Jump to content

The Alix 'Flying Viking' Tauru thread

Moonshadow
Moonshadow
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

Posted

Find it hard to believe this guy hasn't been talked about more often at our 5 or 9. Will definitely be top 10.

Alix Tauru

  • Quote
    • Moonshadow changed the title to The Alix 'Flying Viking' Tauru thread
     

    Very hard to place where he will go. 

    Both he and Armstrong have come from nowhere to be in the top 15 of most phantom drafts. Tauru looks to be the better footballer of the two to me, he attacks the ball so well, but looks better as a defender than a forward. 

    I'm Tipping that Richmond will take him with one of there top 10 picks or that North will split pick 2 to go back in the draft a bit to pick him or Armstrong up. There is every possibility that they pick either Armstrong or Tauru with pick 2.

    If he was there at pick 9 then we would have to consider him heavily.

  • Quote

    I’m hoping we get him with pick 5… there are enough quality mids that pick 9 will still be well used.

  • Quote
    • Like 4
     

    He looks like a pretty bad kick with that awkward drop of the ball, from those small highlights. Under AFL pressure it gets intensified.

    You draft him, bring him in and he's a third tall defender or forward initially or in his 2nd year. So then he's not going to add anything elite at ground level in linking up with his team mates, and may be a player thats a liability with ball n hand. He looks like someone that's going to take over 5 years before you get meaningful contribution... That would be my guess as to why we might not take him. We would want to bring in two elite users of the ball that will have an immediate impact while our ageing stars are in their window imo. 

    As for future needs? Well we can shift and transition Petty and Disco into defence as May/TMAC retire, and JVR & MJ hopefully create a tandem going forward. 🤷‍♂️

    Edited by John Demonic

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    2 hours ago, hardtack said:

    I’m hoping we get him with pick 5… there are enough quality mids that pick 9 will still be well used.

    Absolutely Hardtack I hope we can get Tauru at pick5 as he is total X factor and had unlimited potential. Great mark and could be a possibility on the ball with his mobility. Way to go. 

    As you have said there will still be a good/ great mid at pick 9 for us such is the depth of this draft. 
    I hope JT is all over this and follows up with Tauru at 5 and the best suited mid for us at 9. 

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    'Alixzander'?

    Really?

    I guess 'Alfie'(bet) beckons for a nickname...

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    Will he follow the Aaron Naughton route of being moved from defence to the forwardline due to his dodgy kicking?

  • Quote
    •  
    34 minutes ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

    'Alixzander'?

    Really?

    I guess 'Alfie'(bet) beckons for a nickname...

    27 scrabble points. They should reserve the number.

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    • Haha 4
    1 hour ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

    'Alixzander'?

    Really?

    I guess 'Alfie'(bet) beckons for a nickname...

    Alternatively, while I'm at it, his surname lends itself to 'Bull'.

    Or Ford...

  • Quote

    He's at his best as an intercept defender floating into packs with his huge leap. He won't be able to do that unimpeded at AFL level, so queries around how solid the rest of his game is. He's not the best with ball in hand, and is undersized for KPP if he doesn't keep growing. He's unproven in midfield and don't think he's quick enough mentally to be a big bodied midfielder around stoppages long term. 

    I see why he's being hyped up as his athletic profile is great. He'd be a good target at 9 if he's there to develop as the Lever replacement long term.

  • Quote
    • Like 3

    He reads the ball very, very well - that skill wont disappear at senior level.

    The rest is strength, experience and support.

    Without seeing enough U18 footy, hard to see what the knock on his game is.  Looks a great build, athletic, reads the play well and is very brave in the air.  Having had May in the team for the last 6 years shows the difference and elite tall defender can make.

    Would be very happy to have one in to develop in the shadow of May and Lever (and hopefully Petty).  

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    Why would we recruit a tall defender at pick 5? 

    With no Gus and questions marks over Trac and Clarry and Viney getting on we desperately need quality mids

    The quality of midfielder at 5 and 9 could be telling, even in a deep draft

  • Quote
    • Like 4
    • Clap 1
    1 hour ago, Lord Travis said:

    He's at his best as an intercept defender floating into packs with his huge leap. He won't be able to do that unimpeded at AFL level, so queries around how solid the rest of his game is. He's not the best with ball in hand, and is undersized for KPP if he doesn't keep growing. He's unproven in midfield and don't think he's quick enough mentally to be a big bodied midfielder around stoppages long term. 

    I see why he's being hyped up as his athletic profile is great. He'd be a good target at 9 if he's there to develop as the Lever replacement long term.

    Nailed it. Tauru is good. Not for pick “5” in my view.  I am picking an elite mid at “5”.
    Possibility that we grab for Tauru at “9”.  Athletic ability & his marking are his assets.  Would take time to adjust to AFL and @Lord TravisI agree likely be placed ultimately as a Lever replacement.  

    Imv Travaglia gets my nod if available at 9.  Just evokes Trent Rivers mode in my eyes.  

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    41 minutes ago, DubDee said:

    Why would we recruit a tall defender at pick 5? 

    With no Gus and questions marks over Trac and Clarry and Viney getting on we desperately need quality mids

    The quality of midfielder at 5 and 9 could be telling, even in a deep draft

    Yep agree 100%. If we were to pick Tauru at 5 and the draft plays out like we all expect, the only mid lift on the table in that top 20 is Reid whom I am strongly against drafting and I think will slide to the 15-20 range. So drafting Tauru at 6 is a no no IMO.

    Take the best mid available at 6. Most likely one of the big boys (Langford, Smilie or Allan). If North want to take Tauru at pick 2 (which would be silly) it would work for us to snag Jagga at pick 6.

    We've got good options if we stick to drafting best mid at 5.

    If Tauru isn't available at pick 9 who do we like? For me atm its between Travaglia or Trainer. I'm not big on Armstrong from what I've seen live or from vision online.

     

    Edited by Young Blood

  • Quote
    • Like 2

    5 hours ago, adonski said:

    Will he follow the Aaron Naughton route of being moved from defence to the forwardline due to his dodgy kicking?

    I know it’s local footy but this was his debut as a 17 year old. Looks natural as a forward.

    There’s something about the way he reads the footy in the air that just feels really special to me.

     

  • Quote
    • Like 4
    6 hours ago, DubDee said:

    Why would we recruit a tall defender at pick 5? 

    With no Gus and questions marks over Trac and Clarry and Viney getting on we desperately need quality mids

    The quality of midfielder at 5 and 9 could be telling, even in a deep draft

    It comes down to 

    - Do we think we’ll bounce back next season or are we planning our next assault. I personally think we can and are doing both at the same time.

    - Petracca 5 years left & Oliver 6, compared to May 2 & Lever 4. 

    - Mids are available every year. 

    - Do we think The Viking is a future star of the game. 

    - Trading for tall later will cost us more than pick 5.
     

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    Not all his marks are intercepts, can take a big pack mark. 
    Will be a gun would to grab him at 5, can’t see him being there at 9.

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    5 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

    It comes down to 

    - Do we think we’ll bounce back next season or are we planning our next assault. I personally think we can and are doing both at the same time.

    - Petracca 5 years left & Oliver 6, compared to May 2 & Lever 4. 

    - Mids are available every year. 

    - Do we think The Viking is a future star of the game. 

    - Trading for tall later will cost us more than pick 5.
     

    interesting points 

    I like to play percentages as i have no actual proper knowledge on these guys aside from what i read and watch. Tall defenders are usually from later picks in the draft and can be picked up and groomed. Talls taken early are risky. But if he is a gun with special qualities we might have a look

    Play the percentages in a strong draft I reckon. Big strong midfielder with 5. 

  • Quote

    8 hours ago, Lord Travis said:

    He's at his best as an intercept defender floating into packs with his huge leap. He won't be able to do that unimpeded at AFL level, so queries around how solid the rest of his game is. He's not the best with ball in hand, and is undersized for KPP if he doesn't keep growing. He's unproven in midfield and don't think he's quick enough mentally to be a big bodied midfielder around stoppages long term. 

    I see why he's being hyped up as his athletic profile is great. He'd be a good target at 9 if he's there to develop as the Lever replacement long term.

    Tauru 193cm

    JUH 197 cm

    Wateman 191cm

    Cameron 196cm

    Hogan 195cm

    Curnow 194cm

     

    His disposal looks alright from the limited vision available & doesn’t have a ridiculous set shot approach.

     

    Edited by Bombay Airconditioning

  • Quote
    12 hours ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

    'Alixzander'?

    Really?

    I guess 'Alfie'(bet) beckons for a nickname...

    Thank your lucky stars you weren't named Tymothi :laugh:

  • Quote
    • Haha 1

    Starting to think we might call out his name at pick 5. If there’s two things JT loves in a draft pick it’s a competitive streak and a lot of upside. Tauru and Lalor offer the best combo of both at the top end of the draft. Lalor will probably be gone. 
    We seem to be linked with Allen at pick 9 which has me thinking we go for Tauru at 5. We still get our mid bull at 9. 

  • Quote
    • Like 2
     

    First set of wheels heading back to Bo Allen again

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • Haha 1
    1 hour ago, Colm said:

    Starting to think we might call out his name at pick 5. If there’s two things JT loves in a draft pick it’s a competitive streak and a lot of upside. Tauru and Lalor offer the best combo of both at the top end of the draft. Lalor will probably be gone. 
    We seem to be linked with Allen at pick 9 which has me thinking we go for Tauru at 5. We still get our mid bull at 9. 

    Where are you hearing/reading this? @Pennant St Dee reckons the "go-home" factor is high with him which makes me worried. I know we back in ourselves to select the best talent we like, but we've been burnt recently and spent a lot to get this pick.

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • FEATURE: 1925

      A hundred years ago today, on 2 May 1925, Melbourne kicked off the new season with a 47 point victory over St Kilda to take top place on the VFL ladder after the opening round of the new season.  Top place was a relatively unknown position for the team then known as the “Fuchsias.” They had finished last in 1923 and rose by only one place in the following year although the final home and away round heralded a promise of things to come when they surprised the eventual premiers Essendon. That victory set the stage for more improvement and it came rapidly. In this series, I will tell the story of how the 1925 season unfolded for the Melbourne Football Club and how it made the VFL finals for the first time in a decade on the way to the ultimate triumph a year later.

        • Thanks
      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREVIEW: West Coast

      Saturday’s election night game in Perth between the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne represents 18th vs 15th which makes it a tough decision as to which party to favour. The Eagles have yet to break the ice under their new coach in Andrew McQualter who is the second understudy in a row to confront Demon Coach Simon Goodwin who was also winless until a fortnight ago. On that basis, many punters might be considering to go with the donkey vote but I’ve been assigned with the task of helping readers to come to a considered opinion on this matter of vital importance across the nation. It was almost a year ago that I wrote a preview here of the Demons’ away game against the Eagles (under the name William from Waalitj because it was Indigenous Round).  I issued a warning that it was a danger game, based on my local knowledge that the home team were no longer easybeats and that they possessed a wunderkind generational player in Harley Reid who was capable of producing stellar performances playing among men a decade and more older than he.  At the time, the Eagles already had two wins off the back of a couple of the young man’s masterclasses and they had recently given the Bombers a scare straight after their Anzac Day blockbuster draw against the then reigning premiers.

        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 1 reply
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • NON-MFC: Round 08

      Round 08 of the 2025 AFL Season kicks off on Thursday with a must-win game for the Bombers to stay in touch with the top eight, while the struggling Roos seek a morale-boosting upset. Friday sees the Saints desperate for a win as well if they are to stay in finals contention and their opponents the Dockers will be eager to crack in to the Top 8 with a win on the road. Saturday kicks off with a pivotal clash for both sides asthe Bulldogs look to solidify their top-eight spot, while Port seeks to shake their pretender tag. Then the Crows will be looking to steady their topsy turvy season against a resurgent Blues looking to make it 4 wins on the trot. On Election Night a Blockbuster will see the ladder-leading Pies take on the Cats, who are keen to bounce back after a narrow loss. On Sunday the Sydney Derby promises fireworks as the Giants aim to cement their top-eight status, while the Swans fight to keep their season alive. The Hawks, celebrating their centenary, will be looking to easily account for the Tigers who are desperate to halt their slide. The Round concludes on Sunday Night with a top end of the table QClash with significant ladder implications; both Queensland teams are in scintillating form. Who are you tipping this week and what are the best results for the Demons?

      • 66 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • PREGAME: West Coast

      The Demons hit the road in Round 8, heading to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium. With momentum building, the Dees will be aiming for a third straight victory to keep their season revival on course. Who comes in and who goes out?

        • Thanks
      • 499 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • REPORT: Richmond

      The fans who turned up to the MCG for Melbourne’s Anzac Day Eve clash against Richmond would have been disappointed if they turned up to see a great spectacle. As much as this was a night for the 71,635 in attendance to commemorate heroes of the nation’s past wars, it was also a time for the Melbourne Football Club to consolidate upon its first win after a horrific start to the 2025 season. On this basis, despite the fact that it was an uninspiring and dour struggle for most of its 100 minutes, the night will be one for the fans to remember. They certainly got value out of the pre match activity honouring those who fought for their country. The MCG and the lights of the city as backdrop was made for nights such as these and, in my view, we received a more inspirational ceremony of Anzac culture than others both here and elsewhere around the country. 

        • Love
        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland

    • CASEY: Richmond

      The match up of teams competing in our great Aussie game at its second highest level is a rarity for a work day Thursday morning but the blustery conditions that met the players at a windswept Casey Fields was something far more commonplace.They turned the opening stanza between the Casey Demons and a somewhat depleted Richmond VFL into a mess of fumbling unforced errors, spilt marks and wasted opportunities for both sides but they did set up a significant win for the home team which is exactly what transpired on this Anzac Day round opener. Casey opened up strong against the breeze with the first goal to Aidan Johnson, the Tigers quickly responded and the game degenerated into a defensive slog and the teams were level when the first siren sounded.

        • Clap
        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 0 replies
      Demonland
      Demonland
    View All