Olmy
25 Nov 2001, 17:22
I was disappointed that the Lions didn't pick up Charlie Gardiner in the draft. I mentioned about half-way through the year, that I thought he'd be a good pick and I actually thought he'd go a lot higher than he did, but was still around by our first pick, although we let him go by.
Full marks to Geelong on picking him up, as I reckon he'll be a great player. He made the AA side this season, and was touted as a mid-sized midfielder/forward. What impressed me about him the most, was his physical size and good marking ability for someone quick enough to play in the midfield.
A great pick.
Likewise, James Bartel could be a reasonably good long-term option to take over from Hocking in the midfield. One of those mid-sized midfielders, who can play tough in and under the packs. Fellow Geelong draftee, James Kelly, could also play a similar role if the reports are accurate. David Johnson also sounds like quite a reasonable type, being rated as stronger and taller than his brother Mark (at Essendon).
Gary Ablett Jnr. has had enough said about him for Cats' fans to be excitited about, however, you'd hope that he isn't rushed into senior football too early, and is given time to mature to the demands of AFL football (on-field and off-field) in the reserves, for a while.
Perhaps Henry Playfair could also be useful as a second ruck and option up forward, in years to come, along with Steve Johnson who is rated as being a classy mid/tall foward.
Matthew McCarthy could also be a first year player in the seniors, offering another option up forward.
Overall, I reckon Geelong have done well out of the draft (although, we won't really know until a couple of years down the track). The club has picked up a varied group of young players, that in the long-term (and perhaps even short term if they are good enough), help to make Geelong a more complete team unit (addressing areas which needed some concern).
Full marks to Geelong on picking him up, as I reckon he'll be a great player. He made the AA side this season, and was touted as a mid-sized midfielder/forward. What impressed me about him the most, was his physical size and good marking ability for someone quick enough to play in the midfield.
A great pick.
Likewise, James Bartel could be a reasonably good long-term option to take over from Hocking in the midfield. One of those mid-sized midfielders, who can play tough in and under the packs. Fellow Geelong draftee, James Kelly, could also play a similar role if the reports are accurate. David Johnson also sounds like quite a reasonable type, being rated as stronger and taller than his brother Mark (at Essendon).
Gary Ablett Jnr. has had enough said about him for Cats' fans to be excitited about, however, you'd hope that he isn't rushed into senior football too early, and is given time to mature to the demands of AFL football (on-field and off-field) in the reserves, for a while.
Perhaps Henry Playfair could also be useful as a second ruck and option up forward, in years to come, along with Steve Johnson who is rated as being a classy mid/tall foward.
Matthew McCarthy could also be a first year player in the seniors, offering another option up forward.
Overall, I reckon Geelong have done well out of the draft (although, we won't really know until a couple of years down the track). The club has picked up a varied group of young players, that in the long-term (and perhaps even short term if they are good enough), help to make Geelong a more complete team unit (addressing areas which needed some concern).