4 hours ago, 58er said:

Let’s hope we are the beneficiaries Danny with Caleb being like our great Robbie Flower a little as a couple of sharp judges have suggested. 
Go Dees !!

Robbie was left handed, but a right foot kick and of course could do both on the opposite side brilliantly. It made him difficult to stop, because he would lean the way you weren't expecting and evade, or get off a kick or handball.

If you watch replays of Robbie, you will see him lean into the handball and lean back with the kick.

This kid is a little similar, but is quicker than Robbie was, which will help him in his career.

If he is 25% the player Robbie was, we have a beauty.

Caleb's a right footer where as this guy wasn't but in terms of players who have played somewhat recently he reminds me of one of my favourite opposition stars in Stephen Hill. If he can be anywhere in the same ballpark of him he'd be a great pick up

14 hours ago, layzie said:

At the end of the day when you have someone like JT calling the shots you back him in with any 'reach' picks. 

JT has a great record and here’s hoping that these two are more of his gems. 

11 hours ago, binman said:

Yep.

JVR looks a bit clunky as he walks in to shoot for goal but also guides the ball right onto his boot which is big reason he is so accurate.

Wattsy was smoother but again guided the ball on to the boot and was deadly accurate.

The other similarity between those three players is a short, slow run up when kicking set set shots. Basically kicking off just a few steps. Simple techniques with few moving parts and less things that can go wrong.

BBB, our Premiership FF says hi. 

Luke Jackson for Jefferson and Windsor? Hope he's good!

On 18/11/2023 at 22:45, Axis of Bob said:

I think it’s important to note that there’s a difference between ‘didn’t’ win much contested footy and ‘can’t’ win contested footy.

Windsor played wing all year and appears to have done so with a lot of discipline. That role will inevitably result in a low contest rate if it’s played properly. When it’s his turn to go he does win contests and I think that the 30% contest rate needs to be considered in this context. If he played as a true mid the numbers might mean something but for a wingman it doesn’t make much sense.

The impressive thing about Windsor isn’t just his speed but his ability to use that speed properly. He makes quick decisions to carry the ball and get it forward before teams can set their defence, which is super valuable against disciplined AFL teams. He also uses his speed to defend and is very disciplined. He already plays the game at AFL tempo. He’s a very impressive footballer.

I have been looking for a winger for the Dees, for years. Still looking and the points raised certainly form part of my dream wingman, alongside enormous poise and gutsy intercepts. I hope we have found someone close to the skills and playing style of the very great Stan Alves, just a bit taller. 

1 hour ago, Deemania since 56 said:

I have been looking for a winger for the Dees, for years. Still looking and the points raised certainly form part of my dream wingman, alongside enormous poise and gutsy intercepts. I hope we have found someone close to the skills and playing style of the very great Stan Alves, just a bit taller. 

Where is Lingers at his best in this search for a winger?

Wasn’t  his best in2023 hasn’t been since his ribs were smashed in 2022 I think. 

May he return to his prime in 2024 with the lure of Caleb on the opposite pastures of the MCG once he establishes himself in the AFL. 

With the inevitable question of how long will it be before Caleb makes his debut I think it’s super important that we realise both our Nos 7 and 13 are first rounders in the Dogga and Kossie tradition. Not ordinary young tyros but in the best dozen in the land!

Remember Riv was recruited in the 30’s and he took about 4/5 rounds to show his mettle and he has ever since. 

The other very promising and powerful statement is from the young Caleb about his best moment being drafted and aims are to debut and play in a premiership no less. One doesn’t imagine he wishes to hang around for a decade of years to achieve this. 

Yes you say all 80/100 draftees are in the same frame of mind at this time but don’t choose to shout it from the rooftops. After all actions speak louder than words. I just have the feeling that he is a young man in a real hurry to achieve and has the confidence to clarify it at the earliest possible time. 

As a result his ride may be one of the best to witness yet so don’t hang around waiting get your front row seat to all the thrills as the “Duke of Windsor” climbs aboard his coach to propel his desire to be a King at the top of his game in the greatest of games the AFL and biggest of stages the grand Final.

Lofty but achievable yes it is just ask our 2019 draftees LJ Kossie and Riv. They didn’t waste much time to be precise, a mere 2 seasons to become champions and immortals. That’s your challenge young Caleb. All  the very best and don’t forget to get your draft mate Kolt from WA ( like LJ ) alongside with you in this feat. 

9 hours ago, Macca said:

My attitude towards our drafting in general has changed a great deal because of how good Jason Taylor is at identifying talent.  I used to believe that it was more of a crapshoot than it actually is

JT rarely, if ever, misses and that includes bringing in established talent with draft picks (on numerous occasions) For that reason, we need to keep our eye on Jefferson.  

JT's record is phenomenal and I reckon he is the best in the business

And who do we have to thank for acquiring his services?  None other than Mark Neeld

The parting gift that keeps on giving!!  Extraordinary stuff, layz!!

From every acorn ( Even Mark Neeld) a big oak tree has grown. Thank you MN. 

On 20/11/2023 at 21:47, spirit of norm smith said:

Very good selection. Windsor is the type of outside running midfielder player needed by the Dees. He likes to run with the footy and gets good “Metres” gained through “run and kick” footy. His pace is his biggest asset but what I also like is his desire to run and chase and tackle down opponents.  He’s not silky skilled but it’s no weakness. Welcome aboard. Go Dees !!  

He also kicks to a man on the lead. Wonder how long will it take to drill that out of him with our LONG bombs into the forward line mantra!

I reckon we will make a play for a big established forwArd next year with our sizable salary cap space

4 hours ago, Ugottobekidding said:

I reckon we will make a play for a big established forwArd next year with our sizable salary cap space

i reckon we'll up petty's deal after he's the coleman medallist

played forward for 3.5 games, kicked 12 goals

extrapolate that out to 25 and we've got ourselves an 85+ goal a season premiership full forward

Edited November 22, 20231 yr by whatwhat say what

 

Extended version of his interview and a decent look at our new jumper

Some tid bits

- came into this year off a 7 month ankle injury, said he thought he was going to start slow

- thought he was going to GWS until the week before the draft

Edited November 22, 20231 yr by Nascent

I think Caleb is a great choice. He offers us a point of difference with speed, endurance and much needed run and quick movement to inside 50. Plus can kick goals himself.

On 22/11/2023 at 02:07, Deemania since 56 said:

I have been looking for a winger for the Dees, for years. Still looking and the points raised certainly form part of my dream wingman, alongside enormous poise and gutsy intercepts. I hope we have found someone close to the skills and playing style of the very great Stan Alves, just a bit taller. 

Langdon surely was a “dream wingman” 2021 though he hasn’t repeated that form. 
Blake Howes has been highly praised  but has not had a chance yet through injury.  

On 24/11/2023 at 11:09, monoccular said:

Langdon surely was a “dream wingman” 2021 though he hasn’t repeated that form. 
Blake Howes has been highly praised  but has not had a chance yet through injury.  

Agree monocular Langdon was brilliant in 2021 that severe rib injury in 2022 seems to have limited his more aggressive side, hopefully back to his best in 24. Rapt in the Windsor call, I don’t think he will displace either of our wingers next year but we now have Woewodin, Howes and Windsor pushing for a spot in our best 23 and all three are very capable.

I really do think the Duke will be a tremendous player for the Dees. Classy mover and a fair bit of upside.

 

The talent and athleticism is there, no doubt, question is whether he can hold up physically. I mean this both in terms of playing out a full season without tiring, and being able to compete with established AFL players.

It's rare for first-year draftees to play in a premiership. Bowey and Jack Graham the only ones I can recall in recent years?

12 minutes ago, seventyfour said:

It's rare for first-year draftees to play in a premiership. Bowey and Jack Graham the only ones I can recall in recent years?

If you are saying that the chances of winning a premiership this year are lessoned by having him in the side, then can I suggest we seriously consider dropping him for the grand final. Simples.

34 minutes ago, seventyfour said:

 

It's rare for first-year draftees to play in a premiership. Bowey and Jack Graham the only ones I can recall in recent years?

The simple reason being is usually the top talent is taken by the bottom teams. 

All of our premierships in the last 60 years have included a first year draftee.

You can twist these sorts of stats to suit any argument.  David King taught me that. 😉

Rioli (pick 12) and Selwood (pick 7) are the flag-bearers for winning premierships in your first season.

Either or both of Windsor (pick 7) and Tholstrupp (pick 13) could get a bit of momentum going by late in the season and be really good contributors in designated roles. It's all speculative but certainly there's a case for raising an appreciative eyebrow!

2 minutes ago, Little Goffy said:

Rioli (pick 12) and Selwood (pick 7) are the flag-bearers for winning premierships in your first season.

Either or both of Windsor (pick 7) and Tholstrupp (pick 13) could get a bit of momentum going by late in the season and be really good contributors in designated roles. It's all speculative but certainly there's a case for raising an appreciative eyebrow!

Throw in Dustin Fletcher in 1993. He was still at school.

2 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Throw in Dustin Fletcher in 1993. He was still at school.

may as well throw in me, when i was 13 and dreamt i kicked the winning goal in the vfl grand final 😁

17 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

may as well throw in me, when i was 13 and dreamt i kicked the winning goal in the vfl grand final 😁

The other night I had pizza and then dreamt I was thirsty and nothing could quench it. I woke up and I was really thirsty. So dreams do come true!

Early debuts are not that unusual, especially for players picked before #10. These players all debuted in round 1 after their draft.

Oliver
McVee
Viney
Brayshaw
Fritsch
Sparrow
Pickett
Billings (for StK)
Tomlinson (for GWS)

Petracca probably would have if not for an ACL recovery.

In addition Rivers debuted in round 2 (delayed due to Covid), Salem and Spargo debuted in round 6.

Melksham debuted in round 3 for Essendon, May in round 6 for Gold Coast and Lever in round 6 for Adelaide.