13 hours ago, MrFreeze said:

A fit happy Harmes will be great for our intensity and intent in the coming weeks, interesting week of changes coming up 

Nothing like another turnover king to come back into the side.....

Did Sestan play? Must have gone missing if he did?

Yes. Sestan played.

 

5 minutes ago, Bystander said:

Yes. Sestan played.

 

Did you go down and watch mate?

If so what was your overall thoughts on some of thr players that stood out?

I went to this game and was expecting it to be tight with a loss a possibility without a number of the senior good players. Our young team played well and I think we can have confidence in our recruits for the future. Laurie as usual played a great game. I am not sure if he is Senior level though. Early days and I hope he gets a senior game next weekend. 

Laurie was very good and is looking very comfortable around the ball at VFL level. I'm unsure whether he'll ever get the chance to be an AFL midfielder the way that he is currently playing at Casey (quite a Z Merrett style) but it's a good sign that he's finding the ball more easily. As a forward at AFL level he really would similar to Spargo in role, in that he doesn't have much pace but only needs the ball a dozen times to be extremely damaging. Super decision maker.

Harmes was our best because he plays the game at a higher speed to his team mates. Won the ball but did so with power and carried the ball forward hard. Turner was excellent and extremely composed in defence. I think he'll be a quality AFL player when he gets his chance, with his decision making and composure under the high ball. Woey tries hard and his run is very good but I don't think his ceiling is higher than very fringe AFL. For a player of his type he really needs to be more damaging with the football when he gets a chance with it.

I thought it was Jed Adams' best game so far. Had some good aerial contests and showed a little bit more confidence with the ball. I think he'll be a slow burn as a big defender but there are tools there with his athleticism and ranginess. Jefferson, by contrast, was quieter than previous games. Took a good grab and dish, but never really got into it.

Sestan is a player that intrigues me. Is a heavy small forward with a questionable tank, which makes you think that he's got no chance at all. However he has moments in games where he shows genuine class at a higher level than nearly anyone on the field, where he'll hoover a tough contested ball off the ground and spin effortlessly into space before delivering with skill and composure. I think the range of outcomes for his career is so wide that it may take years before we really understand what we've got. 

6 minutes ago, Axis of Bob said:

Laurie was very good and is looking very comfortable around the ball at VFL level. I'm unsure whether he'll ever get the chance to be an AFL midfielder the way that he is currently playing at Casey (quite a Z Merrett style) but it's a good sign that he's finding the ball more easily. As a forward at AFL level he really would similar to Spargo in role, in that he doesn't have much pace but only needs the ball a dozen times to be extremely damaging. Super decision maker.

Harmes was our best because he plays the game at a higher speed to his team mates. Won the ball but did so with power and carried the ball forward hard. Turner was excellent and extremely composed in defence. I think he'll be a quality AFL player when he gets his chance, with his decision making and composure under the high ball. Woey tries hard and his run is very good but I don't think his ceiling is higher than very fringe AFL. For a player of his type he really needs to be more damaging with the football when he gets a chance with it.

I thought it was Jed Adams' best game so far. Had some good aerial contests and showed a little bit more confidence with the ball. I think he'll be a slow burn as a big defender but there are tools there with his athleticism and ranginess. Jefferson, by contrast, was quieter than previous games. Took a good grab and dish, but never really got into it.

Sestan is a player that intrigues me. Is a heavy small forward with a questionable tank, which makes you think that he's got no chance at all. However he has moments in games where he shows genuine class at a higher level than nearly anyone on the field, where he'll hoover a tough contested ball off the ground and spin effortlessly into space before delivering with skill and composure. I think the range of outcomes for his career is so wide that it may take years before we really understand what we've got. 

Great insights.

I see Laurie in a similar vein. He lacks athleticism which makes it hard to see his role at AFL level. I think Merrett is much quicker and a more dynamic and a more penetrating kick. I see him more like Jade Gresham, albeit I think Gresham is better in the air. Still, it is great to see he is getting so much more of the football, albeit I would like to see more kicks than handballs at VFL level.

Woey obviously had a poor kicking day yesterday judging by various reports but he has been tidy in previous games. Did he just have a bad day on return (in the wind)? He has a bit of Billy Stretch about him.

Sestan looks very good with ball in hand and in the contest, but he is still a way off AFL fitness. I also wonder if he is a bit short for a player of his profile.

It was an excellent defensive performance by Casey given they didn’t have Tomlinson, didn’t have Buntine who’s been the back up for Tommo at times and had a lot of youth up forward who weren’t in great defensive positions early.

Disco did a great job on Patty Voss who has been one of the best forward in the VFL this year. 

Deak Smith shut down Walla and used the ball better this week. Howes wasn’t as good as he has been but still showed his talent with his zip and skills. Adams got more involved and I liked that he was in some body on body marking contests, still plenty of work to do tho.

Harmes is too strong and quick for this level and his ball use was at least ok if not good for an inside mid. Would still like to see another sharpen up for him tho. Dunstan solid. Laurie slowly took over the game as it went on, just not sure his moves will work at afl intensity yet. Excellent first game back for Taj is every aspect apart from his kicking

It was a quiet day for the forwards apart from Schache. Essendon set up well and didn’t allow many clean chains on ball movement through half forward and the inside 50’s were ugly most of the time. I loved seeing Sestan get some midfield time, even just as a taste. 

10 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

Great insights.

I see Laurie in a similar vein. He lacks athleticism which makes it hard to see his role at AFL level. I think Merrett is much quicker and a more dynamic and a more penetrating kick. I see him more like Jade Gresham, albeit I think Gresham is better in the air. Still, it is great to see he is getting so much more of the football, albeit I would like to see more kicks than handballs at VFL level.

Woey obviously had a poor kicking day yesterday judging by various reports but he has been tidy in previous games. Did he just have a bad day on return (in the wind)? He has a bit of Billy Stretch about him.

Sestan looks very good with ball in hand and in the contest, but he is still a way off AFL fitness. I also wonder if he is a bit short for a player of his profile.

It’s hard to compare Laurie to current afl players because a one paced small without much of an overhead game isn’t really an afl player, thicker slower Spargo is about it. But he has great agility and I think if he can develop that in to short burst pace in to the contest he can be a good mid/forward. Just got to see him drive those legs and use his bulk and a low centre of gravity. Missing that top age junior year where he would’ve been a mostly a mid at Oakleigh probably set him back too.

Woey has the bulk (just a little now but more to come) and strength at the contest that held Stretch back. His kicking has always been below par. He has to develop like Ed Langdon or Nibbler. Pace, work ethic and versatility to play wing or half forward gives him a chance. I still think he can even debut this year (despite the set back) if we want a wing/forward role player. 

Sestan probably doesn’t project as a gun aerial target like say a Fritsch but he’ll find a way to take a nice grab here or there. I’m impressed that his burst, power and skills all look the goods even in limited doses.

1 hour ago, Fat Tony said:

Great insights.

I see Laurie in a similar vein. He lacks athleticism which makes it hard to see his role at AFL level. I think Merrett is much quicker and a more dynamic and a more penetrating kick. I see him more like Jade Gresham, albeit I think Gresham is better in the air. Still, it is great to see he is getting so much more of the football, albeit I would like to see more kicks than handballs at VFL level.

Woey obviously had a poor kicking day yesterday judging by various reports but he has been tidy in previous games. Did he just have a bad day on return (in the wind)? He has a bit of Billy Stretch about him.

Sestan looks very good with ball in hand and in the contest, but he is still a way off AFL fitness. I also wonder if he is a bit short for a player of his profile.

FT Seston is 188cm (6’2”) so a good size for a dangerous half forward once he builds his tank.!!

1 hour ago, DeeZone said:

FT Seston is 188cm (6’2”) so a good size for a dangerous half forward once he builds his tank.!!

188cm is only big enough if he can run as well as Petracca or Sparrow, who are miles ahead.

Extra centremetres never hurt!

 

 

 

7 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

188cm is only big enough if he can run as well as Petracca or Sparrow, who are miles ahead.

Extra centremetres never hurt!

 

 

 

FT I am thinking forward pocket initially then half forward as builds his tank has a bit of X factor but he has a long way to go.!!

16 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

188cm is only big enough if he can run as well as Petracca or Sparrow, who are miles ahead.

Extra centremetres never hurt!

 

 

 

There's a number of successful medium marking forwards in Sestan's height range: Rohan, Fritsch, Zurhaar, Membrey, Heeney, Melksham, Stephenson, Breust. Jamie Elliott is 178cm.  They need some X-factor to succeed but that's what he purports to have.

4 hours ago, Fat Tony said:

Great insights.

I see Laurie in a similar vein. He lacks athleticism which makes it hard to see his role at AFL level. I think Merrett is much quicker and a more dynamic and a more penetrating kick. I see him more like Jade Gresham, albeit I think Gresham is better in the air. Still, it is great to see he is getting so much more of the football, albeit I would like to see more kicks than handballs at VFL level.

Woey obviously had a poor kicking day yesterday judging by various reports but he has been tidy in previous games. Did he just have a bad day on return (in the wind)? He has a bit of Billy Stretch about him.

Sestan looks very good with ball in hand and in the contest, but he is still a way off AFL fitness. I also wonder if he is a bit short for a player of his profile.

Caleb Daniel might have an answer about the height question.

12 minutes ago, old55 said:

There's a number of successful medium marking forwards in Sestan's height range: Rohan, Fritsch, Zurhaar, Membrey, Heeney, Melksham, Stephenson, Breust. Jamie Elliott is 178cm.  They need some X-factor to succeed but that's what he purports to have.

Does Sestan possess the ability to take a hanger like those players though? I haven't seen that yet. All those players (except Membery who is taller with long arms and plays tall) have elite springs, which makes them aerial threats.

Sestan's obvious AFL traits are ball handling, strength and kicking.

50 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

Extra centremetres never hurt!

 

I’ve been told different.

Sestan was average yesterday, I didn’t see anything that said he should be in the senior side next week. Average game at VFL level. 

42 minutes ago, old55 said:

There's a number of successful medium marking forwards in Sestan's height range: Rohan, Fritsch, Zurhaar, Membrey, Heeney, Melksham, Stephenson, Breust. Jamie Elliott is 178cm.  They need some X-factor to succeed but that's what he purports to have.

Didn’t see it yesterday but it is early days.

10 hours ago, demon3165 said:

Nothing like another turnover king to come back into the side.....

  So far in season 2023 - Ranked equal 4th lowest turnover player (out of 29) based on match averages (excludes Laurie who has not played a full match yet)...

Player	TO	Rank
Max Gawn *	6.00	1
C Petracca	5.80	2
J Jordan > *	5.73	3
C Oliver	5.60	4
Steven May	4.67	5
L Hunter	4.40	6
Jack Viney	4.25	7
Jake Lever	3.75	8
E Langdon	3.60	9
Judd McVee	3.60	9
T Sparrow	3.40	11
A Tomlinson	3.33	12
A Brayshaw	3.00	13
Ben Brown #	3.00	13
M Hibberd < *	2.91	15
Trent Rivers	2.80	16
J Melksham >	2.71	17
J Van Rooyen #	2.67	18
A N-Bullen	2.60	19
B Grundy #	2.60	19
Jake Bowey	2.40	21
B Fritsch	2.25	22
J Harmes	2.00	23
K Chandler	2.00	23
K Pickett	2.00	23
C Spargo <	1.83	26
T McDonald #	1.75	27
H Petty #	1.40	28
B Laurie < *	0.00	29

Note:  An asterisk indicates less than two matches in total - not an average for comparative purposes

> Subbed in at least once or more

< Subbed out at least once or more

Edited April 17, 20231 yr by Demon Dynasty

13 minutes ago, old dee said:

Sestan was average yesterday, I didn’t see anything that said he should be in the senior side next week. Average game at VFL level. 

old dee - I don't recall anyone even dreaming that Oliver Sestan could  play AFL in 2023.    
Many however may wish and hope that he can be a massive surprise packet in the next few years.  Any impact would be a huge bonus. 

3 minutes ago, monoccular said:

old dee - I don't recall anyone even dreaming that Oliver Sestan could  play AFL in 2023.    
Many however may wish and hope that he can be a massive surprise packet in the next few years.  Any impact would be a huge bonus. 

It’s also early days mono which I should have added above.

1 hour ago, Fat Tony said:

188cm is only big enough if he can run as well as Petracca or Sparrow, who are miles ahead.

Extra centremetres never hurt!

 

 

 

The club website says 188cm, but elsewhere he's listed at 186cm.

Not withstanding his short legs and long torso, I'd be amazed if he's taller than 185/186cm.

I realise I'm quibbling over little.

5 hours ago, Fat Tony said:

Sestan looks very good with ball in hand and in the contest, but he is still a way off AFL fitness. I also wonder if he is a bit short for a player of his profile.

 

1 hour ago, Fat Tony said:

Does Sestan possess the ability to take a hanger like those players though? I haven't seen that yet. All those players (except Membery who is taller with long arms and plays tall) have elite springs, which makes them aerial threats.

Sestan's obvious AFL traits are ball handling, strength and kicking.

So is 186cm or 188cm "a bit short" for a player whose "AFL traits are ball handling, strength and kicking"

I'm genuinely confused now.

14 minutes ago, old55 said:

 

So is 186cm or 188cm "a bit short" for a player whose "AFL traits are ball handling, strength and kicking"

I'm genuinely confused now.

He looks to me to play a bit like Darcy Fogarty for the Crows, who is not a natural runner and also a bit undersized for a key forward at 194cm. Jake Stringer is 192cm and Cam Zurhaar is 190cm but both can take hangers. Powell-Pepper is 187cm but he is probably a better natural runner than Sestan and is fringe player. Perkins is 188cm but can run.

I just think to make it Sestan will need to develop a fitness base like Petracca, De Goey or Martin and be able to push into the midfield because I question if he can become a good enough aerial threat at 186-188cm to be a good deep forward.

In short (pardon the pun) 186-188cm is too short unless you can take hangers or you can run 10-12km of fartlek.

Sestan’s size and body shape remind me a lot of Allen Jakovich.  If he turns out to be half as good at football, it will be another recruiting master stroke by Jason Taylor.

Edited April 17, 20231 yr by Deeoldfart
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