robertbb wrote:
bondiblue wrote:
bluechampion wrote:
In relation to Dow, it's not just that injury has prevented him from getting a clear run at it, it's also that Martin has come in and taken his position. Last year Dow played mostly half-forward with spells on the ball, just as Martin is this year.
Good point.
So Dow has to work damn hard to break the door down: that's life in an up and coming team.
Even when the oldies retire (Simmo Betts Murph), Dow will have plenty of competition for a spot from Fisher, OBrien, Philp, Stocker, Kemp, Ramsay....let alone new players acquired from FA/Trade.
I'm thinking Dow's best bet will be as an E Curnow style run-with specialist (replacing Ed when the time comes, or if he's injured)
1. Dow is not a high possession getter - this will take him to the ball (and help him learn where the hotspots are)
2. Notice that alot of Ed's kicks are high pressure, clear the ball forward, types of kicks. Or long to contest. He's not a short passing player for the most part because his disposal is not the greatest
3. He has the natural aerobic capacity, unlike say Stocker
4. His burst speed (he's got wheels, not unlike Cunners) means he can close down his opponent to lay tackles and also open up play if the ball falls his way
His strengths are not as an extractor, nor a playmaker, nor a goalkicker.
High price to pay for him at that spot in the draft, but he could be valuable if he's played in the right role and given the appropriate instruction.
Nice read.
Food for Thought.
I'm in the Dow Believer camp.
Not because he was pick 4, yea, nah
He's a good physical specimen.
Lets face it, Dow's goal on the run after a bounce vs Gold Coast, and we won, is still etched in every Carlton supporter's memory banks.
He's kicked a few and shown what he can do.
He's a year older, and stronger.
I expect he should be ripe for 2021.
But as you say, convincingly, if he's played in the right role and given the appropriate instruction he could be really good.
I'm a believer.
If he was a 2nd or 3rd round pick, his upside would be viewed more positively.
He can fix his shot at goal. Like I said, he's kicked plenty of AFL goals before as a teenager; 14 of them, over 40 games.
He turns 21 in October. No wonder some say he has a teenager's body.
He's 6 foot 1. Nice size. Quick.