spirit of norm smith
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Everything posted by spirit of norm smith
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That’s worth a thought … I’m sure it’s in the 1001 combos being worked through in the JT war room If not Langford, then Draper or Allan or Tauru at 5 are options being talked about
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I think Xavier Lindsay is possibly still in the MFC mix at “9”… he’s elite skill and ability to play inside or outside mid might be a good compliment if we get a Langford at “5”. Twomey write up on Lindsay is … Xavier Lindsay established himself as a first-rounder at the back end of the national carnival, when he picked up 30 disposals for Vic Country against Vic Metro and locked in his All-Australian guernsey. He took that form into the back end of Gippsland Power's season, storming home with a run of consistency and taking out the Morrish medal as the competition's best player. He is a left-footed midfielder who can play anywhere around the centre square – or inside it – and has a piercing kick that complements their other mix.
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spirit of norm smith 16,310 Posted September 16 it’s a shame that the Chargers lost (8.18.66 to 10.10.70) because they were the only team capable of challenging the Dragons imv. I only saw the first half of Rebels v Dragons but will try to catch the game highlights or replay ⭐️Jagga Smith. He’s small but classy and evasive. Quick hands. Think he’s probably getting closer to being the number 1 pick. ⭐️Finn O’Sullivan. Not at his best again , but still won the footy and his disposal was elite by foot. Also nice to see his tackling and contest work. He kicks goals as a mid. As per prior, slightly smaller LDU. 👏Zane Cochrane. Yes he’s now more than likely going to get drafted. Saw him in a half at Carey and he stood out. Then he played a great game versus dragons earlier in the year. He’s very good tall mid who can play inside/outside. Excellent skills. Thought he’d be early 4th round. Might drift into high 40s now. Dees should be looking at him definitely.
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From my Coates League grand final write up … spirit of norm smith 16,310 Posted September 21 Dragons lead easily from start to end. Clearly the guns Ashcroft and Marshall were equal BOG in today’s GF. Marshall showed he’s definitely a round 1 draft pick and the Lions are blessed to get both for 2025 and beyond. Armstrong impressed in bursts. Top 12-13 ranking confirmed for him. I really liked Harry Oliver’s game. Solid. Composed. Brave. Classy left footer. Mitch Kirkwood-Scott across half back also impressed. Great kick. Setup several rebound attacks. Captains Haileybury and has leadership. He’s just 178cms so that’s hard to judge where clubs could place him. Ollie Hannaford clearly best for Rebels and will have impressed recruiters.
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There you go. He’s got a good build and certainly has the athletic qualities of an AFL player. He’s versatile with a half back role early before a midfielder role as he matures. I agree that his kicking (whilst penetrating) is not as skilled and precise as others STRENGTHS: + Contested game + Explosive speed + Kick penetration + Leadership + Physicality + run and carry IMPROVEMENTS: - Decision making - Skilled delivery
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Yes happy with Langford and Allan if that’s the way the cards fall …
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Agreed. It’s a tough call as Lindsay’s elite disposal would be a nice addition to our squad. Allan is a tough contested athletic footballer who especially impressed so much in later stage of the year.
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That would be happy days … Langford & Allan
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Cal reckons it’s Langford & Allan
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Pies late mail … looking at Hamish Davis They have picks in late 40s cannot believe quality youngster like Davis lasts until pick 45ish I had ranked around 25-30 in this draft one of very best youngsters coming out of WA this year
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JT is a good poker player … I don’t imagine JT, Goody and Tim Lamb will login to DL and pickup our learned recommendations !!! 🤣🤣
Allan would be an excellent addition at 9. He has good athletic ability and strong build. Can play half back and then into midfield role (like Riv is doing).
Lalor is the obvious gun player for #1, then it’s a lottery. I think Draper goes to Blues or Crows. Both would be quickly snapped by Dees if available but I think it’s unlikely. In order of preference At “5”… Langford or FOS or Smith At “9”…Travaglia or Allan or Lindsay Mids mids mids whilst I think Armstrong or Tauru will be good players, imv Dees need to use this prime picks to start to rebuild for next generation elite midfield.
Reminds me more of Clint Bizzell. Athletic. Good mark. Ok skills. Can play defence or forward as well. He was good. But he’s not what the Dees want with pick 5. We need an elite A grade future midfielder. Tauru at 9 maybe if he’s available although unlikely!!!
Clearly on the beers. No idea why they bother!! Turned off very very early … they should stick to Xbox game reviews!! FFS
Bizarre … why wouldn’t the Dees play in Alice Springs for Doug Nicholls round Another AFL [censored] up ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round) Sunday May 18 Brisbane Lions v Narrm/Melbourne, The Gabba (3.20pm) ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round) Sunday May 25 Narrm/Melbourne v Sydney Swans, MCG (3.20pm) ROUND 12 Sunday June 1 Melbourne v St Kilda, TIO Traeger (3.20pm)
Fox Footy Analysis - ambivalence… From a rest point-of-view, there isn’t a plethora to be concerned about at Melbourne, with one five-day break and one nine-day break in the first half of their season. Match-up wise however, they look to have struck gold if 2024 results are anything to go by. They’ll play all of North Melbourne, Gold Coast, St Kilda and West Coast twice, who they will back themselves in to give a good run for their money each outing. The main downside of note? The Demons intriguingly play three away games in a row, with a bye in between to break them up. As a result, they won’t play in Melbourne between Rounds 14 and 17. The Demons look winners from the fixture release, but how much will that time outside of Victoria run them down? Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 2nd-easiest Grade: A-
It’s not a draw or a fixture… it’s a collusion of AFL scheduling. The AI would have 250 lines of predetermined code by the AFL. All the must have games and blockbusters and manipulation. That’s it’s, let’s call it the “AFL MANIPULATION “
Non aligned clubs - $220,000!!! So with about 33-34 on their list, it’s $6500 per player for the season. That’s unbelievable. No way for example that ex AFL player like say Jack Bytel signs at Coburg when SANFL, WAFL & bigger suburban /country clubs can offer up to $5000 per game !!
Why are players leaving Casey? White, Hustwaite, Connolly, Valentine, Steele, Szybkowski. All departed (and after the big loss of Munro at the end of 2023) . is it the lack of club identity? What is Casey as a club? Springvale Football Club (1903–2005) Casey Scorpions (2006–2016). Casey Demons (2017-present) I think they have tried to identify with the Springvale past, but unsure whether that’s been effective. Only other AFL aligned clubs are Box Hill Hawks & Sandringham Zebras. At least Sandringham has a direct Coates league alignment and kept its identity. The remaining VFL Clubs are either AFL reserves teams or standalone clubs. is it the lack of opportunity and constant shifting in and out of being included. Casey needs a squad of players to supplement the AFL players (depth & development) Currently from last season, in my view, from the remaining squad, only Neocleous, Edwards, Cross, Windsor (Kai) and Freeman are at good player level at VFL standards. I hope these 5 players stay and get good game time in 2025. Casey needs to add 5-6 Coates League youngsters and ADD ex AFL listed players like Gary Rohan, Jai Culley & Cooper Vickery . Casey needs to be strong club and have a squad of players to supplement the AFL MFC list.
Another departure from the Casey ship. Mitch Szybkowski is leaving Casey and will join the GWS VFL program in 2025. He showed promise in his 12 games for Casey Demons in 2024. Another player to leave …
Some analysis on Finn O'Sullivan ESPN Finn O’Sullivan Koroit/Xavier College APS/Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Country MID, 182cm National Champs: 2 games, 11.5 disposals, 1.5 marks, 3.5 tackles Talent League: 4 games, 17.2 disposals, 3.0 clearances, 1.2 goals O'Sullivan was a dominant force through the u16s and as a bottom-ager, but multiple injuries have prevented his best in 2024. Recruiters know what that best looks like, though. O'Sullivan flies for marks around the ground, runs hard both ways with a bounding gait and hits the scoreboard with regularity. His question marks revolve around his ability to accumulate and win contested ball. If those areas improve at the next level, O'Sullivan will become one of the most damaging midfielders in the game. Best traits similar to: Isaac Heeney ————————————————— Kevin Sheahan AFL Finn O’Sullivan State: Victoria Country State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers Community Club: Koroit Date of Birth: 30/05/2006 Height: 182cm A classy midfielder who was one of the dominant players of his age level over the past two years. His elite use of the ball, speed and lateral movement through the midfield are outstanding weapons. Claimed the best and fairest award at the 2022 AFL National Development Championships U16 Boys and followed it up with selection in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All Australian side as a bottom-age player. Suffered a thumb injury in his first game of the 2024 Coates Talent League season which began a frustrating run of injuries that restricted his ability to consistently put games together. Was only able to play eight games at club and representative level this year, including two games for Victoria Country at the National Championships and one with Richmond’s VFL team. The last of his matches for the Oakleigh Chargers was his most productive, having 20 disposals and kicking two goals to be his team’s best player in its four-point preliminary final defeat to the GWV Rebels. Tested impressively at the Draft Combine, with his time of 8.14 seconds on the agility test ranked eighth, while he also produced eye-catching performances in the 20m sprint (2.99 seconds) and 2km time trial (6:28). Weapon: Step through traffic and ball-winning ability AFL player comparison: Chad Warner ———————————————- Finn O’Sullivan came into 2024 as the consensus leading prospect and maintains that status in the eyes of some despite a top-age campaign decimated by injury. The midfielder burst onto the scene in 2022 where he was awarded the Kevin Sheehan Medal as Division 1 MVP at the Under 16 National Championships. A boarder at Xavier College, the Koroit native would have been part of Greater Western Victoria’s region but instead linked with Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League. O’Sullivan made his debut last year, playing eight games and backing up his Under 16 All-Australian selection with the same honour as an All Australian Under 18 team, as a bottom-ager. O’Sullivan was also selected in the 2023 CTL Team of the Year. A hip complaint during preseason halted his progress, before he injured his thumb in Round 1 and went on to miss Vic Country’s opening championship games after undergoing finger surgery. He was then managed throughout the rest of the season, but finished strongly. Part of his audition for pick one recognition came in Richmond’s VFL side. O’Sullivan made his state league debut in Round 20, collecting 12 disposals and kicking two goals. He excelled off the field too, achieving top 10 results in the National Draft Combine’s running vertical jump (second, 93cm) and agility test (eighth, 8.136 seconds). ————————————————-
