How Important was Spargo

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,865]

Two out of his last 3 games he’s had an influence on the result.

Against GWS late last year he kicked 2 goals including a massive set shot from 50 in the last qtr to give us a great chance of winning.

Then on the weekend he had a hand in a few goals and his passing and pressure was excellent for a small forward.

Hopefully his good games start outweighing his bad and we might have a player on our hands.

Edited March 23, 2021 by Bring-Back-Powell

[Demons1858 1,762]

13 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Two out of his last 3 games he’s had an influence on the result.

Against GWS late last year he kicked 2 goals including a massive set shot from 50 in the last qtr to give us a great chance of winning.

Then on the weekend he had a hand in a few goals and his passing and pressure was excellent for a small forward.

Hopefully his good games start outweighing his bad and we might have a player on our hands.

Not saying he didn't have a good round 1 but are we really counting last year?

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,865]

22 minutes ago, Demons1858 said:

Not saying he didn't have a good round 1 but are we really counting last year?

I guess so. His most recent game before round 1 was round 18 2020...

[JJJ 1,304]

I’m on the fence, leaning on the side of he won’t make it but happy to be proven wrong. 

In 2018 he rightly kept Garlett out of the side due to his pressure and smart decision making. He hasn’t really built on that footing since though and ultimately I think his role should be filled by someone who is willing to pressure but also have more impact the other way and who exhibits more forward craft. Something that Spargo lacks as he looks like a mid to me. From speaking to people at the club I think they’re looking at Laurie and Chandler to be that type in the medium term.

In saying all that, there are others who have a far more tenuous grip on a spot in the best 22. ANB for example, who butchers the footy.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,816]

1 hour ago, JJJ said:

I’m on the fence, leaning on the side of he won’t make it but happy to be proven wrong. 

In 2018 he rightly kept Garlett out of the side due to his pressure and smart decision making. He hasn’t really built on that footing since though and ultimately I think his role should be filled by someone who is willing to pressure but also have more impact the other way and who exhibits more forward craft. Something that Spargo lacks as he looks like a mid to me. From speaking to people at the club I think they’re looking at Laurie and Chandler to be that type in the medium term.

In saying all that, there are others who have a far more tenuous grip on a spot in the best 22. ANB for example, who butchers the footy.

In my view, ANB provides more than Spargo. Neither are stars or certainties to keep their positions throughout the year, but both definitely deserve to play against St Kilda.

[BW511 2,676]

11 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

In my view, ANB provides more than Spargo. Neither are stars or certainties to keep their positions throughout the year, but both definitely deserve to play against St Kilda.

I reckon ANB had one of the better games I've seen him play on the weekend. Looked clean and didn't get in the way like normal.

Charlie is a ripper, lots of football nous and he is creative with his possessions. If he could go from 10-15 to 15-20 touches a game, he would become one of our most influential players

[JJJ 1,304]

11 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

In my view, ANB provides more than Spargo. Neither are stars or certainties to keep their positions throughout the year, but both definitely deserve to play against St Kilda.

I agree at this stage as we’ve not developed replacements. 
But ANB would want to start making better decisions and hitting more targets wearing red and blue.

[Canplay 634]

I just don't see it.  He was awful versus Doggies in community cup -  surprised he held position in team -   just doesn't have the speed or skill to overcome height deficiency -   when one on one on the flanks gets out marked with ease and can't even halve contest.  Unfortunately can't see a future for him - particulary if Bowey or Laurie develop into players.

[Willmoy1947 4,104]

Lot of blokes eating their words after that performance..... don't feel alone.

[Cheesy D. Pun 1,765]

33 minutes ago, Canplay said:

I just don't see it.  He was awful versus Doggies in community cup -  surprised he held position in team -   just doesn't have the speed or skill to overcome height deficiency -   when one on one on the flanks gets out marked with ease and can't even halve contest.  Unfortunately can't see a future for him - particulary if Bowey or Laurie develop into players.

He hits targets and sets up scoring opportunities. We complain about not being able to hit up players inside 50, then proceed to bash one of the few that does it consistently.

[BDA 22,770]

49 minutes ago, Canplay said:

I just don't see it.

Then i suggest you rewatch the game and/or pay a visit to specsavers.

[Dee Zephyr 19,267]

He has above average vision and is clean with disposal. Yes, we would love him to average 20 a game but that might not be what’s asked of him. His passing inside 50 was precise and what we needed.

There was also a passage when coming out of defensive 50 in the last where he spotted a loose teammate and hit him on the chest on the inside when the easy option seemed to be down the line to a contest. He did come off hobbling after that pointing to the groin region and they did some work on it, hopefully nothing too serious as I think he did come back on.

[Little Goffy 14,583]

In round 1 2021, Spargo easily surpassed double the contribution that he'd generally managed in games in 2020, 2019 or all but a few of his 2018 games.  Interesting that he is still only out on the field for 70% game time.  I'm curious to know the reasons behind that as you'd think he'd clock up at least more than the full-time midfielders.

Just throwing numbers around, but -

3 goals assists, 3 inside 50s and 2 marks inside 50. 87% disposal efficiency playing across half forward (for the Demons! unheard of!) and 7 of his 16 possessions being contested.  Throw in 5 tackles for good measure.

 

Anyway, let it quietly blow your mind that on the weekend Charlie Spargo would have been in the best four or five small forwards in the AFL. Just enjoy it.

[Willmoy1947 4,104]

Could  anyone agree with me on our Mitchell, potential BM ?

[DeeSpencer 25,761]

Hopefully he’s fitter and stronger so can always find a little more of the ball and stay engaged but overall his good outweighed his bad when he played last year. This year he’s probably at least break even with opponents for fitness, should be competitive for strength (relative to size) and whilst not full experienced he shouldn’t be overawed.
 

He’s playing a tough team role and he relies on team mates doing their job to get him the ball. That’s true of every half forward but especially one without a lot of height or elite pace. If he has a quiet day in terms of stats it’s just as likely the rest of the sides fault as it is his. 

[Forest Demon 4,681]

He was pretty good Saturday, but that is the standard he needs meet at a minimum week in week out imo. Ideally he would be getting a little bit more of the ball. He’s a good user of the ball and his tackling looked a bit stronger as well on the weekend. Promising signs.

[RedBlueandTrue 359]

1 hour ago, Forest Demon said:

He was pretty good Saturday, but that is the standard he needs meet at a minimum week in week out imo. Ideally he would be getting a little bit more of the ball. He’s a good user of the ball and his tackling looked a bit stronger as well on the weekend. Promising signs.

If that's his minimum he will be the best small forward in the AFL!

[old55 23,626]

Spargo's tackling is good and strong, it was last year too.  He goes for the wrist to limit the disposal options. I actually think the AFL should ban that tackle technique, but he is taking full advantage.

[Demonstone 22,658]

19 minutes ago, Pollyanna said:

He goes for the wrist

Possibly in training for a job at Parliament House?

[dee-tox 4,835]

The pressure put on Freo bringing the ball out of their defence was great especially in the first half. Spargo played a big role in that along with ANB and Kozzie. That helped May and Lever cut of so many forward forays.

Spargo is a strong tackler and a superb hit-up kick. His role is crucial and on Saturday he was excellent.

Let's not forget that he is only coming in his fourth season. 

[picket fence 17,182]

Ah.. lets wait and revisit at end of season.... Maybe as early as Round 2