Welcome to the MFC – Isabella Simmons

[Leopold Bloom 279]

Melbourne has used its final selection in the Draft to secure Isabella Simmons, with the 18-year-old finding her way onto an AFLW list.

She’s a classy left footer who has plenty of scope for development in the coming seasons and may be the most athletic young talent drafted this year.

At 186cm, Simmons has played the majority of her footy on the wing to date but has the potential to play at either end of the field for the Demons.

MFC website 

[Axis of Bob 10,158]

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/823387/nab-aflw-draft-isabella-simmons?videoId=823387&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1601977278001

Looks like a project, but moves very impressively for 186cm. 

[Deeman 1,399]

Not a father/daughter through Troy?

[Whispering_Jack 27,918]

22 minutes ago, Deeman said:

Not a father/daughter through Troy?

Reckon Troy was a “Simmonds” not a “Simmons”.

[Dees_In_October 3,346]

This is a first for me in that I remember watching Simmons play, it must have been the U18 champs last year. Though other players were more skillful, she stood out to me for the way she moved despite her height.

 

[DeeSpencer 23,058]

Given the average man is about 14cm taller than the average woman it's a very rough guess to say at 186cm she compares to about a 200cm bloke and looks like she moves like a wingman. That's taller than say Bont. Or about Blicavs style athlete (minus the freak endurance I'd guess). Pretty exciting prospect if she's up to it.

[FarNorthernD 5,839]

2 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Given the average man is about 14cm taller than the average woman it's a very rough guess to say at 186cm she compares to about a 200cm bloke and looks like she moves like a wingman. That's taller than say Bont. Or about Blicavs style athlete (minus the freak endurance I'd guess). Pretty exciting prospect if she's up to it.

Good theory. I hope you are right

If you can come up with any thoughts on the longevity of women in the sport I’d be interested. Pearce, Paxman, Cunningham and our B & F winner, Shelly Scott are all 31+ yo. Do women have the ability to play longer than the men? Personally I sort of think there will be more 35 yo women running around than men

[DeeSpencer 23,058]

3 minutes ago, FarNorthernD said:

Good theory. I hope you are right

If you can come up with any thoughts on the longevity of women in the sport I’d be interested. Pearce, Paxman, Cunningham and our B & F winner, Shelly Scott are all 31+ yo. Do women have the ability to play longer than the men? Personally I sort of think there will be more 35 yo women running around than men

Good question. I have no idea. Obviously swimming is quite a young sport and gymnastics an ultra young sport. Where as tennis you often seen teenagers fighting it out with Serena who's a veteran and a mum.

The semi professional nature of AFLW I think lends itself to veterans going on for a number of years at a high level, especially the likes of Pearce and Paxy who are super diligent in their preparations. And given how late they were to start I guess they should have fresh legs. The question for all the older women is how quickly does the new talent zoom by them. Daisy was a cut above with skills but many have caught up, though she adapted well to half back. Paxy will probably always have a fitness edge and keep accumulating the ball but she has a unique style that might be challenge if the pressure keeps mounting.

[FarNorthernD 5,839]

9 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

............

The semi professional nature of AFLW I think lends itself to veterans going on for a number of years at a high level. ...  The question for all the older women is how quickly does the new talent zoom by them. Daisy was a cut above with skills but many have caught up, though she adapted well to half back. Paxy will probably always have a fitness edge and keep accumulating the ball but she has a unique style that might be challenge if the pressure keeps mounting.

I agree. The exponential growth of the women’s game has meant the a huge increase in the talent pool of girls coming through. Whilst Daisy was one of the best few players when the AFLW started in 2017 she would be well down the list these days. Like you though I can see a long future for her being the general of our back line. 
However things end up, I’ll been keenly observing the evolution of the game. I’m stoked our club was, again, a (the) foundation club

Edited October 8, 2020 by FarNorthernD