Jack Fitzpatrick

[Bay Riffin 1,426]

One thing is clear in my mind - he is a much better option than Spencer. People also seem to take no notice that that was his 6th AFL game and for a young ruckman there was a lot of upside.

Not a fan but he should be given a couple more weeks against some lower sides. He deserves that

[dee-luded 2,958]

I saw enough of him yesterday to suggest he can play. He is definitely NOT Stef Martin 2.0.

For those who say his marking was terrible, take a second look Yes, some of it was horrible, but he also took 2 contested marks with a single clunk.

His pace speaks for itself and he has done some serious work on his kicking over the past 2 preseasons.

As for his positioning. 50/50 for mine.

He will never be a gun but we have to give him another run after the break, especially if Dawes and Clark are missing long term again.

I agree Maldonboy, & a good point re Clarke & Dawes. & with that, I'd say he has dibs on it for a month,,, as long as he has a Fair-Dinkum Crack at every contest thats in his domain!

... if he loses confidence, he just goes back to Casey, to rebuild again.

[Harrisonrules 273]

Would another team pick him up? For heavens sake don't give them a chance to find out. Let him go when he is 27 and find out then.

He's got to be given the big mans time to develop.

God all the attributes.

Has a better leap than big Max, whose jumping ability is very limited. Max was rested because he was buggered. These two can develop together by alternating months. No hurry.

On this forum we criticise the club for its poor record of developing players. Have the demonlanders have no idea of what development is. These two ruckmen need time. patience and encouragement

[titan_uranus 22,673]

One thing is clear in my mind - he is a much better option than Spencer. People also seem to take no notice that that was his 6th AFL game and for a young ruckman there was a lot of upside.

On this there is little doubt, I think.

If it were to come down to Spencer or Fitzpatrick for one spot on the list, surely Fitzpatrick gets it hands down. I saw more in his game on Monday than I've ever seen from Spencer, and given that Fitzy didn't show a lot, that's saying something.

The upside to Fizty is huge, the upside to Spencer is...well...I don't know.

[pm24 451]

The upside to Fizty is huge, the upside to Spencer is...well...I don't know.

About 3 cm's in height????

I'm clutching at straws.

[demonchris 162]

Question... Does anyone think Fitzy could possibly become a defender? He has height,weight and good speed... Could be a bit like Jordan Roughead at the Western Bulldogs.

[Weedster 174]

I agree Maldonboy, & a good point re Clarke & Dawes. & with that, I'd say he has dibs on it for a month,,, as long as he has a Fair-Dinkum Crack at every contest thats in his domain!

... if he loses confidence, he just goes back to Casey, to rebuild again.

I'd just like to see Fitzy ( and big Max for that matter ) play with some urgency, or dare I say anger. They have some size, just not sure they have the confidence or aggression as yet. Hopefully with time ..

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,505]

Question... Does anyone think Fitzy could possibly become a defender? He has height,weight and good speed... Could be a bit like Jordan Roughead at the Western Bulldogs.

Hasn't got enough weight. That doesn't mean he can't make a good defender - although I don't see that he's skilled enough yet for that role. Perhaps in time.

The real issue is that so many of our players (current and recently departed, such as Watts, Morton, Gysberts, Frawley, Petterd, Strauss, Rivers, Garland) are, or were when they were with us, undersized. They just can't stick a tackle or break one, or hold their ground in marking contests. It's my main gripe with the lack of development during the Bailey years. In my view, Watts has only had two proper pre-seasons.

And that doesn't mean Frawley and Garland aren't good players. They are, but they'd be better if they were physically bigger and stronger.

[dee-luded 2,958]

I'd just like to see Fitzy ( and big Max for that matter ) play with some urgency, or dare I say anger. They have some size, just not sure they have the confidence or aggression as yet. Hopefully with time ..

exactly, with time... any young giraffe has to realise they belong & fit in first, then they can start to use some weight. as they grow it.

[deeko 937]

Cheeky little bump here.

I thought Jack showed a lot tonight and it was easiest his best game in the glorious red and blue.

Just wanted to get people's thoughts on him. He looked a lot more confident tonight and seems to be improving each week.

If Mitch gets fit, Watts continues up forward with Dawes and Hoges what will become of Fitzy?

If he keeps getting better I think its a great problem to have

[Pirlo 524]

Cheeky little bump here.

I thought Jack showed a lot tonight and it was easiest his best game in the glorious red and blue.

Just wanted to get people's thoughts on him. He looked a lot more confident tonight and seems to be improving each week.

If Mitch gets fit, Watts continues up forward with Dawes and Hoges what will become of Fitzy?

If he keeps getting better I think its a great problem to have

What becomes of him is that he gets his contract renewed and we go from there. Have always been a big fan of him, and his VFL form displays that he needs a few games in a row to get going. Stuck heaps of marks, was very good on the tap and played well in the ruck too.

[ThreeOneSix 953]

I'd rather Fitz in our side than Pederson or Sellar.

More upside for the big fella and he deserves a crack at it.

Was impressive in patches today.

[dees189227 10,924]

How good was his banana goal from the boundary?

I agree he was good tonight and he took some nice marks.

[DeeSpencer 23,321]

His speed is a rare attribute that could make him super talented but it wasn't going to count a thing unless he got the big man skills up and about.

Fair to say he's shown a decent ruck ability, decent hands and much improved kicking.

His speed allows him to be a number 1 or 2 Ruck which is handy.

[Jaded No More 58,693]

For someone who quite literally looks like a baby giraffe, he is remarkably fast and coordinated.

His goal kicking too, very very nice.

He's played under 10 games. That's some good progress and I hope he keeps his spot for the rest of the year. His ruck work needs improving but around the ground he is already as fruitful as Jamar.

[Demon trucker 1,776]

parko on the ABC was suprised at how fast and athletic he is for a big man.

[Binmans PA 26,316]

I think that early check-side goal gave him some extra confidence to deliver a consistent game. Easily his best game. He almost looks like taking those pack marks now. His positioning at times still needs a lot of work. Well done on the game though, Fitzy.

[What 18,810]

Both his goals were orgasmic

[Bring Back Barassi 545]

I was a hater, thought he was soft and couldn't mark, but his last 2 games have turned me around. Love the turn of speed....

[Pitchy 196]

Yep I was sus on him too. Funny looking kick, missing marks, tall and fast but thats no good if you can't kick or catch right?

How wrong I was!! His growth rate is exponential. 10 games in and he is now a one grab, clean banana kicking mobile giant. How good will he be by his 20th game???

Love it! Go Fitz!

[Waltham33 409]

Showed me more than I expected last night. Still do think he is a long term prospect but he may prove me wrong yet. Some awesome marks.

[FarNorthernD 5,848]

Question... Does anyone think Fitzy could possibly become a defender? He has height,weight and good speed... Could be a bit like Jordan Roughead at the Western Bulldogs.

Who knows given the competition for forward spots next year Jack may well end up down back. His speed, leap and 200cm, 99kg frame could be an advantage on the last line. Also like that he has a red hot go

[DeeZee 6,805]

I used to think he was a goose...

But now i can see the light.

[jabberwocky 2,301]

The bloke can play. He has a brain, is athletic and can judge a ball in the air.

One of the better prospects on our list.

[DemonFrog 1,347]

Jack is back!!!