molsey wrote:
Andain wrote:
The Tyrant wrote:
Andain wrote:
It'll destroy his confidence.
how?
does anyone have any psych data on this?
Just common sense. Playing a kid before he's ready where he'll likely gets pushed around, very little of the ball and spends most of the time on the bench is hardly going to improve his confidence or benefit the club in the long term. Better he gradually improve in the twos and then get promoted into the seniors when he seems ready to take that step up.
But its not common sense. The thrill of making it in the 1's, playing the big game, could arguably be much more powerful. You think Setanta will crawl into his shell because of Saturday? No freakin' way - if they're good enough, play them, for when they hit 30-50 games they will be a much more mature player.
what 'e said
for every 1 player who's soul is crushed by the inexorable weight of playing AFL footy "too soon", I could name 5 who have benefitted greatly from the experience and exposure.
I want to see solid psychological data before I'll believe "it'll ruin them for life" clap-trap