Simon Buckley is a gun - must get a Rising Star nomination

[Yze_Magic 3]

It will be a joke if he misses out.

Does anyone realise that the kid is averaging over 20 touches a game!

Phenomenal.

And these are not soft touches. He takes the game on, gets his own ball, and is fast as lightning.

Underrated, and will be a star.

[do it 4 robbie 1]

Jury is still out... but lets hope so

Certainly has the dash.

Can only see him getting better.

[wisedog 352]

I agree. Of all our youngsters, I'm most excited about Buckley...

He makes some poor decisions from time to time, but he seems to have something that sets him apart. I love watching him take the game on.

Watching him play reminds me of Thompson's break out season in 2004. Another late bloomer.

[DemonDave 1,096]

Feel that as clubs start to take more notice of him, they'll be able to easily put a stop to his 'tricks' of darting sideways as soon as he gets the ball. But he has had a very promising year.

[Sir Why You Little 37,302]

Buckley has caught my eye big time lately as has Morton. Both will be hopefully Guns in the Future. Buckley is so cool under pressure-good signs...

[Beamer 1]

I've been saying this for a while, I think Buckley is as explosive as Chris Judd. A kid I really rate. Versatile too!

[Chook 15,023]

Yeah. But there's something weird about the way he moves. He's all hunched over or something. Or is it just me?

[Rogue 585]

I agree. Of all our youngsters, I'm most excited about Buckley...

Interesting

Buckley's been better in the second half of the season, as his workrate/defensive efforts seem improved.

Wouldn't say he's the one I'm most excited about, though.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Interesting

Buckley's been better in the second half of the season, as his workrate/defensive efforts seem improved.

Wouldn't say he's the one I'm most excited about, though.

I've always rated Buckley since I first saw him in a NAB game against the Hawks last year. He's very much an athlete and therefore his footy can still be a bit raw but the natural talent is certainly there.

As has been mentioned, with experience will come a better understanding of the game and is one to persist with.

[Rogue 585]

I've always rated Buckley since I first saw him in a NAB game against the Hawks last year.

This year, both in the NAB and in the early part of the season, his chasing and second efforts were very poor.

While many derided him for his turnovers, I thought his workrate was the major problem.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

While many derided him for his turnovers, I thought his workrate was the major problem.

I agree, that and the fact he needs to lower his eyes before he kicks. But that's a problem that can be fixed with time and training. The talent is there, it's just a matter of getting the best out of him.

[Sir Why You Little 37,302]

Best thing about Buckley is that he doesn't look out of his depth on the Ground, as so many Kids do. He wants to be part of the action, Same situation for Austen. He loves it out there.

With Good Coaching Buckley could be an elite player in years to come. He has the "it" factor (First time i saw him play i just went yep. He is the type that Recruiters love to spot....

[Yze_Magic 3]

Yeah. But there's something weird about the way he moves. He's all hunched over or something.

Bit like Gary Ablett Snr?

[Mousey 47]

Not sure if anyone remembers but i called it!

He has really done what i expected him to do this year and i expect him to have a big offseason with the weights and improve even more next year

[The Time is Now 4]

the long kicks to advantage on the weekend from buckley we great, alot like that other buckley someone?

[Rogue 585]

The talent is there, it's just a matter of getting the best out of him.

I agree. The run he can generate is something we really need, and it was a reason we held on to Ward for longer than we probably would have otherwise. Hopefully Buckley can improve his disposal more than Ward was able to.

[deanox 10,045]

i thought saturday was one of his best days. yeah he tried to step around players and run, but i didnt think he did it as often as he has in previous weeks, and often took the better option. i thought his disposal has improved as well, no more blazing away hoping to hit something, and better thought out kicks.

if he keeps improving he will be a real player. he has pace and height, he can step around players. he knows where to get the ball, as evidenced by his disposal count each week. i think the biggest challenge for him over the preseason is improving his disposal. he can kick it 55m, lets see the 55m kicks hit targets. he should be able to nail goals on the run from 50 also.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

I agree. The run he can generate is something we really need, and it was a reason we held on to Ward for longer than we probably would have otherwise. Hopefully Buckley can improve his disposal more than Ward was able to.

Agree with your assessment of Buckley. Definitely worth persisting with. I hope he carries on in 2009 and maintains and improves his workrate and decision making.

[H_T 3,049]

I rate the little fella. Pace, breaks the lines, Penetrating kick, much like Wheatley's kick. I think he has a future..........just needs to brush up on his defensive skills with more development in the off season - I really think this time next year we could all be talking about him ... your thoughts and be honest.

Y_M I started a thread on Bucks and this was my assessment on him as quoted. I rate him too and like many have said - we look forward to his progress and 2009.

I agree Rogue. Similar to Ward, and as I have stated before an important cog in the start of our attack down back. Much like the Burgoynes, McLeod, Wojcinski type. Breaking the lines type mould.

[titan_uranus 25,174]

There's a lot of potential with Buckley, but still a lot of improvement. I used to get the feeling that he feels as though he's Superman with his constant attempts to run around people, but on the weekend I noticed he didn't try that as much, which really pleased me. I think the bigger issue is his disposal, but considering how much he's improved this year, hopefully it will continue next year. But his workrate and ability to run out games are great.

[Beamer 1]

There's a lot of potential with Buckley, but still a lot of improvement. I used to get the feeling that he feels as though he's Superman with his constant attempts to run around people, but on the weekend I noticed he didn't try that as much, which really pleased me. I think the bigger issue is his disposal, but considering how much he's improved this year, hopefully it will continue next year. But his workrate and ability to run out games are great.

Its very hard to kick running at that pace. Once he gains some composure and poise, disposal will come.

[Lord Travis 10,793]

Dont get too excited.

[Bring-Back-Powell 15,240]

How good was his chizzling pass to Juice (or Miller?) inside 50 in the third quarter at the punt rd end when he side stepped an opponent, used his pace and put it down Juice's throat. More of this please!!

[davey_magik 1]

Has a heck of a lot of potential. BBP I think the incident you are referring to is in the 3rd quarter when he hit Juice on the chest from 50m (Was an excellent kick as our F50 was congested).

Probably my favourite player right now. I like it that he's still relatively raw but he can FIND THE BALL. A lot of players with his pace often struggle to naturally get a lot of possessions but he's averaging 20+ and doing very well.

[twist 0]

It’s great to be able to break the lines with pace, which Buckley has in spades. But his disposal is shocking.

I was talking to a recruiter last week and he said the team he works for does not draft players that can’t hit targets. As the game is as fast as ever, players should not be drafted who have great deficiencies with their disposal.

I don’t mind the club putting project players on the rookie list, but late draft picks such as Buckley and Bartram are showing why they are late picks with the way they kick the ball.

Being young should not be an excuse for consistently coughing up the ball when no pressure is being applied.