Fitzpatrick signs new contract

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,602]

Fits has just kept at it even when he didn't look great and when he couldn't crack a game under Neeld. But he kept improving and having a crack. So I'm happy to hear that he was offered an extension.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,464]

I like it a lot.

[Sideshow Bob 2,449]

Awkward, ungainly, somewhat "unco". I know I drew a big fat line through his name in 2 seconds of seeing him. IIRC he had trouble with chronic fatigue when we drafted him, i read somewhere that the club discovered he had insulin dependent diabetes which would go a long way to rectifying his chronic fatigue issues, allowing him to train as an AFL player needs to, which I think has lead to his rapid improvements this year - still awkward and gangly but gee isn't he effective at present, takes a strong grab, leads well and can crumb well for a 200cm bohemoth.

Can see now why he got AA at under 18's, has something to offer and now with his health problems seemingly improving might just reach another level or 2 when he fully fills out the massive frame. Happy to be proved wrong (so far!) on Fritzel

[dazzledavey36 55,473]

I remember when Garlo first started and people here were saying that he was the biggest [censored] to ever pull on a jumper. Fitz basically started out in similar style and is now reaping his the hard work he has put in

Am a massive fan of fitzy.

[Jaded No More 68,974]

I remember when Garlo first started and people here were saying that he was the biggest [censored] to ever pull on a jumper. Fitz basically started out in similar style and is now reaping his the hard work he has put in

Am a massive fan of fitzy.

People were saying that about Garland at the start of this season.

People are idiots.

[dee-luded 2,959]

People were saying that about Garland at the start of this season.

People are idiots.

hahaha, jaded you were one of them...

[Chook 15,022]

People were saying that about Garland at the start of this season.

People are idiots.

I still maintain that Garlo was atrocious before about round 3 this year. I don't know what happened with him after that, but it was good.

[spirit of norm smith 16,596]

This is a positive. He showed real signs as a post up key forward. Again will get better once Hogan and Clark/Dawes are back on board.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I still maintain that Garlo was atrocious before about round 3 this year. I don't know what happened with him after that, but it was good.

buy in? like Jones had??

so many injuries at the time.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Fwiw, I don't like him in the ruck - mistimes the contest, looks ungainly and has no idea.

Having said that, he is dangerous as a forward and is quite agile below his knees.

Keep him forward.

Kicks like Tyrone Vickery - very high ball drop.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

..he could be our next Nathan Jones like success story.

JOnes was a first rounder.. what did he have to overcome apart from going bald at an incredibly young age

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Kicks like Tyrone Vickery - very high ball drop.

His kicking is still massive issues that needs immediate attention.

[saka888 54]

thanks Fits!!! F U watts!!!

[Jaded No More 68,974]

hahaha, jaded you were one of them...

One quote where I said Garland was no good. Please, prove yourself.

I have always been a big Garland supporter.

[DeeSpencer 26,094]

Fwiw, I don't like him in the ruck - mistimes the contest, looks ungainly and has no idea.

Having said that, he is dangerous as a forward and is quite agile below his knees.

Keep him forward.

Kicks like Tyrone Vickery - very high ball drop.

It's fair to say he isn't at the level to get the game as just a primary forward at the moment so we will have to keep working on his rucking. At least unlike some like Pedersen he does have the right height to become a good back up ruck. His pace would also be handy around the ground. Means he can go with the more mobile rucks and defend against them.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

It's fair to say he isn't at the level to get the game as just a primary forward at the moment so we will have to keep working on his rucking. At least unlike some like Pedersen he does have the right height to become a good back up ruck. His pace would also be handy around the ground. Means he can go with the more mobile rucks and defend against them.

Excellent point - on reflection, I meant to say at the centre bounces. He looks so unco.

Agree on his pace around the ground. He'll get to many contests.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Fwiw, I don't like him in the ruck - mistimes the contest, looks ungainly and has no idea.

Having said that, he is dangerous as a forward and is quite agile below his knees.

Keep him forward.

Kicks like Tyrone Vickery - very high ball drop.

Jumbo jumbo jumbo, you've cracked the sads mate... he's got to learn...

[DeeZee 7,445]

Fitzy has stepped up big time this year.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Excellent point - on reflection, I meant to say at the centre bounces. He looks so unco.

Agree on his pace around the ground. He'll get to many contests.

I think this reflects why we may still need Jamar for another year at this point. these kids Gawn, Spencer, & Fitz will all need some time rotating back at Casey, from time to time next year IMO.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Jumbo jumbo jumbo, you've cracked the sads mate... he's got to learn...

I was talking about the centre bounces, DL. I didn't make it clear before.

No, no sads....I'm as positive as ever. I'm looking forward to the draft, the new coach, the trades....will be VERY interesting.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I was talking about the centre bounces, DL. I didn't make it clear before.

No, no sads....I'm as positive as ever. I'm looking forward to the draft, the new coach, the trades....will be VERY interesting.

Yep, I think that nearly all young rucks normally look a bit unco as their making their way into the big league.

I was continually making the same mistakes with the beanpole types being unco, until I realised I got all the North rucks wrong, one after the other... I've woken myself up since.

[Undeeterred 3,127]

Fantastic. I was a big critic, but he has torn it up this year and looked great.

It has to be said though - when he had that beard, had to be one of the ugliest heads in football...

[Swampfox 190]

Pleased that he signed

Just had that feeling that other clubs were starting to take notice

2 year deal shows Melbourne are being responsible

[waikikkamukau 62]

One would have to think an incumbent coach has input into this decision, could it be that the new coach has already been selected?

[hardtack 10,704]

JOnes was a first rounder.. what did he have to overcome apart from going bald at an incredibly young age

Not what I meant. I was referring to the fact that many wanted Jones gone and then he got his act together and has not looked back since. I can see a similar direction for Fitz.