs playing the role at AFL level during the 2010 season. Anyway, futile debate now.

[Cyberdoggie]

Everitt's lack of acceleration and quick recovery really hamper him from being a mobile tall. Sure he's a reasonable runner if not that quick, but one change of direction and he's beaten.

How he will go on the scg will be interesting. He won't be able to run and deliver (which is what i'm assuming they want he to do and what he does best), with such little space, but perhaps he may find it easier for him to play as a tall defender.

Personally i can't see him offering too much, he may end up being a better swap than Patrick, but i don't think he will be anything more than serviceable.

[Mofra]

Personally i can't see him offering too much, he may end up being a better swap than Patrick, but i don't think he will be anything more than serviceable.
Maybe as an overall player he is, but we really needed a crumbing forward (we had a debutant in an elimination final FFS!) and Veszpremi gives us that.

Sometimes a player who is comparible/lesser still offers more to a side. Morris isn't a brilliant footballer either on ability but has an amazing attitude & a defined role in the side so he is one of the first picked every week.