Rohan Bail

[Dee Dee 1,117]

Interesting that he is 21 nearly 22 so despite being late into the AFL system he should be nearing his peak physically, and his peak form shouldn't be far away. So he really has to earn his next contract for mine, but he is doing a great job of it.

Physical maturity is not necessarily reached by men in their early to mid 20's. Many elite athletes reach peak physical maturity in their 30's (for example Linford Christie). And from what I've read, maximum physical strength in men may occur in their late 30's, early 40's or even later - many champion weight lifters are in that age bracket!

This is not to argue that Bail will not reach his peak physically within the next year or three, but there's a good chance he will not reach it for a few years yet.

And don't forget for someone playing an elite sport such as Australian Rules at the highest AFL level, physical maturity is but part of the overall package! Football "smarts" plays just as big a part, and that comes with games played. Bail with 50+ games under his belt could be an excellent player!

Even elite - but we'll all have to hang on and see what happens over the next few years (and that's part of the fun isn't it).

[Rogue 585]

Stats: they are wonderful.....if a ball comes out of a scrimmage and Bail has to just hack it forward - ineffective disposal, if he handballs in traffic and ball gets knocked down or bounces away from recipient - ineffective disposal

if kick is taken by the wind over the head of intended recipient - ineffective disposal........au contraire, if Chip and Garlo exchange a couple of kicks between them in back half - effective disposals......sigh....look at game see Bail is adding something different actoss the half forward line, wing..effective

The only comment worthy of a sigh is your assumption that I looked at the stats before I formed my view of Bail's use of the footy the past couple of weeks.

The problems you cite with the stats are applicable to everyone, and also work the other way - if you handball to a bloke's ankles while under no pressure it's an effective disposal.

How do you obtain a stat on one who helps breaks lines with run and makes things happen ? They're a dime-a-dozen. Sure his disposal can improve a little, but the former trait is worth it's weight in gold.

I don't think the discussion was about whether he helps 'break the lines', it was whether his disposal was as good as some suggested.

Do you agree with the assertion that's he one of the few best users at the Club?

some posters pick holes in them after 1 or 2 games

...and some posters talk up every young kid as the next big thing after they play okay.

I don't think anyone's 'potting' Bail in this thread, but let's have some balance.

[Rogue 585]

While Bail didn't get a heap of the ball I though he used it pretty well yesterday.

However, in terms of pressure it was a bit like a training drill at times, especially in the second half.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

While Bail didn't get a heap of the ball I though he used it pretty well yesterday.

However, in terms of pressure it was a bit like a training drill at times, especially in the second half.

And when he didn't get it he ran hard into space to make an option which then cleared other space for different players. There is a lot to like about his style.

Edited April 18, 2010 by Rojik of the Arctic

[Arthur Dent 2]

Really really impressed with Rohan so far. There is just something about him watching him get into the right places on the field, and has a real poise and class about him when he gets his hands on it. Think he may be a bit special, and expected nothing of the sort.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Bail looks 100 times better at AFL level than when he was playing for Casey.

Very impressed with his composure and decision making.

[H_T 3,049]

I don't think the discussion was about whether he helps 'break the lines', it was whether his disposal was as good as some suggested.

Do you agree with the assertion that's he one of the few best users at the Club?

I think his disposal is ok. I don't think it's superb as yet, nor do I think it is poor.

So based on that logic, I don't think he is in the top bracket of users at the club. The best part of it all is - like a flurry of others his age - that he can continue to work on all aspects of his game.

NB: Sick of using the "improvement" excuse time and again, but it rings true everytime with the current list of young players.

[satyricon 267]

Liking this guy the more I see him play...saw him live against the pies and disposal on non-preferred is elite...actually reminded me of watching Brent Heaver in the early 90's wearing the number 54 for the red blue...Looking forward to seeing him in a lower jumper next year...maybe he can replicate the Ox and go from 44 to 5...

I remember Cam Scwab said Rohan Bail specifically asked for nr 44 at the start of the season, so it must mean something to him, I know his mum was only young when she passed away last year, so perhaps it was her agae, or it could be somethhing else..can't see him changing

[stueyspencer no12 73]

Liking this guy the more I see him play...saw him live against the pies and disposal on non-preferred is elite...actually reminded me of watching Brent Heaver in the early 90's wearing the number 54 for the red blue...Looking forward to seeing him in a lower jumper next year...maybe he can replicate the Ox and go from 44 to 5...

about 12 demon supporters saw Bail play at Princes` Park in a practice match v Swans last year. He turned in an OUTSTANDING 3rd quarter and I think, was taken off. We lost by a few points incidentally.

Several of us were wondering all of last year, what had happened to him. Now obvious that he had much trauma in his life. Deserves our sympathy and congratulations for fighting back this year. I'm pretty certain that in that practice match he played HBF and I'd back him to fill in on the backline if needed. He seems `to have better awareness than, eg, Bell.

Hard to say if he could hold a place in the best 22--either way he adds significantly to overall strength>

[Sir Why You Little 37,134]

Rohan Bail can play no doubt-He has got it. I didn't realize he had lost his mum last year. My Sympathies.

As a Football Club we must look after him and help him through all this.

Maybe he is playing so well in honour of his mother. If so he is doing a mighty job so far.....RESPECT B)

[joeboy 3,166]

Some older Demonlanders may see in Bail , what I regard as an amazing likeness to a former Demon great in Andrew Obst with his long -striding movements , sure ball -handling , and boyish good looks .

[Sir Why You Little 37,134]

Some older Demonlanders may see in Bail , what I regard as an amazing likeness to a former Demon great in Andrew Obst with his long -striding movements , sure ball -handling , and boyish good looks .

Andrew Obst (Orange) was a class player-good call

[pmg 0]

one thing about this fella is that he gives his all

[stueyspencer no12 73]

Andrew Obst (Orange) was a class player-good call

agreed. And he also came as a mature player.

[Jastone 2]

Fast becoming one of my favourite players to look out for.