He just looks professional - in the same way Buckley looked professional.

When Vandenberg has the ball I know he won't waste it. The fact that he pushes forward, loves a goal, and is an accurate shot of goal - makes him a very dangerous player.

This guy is exactly what our side needs, a big bodied, goal kicking midfielder, can find the pill, play a variety of roles - due to height/strength/balance/hardness and smarts.

For all the high draft picks we've wasted over the years, it feels so sweet to absolutely nail a left field rookie pick like this.

He already looks like a top 5 draft pick.

  On 08/04/2015 at 07:55, Demon Disciple said:

I am huge fan of his physicality, his presence, and his willingness to do the 1%ers.

Me too. But he doesn't lack finesse either. His kick to Garlett was perfectly weighted. And after his great smother he couldn't have "plated up" that goal to Newton any more tastefully if he'd been on MKR.

But the best thing about him is he knows the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

Loved his game, interested to see how he backs it up in week 2. I would be amazed, happy, if he has a similar contribution. Would be bloody tough coming in off rookie list and performing week in week out over a full season. Week 2 might see a drop off, hope he is consistent as he looked great last week.

  On 08/04/2015 at 11:44, Cards13 said:

Loved his game, interested to see how he backs it up in week 2. I would be amazed, happy, if he has a similar contribution. Would be bloody tough coming in off rookie list and performing week in week out over a full season. Week 2 might see a drop off, hope he is consistent as he looked great last week.

There's a lot of talk about Brayshaw for the sub, Richie might be the better option. That said he was sub against Freo, injured v Dogs then played the game against Ess then a Casey game, so he's played a fair bit but didn't have the full run of 3 big NAB challenge games.

I'm not convinced he's got silky skills or a great tank just yet, so this might not be the best idea, but if he does run out of steam at half forward and in the midfield mix then I'd gladly give him a run down back if one of our current back 6 get injured or suspended.

You would also have to think there is significant upside to Vandenberg with lack of AFL exposure etc. Everyone saying he is Barlow 2.0 may just be right.

  On 08/04/2015 at 04:13, hardtack said:

One of the stranger comments I have seen on these forums.

Haven't you been reading, The No T$ No B$ Thread?

  On 09/04/2015 at 01:30, ManDee said:

Haven't you been reading, The No T$ No B$ Thread?

Yes, but you expect strange there.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2015-04-09/inside-access-aaron-vandenberg

Inside Access - Roosy tells Vanders hes playing his first game

A nice video showing Roos telling vandenFyfe that he will play his first (of at least 200) games.

  On 09/04/2015 at 05:40, hogans_heroes said:

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2015-04-09/inside-access-aaron-vandenberg

Inside Access - Roosy tells Vanders hes playing his first game

Will sound a bit sappy but that was really heart warming

Sounds as if he has his head screwed on straight, and really wants to play AFL with MFC

Well done

Loved it, great video MFC. If Vanders had been taken at pick 2 instead of Petracca right now I'd be very satisfied with the scouts and recruiters......to think he comes as a Rookie pick 2 is extraordinary! Wow MFC, just wow.

  On 08/04/2015 at 01:16, Brayshaw Self said:

vandenBerg always seems to get his arms free in the tackle and gives off cleanly and his 'cut' inside Saad and kick to Garlett for Jeffy's first goal was a thing of beauty.

I also loved when he decked the living shlt out of Rischitelli in the centre square.

I love the way he uses that little swivel of the hitps to break the tackle as he steps him. It's a damn nice little move.

  On 08/04/2015 at 07:52, Pig Dog said:

He showed a lot on Saturday.

Far more than a lot that have been in the system.

His body is strong and mentally is as tough as anyone I have seen for a long time.

The self confidence is great, but he has a fantastic confidence in a the team mates he has playing with him.

He will get better and will lift the team confidence.

He seems to be the sort who takes it upon himself. When the game was looking shaky, he was one of the players who really threw themselves in there and refused to let it get away. That's something we've lacked for the last few years and it was great to see.

Pretty good effort by vandenFyfe tonight, missed a an easy opportunity in front of goal which was a shame.

Loved his game. Our midfield have some size about them and really know how to tackle. Add Viney to tonight's group and they look pretty ferocious. Shame about Kent - we need his zip.

I just don't see many flaws in his game. He does everything well - and consistently well.

Finds the pill, tackles (think he had 12-13 tonight), plays smart. Granted he did have a brain fade late in the game, but I thought he was top 3 tonight.

What a find. Adding Vandenberg and Brayshaw to the side - and to a lesser extent Newton - has been massive for us.

Edited April 24, 20159 yr by KingDingAling

  On 24/04/2015 at 13:43, Clint Bizkit said:

Pretty good effort by vandenFyfe tonight, missed a an easy opportunity in front of goal which was a shame.

Needs to tidy his kicking. Otherwise he's awesome.

  On 24/04/2015 at 13:51, Jaded said:

Needs to tidy his kicking. Otherwise he's awesome.

Without doubt his biggest weakness, but even then it's not terrible.

Ball was a bit wet Jaded...just saying

Great game from VB and a really good start to the season. Dare I say it, Michael Barlow come again? Hope no one else has said that yet...

Love his work. He will need a spell as a first year player but wow hopefully he can run out the year strongly and smash next year.

did you see Tyson giving it to him after he gave away that reversal?

We havent picked up a quality player lije this from no where!! In a long time!!

The roos magic and men around him are on a mission!!

  On 24/04/2015 at 14:16, Moneider96 said:

did you see Tyson giving it to him after he gave away that reversal?

Rightfully so, he cost me my 40 plus bet.