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Matt Jones

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Sometimes players from the out of Victorian States tend to fly under the radar but, over the past couple of weeks, 24 year old Dayne Zorko of the Brisbane Lions has recently taken over centre stage from my point of view.

He was overlooked completely in the 2007 drafts after captaining the Queensland Under 18 side and went on to win four successive best and fairests at Broadbeach before he was drafted by the Lions.

I thought he was BOG last night and his is no longer a new story after Barlow, Podsiadly and to a lesser extent our own James Magner but it seems to me that if Matt Jones can continue to impress, he can add something to our impoverished midfield. He has his chance to impress today.

 
 

Sometimes players from the out of Victorian States tend to fly under the radar but, over the past couple of weeks, 24 year old Dayne Zorko of the Brisbane Lions has recently taken over centre stage from my point of view.

He was overlooked completely in the 2007 drafts after captaining the Queensland Under 18 side and went on to win four successive best and fairests at Broadbeach before he was drafted by the Lions.

I thought he was BOG last night and his is no longer a new story after Barlow, Podsiadly and to a lesser extent our own James Magner but it seems to me that if Matt Jones can continue to impress, he can add something to our impoverished midfield. He has his chance to impress today.

He was good today Jack. BH was on the money with a comment early in this thread about him needing to adjust to the pace of AFL footy. Even today he seemed a little rushed when in possession early but once the intensity in the heat dropped a few percent he looked much more composed. If his decision making improves and he develops his body to Joel Corey-like proportions we may have ourselves a player.

If Viney plays ok (not great) next week and plays round 1 has he earnt his spot?

I don't think he will play


That would be the single greatest improvement in the midfield in a decade if it holds. Our mids have played like seagulls.

its knowing when to go to an opposing player with the ball and when to go to his team mate to cut off his short release option. Generally if a team mate is going to the opposing player who has the ball the correct option is to shut down the short release option.

 

its knowing when to go to an opposing player with the ball and when to go to his team mate to cut off his short release option. Generally if a team mate is going to the opposing player who has the ball the correct option is to shut down the short release option.

I know this; you know this. What absolutely floors me is that THEY seem to have no idea about this. I knew this as a kid and I was a terrible footballer. Playing basketball I knew this. It cannot be that hard. I figure it is that they have a low IQ or are so exhausted or pressured that they are almost operating without thought, or that they have no investment in being a team and so don't care or think to play like one (or a nasty combination).

He was good today Jack. BH was on the money with a comment early in this thread about him needing to adjust to the pace of AFL footy. Even today he seemed a little rushed when in possession early but once the intensity in the heat dropped a few percent he looked much more composed. If his decision making improves and he develops his body to Joel Corey-like proportions we may have ourselves a player.

I agree. He seemed to get better as the game wore on. In fact, maybe it was just me, but I seemed to be seeing more of him than his more notable name-sake through this game...


I agree. He seemed to get better as the game wore on. In fact, maybe it was just me, but I seemed to be seeing more of him than his more notable name-sake through this game...

This sounds very similar to the week before against the Saints. I would play him and Terlich round 1.

like him,should beat magner to a game

I think there is room for both...

Jones, Grimes, Viney, Trengove, McKenzie, and another 4 players at least to run through the middle.

I know it's slightly off topic, but it's a direct reply to this post.

Can someone please inform me of which kids we gifted games to? How I see "gifting" games is playing someone in the seniors that a> their VFL form didn't warrant it, and b> they were played at the expense of someone who should've been.

We've heard this comment many times about gifting games to kids, I'd just love to know who they are. Cheers.

Not sure if you're just being antagonistic but I'll elaborate.

Bailey ditched senior players, some of whom (eg Junior McDonald) before their full value to the club was reached. he also played some players before they were ready (eg Watts) and I believe this has made their growth more difficult and negatively affected our club. I'm not saying all the seniors that went under his watch weren't justified, and apologies for not digging up all examples or arguing semantics but I'm sure you know what I was referencing. If not please review our performances for the last five years fielding teams with buggar all experience.

My underlying point was that Jones is a mature recruit, but not old, and if his form warrants selection I dont see why we shouldnt play him. Moreover he isnt holding out a "talented youngster", which is the point I was replying to.


Not sure if you're just being antagonistic but I'll elaborate.

Bailey ditched senior players, some of whom (eg Junior McDonald) before their full value to the club was reached. he also played some players before they were ready (eg Watts) and I believe this has made their growth more difficult and negatively affected our club. I'm not saying all the seniors that went under his watch weren't justified, and apologies for not digging up all examples or arguing semantics but I'm sure you know what I was referencing. If not please review our performances for the last five years fielding teams with buggar all experience.

My underlying point was that Jones is a mature recruit, but not old, and if his form warrants selection I dont see why we shouldnt play him. Moreover he isnt holding out a "talented youngster", which is the point I was replying to.

I agreed with every delisting that Bailey made, or contributed to (Robbo, Yze, McDonald, Bruce, etc).

Watts was playing very well in the reserves, he deserved a call up to seniors, body-wise he wasn't ready, but he was rewarded for good performances in the VFL. I would also like to know from Watts if he felt that being played "early" has hindered his development.

Based on what I saw Saturday, M Jones deserves a game in Round 1.

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