Paddycripps wrote:
SPS
Dow
LOB
Stocker
Kennedy
All midfield types, young, cost us good pick/s to get, how do we think these players are progressing?
You raise a good point here: who are the midfielders we have drafted / traded in during the rebuild that will become A graders in the future?
Murph and Ed only have 1-2 years left max. Our midfield in 2 years time is Crippa + ?
In order of their draft class:
Kennedy - hasn’t made it as a mid yet. Looks slimmer and moving better across the ground based on the seconds footage. Out of contract at the end of the year. Would like to see him given one more chance as a midfielder in the seniors before we make a final call on him.
Cunners - best 22 player but hasn’t shown he can play consistent midfield minutes. Looks good in bursts. A good option to rotate from half forward into the middle but can’t yet be relied on to play 70% midfield time.
SPS - moved to half back. Would like to see him given another go as a mid. Has x-factor and would like him being the one kicking into the forward 50. Questions remain as to whether he’s physical enough to play as a full time midfielder.
Setters - coming along. A good inside ball winner and tackler and can kick goals from the middle. Needs to work on composure and disposal once he gets the ball. Still very young in terms of games. Not sure if I see A grader but should be more than serviceable.
Dow - TBA. Haven’t seen him at all after the restart due to injury. Moved to half forward after DT took over with little impact. Isn’t cut out to play forward - doesn’t get the ball enough or take his opportunities in front of goal. Disposal and fitness are key issues. Burst speed and evasiveness key strengths. Still have faith in him. Think we’ll know whether he makes it within 18 months.
LOB - little bit off the pace. Doesn’t seem to be demanding a spot at the moment with his performance in the 2s. Looked better back half of last year. His physicality is a concern. Needs to knock down the door for selection soon. Like Dow, we should know in 18 months.
Walsh - best bet to become an A grader. Phenomenal last year. Second year blues a bit this year. Not too worried about him. I suspect he’s suffered a bit from the shorter quarters as his one wood is outworking the opposition, especially late in quarters and games when fatigue levels are higher.
Stocker - TBA. Haven’t seen enough of him in the seniors. Watched him play for Northern last year and loved the combination of skill, physicality and aggression. Was good on his senior games last year. Concerning he’s not been looked at this year. Like LOB, needs to knock down the door with performances in the 2s. Also needs to build the tank. Only second season so plenty of time on his hands.
Philp and Kemp - too early to judge. Give them at least until the end of 2021 before we can form any real opinion on what we’ve got. Like Philp’s attitude and seems a popular teammate. Kemp oozing talent.