22 minutes ago, Colin B. Flaubert said:

I think one of the best things about Oscar is that he is an example of what happens when you have a decent development program in place.

Oscar came in with no real expectations and was allowed to develop at his own pace. Latitude was given for mistakes that were made and now we have a solid fullback.

If he can put on a bit more condition without losing any speed, then we'll be set.

Imagine if he'd been judged as per the early assessments on Demonland? Wouldn't have got past his 5th game. Considering his age, this kid is an outright gun. Makes me smile every time he goes near it.

1 hour ago, Colin B. Flaubert said:

I think one of the best things about Oscar is that he is an example of what happens when you have a decent development program in place.

Oscar came in with no real expectations and was allowed to develop at his own pace. Latitude was given for mistakes that were made and now we have a solid fullback.

If he can put on a bit more condition without losing any speed, then we'll be set.

Agree with all of the above.

The other thing about Oscar's development is that it is only this year, with Lever coming in and him putting on 5kg + of muscle that that week in, week out he solely plays the lock down one, one key position defender against the oppositions best forward.

Before TMac went forward 2/3 through the season Oscar predominately  played the intercept role, and even after TMac went forward (a move only made possible by the way because of the confidence in Oscar to do the job down back) he still played that role a fair bit. 

He copped a fair bit of stick but I was at pains to say how hard the intercept role can be, particularly if the mid field pressure drops off as it so badly did from after the doggies game. If proof of that is needed look at the struggles Lever has had this year. Oscar's acceleration is not great which makes the intercept role even harder but I think Oscar did a great job in that role last year. 

My point is that that experience will be terrific for him and makes him an even better defender going forward. Oscar won't hit his peak for another 2-3 years and as you say CBF probably still will put on a bit more size.

Lever will also develop in that period and hopefully get  bit stronger and improve his one on one skills. Jake and Oscar will no doubt improve their synergy and will be a formidable defensive partnership for the dees for another 8-10 years all things being equal. 

On 5/6/2018 at 7:20 PM, chook fowler said:

Weideman - holding his own

Problem with this is that Weeds needs to do a bit more for the TEAM, not just his own career. One or two grabs are just fine, five or six would be better - combined with great disposal each time. He should take some risks rather than stand around, looking, so often. Just an observation...

1 hour ago, Deemania since 56 said:

Problem with this is that Weeds needs to do a bit more for the TEAM, not just his own career. One or two grabs are just fine, five or six would be better - combined with great disposal each time. He should take some risks rather than stand around, looking, so often. Just an observation...

Fair enough but I think his form is building and he provides a problem re match ups for the opposition  in combo with Hoges and TMac.

Edited May 8, 20187 yr by chook fowler

3 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

Fair enough but I think his form is building and he provides a problem re match ups for the opposition  in combo with Hoges and TMac.

Could not agree more. Keep the Weid in and let him learn on the job. I like our forward set up at moment with Hogan and TMac roaming plus Weid hanging around must give opposition coaches headaches. Weid has a huge upside. Just wait for him to have a breakout game soon.

I think there are great parallels to be drawn comparing OMac and the Weid.

I do not like gifting games but OMac early in his career was definitely played despite not really having great form to retain his spot. We did not have a better option and we were trying to get games into him. We are seeing the benefits.

With the Weid, the only competition for his spot is Pedersen and  I have a preference for playing the Weid as I see a much higher upside. I would keep playing the Weid.

 

2 hours ago, chook fowler said:

Fair enough but I think his form is building and he provides a problem re match ups for the opposition  in combo with Hoges and TMac.

I guess you are correct, Chook. This is what I suspect, as well, to some extent.

He (the Weed) has been given a lengthy period of time, however, to build his skills or to have these modified to suit the team. Is he in there for educational reasons alone? That must be considered to be placing what might one day be a positive with a longer-term, currently negative when the team needs a 'do it now' person on that competitive team listing. He must adapt, now.

MFC cannot offer him much more time to occupy a position that can already be manned for greater outcomes by others. If you come across a Weed in the garden, even though it might be a resplendent succulent of mammoth growth potentials, you must pull it out of the blossoming array of perennial roses lest its wasteful ways soak up too much nutrient. 

8 minutes ago, Deemania since 56 said:

I guess you are correct, Chook. This is what I suspect, as well, to some extent.

He (the Weed) has been given a lengthy period of time, however, to build his skills or to have these modified to suit the team. Is he in there for educational reasons alone? That must be considered to be placing what might one day be a positive with a longer-term, currently negative when the team needs a 'do it now' person on that competitive team listing. He must adapt, now.

MFC cannot offer him much more time to occupy a position that can already be manned for greater outcomes by others. If you come across a Weed in the garden, even though it might be a resplendent succulent of mammoth growth potentials, you must pull it out of the blossoming array of perennial roses lest its wasteful ways soak up too much nutrient. 

The parallels with Oscar are obvious. He did kick 2 goals against the Saints, not at the most critical times, granted but it’s not as if he didn’t contribute.

Not the time to apply roundup to the Weed just yet.