Speed is misunderstood and undervalued.

Given the game is based on hard running offensively and defensively, a lack of speed over the 0-15 metres is critical. A few players overcome a lack of speed to become very good footballers because they are at elite level in the areas of contested ball and the ability to use the ball to hurt the opposition by hand or foot. Mitchell is one of the few cases.

Its interesting NAA had to trawl back to Greg Williams. Williams last played in 1997 and he was slow back then but compensated by being outstanding in other areas. However the game's speed has quickened dramatically and the required coverage of ground space by players has increased. Its a vexing question how good Williams would still be as oppositions would exploit his lack of mobility and foot speed to counter his strengths.

Greg Williams had a funny way of treating opposition mids running off him.

He kept getting the pill and delivered quality ball to forwards who scored.

Salem just has "it" doesn't he? The fact he didn't accumulate a whole lot of the footy in his debut season was't a concern from my perspective at all. Clean, hard, fast, clutch and a ripping left boot as well.

As for the Bont, what a joy to watch. Am genuinely pumped to see him in the flesh when we play the dogs this year. My favourite non-MFC player in the league.

Salem could be the "man" for us in 2-3 years. He has already become important.