Sammy Blease in 2012

[pilgrim 120]

Hey there,

Just watched his highlights package on the Melbourne website and it reminded me how much I enjoyed watching Blease play this year. Having not seen him play in VFL this year, I was very much excited with this guy playing off half back (especially against Gold Coast with his 7 rebound 50's). For anyone who hasn't seen it I'll post a link. http://www.melbourne...84/default.aspx

My actual reasoning however for posting this topic is to see what people think on whether Neeld should keep Sammy in the back half to provide that fast run and carry or whether to try and work him up into the midfield? I personally think he works well in the back half, but seeing him ripping up the wing and burning off some opposition next year also sounds fantastic.

Ps. This is my first topic, so if it's out of place or has been discussed already, do forgive me.

[Kento80 83]

I agree that seeing him burn up the wing towards the 50 would be a special sight, but that run and carry he provides out of the backline is so valuable, I just can't see him being moved. I may be wrong, just think it is such a win having his speed out of defence.

[Jordie_tackles 354]

I can admit that i have probably been a skeptic of Blease to begin with, not that i ever doubted his talent, just his application. He looks really good though, that pace is exceptional, and to use an overused term is truly a 70-80-90 metre player after he runs carries and kicks, quite valuable.

I think 2012 will be a good year for Blease get 18+ games into him and by the mid point of the season he could become really valuable

[Little Richard 6,216]

His run and carry is what we are desperate for out of the backline, so definitely necessary to keep him there. However if another couple of players emerge in this style next year (maybe Nicho, Bennell), he would be useful rotating through the midfield!

[drdrake 3,124]

Wouldn't it be great to get all our top 20 picks on the park fit and playing well. We have huge scope for improvement in 2012 if players like Blease can have a good pre-season and hit form. How many games have Morton, Grimes, Watts, Blease, Strauss, Trengove, Gysberts and Tapscott all played together in the same team. I think the closest we got was against the Bulldogs this year where only Grimes missed.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,012]

It is largely a question of the gameplan. Bailey wanted to have some highly skilled players as designated kickers out of our back half, so he played Strauss, Tapscott and Blease on the HBF. The rest of the defensive team looked for them with the handball so that they could set up play with their precise kicking. We don't know yet what Neald will be looking to implement, so it's a question of whether he will place the same emphasis on putting our best kicks behind the ball.

[Mad_Melbourne 872]

play him on the wing, his defensive game is not there, and neeld will want a strong defense.

[Nasher 33,607]

I can admit that i have probably been a skeptic of Blease to begin with, not that i ever doubted his talent, just his application.

What were your doubts about his application based on?

[ox_5 163]

Won't he be playing for Richmond in 2012???

I see him between wing and half back, probably more attacking side of wing to be honest. Looking forward to see what he can do with his first ever full pre-season.

[old dee 23,503]

Really 2011 was his first injury free season since being drafted.

The guy had what could have been a career ending injury.

I thought he was a one dimensional player at Casey but his couple of games at years end suggested

his draft selection was perhaps justified.

I am not 100% convinced he is top shelf.

In 2012 I hope he will develop into the player we hoped he would be when drafted.

[Kiss of Death 732]

Watching that highlights package, you can seriously hear the crowd start to build each time he starts a run and then puts the afterburners on. Love it when players have that extra gear.

[888Dee 6]

His size is what i like now, has the body to be in contests and the pace is a bonus. Was skinny but has spent the time off the leg well.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Hey there,

Just watched his highlights package on the Melbourne website and it reminded me how much I enjoyed watching Blease play this year. Having not seen him play in VFL this year, I was very much excited with this guy playing off half back (especially against Gold Coast with his 7 rebound 50's). For anyone who hasn't seen it I'll post a link. http://www.melbourne...84/default.aspx

My actual reasoning however for posting this topic is to see what people think on whether Neeld should keep Sammy in the back half to provide that fast run and carry or whether to try and work him up into the midfield? I personally think he works well in the back half, but seeing him ripping up the wing and burning off some opposition next year also sounds fantastic.

Ps. This is my first topic, so if it's out of place or has been discussed already, do forgive me.

No, definitely keep him learning to be accountable, and then when to attack & get back on his man.

When he has this right down, we can play him wherever.If he doesn't learn the hard work ethic early and only tends to the flashy. we'll have another bennell and maric to contend with.

It's best to teach them the right way first with a tiny bit of latitude to practice some flair.