Gator

Oliver shone in the strong GVFL senior competition in 2014 as a 16/17 year old. He played 11 games in the midfield, kicked 9 goals and was named in the best on 6 occasions. He played 6 of the 11 games as a 16 year old - against men. He's from Echuca, where his Father also played football and his Mother netball. Todd Viney lived in Echuca for years and I suspect he knows a great deal about Oliver and his pedigree. Maybe he doesn't want to let another Ollie slip. And he seems to play in a very similar fashion, although he has better pace and sideways movement.

It certainly wouldn't have been Taylor. It may have been Derek Hine, or the one before Hine.

Some more info from a Richmond supporter who knows a fair bit about him: He didn't test well at the start of the year because it was his first true year in the TAC system and came off zero pre season and I mean zero . He has always had a elite football ability however has had to learn to be more than just a turn up Thursday night play Saturday player which he has done admirably . His ability to perform against men has been the key for me . Played in the midfield in the strong GVFL comp as a 17 year old and was getting BOG's . Likewise stood up and got plenty of it in the VFL when playing as 23rd man for us this year . If he is available we take him and he becomes a instant best 22 inside mid . Wouldn't be surprised if he went past the likes of redden in his first year . Been on him for a while and ain't jumping off. he has been on some peoples radars for 5-6 years it was put to him at the start of the year he needed to play like Rockcliffe who was also a bushranger and then later in the season like Cripps . Oliver has been on the radar for almost 10 years he was encouraged by his fav club to play like that and this comes from being directly privy to some of these events or conversations with his father , Steve . I don't h believe that a 17 / 18 year olds career is moulded in 8-9 months .

Yeah, poor buggers.

OK, so I looked at Oliver again on youtube and he does look a pretty exciting prospect. When I first watched him I didn't want to like him and was overly critical - cognitive bias and all that. I really like Parish and reckon he's exactly what we need, however, Oliver has some exciting AFL quality traits. Looking forward to Tuesday night.

Plenty of scrubbers win Morrish Medals. It's hardly a badge of honour.

It would appear that's the case. I hope it's Parish and I like either of the other two.

I've been told we are very interested in Oliver. Not my preference, but will take it in my stride if he becomes a Dee.

You can "just say" anything you like, but I don't know why you'd bother when you have the massive sample size of .... wait for it .... one. Do you always jump to conclusions in such a fashion ? I get you want mids, but don't use this incident to propel your argument.

They'd know this kid like the back of their hand by now. If they were committed to using P3 or P7 on him this incident won't change things. If he was 50/50 with another player they may go the other player. This incident doesn't phase me and I won't be judging his character on one reported incident.

Curnow won't be ruled out on that.

HERE is the proof that Jaeger O'Meara is about to take the AFL by storm. Drafted for his silky skills and football nous, the once pencil-thin teenager has transformed into a muscle machine in just over one year, leaving even Suns strength scientist Chris Gaviglio shocked. "I've been pleasantly surprised," Gaviglio said. "Some people are just genetically blessed and I could give the exact same program to somebody else and they may not respond the same way. "He is the ultimate professional and I think he realises he has been given a fantastic opportunity at the Gold Coast Suns to forward his career as a footballer. "Strength training takes a large part of that at this stage and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands and ran with it." A lean 77kg when he arrived at the club last November, O'Meara has put on 5 1/2kg in 13 months despite being sidelined with groin surgery earlier this year. O'Meara is 182cm.

Lots of scrubbers win a Morrish Medal. This guy leaves me cold.

Exactly. Oliver couldn't even get a game for Vic Country. I don't get the love.

No, that's an observation. What's your point ?

Who wouldn't ? Or did you think your draft pick came with a gift wrapped rolled gold guarantee ?

That's what recruiters are paid well to do - speculate.

Not if you thought 12 months ago he was a deadset top 3 talent - it's been reported that plenty did. Some thought he was ahead of Schache.

I agree. They're nothing alike as players.

That's why recruiters track kids since they're 12. He's been out all year injured. A good recruiter will back his judgement if he knows the talent is there.

He reminds me a bit of Nick Vlastuin, who's a good player, but lacking in the silk department. But these thoughts are on such limited viewing I acknowledge that it's hardly worth commenting on.

Yes, I heard Anderson and he clearly had no clue who we'd take. But then he tweets that he no longer believes Parish is in the frame at P3. And he sounds adamant. Interestingly, the tweets come within 30 minutes of him being on "air". It's all a bit strange.

Fair enough.

No, it wasn't. I've now watched the footage you mention and haven't changed my mind. He just lacks polish and class. Near the goal square a classy mid would have just slotted it on his left foot, but he went back on his right. O'Meara is as smooth as you get and this guy is boiled lollies. Whatever floats your boat I suppose, but this guy looks like a better Mitch Robinson. As I said, I'm happy to look a fool in 5 years.

He looks like a scrubber. I see no class whatsoever. Happy to eat humble pie in 5 years. That's based on 3 minutes youtube, which supposedly shows his "highlights".