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Neil Erasmus

spirit of norm smith
spirit of norm smith
in Melbourne Demons

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As we stated in other threads on trade options, Dees must missed out on getting in the next wave of young mids.  We started to address with Windsor (outside runner) and hope Throlstrup can be a half forward/mid like Rayner type.  But we need to find good contested ball winners.  Our recruiting from other clubs has been poor in the last 2 years.  

One name mentioned in our posts was Neil Erasmus. Well he was clearly best on ground in the WAFL GF yesterday. Starved for opportunity this year as Freo settled on their midfield of Serong, Young, Brayshaw.  Agree that is 3 high quality mids.  Rotation however seemed to involve Omeara and Fyfe when fit.  

Erasmus was a top-10 pick in the 2021 national draft.  Yesterday he displayed his all around talent.   26 disposals. 11 tackles. 2 goals. (preliminary final 33 disposals, 8 tackles, 1 goal) . At 190 cms, he has the body size to compete and that short evasive burst. Quick hands for sharp inside play.  His tackling was perhaps the highlight.  

After 23 games across 3 years, he has displayed talent but squeezed out. In 2024, four games where he was sub in 3 of them.  At 21, he offers the Dees an immediate player who can play and energize the midfield with run and contested footy. He makes smart decisions and can lower his eyes to find targets inside 50.  

What would we offer ? What would Freo want? He is under contract for 2025. But he might want and ask for a change.  Dees should be proactive.   I think Freo will ask for a reasonable given he’s a former draft pick 10.  The ANB pick is the best option. Likely pick “25” from the Crows. Perhaps it’s too much or Freo might think not enough.  Perhaps other pick swaps could apply … grab Freo 3rd pick coming back to MFC as well.  Freo might want to grab Hamish Davis as a local WA boy and they will bite on 25  !! Just a thought  

https://www.afl.com.au/video/1228133/wafl-showreel-gf-neil-erasmus-highlights?videoId=1228133&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1726989829001

 

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    40 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

    As we stated in other threads on trade options, Dees must missed out on getting in the next wave of young mids.  We started to address with Windsor (outside runner) and hope Throlstrup can be a half forward/mid like Rayner type.  But we need to find good contested ball winners.  Our recruiting from other clubs has been poor in the last 2 years.  

    One name mentioned in our posts was Neil Erasmus. Well he was clearly best on ground in the WAFL GF yesterday. Starved for opportunity this year as Freo settled on their midfield of Serong, Young, Brayshaw.  Agree that is 3 high quality mids.  Rotation however seemed to involve Omeara and Fyfe when fit.  

    Erasmus was a top-10 pick in the 2021 national draft.  Yesterday he displayed his all around talent.   26 disposals. 11 tackles. 2 goals. (preliminary final 33 disposals, 8 tackles, 1 goal) . At 190 cms, he has the body size to compete and that short evasive burst. Quick hands for sharp inside play.  His tackling was perhaps the highlight.  

    After 23 games across 3 years, he has displayed talent but squeezed out. In 2024, four games where he was sub in 3 of them.  At 21, he offers the Dees an immediate player who can play and energize the midfield with run and contested footy. He makes smart decisions and can lower his eyes to find targets inside 50.  

    What would we offer ? What would Freo want? He is under contract for 2025. But he might want and ask for a change.  Dees should be proactive.   I think Freo will ask for a reasonable given he’s a former draft pick 10.  The ANB pick is the best option. Likely pick “25” from the Crows. Perhaps it’s too much or Freo might think not enough.  Perhaps other pick swaps could apply … a future 3rds swap as well.  Freo might want to grab Hamish Davis as a local WA boy and they will bite on 25  !! Just a thought  

    https://www.afl.com.au/video/1228133/wafl-showreel-gf-neil-erasmus-highlights?videoId=1228133&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1726989829001

     

    Did he teach Jesse Hogan his goal kicking run up ? 
     

    Sorry couldn’t resist as it’s awful - granted he did get the job done (just) 

    My query would be speed at AFL level 

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    Agree we should look closely at him

    Problem is Freo could rate him highly and not accept pick whereas pick 25 could be a good player in the draft

    Would not want to be making these decisions 

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    1 minute ago, DubDee said:

    Agree we should look closely at him

    Problem is Freo could rate him highly and not accept pick whereas pick 25 could be a good player in the draft

    Would not want to be making these decisions 

    Freo would probably accept pick 250 I reckon

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    I watched a fair bit of the WAFL GF, and can understand why Erasmus was playing. He knows how to find the ball, but his decision making and disposal is sub par. A big "No" for me.

    If we're looking at players in that age bracket, then it's Peatling, followed by Hobbs.

    Edited by mo64

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    Similar to James Jordon who had trouble getting extended regular full games with us and then left. Erasmus was given very few opportunities this season. He might do better with a change of scenery. The only concern is that he looks a little bit soft.

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    11 minutes ago, DubDee said:

    Agree we should look closely at him

    Problem is Freo could rate him highly and not accept pick whereas pick 25 could be a good player in the draft

    Would not want to be making these decisions 

    Agree. I think Freo will overprice him as he’s under contract and was a pick 10 in 21 draft.  Dees will counter with you haven’t played him and you’ve got other players coming in and we can offer something. It’s just hypothetical!! 

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    It would be a consideration if out of contract but under contract would cost overs and I am not convinced he brings the connection and execution we need to layer outside of first possession. You would think with Fyfe and OMeara aging he/they would expect him to break in with another preseason. 

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    I question his speed tbh, has most the other tools but no X factor or speed 

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    On 23/09/2024 at 09:17, DubDee said:

    Agree we should look closely at him

    Problem is Freo could rate him highly and not accept pick whereas pick 25 could be a good player in the draft

    Would not want to be making these decisions 

    Possible yeh,  also remember it's more likely to be in the 30s after bids ect

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