Why was Sam Blease dropped?

[Prof 15]

I'm annoyed that Sam Blease was dropped. His form has been reasonable in recent weeks. I feel he needs more encouragement. He has a number of important attributes that our side does not have in abundance. He is quick, he tries to break the opposition lines, his kicking is OK and has the potential to improve as Sam develops more confidence. And this is my point. How can we expect Sam to really develop if we keep dropping him back to Casey after a couple of games? We bring in MacDonald who we all know is just an ordinary player with very little future.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,177]

I was disappointed in this as well however at the minute Sammy is a bit Hollywood or bust. I have a feeling this is about displaying non-negotiables which I suspect Blease is not high in and is having this ingrained into him.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

I'm annoyed that Sam Blease was dropped. His form has been reasonable in recent weeks. I feel he needs more encouragement. He has a number of important attributes that our side does not have in abundance. He is quick, he tries to break the opposition lines, his kicking is OK and has the potential to improve as Sam develops more confidence. And this is my point. How can we expect Sam to really develop if we keep dropping him back to Casey after a couple of games? We bring in MacDonald who we all know is just an ordinary player with very little future.

I agree. God we always bang on here we need some outside mids and Blease will be one of them if he can get regular games. For some reason Blease isn't gifted games like Morton can be on occasion as well as davey. The argument would be that against a young team bring in the experience of Davey and because it's wet don't have too many light bodies in the one side. But I would prefer Blease over Davey.

[DeeSpencer 25,706]

He's been pretty lively and shown a lot of encouraging signs but....

His game 2 weeks ago was one of the most selfish games of footy I've ever seen. He pretty much flat out refused to handball or spot up targets. If Neeld is seriously about putting in standards and building a culture then Blease needed to go back to the VFL and prove he's a team player.

[jnrmac 20,065]

Neeld's comments in the paper this morning were instructive. Sam is a very good kick at training and at Casey. He needs to bring that same skill level to the senior team.

[Hannibal 5,814]

The club also rates each player on their defensive efforts. I'm not certain what they all are, but I doubt 5 tackles in 5 games is considered good enough.

[demonoid 317]

Maybe the selectors felt that it would not be appropriate for the boy to be playing against his new teammates for next year...that is if what you hear on these forums are true and sam is dying to be playing with his old mate tdollar next year.

Would love him to stay as i reckon he will be super but at the moment the silence is deafaning.

[rpfc 28,427]

Love Blease but guys get dropped.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

This is clearly a ploy to keep him away from his mate Scully..

[Ned 156]

He's been pretty lively and shown a lot of encouraging signs but....

His game 2 weeks ago was one of the most selfish games of footy I've ever seen. He pretty much flat out refused to handball or spot up targets. If Neeld is seriously about putting in standards and building a culture then Blease needed to go back to the VFL and prove he's a team player.

Yep, nailed it.

[Choko 493]

Yep, nailed it.

A bit unfair on the kid IMO. I agree that he could have given off, but I get the distinct impression he has been told to take the game on at all costs, and break lines. When you are told to do that and you're just a kid, it can be hard to then lower your eyes when the adrenaline gets going and it is sanctioned by the team. So I think development is absolutely necessary, but selfish a bit harsh.

[rhaz 342]

Not playing for Casey today either

[RalphiusMaximus 6,053]

I notice Morton didn't play today either. Does this indicate that they are going to be late inclusions tomorrow?

[daisycutter 29,616]

I notice Morton didn't play today either. Does this indicate that they are going to be late inclusions tomorrow?

makes you think at least one of them will be

[old55 23,573]

Do you have to ask?

The Sam Blease Show starring Sam Blease.

[DeeSpencer 25,706]

A bit unfair on the kid IMO. I agree that he could have given off, but I get the distinct impression he has been told to take the game on at all costs, and break lines. When you are told to do that and you're just a kid, it can be hard to then lower your eyes when the adrenaline gets going and it is sanctioned by the team. So I think development is absolutely necessary, but selfish a bit harsh.

Yeah it's harsh, but take the soft approach and in five years time Sam Blease is just another Aaron Davey or Colin Sylvia and we are talking about unfulfilled potential.

Mick Malthouse's thoughts during the game were a lot more harsh than mine, he didn't even have to say anything you just heard him groan.

[Prof 15]

This is clearly a ploy to keep him away from his mate Scully..

Oh well, I'm pleased to hear that Sam's playing. Not sure who's out. I'm really hoping he can show something.

[Demon SeaMan 108]

I don't mind the whole in/out thing (AFL/VFL) pls let's not misinterpret. Its worked for JW and I think with Blease it's a question of time not doubt that he's good enough to play with the big boys.

Should b in today anyway

[Mad_Melbourne 877]

Do you have to ask?

The Sam Blease Show starring Sam Blease.

I like this, I'm pretty sure I mentioned something along the lines of this in the post game thread from a couple weeks ago! He needs to learn to run both ways and put the best option as his first option! I wait for the days where he plays like Jetta from sydney!

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

You will often hear players hinting at Blease rating himself pretty highly, even the commentators have picked up on it a bit.

[Chook 15,013]

A bit unfair on the kid IMO. I agree that he could have given off, but I get the distinct impression he has been told to take the game on at all costs, and break lines. When you are told to do that and you're just a kid, it can be hard to then lower your eyes when the adrenaline gets going and it is sanctioned by the team. So I think development is absolutely necessary, but selfish a bit harsh.

I disagree. I think he takes it upon himself to run and break lines, even when he shouldn't. It's in his nature, and while it's a quality that is often very useful, it can become disruptive to the gameplan because of its unpredictability.

[Nasher 33,616]

I disagree. I think he takes it upon himself to run and break lines, even when he shouldn't. It's in his nature, and while it's a quality that is often very useful, it can become disruptive to the gameplan because of its unpredictability.

I agree. I doubt Blease has been instructed to take the game on at all costs, it's more likely that he's always done that and they're trying to beat it out of him. There's a time and a place for dashing runs, but it's when Blease seems to make the assumption that the best option is Blease when it clearly isn't is when he is going to run afoul of the coaches.

It's no different to Beamer's continual attempts to barge through packs rugby style and continually getting caught.

[Guest KingDingAling]

This is clearly a ploy to keep him away from his mate Scully..

I reckon Blease will be playing for the GWS next year.

[Deemort 28]

I don't mind the whole in/out thing (AFL/VFL) pls let's not misinterpret. Its worked for JW and I think with Blease it's a question of time not doubt that he's good enough to play with the big boys.

Should b in today anyway

I worry about players that constantly go up and down like a yo yo between the two standards. Surely once promoted to seniors you should be given minimum 3 games to prove yourself.

[rpfc 28,427]

I reckon Blease will be playing for the GWS next year.

I believe in Sam...

No, but seriously, my best mate become a cop and I am not going to be a cop...

Let's have a little faith we can keep our young players.