JKH: where to from here?

[McQueen 17,865]

Pick 40

20 years old

Played 22 games in two seasons

Shown dare which is interpreted as poor decision making by many

I would've thought that's a pretty good report card for that this point of a career.

However, he's a bottom six best 22 player when he manages to get a game and that's where our depth lies within the list and turning blokes over like JKH every couple of years will not help develop the team.

[Gorgoroth 12,972]

Don't forget with the sub going and the rotations lowering the land scape changes. Needs to get a big tank and fight for his spot.

[Demonic Faves 39]

Hey, let's burn another one of our kids. He came in as a Roos selection, not under previous regime. Give the kid time.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,816]

One of the problems all fringe players have, and have always had, is that improving by playing in the VFL (or previously the Reserves) is hard. Many players have proven to be stars at VFL level but can't make the transition. I think it is particularly difficult for "touch" players, like JKH, to make the transition because the lack of pressure in the VFL (relative to AFL) means players don't appreciate the difference in reaction time. I think players like JKH (and Toumpas) need an extended run in the AFL to learn how to play under that level of pressure. They may not make it, but they'll certainly never make it if all they ever do is run around in the VFL waiting for an occasional promotion.

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

Like to see him used as a small forward

No reason he cannot work with Garlett

[TeamPlayedFine39 8,508]

Had a sensational first 10 or so games.

I think he was feeling the pressure this year and tried to do a little bit too much every time he got the ball. Hopefully he can work on his tank over the preseason and focus on doing the simple things well when it comes to match-day.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression he played his TAC footy as a pure midfielder... perhaps being played out of position, like Nev Jetta's days as a small forward...

[Demon Disciple 12,181]

Like to see him used as a small forward

No reason he cannot work with Garlett

Agree, a lot of the time JKH has gotten the ball, he's way too far up the ground. Garlett for the most part this year was entrenched in the froward line.

[Adzman 2,154]

I think Jkh possesses some nice skills, but like many have pointed out he does have his limitations.

When players like Harmes, Vanders start getting games ahead of you off the rookie list you have to wonder where you fit.

I don't see Jkh fitting in as a mid, and as a forward I think a few have lept ahead of him in the depth chart. Good small defenders don't grow on trees, so if he could be coached to play like jetta then he could revive his career as a backman like some have suggested.

If he doesn't crack the side for at least 5 games in 2016, I think club and player will part ways.

[Devil is in the Detail 883]

I thought his best games was always when he got a full game and didn't play sub

[Chris 2,892]

The answer to the question of where to from here for JKH is simple. He stays on the list and works his butt of to improve and at best is in the best 22 and at worst is a good depth player.

It always puzzles me that people don't seem to value people who are not best 22, you need them to fill in for the best 22 when injured or suspended so the better the players are who are not best 22 are the better off your team will be. I can't remember who said it but the success of a team is more determined by the strength of the worst 6 playing that the strength of the best 6. We have been really bad in the worst 6 department for ages, that is changing and JKH is part of that picture.

[olisik 4,060]

Spud. Will be out the door with Terlich and Jones

Happy to be proven wrong but can't see it happening.

[spalding 1,128]

not sure he makes it, but last year I thought he showed some really solid ball handling skills under pressure (but seemed to fumble more in 2015) - and I was really impressed with his work rate in the last game vs GWS. I thought it was easily his best game for the year, even if his stats weren't that high. He is not explosive quick, but in the GWS game he showed speed for a distance to make position on the lead, or to man up or provide pressure on GWS when they had the ball.

Happy to see how he goes in 2016 with another pre-season under his belt before casting judgement. I'm sure the footy dept probably has the same view.

[rjay 24,993]

Like to see him used as a small forward

No reason he cannot work with Garlett

I don't think he has enough tricks to work close to goal 'SWYL'....

[bananas 428]

He showed some pretty special skills in our win over in Adelaide last year, and I will continue holding out hope that he makes good on the promise of that game.

I also think he's a smarter and better-skilled footballer than many in this thread are giving him credit for. If he can work his way up to getting 20 possessions a game, I suspect he'd be very damaging.

[Chris 2,892]

Spud. Will be out the door with Terlich and Jones

Happy to be proven wrong but can't see it happening.

Just wondering, how many players should we have on our list and what quality should those players be? It seems you have no time for anyone that is not an out and out star.

[leucopogon 1,519]

People calling him a spud need to watch his game when we beat the Crows over there two years ago. He was sublime that day. He has what it takes, needs to lift his consistency.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Spud. Will be out the door with Terlich and Jones

Happy to be proven wrong but can't see it happening.

You're a spud.

[stuie 7,374]

Spud. Will be out the door with Terlich and Jones

Happy to be proven wrong but can't see it happening.

Everyone else can...

[olisik 4,060]

Everyone else can...

That's why this thread exists right? Because he is on track to be a regular 22 gun?

Il say it again, isn't going to happen.

[dazzledavey36 55,003]

You're a spud.

Same spud who wanted to trade out christian Salem this after he did his hammy because he was 'too injury prone'

Edited October 28, 2015 by dazzledavey36

[olisik 4,060]

Same spud who wanted to trade out christian Salem this after he did his hammy because he was 'too injury prone'

Didn't you start a thread paying out on Christian Salem?

Nice one mate.

[stuie 7,374]

That's why this thread exists right? Because he is on track to be a regular 22 gun?

Il say it again, isn't going to happen.

You're falling into the "spud or star" trap of Demonland and social media.

You know we have more than 22 players on our list right? He was a 3rd round pick, if he becomes a very good depth player it's a win for what we paid for him.

Or maybe you'd prefer to have Bail back as our go to depth small forward?

[nutbean 8,838]

Surely not.

JB version 2?

Please no!

I could see you have apoplexy all the way from here.......

[olisik 4,060]

You're falling into the "spud or star" trap of Demonland and social media.

You know we have more than 22 players on our list right? He was a 3rd round pick, if he becomes a very good depth player it's a win for what we paid for him.

Or maybe you'd prefer to have Bail back as our go to depth small forward?

Gotta lose players next year to make list space. Terlich Hunt Jones and who else?

I have JKH next on that list.

[nutbean 8,838]

Shown some nice glimpses but hasn't put it all together consistently yet - but is 20 and is just coming into season 3. At what stage do you throw them out and say they are not going to make the grade. I would have thought that two seasons is not quite enough. We would want to see him step us this season but geez labelling him "spud" 2 years in is harsh I would have thought