Melbourne- Tom Sparrow

Melbourne’s first pick of the 2018 draft has had an interrupted start to his career, including a season-ending knee injury in 2019 and a broken collarbone last year. This season, he has featured as the medical sub on multiple occasions. But with full game time on Friday night, the 21-year-old combined 19 disposals with five tackles and a goal.

If they'd done their homework they'd have realized it was with 59% game time.  A great effort.

He was interviewed post-match on ch 7. Comes across as a ripping young man. Exactly as my mate (a Crows supporter) who taught him some 5 years ago, said he was.

For those who missed the interview Tom said he was rapt to be playing on the likes of Fyfe and Neale. I think (and hope) he'll be with the MFC for quite a while. He's skilled and tough.

Edited June 7, 20213 yr by M_9

Another top kid just waiting his turn to be a regular in the team, has the skills, pace, courage and footy know how to slot in when required. I really like Tom Sparrow.

He never looks overawed, has a couple of slip ups from time to time but he's going to be a very good footballer for a long time

Edited June 7, 20213 yr by BW511

2 minutes ago, BW511 said:

He never looks overawed, has a couple of slip ups from time to time but he's going to be a very goof footballer for a long time

hope that wasn't a freudian slip.....lol

32 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

hope that wasn't a freudian slip.....lol

Oops!

 

He's a favourite of mine. Love the dynamic Sparrow, Jordon & Kossie (when in) add to our midfield

He looks like Viney.....(if you squint)

Mini Viney

The Viney comparison will stick with him for ever, poor bugger.

For what it's worth, Viney is very good at what he does, however there are limitations.

Think Sparrow is more rounded

56 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Mini Viney

A better kick, I reckon. 

Edited June 7, 20213 yr by A F

Seemed to me he played the Jordon inside role while Jordon played Langdon's outside role. Sparrow even seemed to match Jordon's standard time on ground when playing as an inside mid.

As an aside, it was interesting to see that Jordon had zero tackles on Friday. Before this game he was averaging 6.7 per match. 

1 hour ago, Wadda We Sing said:

He looks like Viney.....(if you squint)

Viney with football nouse and skill unlike the rugby player/

27 minutes ago, demon3165 said:

Viney with football nouse and skill unlike the rugby player/

? back in your box 

Good player but comparisons to Viney are off the mark.  There are few as manic around the footy as Viney, though as identified by a few he comes with limitations.

Sparrow is a solid midfielder who will carve out a good senior AFL career.

Great goal too

He's an interesting player. Good size and speed, attacks it well, decision making and disposal look haphazard at times but often works out pretty well. He'll stop and move in uncertain ways and all of a sudden be in a pocket of space.

At this stage he probably reminds me more of a smaller Petracca than a bigger Viney. There's a little bit of Harmes, and a little of Viney all mixed in.

I'm keen to see him get a run of games.

3 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Mini Viney

Yes agree … mini “Todd” Viney.  Remember the strength and composure of Todd Viney and I see that in Sparrow.  

1 hour ago, Jontee said:

Great goal too

Terrible fumbles followed by a great, effortless kick from 50.

3 hours ago, Fanatique Demon said:

Terrible fumbles followed by a great, effortless kick from 50.

How poor was Zorko's pressure in that passage? Just shocking leadership. I don't care if you're gassed. He gave up. A terrible look.

25 minutes ago, A F said:

How poor was Zorko's pressure in that passage? Just shocking leadership. I don't care if you're gassed. He gave up. A terrible look.

Funny you say that. When Sparrow initially fumbled I thought straight away Zorko's got him here.. nope, Sparrow had so much time in the world to pick up, gather and slot it through.

Very poor and lazy leadership. 

8 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Funny you say that. When Sparrow initially fumbled I thought straight away Zorko's got him here.. nope, Sparrow had so much time in the world to pick up, gather and slot it through.

Very poor and lazy leadership. 

Yep, me too. I think Sparrow fumbled it 3 times and then he had so much time, he thought he'd have a ping.

If I saw that from any of our leaders, I would be deeply disturbed.

This has to be part of the reason why Brisbane can downhill ski it in the regular season, but choke in finals series; their leadership.

Quite a few have had a go at Zorko for his lack of leadership with the McDonald free kick, but I'm surprised no one's highlighted this very stark and obvious passage.

Edited June 7, 20213 yr by A F

My memory might be just cherry picking the good but seems to be a great finisher in front of goals. Seems composed with a nice straight kick.

18 minutes ago, A F said:

Yep, me too. I think Sparrow fumbled it 3 times and then he had so much time, he thought he'd have a ping.

If I saw that from any of our leaders, I would be deeply disturbed.

This has to be part of the reason why Brisbane can downhill ski it in the regular season, but choke in finals series; their leadership.

Quite a few have had a go at Zorko for his lack of leadership with the McDonald free kick, but I'm surprised no one's highlighted this very stark and obvious passage.

I said pre game that I question Brisbane mental capacity when it comes to big finals games.  

If we can get them on an MCG come September I'll be licking my lips. I question their leaderships ability to take hold of a game and swing it their way when going gets tough.

I was really impressed he was able to nail that goal after fumbling twice, could easily understand a young player losing confidence to back himself after the taking a couple of bites. He was also able to sum the situation up really well, he the quick look for others but saw the square vacant. 

I really hope he’s given another crack this week against the pies.