The Left Footer factor

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Very easy to believe that we are recruiting Ben Kennedy and Bugg given that they're both left footers - I'd say lock it in.

Someone on the recruiting staff is big on lefties. My guess is it's Viney? Something he got to see up close in his time at Hawthorn.

SInce he arrived:

Kent

Salem

VIney jnr

Tyson

Newton

White

-----------------------------------

Brayshaw (might as well be) not unlike Mitchell

Vince (might as well be)

Something that has stuck in my mind from watching training up in Maroochy in Jan (especially from an elevated view point) is how noticable the piercing left footer's in our team are the back-bone of the game-plan, with their ability to obliterate the opposition modern day press etc.

And when you watch Hawthorn, they are the best kicking team in the competition for this very reason.

Also, you don't have to go back many years to remember when Davey was at his best, how the team relied on his piercing left foot kick to set up play.

So this might put things into perspective if there is any doubt about what we might be giving up to get these guys - I like it.

Go Lefties!

[Ethan Tremblay 30,861]

Melks is very good with his left, some might say it's his preferred foot.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

Apart from Schache and these guys, who else from this years draft pool is a lefty, anyone?

Riley Bonner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgGRPSLxA08

Darcy Tucker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQC-iEJNxKs

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

High chance that one of these guys will be on our list by the end of year:

Braden Fiorini
Northern Knights/Greensborough
22/8/1997
Height: 186cm
Weight: 75kg
Classy medium midfielder or defender who uses the ball very well on his preferred left foot. Solid performer for Victoria Metro in NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, averaging 15 possessions in three matches but has starred for Knights in the TAC Cup, averaging 30 possessions at 76 percent efficiency across 11 matches this season.

Ben Keays
Morningside/Lions Academy
23/02/1997
Height: 185cm
Weight: 78kg
Medium midfielder/forward who is a ball magnet with terrific work rate and uses the ball with great efficiency on his preferred left foot. Can push forward where he regularly impacts the scoreboard. Now a dual Under-18 All-Australian and won the Queensland MVP and the Harrison Medal – Division Two Best and Fairest. Member of NAB AFL Academy and Lions Academy. Averaged 28.7 disposals (11 contested) in three matches at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Tyrone Leonardis
Northern Knights/North Heidelberg
22/02/1997
Height: 182cm
Weight: 78kg
Medium defender/midfielder who possesses a terrific step through traffic when in possession. Disposes of the ball neatly on his preferred left foot and is prepared to take the game on. Averaged 13 possessions and three tackles in five games at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. At TAC Cup level, has averaged 17.6 disposals at 75 percent efficiency in 12 matches this year.

Joshua Schache Murray Bushrangers/Seymour

21/08/1997 Height: 199cm Weight: 96kg

Tall forward that presents up strongly on the lead and had a very clean set of hands in the marking contest. His goal sense in general play is excellent as is his set shot goal-kicking on his preferred left foot. His strong mature body gives him an advantage over the opposition and he uses it very well in contested situations. Won the Larke Medal - Division One best and fairest player and the Vic Country MVP as well as All-Australian honours. Averaged 15.8 disposals, 6.7 marks and kicked 24 goals (averaged four goals per game) at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Member of NAB AFL Academy.

Matthew Allen Glenelg/North Gambier

18/10/1997 Height: 193cm Weight: 97kg

Tall forward who is quality user of the ball, particularly on his preferred left foot. Other strengths include his lead up marking, displaying a safe set of hands. Understands how to use his body in contested situations, regularly winning one-on-ones. From an elite cricket background. Kicked 15 goals in six matches at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Riley Bonner
West Adelaide/Goodwood
7/03/1997
Height: 191cm
Weight: 80kg
Tall defender with penetrating left foot and is very efficient on his non-preferred side. Breaks the lines with his rebound from defence. Can play tall or small. Progressed from Under-18s to senior level with West Adelaide this year. Averaged 18 disposals and five rebounds 50s at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships winning All-Australian Under-18 honours.

Eric Hipwood
Aspley/Caloundra
13/09/1997
Height: 200cm
Weight: 82kg
Tall defender/forward with terrific hands overhead in contested situations. Uses the ball effectively on his preferred left foot. Very agile for a player of his size. Plays both back and forward. He played a major role in Queensland winning Division Two earning All-Australian honours. Member of NAB AFL Academy and Lions Academy. Averaged 21 disposals and 7.3 marks at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Darcy Tucker
North Ballarat Rebels/Vic Country
23/1/97
180cm/73kg
Half-back
A rebounding and attacking half-back who can move into the midfield, Tucker has a bit going for him. Athletically he is strong, he has a good build, and a nice turn of foot. When he spots a gap he goes for it, and his left-foot disposal is reliable. Tucker averaged 21 disposals for Vic Country at this year's championships and won All Australian honours, before an on-going ankle injury ruined the second half of his season.

Harry McKay (24/12/1997. 200cm, 85kg. Gippsland Power)

Tall forward

AFL biography: Left footed tall forward/ruckman who has great pace and agility for a player of his size. His ability to mark as a lead up forward is also a feature of his game. Had a standout performance against South Australia at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was a consistent performer throughout. Won All-Australian Under-18 honours this year. Twin brother Ben also invited to NAB AFL Draft Combine.

"Harry's really quick and athletic. He's got a little bit of Buddy Franklin about him in the way he wheels onto his left and he's got good agility as well, nice hands. He's a pretty exciting package when you combine all those things together. We see him as a key forward but he's got that ability to get up the ground as well."

Peter Francis, Gippsland Power talent manager

Edited October 8, 2015 by Roosy's Bruisers

[Bluey's Dad 3,419]

Tyrone Leonardis

Northern Knights/North Heidelberg

22/02/1997

Height: 182cm

Weight: 78kg

Medium defender/midfielder who possesses a terrific step through traffic when in possession. Disposes of the ball neatly on his preferred left foot and is prepared to take the game on. Averaged 13 possessions and three tackles in five games at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. At TAC Cup level, has averaged 17.6 disposals at 75 percent efficiency in 12 matches this year.

I vote for this guy based purely on his name.

I know it's not exactly the correct spelling, but if he's a Demon I'll be yelling "THIS IS SPARTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!" every time he goes near the ball.

[Demon Blood 46]

I like Riley Bonner.

Absolute booming left foot kick, but has a right foot as well, would be a weapon off HBF but he needs to work on his defensive side (a lot like Salem has to) and needs to bulk up a bit.

Currently slated to go a around our 2nd pick and would be worth it.

We wont have a chance at getting Ben Keays (mid) or Eric Hipwood (KPF), both will be academy selections for the Lions.

Tucker should be available at our 1st pick if we are going for lefty's.

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

I vote for this guy based purely on his name.

I know it's not exactly the correct spelling, but if he's a Demon I'll be yelling "THIS IS SPARTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!" every time he goes near the ball.

Wish we would play like Spartans.

[daisycutter 29,616]

Wish we would play like Spartans.

there were a lot of demons in sparta

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

I like Riley Bonner.

Absolute booming left foot kick, but has a right foot as well, would be a weapon off HBF but he needs to work on his defensive side (a lot like Salem has to) and needs to bulk up a bit.

Currently slated to go a around our 2nd pick and would be worth it.

We wont have a chance at getting Ben Keays (mid) or Eric Hipwood (KPF), both will be academy selections for the Lions.

Tucker should be available at our 1st pick if we are going for lefty's.

This guy stood out to me also.

15-20 range looks like pretty good value

Also like the sound of Fiorini - bit of a ball magnet with class

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

there were a lot of demons in sparta

What are they on holidays over there are they?

Maybe Leonidas can give us some tips on hardening the f*** up.

I heard that Persian god King Xerxes was a left footer and quite a handy player for Hawthorn in his day and was quite fond of horse drugs

Edited October 6, 2015 by Roosy's Bruisers

[daisycutter 29,616]

What are they on holidays over there are they?

Maybe Leonidas can give us some tips on hardening the f*** up.

I heard that Persian god King Xerxes was a left footer and quite a handy player for Hawthorn in his day and was quite fond of horse drugs

let's just say jw wouldn't have fit in

[Spin-it-to-Goodwin-it 579]

let's just say jw wouldn't have fit in

Fair point - Looks like Sparta is a good yard stick

Who would?

N.Jones

Brayshaw

J.Viney

mental blank.....anyone else?

James McDonald

Nathan Brown

T.Viney

Rod Grinter

um?....

Edited October 6, 2015 by Roosy's Bruisers

[stevethemanjordan 6,952]

Good thread.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/foot-fetish-that-won-hawks-a-flag/story-e6frf9jf-1225847711369

They were deliberate in drafting left-footers who were also natural footballers. Nailing a Franklin and Roughy in the one draft also helped.

It is interesting that we're rumoured to be interested in Bugg and Kennedy, both of whom are lefties. Who knows whether it's deliberate.

But if we do indeed land them plus Melksham, one thing is for certain:

We've upgraded our depth. Because those three players offer far more than Bail, McKenzie and Riley.

Improving our list depth is a vital part of us pushing back up the ladder.

Edited October 6, 2015 by stevethemanjordan