TOPIC:

mikeh wrote: I was curious watching Rudy Riddoch running around and playing a great game for West Perth on the TV last Saturday. Well done to him and to West Perth for getting him to the stage that he is now reaching somewhere near his potential. Everyone at Swans could see that Rudy was a talented player but he could never get to the level of fitness required to be an influence on a game that he obviously is now. He spent much of his time at Swans in the reserves. My question is what factors have influenced this change in Riddochs fitness and attitude? Could be his own confidence or an increased maturity I suppose but my question is what was stopping him at Swans that he has now picked up at another club?

Speaking to someone very close to Rudy indicates that there was no issue with his fitness but that Rudy was completely nonplussed with the former coach's instructions about his role at SD. For example, Rudy was not permitted to cross the half-forward line that to me appeared bizarre. We talk about football development at SD, but what influence does the former coach have still over the present coach and the playing group?

As an outsider looking in, Rudy looked like he spent more time in the pub and Maccas than on the training track when he was at Swans. Even last year at Joondy he didn't look fit whereas now, he looks in tremendous shape so somewhere along the line during pre-season this year the light switched on.

Considering WP financial woes....getting in shape costs nothing.....compared to chowing down on Big Macs 24/7...Perhaps a lack of cash flow for Rudy has forcefully facilitated this light bulb moment for the fella.

Not 100% sure about this but wasn't Valentine an assistant coach at Swans at the time Rudy was there? Maybe they have developed a rapport from that time? It seems that Valentine has unlocked the door for him.

Success Hill wrote:

mikeh wrote: I was curious watching Rudy Riddoch running around and playing a great game for West Perth on the TV last Saturday. Well done to him and to West Perth for getting him to the stage that he is now reaching somewhere near his potential. Everyone at Swans could see that Rudy was a talented player but he could never get to the level of fitness required to be an influence on a game that he obviously is now. He spent much of his time at Swans in the reserves. My question is what factors have influenced this change in Riddochs fitness and attitude? Could be his own confidence or an increased maturity I suppose but my question is what was stopping him at Swans that he has now picked up at another club?

Speaking to someone very close to Rudy indicates that there was no issue with his fitness but that Rudy was completely nonplussed with the former coach's instructions about his role at SD. For example, Rudy was not permitted to cross the half-forward line that to me appeared bizarre. We talk about football development at SD, but what influence does the former coach have still over the present coach and the playing group?

You cant put too many restrictions on players like Rudy, like so many of the indigenous boys, they play on instinct, that is their major weapon, Rudy is an impact player who can take a team apart if he chooses to, obviously Valentine has seen that and gives him more room to do what Rudy does. These types of player need free rein as much as possible, then gradually teach them the other aspects of the game as they build their confidence. Liam Ryan is a classic example, pure instinctive player who can win games off his own boot, in his 1st year with Subi, he kicked bags of goals but had no defensive side to his game so wasn't drafted. Schoey started to teach him that side and he kicked just as many goals but also chased and tackled and resulted in getting the WC gig, Simpson has then taken his defensive side to new levels. If Rudy can have that sort of path and with his speed and physicality, I have no doubt he could make it at AFL.

At 26 that'll be a tough ask....I'm not saying it's impossible as others have done it before such as Podsiadly at Geelong but I'm not sure too many AFL clubs would be willing to take the risk.

Can't wait to see Picketts impact at Richmond....he is 26/27 from memory.....very ready to go like Kelly at Geelong....

Gee fellas 26 was roughly the average age most of the WA boys headed over to the VFL and dominated that over rated comp during the halcyon years of the 70s & 80s and it would make perfect sense to pick someone up at that age with senior experience and some life skills rather than a complete gamble on untried 18yo's who may not have even plied their trade against men as yet.

Success Hill wrote:

mikeh wrote: I was curious watching Rudy Riddoch running around and playing a great game for West Perth on the TV last Saturday. Well done to him and to West Perth for getting him to the stage that he is now reaching somewhere near his potential. Everyone at Swans could see that Rudy was a talented player but he could never get to the level of fitness required to be an influence on a game that he obviously is now. He spent much of his time at Swans in the reserves. My question is what factors have influenced this change in Riddochs fitness and attitude? Could be his own confidence or an increased maturity I suppose but my question is what was stopping him at Swans that he has now picked up at another club?

Speaking to someone very close to Rudy indicates that there was no issue with his fitness but that Rudy was completely nonplussed with the former coach's instructions about his role at SD. For example, Rudy was not permitted to cross the half-forward line that to me appeared bizarre. We talk about football development at SD, but what influence does the former coach have still over the present coach and the playing group?

Gee, I wish our new coach would ban our forwards from going beyond the half forward line, then on the odd occasion we venture forward there might actually be someone their to receive the ball.
Just a thought., but a good one. .

DD wrote:

Leedy wrote:

Swandog wrote: With Ammos ‘officially’ allowed to pay players from next season it might be increasingly difficult to recruit established players as the prestige of playing WAFL footy just isnt there anymore with this and future generations

Agreed 100% SD, I firmly believe next year and beyond will see further drops in crowds and clubs going under.

Leedy has anyone ever told you on here you are a waste of space? You need to shrink your avatar. It's hazy anyway.

Dopey,

The powers that be blurred the photo due to whatever reason and I can fairly say that Perth's wheelers and dealers should be congratulated on the WCE and HJ's marriage, that is what you call good management $ubi, not paying players under the table. In regards to being a "waste of space", I can almost guarantee you that I have more to offer in life than you do DD you dumb shit !!!