WELCOME TO THE MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB - TOM SPARROW

[spirit of norm smith 12,919]

Loved his finals series and really cemented his place in the team. Strong at the footy. Good tackler.  Loved his composure.  Kicked some key goals including the one on the 3rd quarter of the GF during the goal avalanche.  

[adonski 9,149]

His draft highlights are really impressive, explosiveness we've seen only in small glimpses at AFL level so far. Will be an interesting next 12 months to see how he progresses from here.

 

[spalding 1,118]

I rate this guy higher than Cerra - stronger overhead, a better (huge) kick (as long as he gets it over the man on the mark!) and tough at the contest. Given he comes cheaper, sign him up for 3 years and save some money for dogga, kosi and fritta.

 

[John Crow Batty 8,255]

Has a great penetrating boot to go with his powerhouse play. The more like him the better. 

[dee-tox 4,827]

The biggest surprise of the last month. Became undroppable after the Lions game and thrived in the two biggest games of the year.

Two 50-metre kicks on Saturday really stood out. The 53-metre goal off one step in the third and the 50-metre pass to Brown for the first goal of the last. Superb.

Add to that supremely fit and prepared to get down and dirty. Brilliant acquisition!

[Maldonboy38 5,861]

Massive fan of this kid. Up until just before the finals series, I thought he was well below Jordon, and would take a couple of years to emerge. But his strength, game play and kicking give him a real presence for being so young. 100% agree with Spalding above: I wouldn't be wasting money or picks on Cerra with Sparrow showing his wares in the finals. Watch his space - his 2022 will be something special. 

Edited September 28, 2021 by Maldonboy38

[DeeZone 7,768]

Totally agree Maldonboy38 I believe that Tom Sparrow not only wrote himself into our history on Saturday night but showed that he will be a real weapon for us going forward, Todd Viney like.

[At the break of Gawn 3,497]

Huge fan of Sparrow. Terrific long kick, tough, and was super composed in every final. Kicked a goal and had 2 assists in the GF. 

[dazzledavey36 48,766]

Garry Lyon compared him to Tim Watson when they did the presentation on Sunday at the Perth mall.

I've never seen Tim Watson play.

[Wells 11 4,744]

4 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Garry Lyon compared him to Tim Watson when they did the presentation on Sunday at the Perth mall.

I've never seen Tim Watson play.

Tim Watson was incredible when he arrived on the scene at like 15? or 16? v  similar body shape but, in truth, way more explosive than sparrow. But in saying that i do get the feeling there’s a lot more to come w sparrow yet. 

[Maldonboy38 5,861]

13 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Garry Lyon compared him to Tim Watson when they did the presentation on Sunday at the Perth mall.

I've never seen Tim Watson play.

Tim Watson was a superstar, often undervalued when people talk of the greats. And that is very encouraging to compare Sparrow to him. If he can have a career half like Tim Watson I will be very, very happy. 

[Sir Why You Little 34,476]

Sparrow, Rivers and Bowey

Not one of them was overawed at all during the Finals Series 

All of them played well and deserved to be there 

Quite extraordinary 

[DeeSpencer 23,134]

2 hours ago, spalding said:

I rate this guy higher than Cerra - stronger overhead, a better (huge) kick (as long as he gets it over the man on the mark!) and tough at the contest. Given he comes cheaper, sign him up for 3 years and save some money for dogga, kosi and fritta.

 

He’s definitely not a better kick, nor does he have Cerra’s class and decision making.

But he might have a little more punch as a forward and his pressure and work rate are both great. 

It shouldn’t be one or the other really tho.

Cerra’s going to be a star, get him if you can. Sparrow’s going to be a very handy role player, keep him unless there’s a compelling reason to move him. 

[gs77 3,328]

I was absolutely rapt with Sparrow's performance at the business end of the season. Really good signs to see a player thrive on the bigger stage. 

[Demons1858 1,658]

I thought JJ would eventually get his spot back but Sparrow had other ideas and deserved his place. Seemed to celebrate his goal with two sets of devils horns such was his confidence,  another nice GF moment

[Nasher 33,047]

I preferred JJ when it was clear a choice between the two needed to be made, but the footy department showed why they’re the experts and I’m not. Completely looked the part in the finals. He’s a booming and accurate kick, and tough as nails. Played his best game for the year in the Grand Final.

[The Jackson FIX 2,293]

Tom Sparrow’s rise into a solid (now premiership) player shows what good development of young players can do. He was just ready to go when we needed him. Sadly we just went so many years not properly developing kids like Tom. 

[Fork 'em 6,507]

40 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

 Cerra’s going to be a star, get him if you can. Sparrow’s going to be a very handy role player, keep him unless there’s a compelling reason to move him. 

BS ..... We're keeping 'im.
Gonna be a ripper.

[Demons11 6,404]

I have to say I thought this kid would be a fringe player but his finals series off half forward was exceptional. 

[monoccular 16,072]

Tom looks to be completely at ease and ready to go in the biggest game of the year. 
Looking forward to watching him develop further over the next decade. 

[Wrecker46 2,656]

1 hour ago, Nasher said:

I preferred JJ when it was clear a choice between the two needed to be made, but the footy department showed why they’re the experts and I’m not. Completely looked the part in the finals. He’s a booming and accurate kick, and tough as nails. Played his best game for the year in the Grand Final.

The best thing is JJ would have too.

[Deestroy All 14,261]

Going to be far more than a role player I think. Was just finding his feet before the finals. Didn’t put a foot wrong during. 
 

Got Trac’s leg and Viney’s mongrel. Give him Oliver’s tank and he’ll be an absolute weapon. 
These are the guys he’s learning from, as well as now proven development coaches, sky is the limit. 

[monoccular 16,072]

4 hours ago, Deestroy All said:

Going to be far more than a role player I think. Was just finding his feet before the finals. Didn’t put a foot wrong during. 
 

Got Trac’s leg and Viney’s mongrel. Give him Oliver’s tank and he’ll be an absolute weapon. 
These are the guys he’s learning from, as well as now proven development coaches, sky is the limit. 

Clarry for NS medal 2022, Jack 2023, Tom 2024, Jacko 2025 💙❤️

Edited September 28, 2021 by monoccular

[durango 1,978]

Tom played his best game for the season and I for one did not think he should be in the side ahead of Hunt.

His goal in the 3rd and pass to Brown in the 4th was pure instinct which he needs to do more often during a game to be a better player in the future.

He is very good overhead for his size but sometimes he does not play on when he takes a mark and does not let the game flow which he should eradicate if he wishes to become a very good player.

[Stretch Johnson 2,568]

Good solid footballer who is developing very nicely.  Strong bodied in the clinches, very good overhead and his decision making and execution are going in the right trajectory.  He also has a knack of kicking goals in key moments.

Will need to improve his agility to be a top tier mid.