2021 Player Reviews: #32 Tom Sparrow

[Dante 2,562]

7 hours ago, Wrecker46 said:

If we didn't get our culture, coaching and development right Sparrow and JJ could be on the scrap heat.

Now they are waiting in the wings of a dominant midfield and can seriously look at becoming a part of a dynasty.

You need alot to go right and the dees are ticking those boxes at the moment.

As the saying goes "we would have Melbourned them", but now we develop them, god only knows how many careers we ruined over the last 20 or so years by playing kids before they were ready.

I'm glad Chandler stayed, I watched the Carlton game the other day and he was on the verge of getting it, he almost did a lot of things but was just a bit off, he will improve and be a good player.

[Redlagged 806]

On 10/30/2021 at 9:38 AM, DeeSpencer said:

Not really sure where I sit on Sparrow. 

I think his kicking and decision making still needs plenty of work. Even choices that paid off in the grand final weren't always the best ones IMO. The low percentage long goal off a step could've been a quick kick to an open Ben Brown 35 out. And the square up kick to Brown early in the last came after a wide open Spargo on a short lead.

But at the same time he often doesn't rush and has the ability to create space for himself and he executed the choices he did make to perfection in the grand final.

And his defensive work rate and physical impact is always really strong. The AFL app has an 'average speed in defence' metric and he's usually right at the top of that. So he motors to defend. 

Mids who can genuinely contribute across half forward and rotate on ball are super valuable and important too. So I've got a lot of confidence in his ability to play a role. I just don't have any conviction one way or another on whether he'll keep improving to become a top line midfielder or not.

I take it the comments about Sparrow's kicking and 'decision making' are meant to be funny? The 'low percentage long goal' - made with Bulldogs players charging at him - was one of the goals of the year. The second one at the start of the 4th he spotted Brown with a long and penetrating kick. It was superb - and recognised as such by Bartel on the radio commentary. Just as well he didn't pissfart around looking for options spied from the comfort of the lounge chair. Bit different out on the ground.

[DeeSpencer 23,124]

3 hours ago, Redlagged said:

I take it the comments about Sparrow's kicking and 'decision making' are meant to be funny? The 'low percentage long goal' - made with Bulldogs players charging at him - was one of the goals of the year. The second one at the start of the 4th he spotted Brown with a long and penetrating kick. It was superb - and recognised as such by Bartel on the radio commentary. Just as well he didn't pissfart around looking for options spied from the comfort of the lounge chair. Bit different out on the ground.

Nope I stand by my post. I'm not saying he's no good or his decision making or kicking is dreadful, it's just to continue to improve to the level that some are speculating about in this thread he'll either have to become a Petracca type who dominates the contest and routinely nails high risk/reward opportunities or he'll have to be sharper with his decisions and kicks.

I don't have a strong belief in whether he'll stay as a very valuable premiership player or elevate. That's all I'm saying. If Tracc and Oliver are 9.5/10 players and Harmes is a 6/10 I just don't have conviction on whether Sparrow will end up more of a 6-7/10 or a 8+. Neither are bad results!

The examples were just from the grand final as they were the most recent game and we've all seen it plenty. Don't get caught up in the results and look at the actual choices and execution. And you can go through several games this year and see plenty of poor kicks and some odd decisions. I could highlight all the times he kicked in to the mark but I'm choosing the grand final because he played superbly and he really grew in the finals.

I definitely stand by the goal that needed all of T Mc's strength to get over the line. He had Oliver running for the one-two and he had Brown alone in the corridor. The shot wasn't an awful option and he nailed it, if he keeps nailing those kind of kicks then happy days but there's only a handful of players in the comp who do that and there's plenty of Sam Powell Pepper types who think they're the hero and usually aren't.

In the last quarter Keath leaves Brown to try to defend Spargo but I still think you take the simple open lead inside 50 rather than rely on Brown taking a contested mark. Spargo was pretty peeved that he got burnt, that's not me on the couch that's a team mate. The kick was well placed to Brown though, even if a little loopier than might've been required. Again, excellent result, but if we're talking about a player taking the next steps to become elite then it's taking the quick simple option when it's open.

[John Crow Batty 8,255]

6 hours ago, Redlagged said:

I take it the comments about Sparrow's kicking and 'decision making' are meant to be funny? The 'low percentage long goal' - made with Bulldogs players charging at him - was one of the goals of the year. The second one at the start of the 4th he spotted Brown with a long and penetrating kick. It was superb - and recognised as such by Bartel on the radio commentary. Just as well he didn't pissfart around looking for options spied from the comfort of the lounge chair. Bit different out on the ground.

Some of the lame criticisms against Sparrow could easily be applied to Petracca. As far as I am concerned a player with sublime penetrating kicking skills should exploit them rather than lowering themselves to expected standards of lesser skilled players. 
The coach and bench went crazy with joy after Sparrow posted our 11th goal. That says it all.

Edited November 10, 2021 by John Crow Batty

[The team we love 416]

4 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

Nope I stand by my post. I'm not saying he's no good or his decision making or kicking is dreadful, it's just to continue to improve to the level that some are speculating about in this thread he'll either have to become a Petracca type who dominates the contest and routinely nails high risk/reward opportunities or he'll have to be sharper with his decisions and kicks.

I don't have a strong belief in whether he'll stay as a very valuable premiership player or elevate. That's all I'm saying. If Tracc and Oliver are 9.5/10 players and Harmes is a 6/10 I just don't have conviction on whether Sparrow will end up more of a 6-7/10 or a 8+. Neither are bad results!

The examples were just from the grand final as they were the most recent game and we've all seen it plenty. Don't get caught up in the results and look at the actual choices and execution. And you can go through several games this year and see plenty of poor kicks and some odd decisions. I could highlight all the times he kicked in to the mark but I'm choosing the grand final because he played superbly and he really grew in the finals.

I definitely stand by the goal that needed all of T Mc's strength to get over the line. He had Oliver running for the one-two and he had Brown alone in the corridor. The shot wasn't an awful option and he nailed it, if he keeps nailing those kind of kicks then happy days but there's only a handful of players in the comp who do that and there's plenty of Sam Powell Pepper types who think they're the hero and usually aren't.

In the last quarter Keath leaves Brown to try to defend Spargo but I still think you take the simple open lead inside 50 rather than rely on Brown taking a contested mark. Spargo was pretty peeved that he got burnt, that's not me on the couch that's a team mate. The kick was well placed to Brown though, even if a little loopier than might've been required. Again, excellent result, but if we're talking about a player taking the next steps to become elite then it's taking the quick simple option when it's open.

If you wanted, you could go through Petracca or Oliver’s games and point out better options they could have taken. 

I think you’re one of the most knowledgeable posters here, but I think it’s rough to single out his decision making in the GF. 

He had 7 kicks, 3 of which were goal assists, and a goal off one step from 55. Even if it fell short, a one on one in the goal square is a pretty good result. Only Jackson had more goal assists with 4, Petracca had 2, then multiple players with 1. 
 

Anyway, I agree time will tell if he elevates himself in to a very good player or continues as a solid role player. I personally think if he irons out a couple of things, he’s got some attributes that will give him every chance. 

[DeeSpencer 23,124]

26 minutes ago, The team we love said:

If you wanted, you could go through Petracca or Oliver’s games and point out better options they could have taken. 

I think you’re one of the most knowledgeable posters here, but I think it’s rough to single out his decision making in the GF. 

He had 7 kicks, 3 of which were goal assists, and a goal off one step from 55. Even if it fell short, a one on one in the goal square is a pretty good result. Only Jackson had more goal assists with 4, Petracca had 2, then multiple players with 1. 
 

Anyway, I agree time will tell if he elevates himself in to a very good player or continues as a solid role player. I personally think if he irons out a couple of things, he’s got some attributes that will give him every chance. 

It took until this year for Oliver to sort out his decision making and both he and Tracc still have great room for improvement with their kicking. But they’re also in the top 1% of ball winners to ever play the game! Sparrow has some similar attributes with power but it’s unfair to expect him to get to the level of those 2 freaks.

His finals series was excellent, my point was I’m just not sure, where as others in this thread seem confident he’ll explode.  

[picket fence 15,129]

On 10/30/2021 at 8:30 PM, dee-tox said:

Was a revelation in the grand final. The Bulldogs paid no attention to him and paid the price. Great in the Qualifying Final as well.

Can only get better. One of our most exciting prospects. Can kick like a mule, mark overhead, loves a tackle and getting down and dirty. 

He actually reminds me of an upgrade Todd Viney with abit of Steve Tingay and an ounce of Adem Yze

[The team we love 416]

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

It took until this year for Oliver to sort out his decision making and both he and Tracc still have great room for improvement with their kicking. But they’re also in the top 1% of ball winners to ever play the game! Sparrow has some similar attributes with power but it’s unfair to expect him to get to the level of those 2 freaks.

His finals series was excellent, my point was I’m just not sure, where as others in this thread seem confident he’ll explode.  

Yes, I don’t think anyone expects he’ll reach those heights.

I’m also not confident he’ll ‘explode’ but if he could become an 8/10 as you put it, the Dees will have an be in a good place for midfield stocks.
 

Throughout the finals series he played 69% game time, and a lot of that as half forward     . It’s a good sign he still found away to impact the game, especially on the September stage.

I think by the end of next year we’ll have a better idea of his ceiling. 
 

[monoccular 16,058]

21 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

It took until this year for Oliver to sort out his decision making and both he and Tracc still have great room for improvement with their kicking. But they’re also in the top 1% of ball winners to ever play the game! Sparrow has some similar attributes with power but it’s unfair to expect him to get to the level of those 2 freaks.

His finals series was excellent, my point was I’m just not sure, where as others in this thread seem confident he’ll explode.  

 

20 hours ago, The team we love said:

Yes, I don’t think anyone expects he’ll reach those heights.

I’m also not confident he’ll ‘explode’ but if he could become an 8/10 as you put it, the Dees will have an be in a good place for midfield stocks.
 

Throughout the finals series he played 69% game time, and a lot of that as half forward     . It’s a good sign he still found away to impact the game, especially on the September stage.

I think by the end of next year we’ll have a better idea of his ceiling. 
 

Of course nobody knows what his ceiling will be, but he has given every indication that it will be very high.

Lets just enjoy his excellent GF and fantasise that he will get even better.

[Fritta and Turner 3,651]

Can anyone surmise as to what position he was playing when he kicked his big goal and why wasnt any dogs player on him?  

[Mono 454]

48 minutes ago, Jontee said:

Can anyone surmise as to what position he was playing when he kicked his big goal and why wasnt any dogs player on him?  

From memory, he was at the 50 arc and when Demons exploded out of the centre, Sparrow moved towards the centre and the dogs players retreated at first expecting a long kick. That gave him space.

Daniel I think went forward of Sparrow to challenge Oliver. Again giving Sparrow space.

Edited November 11, 2021 by Mono

[Mazer Rackham 14,969]

1 hour ago, Jontee said:

Can anyone surmise as to what position he was playing when he kicked his big goal and why wasnt any dogs player on him?  

Simulations conducted by Warner Bros and Walt Disney have predicted that when dogs chasing a sparrow converge, the sparrow flits off and the dogs all crash into each other. Football scientists now consider this theory to be proven.

[Fritta and Turner 3,651]

1 hour ago, Mono said:

From memory, he was at the 50 arc and when Demons exploded out of the centre, Sparrow moved towards the centre and the dogs players retreated at first expecting a long kick. That gave him space.

Daniel I think went forward of Sparrow to challenge Oliver. Again giving Sparrow space.

So we have a run on and the dogs defence left Sparra standing unmarked directly in front on the 50 metre arc.....they were doing a zonal defence in case some one tried a blinder from the boundary??? who is their defensive coach?

[leave it to deever 15,328]

Its early days but from what Ive seen at his age, it looks like we have a future champion.

[deanox 8,579]

On 10/30/2021 at 7:41 AM, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

Not a chip on Sparrow, who's finals campaign was simply awsome, but I doubt he actually got on the park anything like 21 times this year.

What goose in AFL land thought it was a good idea for the sub to be credited a game to their name whether they actually played or not?

My understanding is that it is the same rule that was followed when it was a substitute before the introduction of the interchange (you got credited for the game whether on field or not), and that I think I heard the players were consulted on their thoughts.

 

Surprisingly my biggest gripe is that is mucks up the "ave per game" statistic collumns.

[DeesFlag2020 90]

On 11/4/2021 at 8:14 AM, DeeZee said:

Getting better and better as he grows in confidence, and learning lots from Trac, Vines and Clarry  too.

Has a mean boot on him and a very solid frame, could develop into another monster midfielder for us.

Reminds me of a young Dusty. Big statement l know, but justified…

[monoccular 16,058]

On 11/11/2021 at 5:57 PM, Jontee said:

Can anyone surmise as to what position he was playing when he kicked his big goal and why wasnt any dogs player on him?  

As much as anyone plays a position these days, I reckon he was a HFF - if that is what you mean by your question, Jontee. 

[Harrisonrules 273]

Great to see his fan base growing. His ability has been growing through the year on the back of his brilliant Kicking. Long bombs to goal, mention of his considered and composed kick to Ben Brown in last qtr of GF, but don't overlook his superb short pass to Luke J in last - exquisite. All this wasn't just in the final series. Last game of the year against Geelong had even more to it. Revisit and watch his competative marking.this guy has the package. Yes a future leader alongside the mature Rivers. A Petracca model and for we old buggers, a Barassi in time.

[deelusions from afar 1,608]

Was surprised by him being ahead of others eg Jordon, Melksham etc towards the end of the year as I thought Jordon especially had shown more reliability and flexibility with positions (not just a see ball get ball type, played the wing etc).  I remember Sparrow when drafted was said to have great breakaway speed from clearances but had a bit of work do to on his kicking. 

 

But Sparrow became a pivotal player and had key moments in each game.  I think others comparing him to Todd Viney have nailed it - he's a very solid unit that is dependable especially at the coal face.  He also has shown his ability to cause headaches if left alone when playing half forward which is important for a second string midfielder when the 6th defender is often wanting to zone off.


Not directly related to his footy but he's seems fairly intelligent and well spoken off field which is never a bad thing and means he's likely to be a future leader if he keeps developing at the current rate.

[DeeZone 7,708]

To be honest I liked him from the start but the more I watch our last four games the more I appreciate his talent and abilities, he is selfless and team first but has the strength, fitness and footy nous to be able to exploit any opportunities. At this stage the difference between Tom and JJ is that Tom gets in the zone. If you take a close look at TS his face is set his eyes are glazed he is living the moment nothing can stop him, he has, like a lot of our players found belief in their ability to change  the game in our favour. When JJ finds that ability to get into the zone he to will be a young champ on the rise. They have both exceeded our expectations in the best possible way.💕❤️💙

 

 

[Mach5 4,482]

I recall that in the last couple of years a poster relayed that an unnamed recruiter had told them they would not draft Sparrow under any circumstances. I now wonder that characteristics lead to such a conclusion. Happy for someone else to attempt to find the post, but buggered if I can.

[DeeZone 7,708]

Certainly didn’t come from his former coaches or college where he was likened to Levi Greenwood only better. Who ever it was they are poor judges of character.!!

[Nascent 7,242]

2 hours ago, Mach5 said:

I recall that in the last couple of years a poster relayed that an unnamed recruiter had told them they would not draft Sparrow under any circumstances. I now wonder that characteristics lead to such a conclusion. Happy for someone else to attempt to find the post, but buggered if I can.

I don't recall the comments re Sparrow but I do remember someone posted a comment allegedly from a hawks recruiter that Jordon was on a "do not draft" list for whatever reason. 

Might be one your thinking of or perhaps two separate pieces of intel.

[4_Kent_Watts 846]

On 11/10/2021 at 2:28 PM, DeeSpencer said:

Nope I stand by my post. I'm not saying he's no good or his decision making or kicking is dreadful, it's just to continue to improve to the level that some are speculating about in this thread he'll either have to become a Petracca type who dominates the contest and routinely nails high risk/reward opportunities or he'll have to be sharper with his decisions and kicks.

I don't have a strong belief in whether he'll stay as a very valuable premiership player or elevate. That's all I'm saying. If Tracc and Oliver are 9.5/10 players and Harmes is a 6/10 I just don't have conviction on whether Sparrow will end up more of a 6-7/10 or a 8+. Neither are bad results!

The examples were just from the grand final as they were the most recent game and we've all seen it plenty. Don't get caught up in the results and look at the actual choices and execution. And you can go through several games this year and see plenty of poor kicks and some odd decisions. I could highlight all the times he kicked in to the mark but I'm choosing the grand final because he played superbly and he really grew in the finals.

I definitely stand by the goal that needed all of T Mc's strength to get over the line. He had Oliver running for the one-two and he had Brown alone in the corridor. The shot wasn't an awful option and he nailed it, if he keeps nailing those kind of kicks then happy days but there's only a handful of players in the comp who do that and there's plenty of Sam Powell Pepper types who think they're the hero and usually aren't.

In the last quarter Keath leaves Brown to try to defend Spargo but I still think you take the simple open lead inside 50 rather than rely on Brown taking a contested mark. Spargo was pretty peeved that he got burnt, that's not me on the couch that's a team mate. The kick was well placed to Brown though, even if a little loopier than might've been required. Again, excellent result, but if we're talking about a player taking the next steps to become elite then it's taking the quick simple option when it's open.

Like when he kicked the ball to Fritta instead of going for glory and trying to kick it post height for a certain goal in the first quarter. Kicked it to the advantage of another teammate. Always thinking of others. Guys a winner and even Pettracca and Oliver don't  make every decision the right one. He's a positive at our club and not something we need to be worried about. 

[Deemania since 56 6,132]

On 11/1/2021 at 5:04 PM, Doggas front teeth said:

Around the club they're a bit of a package deal - the Fridge and the Freezer I think they call them. Yze loves them both, reckons they're some of the best at the club for training and prep

Great sign of future champions.