Jump to content

  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    The Demonland Terms of Service, which you have all recently agreed to, strictly prohibit discussions of ongoing legal matters, whether criminal or civil. Please ensure that all discussions on this forum remain focused solely on on-field & football related topics.


Recommended Posts

Posted

https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/player/tom-sparrow/

 

OVERVIEW

Tom Sparrow is a midfielder that can also play in defence and slide forward and kick goals. He played in every game of South Australia’s National Under 18 Championships winning team, mainly as a midfielder but also across half-back. Sparrow has the ability and courage to put his head over the football, burrow into the pack, get the ball and then explode out to break the line. He has pace and can use this to get to contests and importantly get away from them. When he does not have it, his tackling is fierce and intimidating. As captain of the Prince Alfred College First XVIII, he has leadership qualities and in the State Knockout Championships tried to carry his team to victory against the talent laden Henley team. With College footy, his time at South Adelaide has been limited but has played both Reserves and Under 18s this year and was on the verge of a League call-up. He does have areas of improvement, which surrounds his kicking efficiency and his decision making, which is the next step for Sparrow to take in order to progress to the next level.

STRENGTHS

  • Contested work
  • Size
  • Explosive pace
  • Competitiveness
  • Team first

Without fear, Sparrow can find the footy in traffic and around the feet of the ruckman, with his ferocious competitive streak, Sparrow will fight hard in the contest to win the footy and when he doesn’t to not let it out. With a tank as well he runs hard and fast and often darts away from those packs, ball in hand to drive the footy forward opening up opportunities for his forwards down the field. A no-nonsense footballer with a team first approach, he will also provide blocks and shepherd for teammates whilst working hard defensively. It is this aggressive team first approach that earned him a place in the South Australian team, and his willingness to put his body on the line when required. He does not take a backwards step, and uses his frame to impact the contest at the coalface.

The other aspect that helps Sparrow stand out from the crowd is his explosive pace and athletic weapons that can hurt opposition sides. He can burst away from a stoppage, by both acceleration and sheer strength, meaning it is hard to restrict him once he has possession and space. His contested work and ability to extract himself from his opponents has some clubs looking at him as a value get late given his athletic traits and inside abilities.

IMPROVEMENTS

  • Kicking Efficiency
  • Decision Making

With Sparrow’s contested ball winning ability, sometimes those clearance kicks do not always find the target, which is to be expected, and so to keep improving requires Sparrow to develop this further to enhance his impact on the game. His kicking under pressure also makes his decision making decision making an area he can improve upon. Sparrow can definitely make some better decisions by foot with some development, and where he lands at a club, those areas will be something that coaches will look to address.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 50+

SUMMARY

Tom Sparrow is one of those players that you want in your team every week. Tough, team based, explosive pace with contested ball winning ability, wrapped in a humble exterior. Sparrow would be a smart pick for a club looking to boost hardness and speed. He has clear deficiencies in the game with regards to his disposal by foot and decision making, which is what has him slipping in the draft to a late draft selection or rookie selection. Some clubs might decide to take the punt earlier in the draft based on his athletic traits, but at the least, Sparrow has put himself into draft contention with a good year.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 3
Posted

image.png.6e52f5edffffd783a22c973596759f5c.png

  • Like 2
Posted
12 minutes ago, old dee said:

We will have won two flags by then!

HaHa... I've got more years left than that, and you... me ol mate.

Posted

This is from AFL draft central write up on Sparrow posted above:

'He has clear deficiencies in the game with regards to his disposal by foot and decision making, which is what has him slipping in the draft to a late draft selection or rookie selection.'

I have to say i got their selection focus completely wrong. I was sure they would have an emphasis on skill and outside players. I mean how many hard ball , contested beast with iffy disposal skills do we need?

I'm not knocking the decsion - i have complete faith in our footy club ATM, which is great.

Maybe we will have a Spargo and a Sparrow crumbing in our forward line in the not too distant future. 

  • Like 1
Posted

Don't worry about Jordan, he came into the Chargers system late and hoped he'd get to us late, reckon he's among the best kicks in the pool and a very good decision maker. Surprised he went this high, but happy we brought him in.

  • Like 10
Posted
3 minutes ago, binman said:

This is from AFL draft central write up on Sparrow posted above:

'He has clear deficiencies in the game with regards to his disposal by foot and decision making, which is what has him slipping in the draft to a late draft selection or rookie selection.'

I have to say i got their selection focus completely wrong. I was sure they would have an emphasis on skill and outside

I reckon he'll overcome those issues. gut feel bm

Posted

I thought we needed another kicker from half back to take the pressure off Salem and Hibberd. Particularly a guy with penetration and length with the new extended man on the mark and kick in rules. Nice intercept size as well. No issue with the pick from a needs based decision.

Plenty of runners left to find the wingmen we need. 

Posted

About to mow the lawn in 40c heat.

A bee sting would be more fun than this telecast.

Posted
15 hours ago, spirit of norm smith said:

It’s McKenzie or Bytel for me at our first pick. Pick 26-28ish

then likely Kennerley, Turner, Hamill or Sparrow.  

I had Sparrow as my 6th in line. Won’t say I tipped it but he was in considerations. 

Posted
42 minutes ago, ChaserJ said:

Don't worry about Jordan, he came into the Chargers system late and hoped he'd get to us late, reckon he's among the best kicks in the pool and a very good decision maker. Surprised he went this high, but happy we brought him in.

And a good Caulfield Grammarian. ?

Posted
29 minutes ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

sparrow is a prince alfred college boy...

And Jordan is a Grammarian.

Posted
15 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

I thought we needed another kicker from half back to take the pressure off Salem and Hibberd. Particularly a guy with penetration and length with the new extended man on the mark and kick in rules. Nice intercept size as well. No issue with the pick from a needs based decision.

Plenty of runners left to find the wingmen we need. 

We got KK don't forget, to help CS and MH.

Posted
19 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

I thought we needed another kicker from half back to take the pressure off Salem and Hibberd. Particularly a guy with penetration and length with the new extended man on the mark and kick in rules. Nice intercept size as well. No issue with the pick from a needs based decision.

Plenty of runners left to find the wingmen we need. 

He just plays with a real ruthless nature,” Taylor said.  Re Sparrow.  

Jordon is a thumping kick of the ball and is currently just 17-years-old. Re Jordan.

 

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2018-11-23/rolling-draft-coverage

Posted
27 minutes ago, hemingway said:

That can only matter if you went to that school, otherwise it may be a negative! Yeah, there was Chris  Judd

Judd, Shiel, Ziebell, Goddard, T Phillips. Good pedigree. But yeah. I'm biased.

Posted
19 minutes ago, A F said:

And Jordan is a Grammarian.

PAC is an institution for old Adelaide, but Jordan was probably on a sports scholarship like most talented footballers. So there is hope for him. 

Posted

Who's up for some philosophical discussions about the NIETSCHKE drafting?

  • Like 1
  • Love 1
Posted
27 minutes ago, hemingway said:

PAC is an institution for old Adelaide, but Jordan was probably on a sports scholarship like most talented footballers. So there is hope for him. 

Haha, indeed. It's general excellence these days. The APS doesn't allow sports scholarships.

Didn't Trenners captain PAC? 

  • Like 1
Posted
1 hour ago, Grimes Times said:

https://www.afldraftcentral.com.au/player/tom-sparrow/

 

OVERVIEW

Tom Sparrow is a midfielder that can also play in defence and slide forward and kick goals. He played in every game of South Australia’s National Under 18 Championships winning team, mainly as a midfielder but also across half-back. Sparrow has the ability and courage to put his head over the football, burrow into the pack, get the ball and then explode out to break the line. He has pace and can use this to get to contests and importantly get away from them. When he does not have it, his tackling is fierce and intimidating. As captain of the Prince Alfred College First XVIII, he has leadership qualities and in the State Knockout Championships tried to carry his team to victory against the talent laden Henley team. With College footy, his time at South Adelaide has been limited but has played both Reserves and Under 18s this year and was on the verge of a League call-up. He does have areas of improvement, which surrounds his kicking efficiency and his decision making, which is the next step for Sparrow to take in order to progress to the next level.

STRENGTHS

  • Contested work
  • Size
  • Explosive pace
  • Competitiveness
  • Team first

Without fear, Sparrow can find the footy in traffic and around the feet of the ruckman, with his ferocious competitive streak, Sparrow will fight hard in the contest to win the footy and when he doesn’t to not let it out. With a tank as well he runs hard and fast and often darts away from those packs, ball in hand to drive the footy forward opening up opportunities for his forwards down the field. A no-nonsense footballer with a team first approach, he will also provide blocks and shepherd for teammates whilst working hard defensively. It is this aggressive team first approach that earned him a place in the South Australian team, and his willingness to put his body on the line when required. He does not take a backwards step, and uses his frame to impact the contest at the coalface.

The other aspect that helps Sparrow stand out from the crowd is his explosive pace and athletic weapons that can hurt opposition sides. He can burst away from a stoppage, by both acceleration and sheer strength, meaning it is hard to restrict him once he has possession and space. His contested work and ability to extract himself from his opponents has some clubs looking at him as a value get late given his athletic traits and inside abilities.

IMPROVEMENTS

  • Kicking Efficiency
  • Decision Making

With Sparrow’s contested ball winning ability, sometimes those clearance kicks do not always find the target, which is to be expected, and so to keep improving requires Sparrow to develop this further to enhance his impact on the game. His kicking under pressure also makes his decision making decision making an area he can improve upon. Sparrow can definitely make some better decisions by foot with some development, and where he lands at a club, those areas will be something that coaches will look to address.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 50+

SUMMARY

Tom Sparrow is one of those players that you want in your team every week. Tough, team based, explosive pace with contested ball winning ability, wrapped in a humble exterior. Sparrow would be a smart pick for a club looking to boost hardness and speed. He has clear deficiencies in the game with regards to his disposal by foot and decision making, which is what has him slipping in the draft to a late draft selection or rookie selection. Some clubs might decide to take the punt earlier in the draft based on his athletic traits, but at the least, Sparrow has put himself into draft contention with a good year.

Not a bad CV at all

Kicking efficiency can be worked on...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    TRAINING: Monday 17th February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers were on hand at Monday morning's preseason training at Gosch's Paddock to bring you their brief observations of the session. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Gentle flush session at Gosch's this morning. Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars) McVee, McAdam. Rehabbing: Great to see Kentfield back (much slimmer), walking with Tholstrup, TMac (suspect just a management thing), Viney (still being cautious with that rib cartilage?), Melksham (

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    MATCH SIM: Friday 14th February 2025

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers made their way out to Casey Field's for the Melbourne Football Club's Family Series day to bring you their observations on the Match Simulation. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S MATCH SIMULATION OBSERVATIONS Absent: May, Pickett (All Stars), McVee, Windor, Kentfield, Mentha Present but not playing: Petracca, Viney, Spargo, Tholstrup, Melksham Starting Blue 18 (+ just 2 interchange): B: Petty, TMac, Lever, Howes, Bowey Salem M: Gawn, Oliver, La

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Wednesday 12th February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers braved the scorching morning heat to bring you the following observations of Wednesday's preseason training session from Gosch's Paddock. HARVEY WALLBANGER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Absent: Salem, Windsor (word is a foot rash going around), Viney, Bowey and Kentfield Train ons: Roy George, no Culley today. Firstly the bad news - McVee went down late, which does look like a bad hammy - towards the end of match sim, as he kicked the ball. Had to

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    MATCH SIM: Friday 7th February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatcher Gator ventured down the freeway to bring you his observations from Friday morning's Match Simulation out at Casey Fields. Rehab: Jake Lever and Charlie Spargo running laps.  Lever was running short distances at a fast click as well as having kick to kick with a trainer. He seems unimpeded. Christian Petracca, Kade Chandler, Shane McAdam and Tom Fullarton doing non-contact kicking and handball drills on the adjacent oval.  All moving freely at pace.  I didn’

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    TRAINING: Wednesday 5th February 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force as the Demons returned to Gosch's Paddock for preseason training on Wednesday morning. GHOSTWRITER'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Kozzie a no show. Tommy Sparrow was here last week in civvies and wearing sunnies. He didn’t train. Today he’s training but he’s wearing goggles so he’s likely got an eye injury. There’s a drill where Selwyn literally lies on top of Tracc, a trainer dribbles the ball towards them and Tracc has to g

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS: 2024

    Whichever way you look at it, the Melbourne Football Club’s 2024 season can only be characterized as the year of its fall from grace. Whispering Jack looks back at the season from hell that was. After its 2021 benchmark premiership triumph, the men’s team still managed top four finishes in the next two seasons but straight sets finals losses consigned them to sixth place in both years. The big fall came in 2024 with a collapse into the bottom six and a 14th placing. At Casey, the 2022 VFL p

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    MATCH SIM: Friday 31st January 2025

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatcher Picket Fence ventured down to Casey Fields to bring you his observations from Friday's Match Simulation. Greetings Demonlanders, beautiful Day at training and the boys were hard at it, here is my report. NO SHOWS: Luker Kentfield (recovering from pneumonia in WA), also not sure I noticed Melky (Hamstring) or Will Verrall?? MODIFIED DUTIES (No Contact): Sparrow, McVee (foot), Tracc (ribs), Chandler, (AC Joint), Fullarton Noticeable events (I’ll s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    TRAINING: Wednesday 29th January 2025

    A number of Demonland Trackwatchers swooped on Gosch's Paddock to bring you their observations from this morning's Preseason Training Session. DEMON JACK'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning at Gosch's Paddock. Very healthy crowd so far.  REHAB: Fullerton, Spargo, Tholstrup, McVee Viney running laps. EDIT: JV looks to be back with the main group. Trac, Sparrow, Chandler and Verrell also training away from the main group. Currently kicking to each other ins

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 1

    TRAINING: Wednesday 22nd January 2025

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force for training at Gosch's Paddock on Wednesday morning for the MFC's School Holidays Open Training Session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS REHAB: TMac, Chandler, McVee, Tholstrup, Brown, Spargo Brown might have passed his fitness test as he’s back out with the main group.  Sparrow not present. Kozzy not present either.  Mini Rehab group has broken off from the match sim (contact) group: Max, Trac, Lever, Fullarton

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...