After what can only be described as a disappointing start to the kid's career and had most of us questioning this selection things seem to be turning around with this kid. His last two games have seen him getting involved and finding plenty of footy. Now I don't want to moz the boy however his kicking in heavy traffic is elite and reminds me so much of Trapper(TJ). Hogan, Mitch, Dawes, Watts and Howe will love this kid over the next decade. Still early days however I am starting to see glimpes of why he went so high in the draft. Definite silver service weapon in the making.

His post game interview is worth watching. Seems to know what his weakness is and said he is working on his contested footy.

TBH I'm not worried about Toumps one bit.

Anyone who can direct Watts where to run gets my vote, well done Jimmy.

Been a while since we had a player who kicks to where they should lead and make them lead there.

I reckon Trapper was the last who did it constantly.

I had a quiet giggle when he was directing Watts. You're at Melbourne kiddo. We don't lead!

was thrilled when we drafted toumpas, rated him equal pick 1 with whitfield, great to see him doing okay in a poor side which is never easy

I've been critical of him (perhaps only because of how high my expectations were), but he has an amazing kick and is apparently aware - and is working on - his weaknesses. Good on him.

was gobsmacked he was still available at #4, i'd heard such good things about him in the sanfl, and then was so impressed by him in the under 18s last year.

really disappointed with his lack of desire to go and get the ball. thought he'd be much more of a hunter, but it looks like he's a pure receiver at this stage in his development.

has lovely skills by foot, just needs to add a lot of energy to his play - he sits back rather than gets involved at this stage, and his one-arm attempts at tackling are watts-esque.

he'll get there, i hope.

i mean, we have to don't we? we need some of our draft picks to come through and be guns. hopefully dmitri can be one.

going to be a great pick and important to our future.

There's so much to like about Toump. He's got a very good head on his shoulders, especially for his age. Has future leader written all over him.

body has had minor problems and has been phased into senior footy

I think they want to look after his body and not rush him

he has class and the next coach will benefit that

slowly slowly don't panic he will be good

WOW! We are desperate for any sign of a player at all arn't we. He had one good half where he made space and was able to find the football that is all, mind you this is exactly what we need. Also did have injury issues during the pre-season so that does take it's tole. BUT.....Jimmy is a long way from being comfortable at AFL level.

2 main issues:

1: Tackling is poor. If the player is moving Jimmy does not have the strength to tackle just with him arms, he is brushed off to easily.

2: Core strength. To many times he is pushed out of a contest, both on the ground and in a marking contest.

WHEN he builds on this over several pre-seasons, then you will see Jimmy Toumpas.

I've seen him duck his head on at least three occasions when going back with the flight. He needs to get this type of squib like behaviour out of his game.

Anybody else aware he's played about 7 games?? How bout we suspend judgement until he's got 20-30 under the belt.

  On 24/06/2013 at 00:37, Steamin Demon said:

I've seen him duck his head on at least three occasions when going back with the flight. He needs to get this type of squib like behaviour out of his game.

if hes a squib now nothing will change

you cant shovel gutz into a coward

didn't see him do that myself

Toumpas will be a weapon when we have a forward structure. He'll never be a line breaker but we'll be able to count on him showing the composure to hit a target. Toumpas will thrive on the improvement of Viney & Grimes as key extractors.

  On 23/06/2013 at 23:56, Old Man Rivers said:

After what can only be described as a dissappointing start to the kids career and had most of us questioning this selection things seem to be turning around with this kid. His last two games have seen him getting involved and finding plenty of footy. Now I don't want to moz the boy however his kicking in heavy traffic is elite and reminds me so much of Trapper(TJ). Hogan, Mitch, Dawes, Watts and Howe will love this kid over the next decade. Still early days however I am starting to see glimpes of why he went so high in the draft. Definate silver service weapon in the making.

I have to commend you for starting a POSITIVE thread about a new recruit, it doesn't happen often. You're spot on with your assessment I think and he'll be a very good player soon enough.

  On 24/06/2013 at 00:37, Steamin Demon said:

I've seen him duck his head on at least three occasions when going back with the flight. He needs to get this type of squib like behaviour out of his game.

Have a look at the Hawthorn West Coast replay... Franklin did that at least twice ... Toumpas is young and learning how to handle the big time and as far as I am concerned is learning quickly... I call a "squib" someone who regularly avoids all hard contests and who takes a side step when confronted head on with a contest.. Ducking when a pack is bearing down on your head from behind is NOT being a "squib" as you call it... Give the kid a go.. He WILL make it as will many others in our team whom have been condemned by a number of DL posters. They will improve with more games under their belts.. It started to show on Saturday but don't expect it to happen overnight.. Let's play out the rest of this season and give them a mark out of 10 then.. Whatever the competition on Saturday and no matter how we all rate St. Kilda,, most of our players tried for four quarters and THAT is something we haven't seen before this year .. To me, a baby step in the right direction...

A disappointing start to his career?

You mean playing for the worst midfield in the AFL and struggling for a kick in his first handfull of games?

You're right, rubbish. Should have delisted him already.

FFS you lot are impatient!

  On 24/06/2013 at 00:43, jazza said:

if hes a squib now nothing will change

you cant shovel gutz into a coward

didn't see him do that myself

He is NOT a "squib" nor a "coward"....I know that isn't what you personally are calling him... Just Saying..

  On 24/06/2013 at 00:53, soxy@live.com.au said:

He is NOT a "squib" nor a "coward"....I know that isn't what you personally are calling him... Just Saying..

[/q

read above before you knock ME

At one stage in the game on the weekend Toumpas saw oncoming players and still put his head over the ball in an attempt to gain possession. That showed courage for mine so I don't have too many issues on that front. He is still a kid, getting better with each game. I thought he did ok on the weekend, not too flash, made some errors but was attempting to get into the game. Shows a lot of promise at this stage of his development IMHO.

He doesn't excite me at all, I've made that clear.

More than happy to be wrong about this one.

  On 24/06/2013 at 00:43, jazza said:

if hes a squib now nothing will change

you cant shovel gutz into a coward

didn't see him do that myself

2nd quarter against the Saints. He was running back under a high ball with no one around him. He went back one handed thinking contact was coming. Squibbed.

I actually think he will be a jet but needs to stop these kinds of acts.

Matty Lloyd worked with all those U/18 boys last year and he said last week on 3AW that he would've taken Toumpas at pick 2 after Whitfield and said wait until he gets the speed of the game.

I wanted Wines because that's the type we need NOW but Toump will be very good.